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key businesses, and the need to ensure maximum value and engagement for all businesses in the Innovation Districts. There were concerns raised about whether Glasgow’s digital infrastructure was keeping pace with the requirements of the Big Data revolution. There was also agreement that Glasgow’s digital tech industry, successfully highlighted in the Tech Nations report, where Glasgow came third ahead of Edinburgh, was less well- promoted than in other cities. The Glasgow Employment and Skills
Board, jointly chaired by Craig Martin, Head of Human Resources at Glasgow Airport and Alison McRae, Senior Director of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, has expanded its remit from the Glasgow Employer Board. It is now taking a broader look at the employment and skills needed to enable Glasgow’s economy to thrive. When the board met in April it agreed its priorities should be expanded to cover all people- related issues, from skills, the labour market and inclusion, as well as the existing Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) programme. Stuart Yuill, a Director of DSL Business
Finance, and a Chamber Director who sits on the board, said: “There is a need for up-skilling. Demand is definitely exceeding supply. “We are talking about encouraging
more young people to take on apprenticeships with related digital skills instead of perhaps heading off for four years at university. It’s now that we
need the skills, not only two or more years down the line.” For example, the
arrival of Barclays bringing up to 2,500 jobs to the city means new opportunities for people in the West of Scotland.
“While a number
of these jobs offer relocation from London or elsewhere to Glasgow, a good percentage will be coming from the Glasgow travel to work area and the rest of Scotland,” said Stuart. “There is an impending need now for these skills and we can’t really afford to wait for it to work its way through the higher education system.” The other key aspect is inclusion. “We need to be doing much more to support the inclusion agenda to encourage those who have been missed out on the success
story of the city. And, of course, the GESB will continue to support the delivery of Developing the Young Workforce in Glasgow alongside this wider remit.” The Place Forum, chaired by Alan Thomson, Head of Corporate Relations at Scottish Water, met in February when there was discussion of the Low Emission
Zones, the City Centre Avenues Programme and the second phase of the Connectivity Commission, which now includes a £10 billion Glasgow Metro plan, and the Workplace Parking Levy. The recently
established
Infrastructure Commission for Scotland issued a call for
evidence and the forum helped with the Chamber’s submission. “We understand the reason for creating a Low Emission Zone in Glasgow. However, we want a balanced approach where environmental measures are balanced alongside our requirement for inclusive economic growth and a successful and vibrant city centre,” said Alan.
“It’s been a privilege chairing the
committee. It has really broadened my own horizons. There is a wide group from the colleges, through to the retail, hospitality and night-time events industry, we all want the same thing, the best place that Glasgow can possibly be.” The International Trade and Tourism Forum, chaired by Stuart Cruikshank, Council Director at Glasgow Chamber, has also been discussing how to support the increase in tourist numbers for the city, while encouraging
companies to take part in international trade missions.
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