Minister for Business

Responsibilities

Supports the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic.

Specific responsibilities are:

Sectoral support

• aerospace Industries
• construction
• enterprise, innovation and increasing productivity
• financial services and Fintech
• life sciences
• scientific engagement and advice
• space sector
• Subsidy Control Regime (formerly known as State Aid)
• tourism and hospitality

Digital

• connectivity (including 100% broadband and Connecting Scotland)
• digital economy, strategy and participation

Trade

• advanced manufacturing
• global capital investment
• Scottish Green Freeports
• trade and inward investment
• trade policy and Fair Trade

Biography

Richard Lochhead has represented the Moray Constituency in the Scottish Parliament since 2006. Prior to that, Mr Lochhead represented North East Scotland from 1999 to 2006.

He attended Williamwood High School in Clarkston and Central College of Commerce in Glasgow, before graduating in Political Studies from the University of Stirling. Immediately prior to his election, he worked as an economic development officer for Dundee City Council.

Mr Lochhead previously served as Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Food and the Environment between 2007 and 2016, and was appointed Minister for Small Business, Innovation, Tourism and Trade in March 2023.