City of bright lights and brighter ideas.

WHEN it comes to economic regeneration ideas, Glasgow City Council are hard to beat.

With a fine track record for breathing new life into derelict areas, the council's Develop-ment and Regeneration Services Committee have plenty to feel confident about as they move into the 21st century.

The city on the Clyde is well along the path of making the transition from an economy centred on manufacturing industries to one focusing on hi-tech and creative sectors - both vital contributors in the development of the city's knowledge-based economy.

Glasgow's fresh ideas and methods of regenerating the economy have created interest all over the world.

A buoyant Bailie Steven Purcell, convenor of the Development and Regeneration Services Committee, said: "It is the energy and vision of Glasgow's people and that of its indigenous business - not forgetting its inward investors - that continues to serve it well.

"Indeed, this is something that the city council and Glasgow Development Agency, together with our public and private sector partners, aim to capitalise on."

HUGE investments in the last decade in commerce, tourism and transportation have seen Glasgow rise from a struggling industrial city to one of Europe's foremost commercial centres.

Businesses looking to relocate find a vibrant city centre where the splendour of Victorian and Georgian facades are a front for the modern office accommodation to be found within.

The joint economic strategy, called Glasgow's Renewed Prosperity, has set itself a framework of five goals and an action programme which will enable it to continue Glasgow's transformation until 2005.

Focusing on economic development, the strategy is a vital part of the Glasgow Alliance's plans and is integrated with the national strategy launched by Scottish Enterprise.

Steve Inch, depute director of the council's Development and Regeneration Services said: "We are working towards the creation of a balanced, sustainable and diverse economy of international importance.

"The council wants to see Glasgow steadily climbing the competitive rankings of city economies as well as boosting its contribution to the Scottish and UK economic base."

With an annual budget of pounds 90million, the City Council's Development and Regeneration Services bring together the groups responsible for forward planning, property development and management and economic and social development.

The director responsible for economic regeneration is Rodger McConnell. He feels the new approach is the best way to help the various regeneration agencies to pull together.

It is also the best way to deliver services, he adds, and helps to to maximise the council's contribution to the regeneration of Glasgow's economy.

The council are major providers of business advice and financial support to Glasgow companies, more often than not aided by the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund secured through Strathclyde European Partnership.

The Business Services section can offer business loans and grants through a number of schemes tailored to suit specific problems encountered by the business, whether by offering support through a difficult patch or assisting a thriving business with expansion plans.

Business finance is available through a range of programmes, including the Glasgow Business Growth Fund, the West of Scotland Loan Fund and the Glasgow Development Fund, with amounts offered ranging from pounds 1000 to pounds 150,000.

The Management and Technology Training Grant can cover up to 80 per cent of training fees for a company installing new technology or management techniques, while the Employment Grants Scheme is a wage subsidy scheme designed to encourage employers to create new permanent jobs.

The Youth Employment and Training Initiative provides a grant paid to businesses to employ young trainees and assistance is also available to help companies attend national and international trade events.

Apart from assistance available from Business Services, other units within Development and Regeneration Services also offer help to businesses.

Planning Services can offer advice on matters related to development proposals, while Property Services has a range of commercial and industrial sites for let as well as offering professional help on any property matter.

In essence, Glasgow City Council are committed to offering as much assistance as possible to help individuals or businesses create or sustain employment in the city.

Yes, 21st century Glasgow is certainly the place to be!

If you wish information on any of the above, call 0141-287 0309 or access the business pages on the council's website on www.glasgow.gov.uk