We must keep improving our great city to secure its place in business

THE growth in our capital city’s infrastructure continues to deliver economic success supported by a stronger working partnership between the public and private sectors. This dynamism is helping unlock new opportunities, providing more confidence for investors as we continue to strive for the right balance between preserving a proud historic past while ensuring Edinburgh is fit for the future.

Fundamental to the success is our ability to attract and retain a highly skilled workforce. This is being supported by the strongest ever infrastructure investments programme by our universities, which ensures the global reputation of Edinburgh as a world-class learning environment is maintained.

A great advantage of the investments in infrastructure in Edinburgh and across Scotland is the opportunities provided for apprenticeships, and the construction industry is working together with the education sector to optimise employment opportunities. As part of this partnership process, we must ensure there is an even stronger engagement on longer term strategic priorities for talent requirements.

Across the UK, the housing stock is a major issue. Edinburgh region is no exception and we require significant and timely investment in our supply of housing. Our planning processes at a national and local level need to be more finely tuned. Concerns remain on our ability to move forward at the pace required. It is important we respect and appreciate the consultation processes while being mindful we need to move forward with firm plans.

We are already experiencing the benefits where long-term planning on transport requirements are now contributing to an even more vibrant and accessible city. In a highly competitive global market place, our transport infrastructure will continue to be a key discriminator for businesses deciding where to locate.

The exponential growth in digital connectivity will have a major impact on how we develop future infrastructure projects. We must continue to encourage developers to embed the impact of digital connectivity at the early planning stages. Greater dialogue with service and utility providers is key. At Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce we are launching the Inspiring Built Environment Group to help facilitate engagement across all key stakeholders in the future development of our capital city’s infrastructure.

We have every reason to be positive on the growing number of cranes across the skyline of Edinburgh and many other cities across Scotland. Even closer partnerships between the public and private business sectors are already creating many new opportunities. While no-one likes disruption, standing still or moving too slowly is not an option. David Birrell is chief executive of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce