22
www.glasgowchamberofcommerce.com
POLICY FORUMS Y
ou could say it is the central nervous system giving the Chamber a healthy beating heart. The creation of five living and breathing Chamber of Commerce Policy Forums is already giving greater clarity to the various business issues facing members in Glasgow. Whether there are concerns about the employment and skills agenda, finding out about the ideal levels of innovation and investment, or relieving anxiety about how to undertake overseas trade in an uncertain Brexit environment, the member-led forums are growing in scale and influence. “In all cases, the policy
forums are giving us the surety and confidence of knowing the members’ views and how we can build the evidence base to best represent these views. I’m grateful for the energy and the commitment of those giving their time to grow these important forums,” said Stuart Patrick, Glasgow Chamber Chief Executive. The five are: Place Forum, Business and Innovation Forum, Glasgow Employment and Skills Board, International Trade and Tourism Forum and Brexit Watch Forum. The forums do not operate as single silos and if members wish to raise a relevant topic which crosses into other
policy areas then this is encouraged. Indeed, the announcement of the Workplace Parking Levy has been discussed at both the Place Forum, where a levy could have an impact on shift workers unable to get public transport, and at the Glasgow Employment and Skills Board, where it has implications for staffing and HR policies. “The forums have only been going for a short time and some are still finding their feet, but they are already playing a helpful and essential role in shaping the Chamber’s policy priorities,” said Stuart. While each forum is tackling issues of
complexity, none has the political frustration of the
Brexit Watch Forum, chaired
by Katy Wedderburn, a Partner with law firm MacRoberts. The issue remains one of deep concern with nearly 100 members attending the Glasgow Talks … Brexit event, while members are being encouraged to visit the Chamber website to access reference and support materials including the British Chambers of
Commerce risk register and business checklist. “It has been a challenging and frustrating time for businesses to understand how they may be impacted by Brexit,” said Katy.
“Our engagement on Brexit through
Glasgow Talks and other events and with the Brexit Watch Forum has been with a view to opening a flow of information and sharing useful resources with members and the wider business community about how to identify the areas of most likely impact, and to prepare their businesses for Brexit. “The implications of Brexit will have a deep impact on members. The Chamber of Commerce network is calling for fair warning of the UK’s planned exit date should an agreement be passed, to give businesses a chance to adapt and plan for change in a calm and measured fashion.” The Business and Innovation Forum, chaired by Jim McIntyre, Regional Director of Royal Bank of Scotland, has been discussing the new business narrative for Glasgow – aimed at helping people sell the city and our assets to potential investors. Several priorities and positions have been agreed including concerns around start-up and the support and infrastructure for growth and scaling-up
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40
