Glasgow smiles into Euro top ten

According to a new European Union Urban Audit, Glasgow is the tenth most positive in a survey of 75 leading European cities, second only to Belfast in the UK.

The findings were presented at a seminar looking at Glasgow’s economic performance and prospects: Measuring success: A step change for Glasgow, A step change for the Metro Region.

Hosted by Glasgow Economic Forum, the seminar attracted a wide range of academics and economists and development professionals from all Europe.

“Indicators show that since the launch of our new economic strategy in 2006 we are continuing to make progress in closing the performance gap with our main competitors. This is clearly being reflected in people’s positive perceptions for the future,” said Scottish Enterprise Glasgow’s operations director, Stuart Patrick, who chaired the seminar.

The seminar heard that growing employment, a rising population and high levels of educational qualifications continued to be Glasgow’s strengths.

But low productivity continues to hold the city back from being a top European performer.

“Making our companies more productive and more importantly making the city’s population more productive, that is getting those who can work, into the jobs, continues to be our biggest challenge,” said Mr Patrick.

“A step change in our economic performance will take time but we are on the right road.”

Main findings presented at the event by SLIMS economic consultants and BAK Basel Economics were

• Increased productivity growth is the most vital component to becoming world-class perfuming city economy.

• Continued widespread deprivation and ill-health is still the biggest barrier to growth.

• Workforce development and lifelong learning are as important as higher educational qualification in achieving better growth.

• Continuing to encourage a more enterprising culture is also vital to growth.

Guest economist Christoph Koellreuter from BAK Basel Economics said:

“Glasgow has increased the pace of catching up and has improved its position compared to the majority of its competitors. The decline in traditional industries is getting smaller and the growth in financial and business services is higher that comparable cities which is all good news.”

John Gallagher, chairman of the Glasgow Economic Forum added:

“Glasgow Economic Forum is now working to ensure that significant progress is being made towards some stretching targets for the new Step Change for Glasgow strategy. This expert group includes some of Europe's finest expertise in economic analysis, and will assist measurement and the setting of performance benchmarks appropriate to a successful, modern European city.”

Craig Cowbrough
Tel: 0141 228 2651 / 07887 833099
Email: craig.cowbrough@scotent.co.uk