Speaker Presentations and Event Topic Introduction

Phil Prentice, STP Chief Officer first gave a welcome and short update on current activities, projects and the priorities of Scotland's Towns Partnership.

Phil reported an exciting year for STP and in recognition of progress, Scottish Government has entrusted delivery of Improvement Districts to STP, bringing all the learning and collaboration together. Now rebranded and launched as Scotland’s Improvement Districts, the model advocates community, public and private sector collaboration and partnership.

Introducing the evening’s topic and speakers, Phil Prentice stated that our economy has shifted in line with the way we citizens live our lives. We tend to leave to the city and return to towns in the evening – and they’re shut. There’s an opportunity to raise ambitions. This could include opening shops late morning, staying open later in the evening and considering niche leisure offers to capture and create vibrancy in an evening economy in towns. If there were propositions in-town, people would be encouraged to use them and there would be greater economic prosperity.

Each of the invited speakers then gave a short presentation on their topic of expertise. Please see presentation slides and the minutes of the meeting for full detail, and below for Twitter highlights!

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