Glasgow businesses urged to grasp opportunities of Commonwealth Games

Glasgow businesses are being urged to grasp the opportunities offered by the Commonwealth Games returning to the city in 2026.

It was announced earlier this year, after the Australian organisers pulled out, that the Games would return to Scotland for the first time since 2014 with a slimmed-down programme that the Government has said will not cost anything to the public purse.

But the possible economic benefits have been heralded by the Government.

Speaking ahead of the State of the City Economy conference in the city on Friday, Scottish investment minister Tom Arthur said: “The Games will showcase Glasgow and provide Scotland with an opportunity to enhance its reputation as an innovative and inventive nation.

“We have much to offer as a host for world-class events and I know that businesses in Glasgow will grasp the opportunities that the Games present.

“To help communities prosper, we are investing in a new centre in Possilpark to support the next generation of entrepreneurs in Glasgow and supporting Clyde Gateway to regenerate the city’s east end.

“A range of measures were announced in this week’s draft Budget to grow Scotland’s economy, including a £214 million investment in Scotland’s city and region growth deals.”