Businesses in central Glasgow are expecting the Commonwealth Games to help relieve ongoing cost pressures and repair the financial damage from the Union Street fire.
Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and Glasgow 2026 hosted an event for 150 businesses to outline plans for the Games period and highlight the significant economic opportunities.
With the Games designed around a compact city-centre footprint, organisers believe Glasgow is uniquely positioned to maximise the benefits for local businesses.
Four competition venues will sit within an eight-mile corridor, creating a concentrated hub of activity that is expected to drive footfall across the city centre and surrounding neighbourhoods.
More than 700,000 people are expected to be in Glasgow during the Games which take place between 23 July and 2 August and involve 74 competing nations and territories.
More than 800 accredited international journalists will also be reporting from the city, placing Glasgow firmly on the global stage and offering an opportunity to promote the city.
Central to the All In programme is the Get-Set Hub, a central digital portal providing businesses with practical information ranging from transport arrangements and road closures to marketing advice and visitor insights.
The Games will also coincide with an expanded Glasgow 2026 Festival, which takes is taking place from now until the 9 August, featuring Glasgow Mela, the Merchant City Festival, major commissions and come and try sporting events
The Festival will create additional opportunities for hospitality, retail and leisure businesses to attract visitors and residents.
There has been criticism of the decision not to show the Games on free-to-air television but the economic potential remains significant. Event tourism contributes around £6 billion annually to the Scottish economy and accounts for approximately half of all visitor spending across the country.
Alison McRae, senior director at Glasgow Chamber of Commerce said: “The Commonwealth Games presents a significant opportunity for businesses across Glasgow. There is a real sense of excitement and ambition as we prepare to welcome the world to our city.
“Glasgow is of course recognised globally as a leading host of major events, and Glasgow 2026 provides another opportunity to build on that reputation. The Games has already helped to create jobs and support local businesses and hosting this important Commonwealth event can allow us to showcase everything that makes Glasgow such a vibrant and dynamic city and to attract further investment.
“We are encouraging businesses of all sizes to get involved through the All-In campaign. With the right preparation, the economic benefits can be embraced in full by our businesses across Glasgow.”
Phil Batty, chief executive of Glasgow 2026, said the Games would showcase Glasgow on a global stage while delivering tangible benefits for local businesses.
He said: “We are ready to welcome thousands of athletes and fans from across the Commonwealth to Glasgow this summer and we are now into the final stretch of preparation. The business community across Glasgow will play a critical role in making these Games a success for all.
“Through the All In campaign, we will shine the Games spotlight on what Glasgow businesses are already doing brilliantly, at the same time maximising the increased footfall and international attention the Games will bring.
“The opportunity for businesses is enormous. We want the impact of these Games to be felt well beyond the sporting venues, reaching businesses, communities and sectors across the city.”
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