Latest news with #JoeFitzPatrick
The National
6 days ago
- Business
- The National
Scotland bucks trend with 'substantial' games industry growth
Figures show employment in the sector in Scotland has doubled over the last 10 years. The statistics also show that there were 130 computer game enterprises in Scotland in 2024, compared to just 15 in 2010 – a 766.67% increase. READ MORE: Martin Compston says Unionist abuse made him stop independence posts In 2022 the industry had a turnover of £339.7 million, compared to profits of £38.1m made in 2010 – a 791.6% increase. The data also showed that there had been a 103.3% increase in the number of staff working in the industry (including additional PAYE units), up from 1,045 in 2015 to 2,125 in 2023. With the sector globally experiencing significant jobs losses and changes to job patterns, Scotland's computer game industry is bucking the trend. Commenting, SNP MSP for Dundee City West, Joe FitzPatrick, said: 'At a time when the computer games industry is struggling globally, thanks to SNP investment, Scotland is bucking the trend. 'Scotland was the first part of the UK to develop a video games strategy to support the industry and invests in exhibiting Scottish-built games across the world. 'Our world-leading computer game developers, including those based in Dundee, are thriving thanks to a unique blend of government support, creativity, innovation, and talent.' READ MORE: TransPennine Express to run up to 3 additional services during Edinburgh Fringe Rockstar North, a computer game studio based in Edinburgh and set up as DMA Design by Dundonian David Jones, is arguably the most notable firm in the Scottish industry. The company are behind the Grand Theft Auto series, including Grand Theft Auto V – the second-best selling video game and reportedly most profitable entertainment product of all time. FitzPatrick continued: 'From globally recognised studios to bold new start-ups, this is an industry that not only creates economic value but connects people across the world and brings opportunity to Scotland.'
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Joe Fitzpatrick to stand down as Dundee MSP
Dundee MSP Joe FitzPatrick will not stand for re-election in next year's Scottish Parliament elections after representing the city for 19 years. Fitzpatrick won his seat in 2007 and went on to serve on the Holyrood finance committee and as convener of the local government and regeneration committee. He became the minister for parliamentary business in 2012 and in 2018 he was appointed minister for public health, sport and wellbeing. However he lost his job as public health minister in 2020 after Scotland recorded its highest ever number of drug deaths. At the time, former first minister Nicola Sturgeon paid tribute to his "hard work, dedication and sincerity." Fitzpatrick later served as minister for local government empowerment from 2023 to 2024. More stories from Tayside and Central Listen to news from Tayside and Central on BBC Sounds Before he became the MSP for Dundee West, FitzPatrick served on Dundee City Council, representing Longhaugh for eight years. He said it was a "tremendous honour" to represent people in the city and increase his vote share in each election. "I never for a moment expected that I would have the privilege of representing Dundee over the course of four successive parliaments," he said. "The transformation of Dundee over the past 27 years has been nothing short of remarkable. There is now a real confidence amongst Dundonians about the city's progress and its future that just wasn't really there before." He said he was proud of his role in delivering the independence referendum in 2014 and that Dundee supported the Yes vote. Fiztpatrick added: "After 19 years as an MSP, I feel that now is the right time for me to step down and give someone else the opportunity to stand as the local SNP candidate, so that they can take forward our strong record of delivering for Dundee. "I want to take this opportunity to thank my constituency team and the wider SNP family who have supported me in everything I have done over the years." Minister loses job over Scotland's drugs deaths
BBC News
28-01-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Joe Fitzpatrick to stand down as Dundee MSP
Dundee MSP Joe FitzPatrick will not stand for re-election in next year's Scottish Parliament elections after representing the city for 19 won his seat in 2007 and went on to serve on the Holyrood finance committee and as convener of the local government and regeneration committee. He became the minister for parliamentary business in 2012 and in 2018 he was appointed minister for public health, sport and he lost his job as public health minister in 2020 after Scotland recorded its highest ever number of drug deaths. At the time, former first minister Nicola Sturgeon paid tribute to his "hard work, dedication and sincerity." Fitzpatrick later served as minister for local government empowerment from 2023 to 2024. Before he became the MSP for Dundee West, FitzPatrick served on Dundee City Council, representing Longhaugh for eight said it was a "tremendous honour" to represent people in the city and increase his vote share in each election."I never for a moment expected that I would have the privilege of representing Dundee over the course of four successive parliaments," he said."The transformation of Dundee over the past 27 years has been nothing short of remarkable. There is now a real confidence amongst Dundonians about the city's progress and its future that just wasn't really there before."He said he was proud of his role in delivering the independence referendum in 2014 and that Dundee supported the Yes added: "After 19 years as an MSP, I feel that now is the right time for me to step down and give someone else the opportunity to stand as the local SNP candidate, so that they can take forward our strong record of delivering for Dundee."I want to take this opportunity to thank my constituency team and the wider SNP family who have supported me in everything I have done over the years."
