Leader Convenes Economic Council to Power Dundee's Economy

Dundee City Council Leader, Councillor John Alexander, has convened the first Business & Economic Council for Dundee.

More than 20 business leaders and investors participated in the inaugural meeting in DC Thomson’s Vista Room.

The new forum will help guide the city's economic approach, provide constructive feedback, challenge the city's strategy and provide insights into the business sectors views on a whole host of issues affecting them.

It is part of a series of measures being introduced by the Council leader to "supercharge" the city's economy.

Councillor Alexander said: "We know and have to recognise that Dundee has seen numerous improvements over the last 20 years but we also know that challenges remain.

"According to the latest Centre for Cities report, Dundee's private sector employment has increased by 4.5% in the last year, the 9th highest level across 63 cities UK-wide.

"But we also know that in terms of business start-up levels, we are amongst the lowest in the same list of 63 cities. There are both positives and negatives in our economic stats.

"It's only by redoubling our efforts, setting out a clear vision and working hand-in-glove with our private sector partners that we can truly make leaps forward. It's my hope that through our work, we can not only see improvements but supercharge the local economy for the longer term."

Other measures being led by the Council Leader include a roundtable with both the UK and Scottish Governments in April, city-wide negotiations on Dundee’s levelling up communities approach, the revival of the annual Dundee Economic Summit in June and a series of events planned with Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce to engage with hundreds of SMEs.

Convener of Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure, Councillor Steven Rome, added: "We've made rejuvenating the city our top priority and over the last decade, it's fair to say that much has been delivered.

"Employment reached its highest level since records began in 2022, we were identified as one of the top 20 locations for foreign direct investment (FDI) and perceptions outwith the city have changed dramatically, for the better.

"In recognising that, we also need to acknowledge that there's a long journey still to go. We need to be aspirational and give our citizens the means and tools with which to create or benefit from economic growth.

“Employment is just one measures but we also need to think about population growth, housing development growth, business start-up rates and so much more.

"I'm confident that input from the council will help build on the successes that have been delivered over the last decade."

• Share this page:
• Share On Twitter
• Share On Facebook
• Share On LinkedIn