A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate has given evidence before the Scottish Affairs Committee at Westminster, representing the voice of Inverclyde’s business community.

UWS BA (Hons) Law graduate (2022) Corey Beaton, is Business Development & Membership Executive at Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce and spoke on behalf of the Chamber, contributing insight into the region’s economic evolution over the past four decades.

Corey said: “It was a privilege to have been given the opportunity to give evidence before the Commons’ Scottish Affairs Committee on Inverclyde’s industrial transitions over the past 40 years.”

“We highlighted the opportunities presented by our existing infrastructure and that they can be nurtured and developed for our economic growth, but only through investment.”

The Committee, chaired by Patricia Ferguson MP, convened on Wednesday 21st May 2025 to examine Scotland’s industrial transitions — past, present, and future.

The Committee’s work on industrial transition in Scotland has two parts. The first part of the inquiry considers Scotland’s industrial past, how its industrial landscape has changed over time, and the socio-economic impact of industrial transition on communities.

The second part examines the future of Scotland’s industrial landscape and the extent to which the UK Government’s forthcoming industrial strategy ‘Invest 2035’ is geared towards the challenges and opportunities facing Scotland today.

Alongside Council Leader, Councillor Stephen McCabe, Corey made the case for greater investment in Inverclyde to help grow the population and local economy.