Continued investment in our infrastructure is critical to maintain a strong business environment and to facilitate future growth.
Our success is dependent on the public and private sectors working even more closely together, sharing strategic priorities, helping unlock limited finance and creating confidence amongst all key stakeholders.
In Edinburgh and across Scotland, we continue to experience growing levels of confidence from investors to unlock infrastructure projects, creating much needed jobs in the construction sector and ensuring we maintain and improve the opportunities for business of all sizes.
Strong relationships between local government and the private sector are essential to ensure an effective planning process whilst respecting the needs and views of all key stakeholders.
At Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, our property and infrastructure membership groups help to facilitate that process. However, our influence and engagement is also at a UK level and includes improving airport capacity in the South East and providing a perspective on High Speed Rail, all of which are essential for the Scottish economy. The opportunities for business are far reaching.
In addition to the much needed recruitment opportunities and renewed investment in training and development, we must ensure that our local businesses are given as fair a chance as possible in the procurement process and that quality and not just price is taken into account when contracts are awarded.
The pressure on our Capital City continues to intensify on maintaining a world class location to visit and a leading city for major employers. Continual improvements in our infrastructure are essential.
Edinburgh attracts investment from all parts of the globe and the partnerships between local government and the private sector are delivering strong results. This includes much needed investment in our commercial office space, improved quality retail space and the exciting developments supporting exceptional growth in tourism and education.
The transport sector has already paved the way, covering all aspects of transport. Whilst the trams have understandably attracted much attention, the Capital City has experienced unprecedented levels of investment in our rail infrastructure, airport and roads network.
Effective and efficient transport connectivity is essential including our ports and improved links between our cities.
Whilst the list is never ending and finance limited, the momentum we have created must continue. It is the responsibility of all businesses and business organisations to lobby for new developments, to work even more closely together, and to promote success.
If Edinburgh is anything to go by, we have a healthy future ahead for new developments in our infrastructure.
David Birrell, Chief Executive
Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce
Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce 