“A great city is one which commits to sharing success and improving the well-being and life experience of all its citizens”. This fair city approach is one of the four emerging goals highlighted in the early findings of the Edinburgh City Vision 2050. Individuals and businesses consulted would like Edinburgh to be a city without barriers to achievement and where a good quality of life is enjoyed by all.

International evidence suggests that, in order to achieve real equality, we need to develop an economy that provides good quality jobs, a living wage, flexibility in the workplace, and ongoing skills development, all of which will also stop our workforce being left behind in the digital age. Over 45 business delegates at the inaugural Edinburgh Partnership – Inspiring People, Enabling Growth Conference on 31st of January came along to hear from our speakers -GlobalScot and Scottish Equity Partners co-founder Calum Paterson, City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) Leader Andrew Burns, and CEC Chief Executive Andrew Kerr – about the link between good workplace people practices and business growth. Local businesses that have successfully implemented, and reaped the benefits of, “inclusive” practices also led workshop sessions offering practical and honest advice on the living wage, flexible working, and developing your people.  Kat Brogan, Managing Director at Mercat Tours provided a valuable insight on the Living Wage and offered up advice to anyone heading of on this journey. It is to be authentic in your relationship with employees. Ensuring successful implementation of the Living Wage will have greater impact if aligned with staff development and form part of a wider communication with your staff team to help grow a sustainable business.

Doing the “right thing” and investing in people creates an attractive employment opportunity and better customer experience. Kat reflected on running a tourism business and described it “as the looking-after industry” where visitors are given a warm welcome. Adopting this philosophy for your business has clear results – ‘looked after’ staff will be inspired to stay, develop and support your business growth.  A great city is one which commits to sharing success and improving the well-being and life experience of all its citizens. Let’s make the changes to help make Edinburgh a city without barriers to achievement and narrow the income gap to offer all a good quality of life. For further information and to view the responsible business toolkit visit here