Consultation is taking place to help shape the new East Dunbartonshire Economic Development Strategy, which aims to support jobs, productivity, investment, and access to goods and services, while creating wellbeing for the people of East Dunbartonshire.
Chamber members and associates are invited to have their say by completing the business survey which is accessible using the link below. The survey is open until 11th April 2025, so get your feedback in quickly.
All responses and feedback will be used to create a foundation for developing the new Economic Development Strategy (EDS), ensuring that it reflects local priorities.
It is expected a draft EDS – including background reports, policy framework, data analysis and research – will be considered by elected members in the autumn, after which there will be further public consultation. It is hoped a finalised EDS will be in place by early 2026.
The surveys aim to identify: everyday experiences and habits; current economic challenges, including local and global issues; support measures for enhancing the local economy; and community aspirations for the future.
The objectives of the new EDS include:
- Updating the economic baseline of East Dunbartonshire to provide evidence of the existing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that should guide policy development
- Defining a renewed approach to local economic development that aligns with national and regional guidance
- Identifying strategic economic development outcomes and preparing an action plan
- Developing a monitoring plan to measure the success of the strategy, based on a set of ambitious but realistic targets.
The Council is working on the new strategy with East Dunbartonshire Economic Partnership (EDEP), which includes the Department for Work and Pensions, Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses, Skills Development Scotland, East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action, VisitScotland and Scottish Canals.
It is also liaising with the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Region, local authorities and research institutions to ensure alignment with broader policy objectives and the adoption of best practices.
The new EDS follows the Council’s previous Economic Development Strategy, the post-COVID Economic Recovery Plan and the Circular Economy Strategy (agreed in 2023).
Find out more about East Dunbartonshire’s economy by clicking on the infographic below.
