Business Comment Magazine

The world of technology and data – on which we focus this issue – will be vital to the future success of our economy, our businesses and our city. Edinburgh is fortunate to have world class research, teaching and an increasingly skilled workforce in these areas, with our universities very much in the vanguard of harnessing and developing the power of technology, data and artificial intelligence.

While the work of the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt is well known in these areas, in this issue we learn about the tremendously exciting work in cyber security and AI being carried out at Edinburgh Napier University. We also focus on how data is driving the future of a smarter and more flexible energy network, and how leveraging the right technology and using good quality data can help businesses improve productivity and performance.

One of the most tangible examples of investment in transport and infrastructure has finally come onstream, with the completion of the tram line to Newhaven. In the magazine, the Transport Convener of City of Edinburgh Council, Councillor Scott Arthur, describes his pride that the massive project has been delivered on time and on budget.

We also hear from leading developer Tony Hordon of Parabola, deeply involved in Edinburgh Park, one of the cornerstones of all the enormously exciting and potentially game-changing developments to the west of the city.

A report by Alan Laidlaw, Chief Executive of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, which highlights the continuing importance of the rural economy to our city, in part through the almost £40million of economic benefit generated by the Royal Highland Show.

Finally, we also look at the challenge of retrofitting buildings to meet net zero carbon targets and what is needed to create a truly integrated transport network.

Amongst the perfect storm of challenges facing businesses in 2022, tackling the skills and labour shortages ranks amongst the keenest priorities. Not having sufficient, skilled staff is hampering our recovery and future growth.

In this edition, Catherine Foot, Director of Phoenix Insights, highlights figures that show closing the UK skills gap would generate a £150bn uplift to the value of our economy. We also hear from the enormously important hospitality and leisure sector in Edinburgh, with some positive progress being achieved despite the huge difficulties the sector is facing post-pandemic. Additionally, we learn more about the changes, innovations and hard work of our members.

In this edition, we hear the determination of Edinburgh Chamber Business Award winner for innovation, Tronius, to continue to harness the power of good data in guiding the increased use of Electric Vehicles by allowing businesses to better plan charging requirements. Fascinating too, to read of the efforts being made by the Royal Bank of Scotland in its own journey to net zero and – in particular – its Climate Springboard aimed at helping SMEs on their net zero journeys, which is delivered in an Edinburghbased partnership with the University of Edinburgh and the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute.

In this edition, we hear from Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive at our International Airport, who reports on progress in bringing the airport back on line after two years of massive disruption.

We are delighted that Councillor Jane Meagher, the city council’s Housing, Homelessness, and Fair Work convener has taken the time to pen her thoughts on our economic recovery.

Looking outside of the city centre, Alan Laidlaw, Chief Executive at the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland, reminds us that outside the city the rural economy plays a vital role in Scotland’s success.

In this issue of Business Comment, we look at just how important digital skills and the current and future role of data will be – not only for our economy but across all areas of our daily lives, from getting around the city to how we manage our healthcare.

We also look at the importance of digital apprenticeships – essential within our SME sector – accounting for half of all jobs – can harness connectivity to improve productivity, and at how a range of our key institutions – from our festivals to our universities – are harnessing the power of data and digital.

Edinburgh is a City that looks outwards to the world, and that the world looks to us as a place to visit, and to do business. To stay special, we need to stay connected. Read our April/May 2022 edition of Business Comment as we explore how the City and businesses within are using technology and international connections to further connect Scotland’s Capital to the rest of the world.

Welcome to the latest issue of Business Comment, which focuses on Transport and Infrastructure. Transport & Infrastructure. These are key sectors which support and enable businesses and our economy, and they are vitally important as we move towards a just transition to a greener future.