11 February 2009

QPA (Scotland) Secure Industry "Champion" in Scottish Government

QPA (Scotland) is delighted to announce that recent discussions with Scottish Government officials have resulted in the appointment of a “champion” to support and sponsor the industry.

Following a highly productive meeting last week between John Sheridan, QPA (Scotland) Director, and Hugh McAloon, from the Manufacturing Policy Team in the Scottish Government, both parties agreed that there would be mutual benefits from a closer working relationship.

Hugh McAloon said, “Our team will act as an initial point of contact for QPA Scotland on Scottish Government policy issues. The team will also, where possible, take on a facilitation role if QPA Scotland encounters difficulty engaging with the Scottish Government and related bodies.”

In exchange QPA (Scotland) will provide Hugh’s team with an insight into the industry and direct contacts with companies where appropriate.

John Sheridan spoke of the significance of this decision, “In Scotland other sectors have their sector sponsor and I have been advocating that the quarrying industry should have a similar “champion” on our side.

We are delighted that our approach has borne fruit and warmly welcome this “first” for our industry.”

Hugh and his colleague Asif Ishaq have hit the ground running and wasted no time by attending last week’s QPA Scotland meeting, introducing themselves to members and providing more detail on the new relationship.

Hugh told them, “We are especially keen to find out directly from companies the main issues currently affecting them, allowing us to report back directly to Government.”

A rolling programme of face to face meetings with companies will be arranged over the next few weeks.

ENDS

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