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www.glasgowchamberofcommerce.com PRESIDENT
Glasgow the big winner in success of city and citizens
Jim McHarg, President
president@glasgowchamberofcommerce.com
T
his summer, I was privileged to see the European Championship in Glasgow from a vantage point high above George Square in the offices of Dentons, the international law firm.
On a beautiful August evening, I was joined by many Chamber of Commerce members who had gathered to celebrate the arrival of the games, twinned with Berlin, in the city at our Ready, Steady… Gehen! event. Michael Dean of Dentons, who is also the honorary German consul in the City, welcomed the guests in his brief but impeccable German. From this vantage point, we could see the road closures and massive street arrangements for the road cycling events, and the broadcasting media commentary boxes in George Square. We had 11 days of quite sensational sport and a top-class arts and entertainment festival thrown in for good measure. The city was buzzing. As I enjoyed some of the great moments, my mind shifted back to August 2014. Four years ago, there was plenty of talk about the Commonwealth Games legacy and what it might mean for the city. The European Championships 2018 was proof of that legacy. Again, there was enthusiastic Glasgow support for top-level cycling, gymnastics, rowing, the amazing BMX at Knightswood, and the swimming at Tollcross and Loch Lomond, which all showed the city’s strength and ability to host major sporting events. This is not only good for Glasgow sports fans but also for business and the visitor economy. The event, with many highlights, was broadcast across Europe with more than 3,500 hours of programming across 43 territories, estimated to reach an audience of approximately over a billion viewers. Yet again, Glasgow was being well and truly noticed. But there were other
heartening things in the city over the summer including the re-opening of Sauchiehall Street for both businesses and residents. I find it hard to imagine anything worse than being unable to get into your own home for several weeks. I know that the task force that has been established, the Council and the emergency services are doing their very best to alleviate any long-term hardships caused by the fire. Turning my attention to the youth of Glasgow, I was delighted to see that Developing the Young Workforce’s #NoWrongPath campaign launched on 7 August, the day that thousands of pupils across Scotland received their exam results. Yet again this was a great success. Working in conjunction with Skills Development Scotland’s exam results helpline, the award-winning DYW campaign, spawned as an idea inside the Chamber, is a really positive piece of work for us to be leading. It is pleasing to know that 16,000 Scots and counting were among those who supported this personal story-telling campaign. #NoWrongPath is about striving to reach your potential and not letting examination disappointment stop you achieving what you want to do in life. This leads on to those who have found the right path and made a success
of their opportunity or talent. Awards season is now upon us and we have delivered the Inspiring City Awards, in conjunction with The Herald, and The Glasgow Business Awards which celebrated 21 years of success. These events recognise the diverse contribution that communities and businesses make in our city and provide recognition of the many aspects that are good about Glasgow. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners.
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