Press & Policy

Commenting on the news of two Investment Zones in Scotland, Dr Liz Cameron CBE, Director & Chief Executive, Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:

“This is excellent news for Scotland and a substantial investment for the North-East and Glasgow regions.

“Both regions – with Chambers at the heart of delivery – are well geared up to deliver significant business and economic benefits through this joint investment by the UK and Scottish Government.

“These investment zones will help galvanise the key sectors in these regions to innovate, attract investment and create high-quality jobs.”

Commenting on the news, Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Russell Borthwick said: 

“This is a significant vote of confidence in the future of our region, signalling that the North East is very much open for business, with an exciting future ahead.

“Aberdeen and Grampian has led the world in key sectors of strength such as energy and food and drink over many years.

“Today’s announcement allows us to drive inward investment, encourage new innovation and inject pace as we diversify and grow our regional economy further still.

“The Investment Zone model requires all-hands-to-the-pump collaboration in delivery, with public and private sector leadership, our pioneering universities, the highly-skilled workforce that exists in our region and individual businesses all at the heart of ensuring we succeed.

“Aberdeen and the wider North East is well placed to build on the success of our highly successful City Region Deal which is viewed as an exemplar of its type in the UK due to pace of delivery and the scale of private, public and not-for-profit funding which has been leveraged in to anchor projects.

“From £250 million, it has created £1 billion of investment to date, with several projects already realised and making a real different to our economy.

“Our continued success as a region cannot be taken for granted, but today’s announcement supplies us with a powerful tool to sustain economic growth, turbocharge energy transition and diversify our economy at pace.”

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce chief executive, Stuart Patrick, said:

“Today’s announcement brings welcome investment that will secure growth opportunities for blossoming businesses in Glasgow.

“The city is the third-top tech destination outside London and this decision not only recognises this well-deserved accolade, but equally backs the potential of our three innovation districts in engineering, life sciences and advanced manufacturing.

“These are some of the brightest spots on the horizon for the city’s economy, alongside the research commercialisation work of our universities and colleges.

“After the disappointment of the Freeports decision, we have been actively lobbying for support to help the city’s economy recover so we are extremely pleased to see fresh money and targeted tax incentives to help further cement Glasgow’s status as an emerging tech hub.”

ENDS