THE chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, Stuart Patrick, has hailed the boost this week's All-Energy 2015 renewables conference in Glasgow will provide for the city's standing as a centre for the industry.

With around 7,000 people from around the world expected to attend, the event will make Glasgow the focus of attention among people interested in sectors such as wind power.

The flagship event will help underline the progress Glasgow is making in what will be key industries of the future.

Glasgow won a coup by being selected by Reed Exhibitions to host All-Energy for three years from 2015. The previous 14 events were held in Aberdeen.

"The All-Energy conference is good news for the city," said Mr Patrick, adding: "The three-year commitment to Glasgow by Reed Exhibitions confirms the growing role of the city as a hub for renewable energy research and development."

Event director Jonathan Heastie said: "There is undoubted enthusiasm amongst visitors, exhibitors, and our huge number of speakers about the show being held in Glasgow."

All-Energy 2015 will be held at the SECC on Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 May, with The Herald as a media partner. It will feature conference sessions and trade exhibitions on subjects ranging from offshore wind power to developing sustainable cities.

Some 450 organisations have signed up as exhibitors, in line with last year. There will be over 440 speakers, including Ian Marchant, the former chief executive of SSE who chairs the Infinis renewable energy business. Around 6,800 people attended last year's event.