Minister for Business and Employment
Richard Lochhead was appointed as Minister for Business and Employment in June 2025.
Responsibilities
Supports the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic.
Specific responsibilities are:
Sectoral Support
- tourism and hospitality
- construction
- aerospace industries
- life sciences
- financial services and fintech
- space sector
- Subsidy Control Regime (formerly known as State Aid)
- enterprise, innovation and increasing productivity
- scientific engagement and advice
Digital
- digital economy, strategy, participation
- connectivity (inc, 100% broadband & Connecting Scotland)
Trade
- Scottish Green Freeports
- trade and inward investment
- Global Capital Investment
- trade policy and Fair Trade
- advanced manufacturing
Fair Work
- Living Wage and Living Hours
- employability programmes
- effective worker voice, incl. trade unions
- workplace employment and equalities incl. gender, disability & race employment, addressing the pay gap
- PACE
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. Mr Lochhead was appointed as Minister for Business in May 2024.
- read more about Richard Lochhead on the Scottish Parliament website