In my constant search for positive signals for the future of Glasgow’s economy, Monday was a good day. If you want to see evidence of the new science and technology rich industries emerging in our city, I recommend a tour of our research universities.
Among the changes made this week in the UK Government line-up, I noted George Freeman’s resignation as Science Minister with some regret.
Yesterday over 800 delegates gathered at the Glasgow Science Centre for an event exploring the progress Scotland is making in building an economy through innovation. The Can Do Innovation Summit is an annual opportunity to bring people together to explore current tech trends and put some of our most impressive SMEs in tech heavy industries on display.
If there is one Chamber of Commerce member message I have been getting consistently over the past 18 months it is that Glasgow city centre is not in the shape members would like it to be.
Challenged by Professor Chik Collins, director of the Glasgow Centre for Population Health (GCPH), to describe the changes in Glasgow’s economy since 2003, I spent some time interrogating regional economic data published by the Scottish Government. Given the steady – and not altogether unfair – criticism Glasgow is receiving for its current appearance, it’s worth sharing the results.
The prospects for a positive message emerging from the Scottish Government’s budget statement in December look especially bleak this year. There is no more money, we are told, with worrying signals for public services as important as education, skills and economic development.
Watching Craig Clark MBE receiving the Chancellor’s Medal from the University of Strathclyde at their annual dinner last week reminded me, if I needed reminding, that our universities are crucially important in growing Glasgow’s economy.
Of all the business surveys published this year, perhaps the Fraser of Allander Institute’s recent review of the relationship between business and the Scottish Government was the most revealing.
A recent visit to the hairdresser drove home to me just how much local policy decisions can affect people’s lives.
On Friday night at about 10pm, I found myself in a conversation that I suspect has become a common feature in Glasgow’s city centre. Should we stay in the centre for a post-dinner drink or play it safe and find a bar closer to home?
