Untitled - The Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce

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The promotion of industry Economic Development sits at the heart of the agenda of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce. Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce operates programmes across the range of business needs, from start-up to high growth, intellectual property to training, consultancy and export advice. A range of partners assist in creating this platform, including Scottish Enterprise, City of Edinburgh Council, the Scottish Government, the European Union, Edinburgh‟s Universities and Colleges of Further Education, and professional members of the Chamber. Our Resilient City agenda is designed to bring such groups together to work towards economic recovery. To build on these relationships, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce calls for: Improved co-ordination of economic development policy, including increased investment, a streamlined and simplified service with a single point of contact for business. Urgent reform of government procurement procedures with an emphasis on a simplified system designed to suit small, local businesses. Renewed investment in air route development Greater co-ordination in the promotion of exports between governments at all levels, including foreign representation, Scottish agencies and business group. Exports are a leading element of Scotland‟s economic recovery. The Scottish Government needs to be prepared to consider alternative models for supporting business growth. Finally we seek a relationship where government understands the need to hear the voice of business. If the private sector is to lead the recovery, then we must have frequent and attentive political engagement between the government and the wealth creators who are so charged. Section 3: The Infrastructure of Growth Economic growth relies on a connected network of infrastructure that promotes the free movement of goods, services and ideas. A global city like Edinburgh needs to minimise the costs of accessing its markets. Investment in infrastructure generates returns that drive higher prosperity. Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce believes that public spending on capital projects must remain a priority of the Scottish Government if we are to return to healthy growth. There are a number of specific issues that must be addressed. Transport If the future of the Scottish economy is keying in to global markets, we need to be well connected. Flights from Edinburgh airport, ferry destinations, high speed rail links - all are vital parts of the infrastructure which will facilitate trade and attract Page 11 of 19
inward investment and tourism. Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce believes that good progress has been made on starting a number of projects, but we need further progress if we are to build an integrated network that will help to pull Scotland‟s economy forward. Our priorities are: 1. Completing phase 1 of the Tram and developing the network. The tram is a well researched and attested solution to alleviate levels of congestion offer quicker transit times in Edinburgh. It is not in Scotland‟s interests to have a major investment incomplete in the capital‟s infrastructure. The initial and most difficult phases (of moving utilities and then laying the track in the City Centre) are well advanced. As Audit Scotland reported in February, Government must support the completion of this phase. This will then provide the basis for a light rail network linking across the Lothians and Fife through the City Centre. 2. A new Forth Crossing is vital to not just Edinburgh’s economy but Scotland’s as a whole. The present Forth Road Bridge carries twice its design capacity every working day of the year. This is not sustainable. The Scottish Government‟s plan must be properly funded and carried out. The plans on the table would benefit from better Western access links, better park and ride facilities and clearer bus prioritisation, but our core concern remains delivery of the overall project. 3. Completion of the Borders Rail Project This should go alongside a full plan for the utilisation of Tweedbank as a Borders rail hub. As well as extending the Edinburgh travel to work area in the direction of Midlothian and the Borders, this project will improve access to the South East Edinburgh development area around Shawfair. Deliver High Speed Rail (HSR) for Scotland Having launched the campaign to support High Speed Rail we were delighted by all party support when the Scottish Government‟s Transport Committee conducted an inquiry on the matter. Return on investment has been measured at thirteen fold. We welcome the Westminster government‟s stated commitment to extend HSR to Birmingham and its next phase development to Manchester. To offer lower grade service further north makes no sense as it is the stretch Manchester to Edinburgh and Glasgow which offers thirteen-fold payback. We look to the next Scottish Government to get behind funding the sections north of the Border and to ensure that the plans for a High Speed Rail system which goes „all the way‟ are included from the outset. We have the real opportunity to make global connections and economic and environmental benefits through High Speed Rail and call upon all parties in the next Scottish Government to find active means to achieve a policy they have previously supported. Page 12 of 19
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Untitled - The Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce

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