Around 1,000 jobs will be created or safeguarded with support from Regional Selective Assistance (RSA).

The Enterprise Minister Jim Mather said the latest quarterly report demonstrates the Scottish Government's commitment to help businesses of all sizes through the problems caused by the global economic downturn as part of the Scottish Economic Recovery Plan.

The report shows 25 businesses in Scotland accepted RSA totalling over £8m in the third quarter of 2008. This relates to planned investment of almost £37m and includes manufacturing, design and wind turbine sales and servicing projects.

Mr Mather said: "During the global economic slowdown, every extra pound spent in our economy could protect a job or save a business.

"Regional Selective Assistance not only helps safeguard jobs, it encourages investment in new ventures which will help to position Scotland for a faster and stronger recovery.

-- Advertisement --

"The Scottish Government has already set out a six point plan to help both householders and businesses which we will build on across government throughout the weeks and months to come.

"RSA complements other Scottish Government initiatives to create the more competitive business environment Scotland needs - including slashing and scrapping rates for small business, planning reform and accelerating investment in affordable housing.

"We have also recently increased aid limits for 'Tier 3' assistance to help more small and medium sized firms that are investing in their business at this important and challenging time in the business cycle.

"We want to see the benefits of increased sustainable economic growth felt in all communities, so it is pleasing to see so many companies in different areas benefit from RSA grants."

RSA is the Scottish Government's main national scheme of financial assistance to industry. It is aimed at encouraging investment and job creation in the Assisted Areas (AAs) of Scotland. It also encompasses support available to Small Medium-sized Enterprises in other areas (referred to as Tier 3).

Payments of RSA are made in instalments, typically over several years, provided that job and project expenditure targets are met. The amounts quoted here and in the report represent the maximum grant potentially available if the project is satisfactorily completed, and not the amount actually paid to date. All job numbers are based on firms' forecast figures at the time a grant is offered and are subject to change, depending on future economic conditions and other factors affecting the business concerned.

(GK/JM)