Glasgow City Region is one of the largest in the UK, with a population of 1.8m living within 45 minutes of the city centre. Our economy generates over £40bn per annum, 42% of our residents are educated to degree level and unemployment is at its lowest since records began. Having learned the lessons from previous recessions, we have developed a broad based, resilient economy which has continued to grow through challenging macroeconomic times. Our economic performance has been remarkable.

Yet that growth hasn't been shared by all of our citizens. The City Deal has given us the opportunity to further growth and share this prosperity with everyone in the wider region. If we can maximise this opportunity, we can transform the powerhouse of the Scottish economy.