First Minister John Swinney is set to outline his vision for Scotland’s economic future as he addresses Prosper’s 56th Annual Forum.

The speech will focus on growing the economy, creating jobs and strengthening regional decision making as the Scottish Government looks to boost investment and support communities across the country.

Among the measures being taken forward are reforms to planning, an expansion of apprenticeship opportunities and plans to give Regional Partnerships greater powers to support local economic growth.

The Scottish Government says stronger regional decision making will help ensure economic opportunities are spread more evenly across Scotland rather than being driven solely from the centre.

The First Minister is expected to argue that economic growth is essential if Scotland is to meet wider ambitions around public services, housing and community development.

John Swinney said:

“A strong economy is key to everything I want to achieve as First Minister.

“Without a strong economy we cannot weather this period of global upheaval that feels so prevalent in the world today.

“We know Scotland’s economic potential cannot be unlocked by working only from the centre.

“We need strong, empowered and organised regions to help drive growth across the country.

“We are working with a range of stakeholders, including Prosper, to identify ways to further empower Regional Partnerships so that they can more easily support local jobs and boost regional economies.

“One of the clearest messages we have heard as a government is that our planning system needs to work better for growth.

“We have been hard at work to increase capacity and improve performance.

“The ambitions we all have for this remarkable country will only be realised if we build them together.

“It is active and vibrant communities, with thriving businesses on their high streets and good jobs and affordable homes for their residents.

“So let’s keep working together to make those ambitions happen because working together is the only way that they will.”

The address comes as governments across the world continue to respond to economic uncertainty, rising costs and increasing competition for investment.

The Scottish Government believes a combination of local empowerment, business growth and skills development will help strengthen Scotland’s economic resilience in the years ahead.