Memorandum of Understanding programmes with chambers in Italy, New York, China and Germany. In addition, the Chamber operates international trade certification and support services on behalf of West of Scotland businesses. In supporting Glasgow’s Exporting
Strategy, the forum will “seek opportunity to work with Glasgow City Council and utilise existing data to map baseline and global reach through its existing business base as well as target territories and rationale for inclusion”. What is clear is that several issues impinge on several of the forums. So how do the members work together to help the Chamber? “The forums have wide representation from many different business sectors that have a specific interest in the subject matters covered within their remit. It is our aim to take a balanced view from our members and look to influence the best possible outcome, taking into consideration all the facts and data that support the respective policy positions,” said Mr Thomson. Glasgow City Council’s City
Centre Living Strategy consultation closed in February 2020. The Place Forum led the Chamber’s response to the consultation and welcomes the desire to double the city centre population, agreeing that the city centre is a driving force for job creation. It wants to see a reversal in the trend of pushing the population to the suburbs, and agrees that there must be a range of housing options, including affordable city centre living. “We have been very busy with a number of policy submissions, including the Connectivity Commission, Low Emission Zones, City Centre Living Strategy and the Deposit Return Scheme. Our Forum believes it is important for the Chamber to continue to build its already strong position to
influence positively all aspects of change across the City, and in doing so, it will benefit all residents and businesses who depend on a strong Glasgow economy,” said Mr Thomson. The Glasgow Employment and Skills Board, co-chaired by Craig Martin of C&C Group and Alison McRae of Glasgow Chamber, developed its positioning on Digital Skills for Glasgow after consultation with ScotlandIS and Skills Development Scotland. The Chamber vehemently believes that upskilling the workforce in the use of digital skills is vital for improved Scotland’s productivity. Glasgow has almost 34,000 digital tech jobs but there is room for many more. The Forum’s approved statement encouraged the embedding of digital skills in higher education and apprenticeships to support the increasing requirements of employers. “Digital plays a key role in skilling and upskilling our workforce and there is an opportunity to utilise technology and digital skills to drive competitive advantage and productivity improvements. We seek to embed digital in education and apprenticeships to support
employer requirements and will engage our networks, collaborate and influence to ensure digital skills provision matches requirements and supports inclusion.” Katy Wedderburn of MacRoberts chairs the Chamber’s Brexit Forum and urged the Chamber to continue to support the British Chambers of Commerce and engagement with the UK Government on Brexit and the implications for Glasgow businesses. “Businesses are likely to face
significant changes in the way they trade, both in Europe and across the world. The government must clearly communicate what those changes will be - and provide timely guidance and support to help firms adapt and make the most of new opportunities as Britain sets its own trading polices.”
If any Chamber Silver, Gold or Platinum Partners would be interested in joining any of the Policy Forums, please contact: membership@
glasgowchamberofcommerce.com
www.glasgowchamberofcommerce.com 27
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 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
