#Glasgow2014biz raises University profile

Published: 4 August 2014

The Commonwealth Games business conference drew political and business leaders and raised the University's global profile.

The Commonwealth Games business conference - #Glasgow2014biz - drew political and business leaders and raised the University's global profile.

Visitors to the Gilmorehill campus over the two days included the Prime Minister, David Cameron, the Chancellor, George Osborne and the Scottish First Minister, Alex Salmond.

The conference involved experts and business leaders with experience of working across the Commonwealth, from the Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney to the Founder of international chicken restaurant chain Nando's, Robert Brozin.

They talked about issues such as how international trade can be a driver for economic growth and the best way to build and spread further sustainable growth, while still delivering a business return.

‌Annual trade in goods within the Commonwealth have hit an estimated £330 billion, and GDP growth rates are out-stripping the EU’s.

David Cameron at the CG Business conf

Because of the security requirements for the conference, on 22 and 23 July, all parking on campus was suspended, causing some disruption for staff. The Principal has thanked staff for their patience and good humour over the two days. Professor Anton Muscatelli also paid tribute to everyone who helped make #Glasgow2014biz a success.‌

The Principal said: "I would like to thank everyone for your forbearance as the University hosted the Commonwealth Business Conference. I would also like to thank all the staff members from University Services who helped to make the conference safe and secure, very well fed and watered, and a great success.

Commonwealth Business Conference - staff with Queen's Baton"While it has been an extraordinary sight to see the Gilmorehill campus free of cars and vans, I know this has required many colleagues to change their travel to work plans.

"I know too that even some short journeys on foot within the Gilbert Scott building were a challenge. However, the University of Glasgow was thrust to the very centre of the spotlight in the run up to the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony."

The conference was widely reported in the UK and across the rest of the Commonwealth.

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First published: 4 August 2014

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