Dundee set for sixth economic summit

More than 200 people with a stake in Dundee’s economic well-being will be at the Apex Hotel on Wednesday.

Business, academics and the public sector will be sharing progress and plans on infrastructure and opportunities for the future with an audience from the city and beyond.

Organised by the Dundee Partnership the summit will provide an update on some of the major economic projects and transformations taking place in the city including a new Regional Economic Strategy and Tay Cities Deal bid, the evolving Waterfront regeneration and a planned tilt at the European City of Culture title.

It will also shine the spotlight on some of the new enterprises in the city and the opportunities they are creating, as well as more established fields including energy, games, tourism and science. Future opportunities for these sectors will also be considered.

This year’s wider perspective will be brought by Justin Reid from TripAdvisor who will look at the brave new world where advice from ratings websites drives visitors’ destination and accommodation choices.

John Alexander leader of Dundee City Council who will make the welcoming address said: “Each year the summit attracts more people with an exciting and innovative story to tell and incredible insight into the way they have grasped opportunity in a city that is bursting with creativity.

“I am looking forward to hearing from some of the city’s newest entrepreneurs and sharing developments will everyone who comes along.”

More than 200 people will be at the summit which is sponsored by Dundee City Council, Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce, Scottish Enterprise and Skills Development Scotland.

Among the other speakers will be Mike Galloway executive director of city development Dundee City Council; Stewart Murdoch director of Leisure and Culture Dundee; Callum Falconer chief executive of Dundeecom; and Joanne MacFadyen, a young designer creating new opportunities in the city.

As in previous year’s the event will be introduced and facilitated by Grant Ritchie, principal of Dundee and Angus College.