This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Glasgow and growing the economy
30/08/2004
Deputy Finance Minister Tavish Scott underlined the
Executive's committed to growing the economy and creating
an environment where all businesses can thrive.
He was speaking during a visit to Clydeport and City
Park in Glasgow.
He also visited Blindcraft and radio station VIP on Air,
which is dedicated to blind and partially-sighted
people.
Mr Scott said:
"Our top priority is growing the economy and these
visits allowed me to see first-hand what these companies
are doing to contribute to that goal in Glasgow. They are
all impressive operations and others can learn from their
example.
"City Park provides 300,000 square feet of office suites
with centralised leisure and business amenities over five
floors.
"The development offers a variety of business and
leisure amenities, including a gym, occupational health
suite, 'hot desk' hotel, restaurant, shop and ATM.
"This flexible approach to meeting business needs is to
be congratulated.
"I was also pleased to have the chance to meet
Clydeport, which operates the ports of Glasgow, Greenock,
Hunterston and Ardrossan within a jurisdiction which covers
450 square miles of the River Clyde.
"Clydeport is continuing to expand its property
development and investment facilities.
"The main focus of property development activities
recently has been the Glasgow Harbour project, one of the
largest planned property developments in the UK, which will
transform a long rundown area on the north bank of the
Clyde into a high quality mixed-use development."
The Minister added:
"My other visits today also contribute to the economy in
Glasgow with a strong commitment to ensuring that blind or
partially-sighted people have the opportunity to fulfil
their potential.
"Blindcraft is dedicated to making a difference in the
community as well as a commitment to high quality
manufacturing. Its origins lie in its roots as a supported
facility for the visually impaired and today it is
committed to providing opportunities for people with
disabilities.
"The organisation also has a policy of recruiting
long-term unemployed, providing new hope and skill
development, as well as assisting in the economic
regeneration of the local community.
"It is one of the country's leading examples of social
enterprise, successfully demonstrating the ability to
combine commercial success with socially responsible
practices.
"VIP on Air complements this - an excellent radio
service dedicated to the needs of blind and partially
sighted people. The only other similar services to exist
worldwide are in North America and Australia."