April Director’s Blog
Accelerating growth and innovation in Glasgow City Region
As we enter the second quarter of 2025, Glasgow City Region continues to demonstrate consistent progress across several key projects and initiatives. These efforts continue to build momentum toward creating a more prosperous, sustainable, and innovative future for our communities and businesses.
Economic Briefing: US Trade and Foreign Policy Impacts
Our Intelligence Hub has recently released a briefing analysing the challenges and opportunities posed by shifts in US trade and foreign policy. As the Region diversifies its export markets post-Brexit, US tariffs could pose a threat to our trade surplus, highlighting the need for further market diversification and the strengthening of supply chains.
On a positive note, the increased UK defence spending presents an opportunity for economic growth in our Region, which has a productive defence sector and a highly integrated defence supply chain. Expanding skills training and supporting businesses to secure contracts, including smaller businesses developing new technologies, can help the Region to benefit from the increased spending.
Exxon: Transforming Bowling into a Hub for Business and Innovation
In West Dunbartonshire, we are seeing exciting progress at the former ExxonMobil oil terminal in Bowling. Work is advancing on this strategic development site, which will include the creation of a new route to the A82, a much-needed improvement for the area’s transport links.
The site is being transformed to unlock the potential of mixed-use commercial development, enabling new industrial, business and office space. It is a joint investment between West Dunbartonshire Council and the Glasgow City Region City Deal with funding from both the UK and Scottish Governments.
The project includes junction, road and active travel improvements connecting to the site, most notably the addition of a 1.95km spine road, providing an additional route in and out of Dumbarton.
Of the 150-acre area, 47 acres are planned for development, with green network and green infrastructure enhancements including a waterfront pedestrian and cycle path being developed.
This development promises to become a key driver of growth in West Dunbartonshire, boosting both local commerce and connectivity for the Region. In fact, the regenerated site is expected to bring £20.6 million of additional private investment, and £331.4 million net additional Gross Value Added (GVA) to the City Region over 25 years, generating significant economic returns.
With Balfour Beatty appointed to lead the work, we look forward to seeing this site continue to take shape.
Inverkip: A Strategic Regeneration for Inverclyde
Another key development this month is the £4 million road improvement project in Inverkip, Inverclyde, which is now underway. This infrastructure upgrade on the A78 is crucial in facilitating the creation of 650 new homes, over 500 jobs and addressing long-standing local road safety concerns. More importantly, it is enabling the redevelopment of the former Inverkip Power Station site, a prime example of Regional regeneration in action.
This project is supported by £3.6 million of City Deal funding from both the UK and Scottish Governments and will have a lasting impact on the area. The work is scheduled to continue until November 2025, and a dedicated webpage has been created to keep the public informed. The Inverkip project forms part of Glasgow City Region’s broader effort to transform vacant and derelict land, tackle housing needs, and deliver sustainable economic and environmental benefits for the area.
Innovation Accelerator Extension: Powering Future R&D
Another highlight this month is the extension of the Innovation Accelerator programme, with an additional £30 million of public funding allocated for 2025/26. Glasgow City Region has been a key beneficiary of this programme, which has already invested £100 million into 26 transformative R&D projects across Greater Manchester, West Midlands and Glasgow.
One standout project, the Financial Regulation Innovation Lab (FRIL), is revolutionising financial regulation and combating financial crime through advancements in artificial intelligence. Led by FinTech Scotland in partnership with the Universities of Strathclyde and Glasgow, FRIL is set to deliver an impressive return on investment of £6 for every £1 in public funding. As part of the UK government’s Innovation Accelerator programme, these projects are shaping the future of R&D investment and propelling Glasgow City Region’s position as a leader in innovation.
Living Wage Region: Fostering Fair Pay for All
In alignment with our commitment to fostering fair pay and improving livelihoods across the Region, I am delighted to announce that 62 new organisations have signed up as accredited Living Wage employers since we launched the Make Glasgow City Region a Living Wage Place campaign in November 2024.
This achievement reflects the growing recognition of the importance of fair pay in driving economic and social prosperity.
We’ve engaged with over 600 companies, with businesses like Arthian, Jobs and Business Glasgow, and McGregor Projects joining the ranks of Living Wage employers. Through continued outreach, webinars, and a focus on employer engagement, we will continue our efforts to make Glasgow City Region a Living Wage Place working closely with Living Wage Scotland and our dedicated Action Group.
For more information or to make an enquiry on becoming an accredited Living Wage employer, contact accreditation@povertyalliance.org or visit www.livingwagescotland.org
Achievements highlighted this month are a testament to the incredible partnership of our local councils, government and academic partners and businesses. As we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities of Regional economic growth and development, our focus remains on fostering innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth for the benefit of all, and securing a dedicated Devolution Deal for the Region.
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