The Glasgow Economic Commission is made up of leading business, academic and economic experts from the private and public sectors who will guide Glasgow’s job creation efforts.

The team will provide their vast expertise to advise the city on the best ways to harness its strengths to drive forward the city’s continued and future economic prosperity.

The commission will be chaired by Professor Jim McDonald, Principal of the University of Strathclyde. It was established by the Glasgow Economic Partnership, which is chaired by Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council, and managed by Stuart Patrick, Chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce.

Cllr Matheson said: “There are a vast number of people who live and work in Glasgow who have a great amount of expertise, knowledge and ability to influence.

“This commission will tap into this enormous reservoir of talent, to help our great city and its citizens through these current difficult economic times.

“We are sure that the Glasgow Economic Commission will enable our city to think outside the box, come up with new ways of doing things and drive forward Glasgow’s continued renewal and future economic prosperity.”

Professor McDonald, chair of the new commission, said: “In challenging economic times, it is crucial that public and private sectors work together and capitalise on opportunities for growth. The commission will review the city’s economic position and identify investment opportunities that will sustain and develop Glasgow’s future prosperity.

“We are extremely pleased that senior business leaders will help us with this work to grow the economy, create jobs and help the city compete internationally.”

Stuart Patrick, who proposed the creation of the commission, said: “Glasgow works best when it works together. This is the right time to be looking at where Glasgow is headed. I am delighted that high calibre senior business leaders will bring an informed perspective to our work to help identify the next wave of investments in Glasgow’s economic renewal and development.”

The commission will focus on specific business and management expertise in five key areas – Investment and Infrastructure; Industry/Business Alignment; People and Skills: Higher and Further Education and Economic Context. This is to ensure that the economic programmes being implemented by Glasgow are both relevant and effective in creating jobs and opportunities for citizens and businesses in the city.

Another key element of the commission’s work will be to take evidence from interested parties about high impact initiatives that should be introduced to improve Glasgow’s economy.

The commission will also look to refresh the city’s current economic development strategy – A Step Change for Glasgow – which was launched in 2006. Following the analysis and consultation, the commission will deliver its recommendations to 0city and business leaders on how best to translate that strategy into reality.