Mr Gillies met with Scottish Enterprise colleagues in Aberdeen to find out how the organisation is working with local companies and industry sectors to help them grow during the current economic climate. Mr Gillies also met with Tom Smith, chairman of Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future (ACSEF).

The highlight of Mr Gillies's trip was a site-visit to Balmoral Group, the engineering and manufacturing company headquartered in Aberdeen. Employing more than 300 people, the company is a global success story with its products used around the world.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Gillies said: "Despite economic challenges, it is clear that Aberdeen City and Shire continues to be home to a number of prosperous industries and the north-east makes a significant contribution to Scotland's economy. The resilience of the oil and gas industry continues to drive the region's economic performance; however, companies within the food and drink, tourism and life-sciences sectors play a key role in the area's success. We are helping our customers respond to the current challenges of the recession while trying to ensure they are in the best position possible to respond when the markets pick up again.

"Balmoral Group is an impressive, highly entrepreneurial business that has robust plans for a sustainable future in both the short and longer term. It is a great example of a local company that has achieved international success and I am pleased that my Scottish Enterprise colleagues are working with the company to support its growth plans.

"It was also an excellent opportunity to hear about ACSEF's economic masterplan for the area, which includes the development of Energetica, an ambitious partnership project that Scottish Enterprise is driving forward with our partners Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils on behalf of ACSEF."

Allan Joyce, managing director of Balmoral Tanks, a division of Balmoral Group, said: "We were pleased to have the opportunity to discuss our business strategy at the highest level and welcome Mr Gillies's input.

"As a Group we will continue to work closely with his colleagues in Aberdeen whose expertise and input are helping us define our future manufacturing strategy."