Untitled - The Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce

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new BIDs at West End and Grassmarket should be supported, with their significant ability to advance Edinburgh‟s retail and tourism sectors. The police must continue to work with business groups to provide a safe, crime free working environment. Broadband . Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce seeks a step-change in the introduction of superfast broadband. We call on the Scottish Government to recognise the reality of what is happening elsewhere in the world. For example South Korea is currently upgrading from 100Mb to 1 GB nationally, whilst our ambitions for improvement are only aiming to deliver half their existing capacity. Global competivity is dependant in our geographically marginal position on the best possible connections, digitally as well as through transport. Section 4: The Engines of Growth Edinburgh is a centre for innovative businesses capable of generating economic growth and prosperity for Scotland. This section highlights some of the most dynamic sectors, the challenges they face, and how government can facilitate their development. Biotech With four universities contributing learning and ideas, and a range of existing science parks home to dozens of spin-out companies there exists a strong basis for Edinburgh as a world centre for Life Sciences. The continued output of quality graduates in appropriate disciplines is needed to staff this growth, and effective private sector co-operation with universities in funding and managing spin-out companies. Early stage innovation support remains important from a government perspective. It is particularly important that the infrastructure necessary to support the South East quadrant in general and Little France Bioscience hub in particular is in place. Tourism Scottish tourism generates 10.4% of Scotland‟s GDP (£11.1 billion) and sustains 270,000 jobs. However, it needs recognition and support from the UK and Scottish Governments. The highest levels of VAT in Europe and Air Passenger Duty that adds almost £300 to the cost of Page 15 of 19
an air fare to Scotland from China, for example, are serious impediments. Tourism's contribution to recovery in Scotland cannot be over-stated. Improving the quality of service and hospitality, attracting visitors and developing new air routes are all critical paths in developing still further the ability of the industry to generate wealth and employment. In Edinburgh, ETAG (Edinburgh Tourism Action Group) has led the way by forming meaningful partnerships across public and private sectors and delivering projects that have a made a significant difference to the quality of the capital's tourism offer. The reduction in VisitScotland‟s budget, of 10% is a not a good sign ECC urges a more helpful approach that includes: The need for a real vision for tourism in Edinburgh and Scotland We need a new approach to bring private and public sector together in tourism. The 2015 Ambition for Scottish Tourism should be replaced with a flexible and dynamic statement of intent for cooperative action by a series of small empowered project groups of industry leaders who could cut to the chase and deliver creative solutions very quickly. A similar approach was recommended for the city to try to clear the clutter caused by the plethora of tourism organisations/bodies in Edinburgh. Cultural Events Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce recognises the contribution that cultural events make to the City‟s economy, our festivals alone benefitting Scotland to the extent of £184m in 2006, drawing in tourists and making Edinburgh an attractive place to live and work. We recognise that this market has continued to grow through the recession and is a flagship industry showcasing our Capital City to the world. We encourage the development of resilient private/public partnership in ensuring appropriate funding to maintain the sector‟s momentum. Marketing Edinburgh Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce led the debate that prompted public and private sector partners to form Marketing Edinburgh. We believe this can and should develop as a model for other cities in best practice. It is essential that the Scottish Government invest in destination Marketing organisations especially Marketing Edinburgh, to continue to grow tourism markets We need to find an equitable funding mechanism for it to leverage private sector involvement, avoiding duplicate funding. The new body must offer a full menu of commercial marketing opportunities, using electronic media to the full and very specific ROIs to attract and retain high levels of private income and support. Page 16 of 19
Page 2 and 3: In recent decades Scotland has suff
Page 4 and 5: Growth and Recovery Prosperity come
Page 6 and 7: approach to public service delivery
Page 8 and 9: Government at all levels in Scotlan
Page 10 and 11: elative decline despite major inves
Page 12 and 13: The promotion of industry Economic
Page 14 and 15: 4. EGIP: The Edinburgh - Glasgow Ra
Page 18 and 19: Transfer the Winter Festivals and E
Page 20: 2. The allowances in Non Domestic R

Untitled - The Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce

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