City business chiefs back action call
BUSINESS leaders in Glasgow have backed calls for action on a ‘fix list’ of problems raised by Evening Times readers.
Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, has said firms in the city have similar concerns about litter, roads and empty shops and suggested some ideas for solutions.
GLASGOW’S business community has backed calls for action on problems raised by Evening Times readers and people across the city.
After the council election we put our ‘fix list’ to new City Council leader, Susan Aitken.
Now, Stuart Patrick, chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, has said firms in the city have similar concerns and suggested some ideas for solutions.
Mr Patrick said many of the issues affect the ability of businesses to grow and the ability to attract inward investment.
On litter, roads, empty shops and education Mr Patrick said business wants action and hopes a new administration at the council will take a fresh look and see a renewed impetus to tackle long-standing problems.
The chamber boss said the early signs are of co-operation between the council and businesses.
He said: “The relationship with the City Council has started off pretty well. We could have gone through some choppy waters till everyone gets to know one another but that’s clearly not going to be an issue. “There’s every possibility a good working relationship between us will function well.
“There are some initiatives under way for some of the items on the fix list but maybe there’s scope for the ambition to rise on some of them and to look at them fresh.”
On litter he said lessons could be learned from other cities using smart technology and innovative solutions.
He said: “The opinion of the business community, large and small, is the city has been struggling to look smart, ever since the Commonwealth Games really.
“Whether its resources being stretched or not yet looking into new approaches to collections.
“This is exactly the kind of thing where we need a fresh look and Susan Aitken’s comments about smart waste compacting bins are welcome.
“Why haven’t we explored underground commercial waste collecting under the roads with sensors?”
He suggested the private sector might even help cover the cost.
On roads and pavements, Mr Patrick said it was an ever-present problem.
He said: “Some property agents say if they are talking to an investor they map out a route and avoid some streets because the pavements are so bad.”
The City Deal is to fund some i mprovements i n certain areas and he hopes that will lead to wider action across the city.
Empty shop units have been a problem in the city centre and high streets across the city for many years.
Susan Aitken said the solution is linked to improved economic performance, and Mr Patrick agrees.
However, he said there are actions that could be taken.
He said: “But we must recognise it’s also about trends affecting property usage. The internet totally changes how retailers use bricks and mortar.
“How do you get rent and rates down to get alternative uses for shops? We are trying to target Saltmarket to encourage ‘artisanal independence retailers’ which is a growing trend in major cities.”
He wants to be able to encourage that sector financially with flexible terms and also said the city isn’t fully geared for click and collect among the larger stores.
City centre congestion and
traffic management is an issue that affects the business community.
MR PATRICK said that there needs to be a resolution to the conflict between car versus bus in the city centre.
Too much anti-car measures will, he says, drive more shoppers to out of town centres.
Mr Patrick said: “The assumption people will move from car to bus if it’s made difficult for cars doesn’t follow.
“They have options and they will go to Braehead or Silverburn with free parking and that is what they tell us they will do.”
He called for a review of city centre transport policy.
He said: “A bit of subtlety in the design of the transport plan. It’s always good to improve the city transport offering.
“We need balance. Need an overarching strategy to deliver for different users.”
Businesses want educational attainment to improve ensure the city has as educated a workforce as possible.
Mr Patrick said: “Glasgow is odd. We are good at the top end, disproportionately, compared to a Manchester to Birmingham. But also disproportionately at the other, which he said leads to skill shortages.
He added: “The opportunity to match demand for business doesn’t always need to be graduate level.
“We don’t value technical education enough compared to university. Some sectors don’t need to be graduate, but a high level of graduate employees helps attract inward investment. We just don’t want this mutual battle between technical versus university.”
On homelessness he said concerted action is needed.
He said: “For the retail community and hospitality businesses, the rise is rough sleeping is patently obvious.
“We are keen to support measures to tackle that. A fresh look and the ability of central and local government working together is desirable.”