Eden Springs recently sponsored a Glasgow Chamber of Commerce event, where Eden Springs' UK Managing Director Jean-Marc Bolinger presented and discussed that impact that public sector expenditure cutbacks are having on the private sector. As we approach the 2011 Scottish Parliament elections, the political debate is firmly focused on the deteriorating state of public finances and the important role that the private sector can play in boosting the Scottish economy. During breakfast the audience also heard from Stuart Patrick, Chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, and Professor Iain Docherty, Professor of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Glasgow.
Both Professor Docherty and Mr Bolinger kick-started the event by eluding to the bleak economic forecast for the next decade, and outlined some of the challenges facing the private sector as further cuts are implemented at a regional and national level. The presentations were followed by an interactive discussion, where several contributions highlighted that, although Glasgow is in a strong position to weather the crisis, the city cannot afford to be complacent. Jean-Marc Bollinger concluded the event by arguing that the current economic crisis should be seen as an opportunity for firms to innovate, diversify and invest intelligently.
