Economic consultation sets priorities for Capital

A CONSULTATION has been launched into a new economic strategy for the Capital.

The city council and the Edinburgh Business Forum are asking for views to inform the new strategy, which will set out the city's growth priorities for the next five to ten years.

Initial work undertaken with businesses has indicated that renewable energy is an area where efforts should be focused.

Challenges facing the city, according to the review, include the difficulties of local companies in accessing finance, the productivity challenges which must be met if Edinburgh is to compete on a global stage and the need for more internationalisation of city region business activities.

Councillor Tom Buchanan, the city's economic development leader, said: "This has been a major piece of work; one that will inform our policies for the next ten years and beyond. We are now more informed as to what challenges lie ahead and are clear our main priority must be sustainable job creation."