Glasgow Chamber of Commerce has a new Chief Executive from this month in Richard Cairns.

Richard is a leading economic development expert and was one of the main contributors to the city's ambitious 10 year Economic Strategy Step Change for Glasgow.

As the City Council's Head of Economic and Social Initiatives for the last 4 years, he's been responsible for 83 staff and a £55m budget.

Richard has already started work on Chamber projects, following on from previous work in partnership with the Chamber and other city business organisations and agencies.

Richard commented:

"This is a time of great excitement and opportunity for the Chamber and for Glasgow. The city's economic performance is strong and we are standing on the edge of wonderful opportunities, with the 2014 Commonwealth Games, the extension of the M74 and the development of the East End Regeneration Route and Clyde Gateway, the continuing regeneration of the waterfront, major events coming to the city and thriving tourism and financial services sectors.

Business is the wealth creator that allows the city's problems like worklessness and poverty to be tackled. We need to create an environment that supports and encourages business at all levels."

Richard’s predecessor Lesley Sawers is now Chief Executive of the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI).