4 www.glasgowchamberofcommerce.com PRESIDENT


2019 will be a significant year for the city of Glasgow


Jim McHarg, President president@glasgowchamberofcommerce.com


G


lasgow Chamber of Commerce has always been a hard-working, future-looking organisation, willing to go the extra mile to help its members. Now, as we endeavour to prepare and shape


the city’s future in a post-Brexit environment from 2019, I envisage this workload will multiply significantly as more Glasgow businesses seek new types of international trading relationships. The Chamber has played a central role in export services for many years. It is part of our DNA and we have seen a steady growth in demand for international trade certification during this year. We are still awaiting full details of the impact on exports and imports to the EU, and it is sensible to suggest there may be an increase in the requirement for relevant trade documentation. I know that once everything is clearer, our team will be playing a major role in adapting to the changes as quickly as possible and relieving any burden for many Glasgow businesses. Our thriving economy depends on the movement of goods and services made in Glasgow and destined for the rest of the world. We must not allow our ability to export to falter in any way. Brexit aside, the forthcoming year will be a


significant one for the city. Already we’ve set out a marker with our leadership position in the creation of a Circular Economy in Glasgow. The Circular Economy Hotspot was a successful three-day international event held in October which attracted 500 delegates who heard about Glasgow as a Circular City. Of course, Circular Glasgow is a Chamber initiative and our team did us proud in demonstrating that the city knows what it is doing, particularly in collaboration with Zero Waste Scotland and Glasgow City Council. This sends out a message to other investors and companies interested in coming to the city, that we see sustainability as a key principle of doing future business in the city. This was underpinned by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who declared that Scotland has an


opportunity to become a pioneering circular economy led by Glasgow. Another important initiative for our members is the policy


forums that are shaping how the Chamber positions itself on issues that are affecting Glasgow’s economic performance. Of course, the Council’s priority is to reduce inequality across the city region by creating a more inclusive economy and tackling healthcare and poverty in the city. Moreover, these policy forums also have their attention on the requirements of the local labour market, how we attract more international inward investment and what kind of innovation will create a thriving economy. The public place forum has already decided that two


areas to be examined in the year ahead will be transport systems, knowing that there is a connectivity commission report looking into this, and the Avenues Project in the city centre. We know there will be a refresh of the City Centre Strategy in the wake of Sauchiehall Street’s upheaval after the major fires. The key word here is ‘forum’ - which seeks member views. These forums are now under way and if you have not been involved and have something you wish to say, I encourage you to contact me or any of the executive team through the Chamber to ensure that your voice, as a member, is being heard. I’m heartened by the feedback from Chamber members and it was a great pleasure meeting many members who attended the successful Glasgow Business Awards. Congratulations to all those who took part. However, we always have room to hear more from members who have perhaps been reticent to make their voices heard. As we approach the New Year let me invite you take make a resolution: Get more involved with Chamber activities. I wish you all a great festive season with your family and friends and a healthy and prosperous 2019.


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