Flying High: What it means to be World Class

As one of the most prosperous and successful regions in the UK, the Edinburgh City Region has a lot to shout about, with real strength in a variety of key sectors and strong, sustained economic growth.   

But Scotland's Capital City Region has big ambitions - not just to maintain its position but to move beyond it to become a truly world-leading city region.

This exciting event is a key opportunity for delegates to contribute to the development of a new economic development framework for the region.

Chaired by Sally Magnusson and featuring speakers including Jim Mather MSP, Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism; Dermot Finch, Director of the Centre for Cities and Brendan Dick, Director of BT Scotland, this event really is a must for anyone with an interest in the future prosperity of Scotland's capital region.

The event will be held at the prestigious Royal College of Physicians in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town.

Agenda and Speakers

8.00 Registration – coffee and hot breakfast rolls 

8:30       Welcome from Chair – Sally Magnusson. 

8:35 Introduction to the day – Cllr Jenny Dawe, Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council. 

What does it mean to be world class?

8.45       Dermot Finch, Director of the Centre for Cities. 

9:10 Brendan Dick, Director, BT in Scotland 

The City Region response – a framework for regional economic development.

9.35          Dave Anderson, Director of City Development, City of Edinburgh Council.

10.00 Questions and discussion

10:45 Break

Progress so Far

11:15  Keith Winter, Head of Development Services, Fife Council

The Sustainability Challenge.

11:40 Mike Smith, Sustainability Product and Innovation Director, URS Corporation Ltd 

 The role of the Scottish Government.

12.10 Jim Mather MSP, Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism.

12:20   Discussion and conference round-up – Chair.

12:50     Closing remarks – Jeremy Peat, Director of the David Hume Institute.

13.00        Lunch

*Agenda is subject to change.

Who Should Attend?

Anyone with a common interest in seeing the Edinburgh City Region thrive and prosper should attend this conference, whether from the private or public sectors.    The City Region extends far beyond the city boundaries, to include Fife, the Lothians, the Scottish Borders and Forth Valley.

Delegate Fee:

The delegate fee of £95 (before 4 October) and £125 (after 4 October) is inclusive of VAT and all processing/admin charges.