New business forum aims to help city out

A NEW business group is to be set up to help the Capital come out of the recession.

The Business Leadership Forum (BLF) will include representatives from the city council, NHS Lothian, city universities and the private sector. BT Scotland director Brendan Dick is expected to chair the new group alongside his role as the chairman of Edinburgh Business Assembly.

The BLF is to focus specifically on longer-term issues and ideas relevant to the city's economic competitiveness.

Councillor Tom Buchanan, the city's economic development leader, said: "It is more important than ever that Edinburgh's public and private sectors work in close partnership."

Mr Dick said: "The creation of the BLF, bringing together the EBA, Chamber of Commerce and other organisations, will contribute to taking the city forward."