Comhairle and UBC unite to face economic challenges
Speaking after meetings organised by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) to discuss ways of coping with the global economic downturn, James Pedrana, CEO of UBC Group Ltd who employ 130 tradesmen and staff throughout the Hebrides said: “Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, led by Angus Campbell, should be commended for initiating these meetings with businesses across the Outer Hebrides. This willingness to break with tradition and engage with the business community to identify the key requirements of industry is exactly the action necessary.”
And Mr Pedrana said: “While the economic climate is hugely challenging - the proven resilience of island communities will help us through these challenging times. It’s essential that the private sector and public agencies work together to achieve lasting good for the islands. That spirit was apparent given the turnout at the meetings held in Stornoway and Benbecula. We all found the discussions encouraging, and the overriding mood was one of optimism. For the first time in my working life, construction companies in the islands have already agreed to work together to try and ensure that large scale contracts due to be let are secured, on a competitive basis, by island companies. If we do that, we’ll help secure the viability of companies, and ensure that we retain our staff and help apprentices complete their training”.
And he added:”It is completely unreasonable and unrealistic to think that the likes of the Comhairle can, on their own, help secure our economy. The Comhairle and other public agencies like HIE, the Hebridean Housing Partnership and Scottish Water do have a vital role to play but they cannot be expected to deliver on their own. If we all approach this coming year with a spirit of co-operation we will help mitigate some of the factors in the downturn.
Certainly in the case of Hebridean Housing Partnership, more funds need to be released to build on the ongoing housing programme to satisfy what I understand to be an ever growing waiting list.”
And Mr Pedrana said that he believed that: “Storas Uibhist, the new community landowner of South Uist can help spearhead some exciting developments in Uist – but they also need to be supported by both the private sector and other public agencies. Given the challenge we face, no one can work in isolation and expect to make progress. The past week has helped instil confidence, and these early discussions may yet to prove to be a critical launch pad for 2009”.
The meetings themselves were well attended with almost 120 in attendance over both nights. The tone of the meetings was positive, with the business representatives acknowledging that they were facing significant challenges, but seeking to find positive ways forward. The discussion, at both meetings, revolved around key themes, such as procurement of services; transport; tourism; media; broadband and marketing.
Angus Campbell, Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said:
“Feedback from the meetings has been positive and there appears to be an appetite to translate this into a regular forum. An Action Plan is now being drawn up by the Comhairle based upon the findings from the meetings.”
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