Chemical Sciences Scotland Conference 2009
Investment Topic Group

The Investment Group hosted a breakout session at the recent CSS conference to examine what could be done to enhance investment in Scotland . From this discussion three areas have been identified for action:

• The provision of a comprehensive support package to incoming investors linking them to other companies, Scottish universities and the regulators and, in particular, helping them through the licensing requirements and regulatory compliance issues. SDI is working on a guidance package whilst key individuals in SEPA, the HSE and in local government are being identified to become actively involved in this support to potential investors.

• It has been decided to give specific help to potential investment projects that have a funding gap by showing the “funding pathway” to extra finance through the range of financial vehicles available in Scotland .

• Action will be taken to put more emphasis on exploiting the full potential of the Global Scots network; this will include linking particular Global Scots to specific investments. It is also proposed that a presentation on chemical sciences in Scotland be made to the next annual meeting of Global Scots.

Tom Shields, Investment Group Chair