The first seminar in the Fraser of Allander / Herald Group series took place in November and asked the question "Where's the growth?" in light of the recession and its impact on Scotland. The series is based on the premise of Herald Group regional manager Tim Blott that "policy is too precious to be left purely to politicians. It is up to all of us to get involved in ensuring Scotland's economy prospers."
Professor Jim McDonald, principal of Strathclyde University, and Tim Blott jointly hosted the session which was held in front of an invited audience of leaders in the business and public sectors as well as academics and experts, from sectors such as e-commerce, transport and food and drink.
The session was chaired by the Fraser of Allander Institute's Professor Peter McGregor. His colleague Professor Brian Ashcroft was on the panel together with Jeremy Peat, a financial services expert and director of the David Hume Institute; Alasdair Kerr, managing director of Scottish Chambers International; and David Craig, technology entrepreneur and director of Actual Analytics.
The series will continue in 2011 with sessions on the crisis in the Scottish public sector and Scotland's future energy requirements.