Minutes: 19 February 2025

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 3 and 4, and future consideration of evidence heard in relation to its New Deal for Business scrutiny, in private.

2. New Deal for Business:

The Committee took evidence from—

Colin Borland, Director of Devolved Nations, Federation of Small Businesses Scotland;

Rose Marley, Chief Executive, Co-operatives UK;

     Sara Thiam, Chief Executive, Prosper;

Duncan Thorp, Policy and Public Affairs Manager, Social Enterprise Scotland.

3. New Deal for Business (In Private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard earlier in the meeting.

4. Employment Rights Bill (UK Parliament legislation) (In Private):

The Committee considered its approach to scrutiny of the legislative consent memorandum lodged by Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government (LCM-S6-53) and agreed to invite the Minister for Public Finance to give evidence.