Get Inspired 2020:The Future is Circular, hosted by Circular Glasgow, will welcome a number of keynote speakers in the construction industry to discuss their experiences of implementing and converting to circular practices which have benefited their business in terms of economic growth, job creation and innovative, sustainable solutions.

During the pandemic, there was no doubt in anyone’s mind about their role as a global citizen, what that meant and how they should play their part. Circular Glasgow, hosted by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, supported by Zero Waste Scotland and funded through the European Regional Development Fund, is hoping to capitalise on this feeling of unity to encourage businesses to consider adopting circular practices which will not only influence the climate change agenda but also improve business opportunities, safeguarding their future and finances.

The event, which will run from September 21-24, will focus on four key sectors, hearing from experts and thought-leaders in each of the following: food and drink, construction, manufacturing, and events & conferences.

As businesses enter unprecedented times of unemployment as well as having to adapt business models and to new markets, the benefits linked to circular business models cannot be overlooked as industries begin to recover from reduced economic activity.

Job creation, stimulating innovation and competition, and securing the supply of raw materials are all cited as beneficial factors of a circular economy and ones which would no doubt aid Glasgow in its post-COVID recovery.

On September 22, the focus will be on the construction industry and Circular Glasgow will be joined by speakers including Stephen Good from Construction Scotland Innovation Centre; Stephen Lewis from the HFD Property Group, Nitesh Magdani from Insight Futures and Nick Ribbons from Zero Waste Scotland to explore how the construction industry can use circular economy principles to build a stronger, more resilient environment.

Alison McRae, senior director at Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: “The pandemic crisis has forced through a speed of adaptability that previously we might not have seen. As we move towards recovery and also start to address the climate change crisis, we know that business models can be adapted, and innovative solutions can be created to future-proof Glasgow’s businesses. And through this thinking, businesses can embrace the financial and competitive opportunities to be found within circular principles.

“Glasgow has already nailed its colours to the mast, setting possibly one of the most challenging targets globally for a city: to be net zero by 2030. COP26 next year will assert a punctuation point in this timeline and Glasgow Chamber of Commerce will continue to advocate the benefits of moving to a circular economy to assist with this ambition.

“We look forward to welcoming businesses from Glasgow and throughout Scotland to our first virtual Get Inspired event.”

To register for this event, head to Circular Glasgow where you will find the link to the Get Inspired 2020 event platform.