About the conference
On Tuesday 8 September 2026, partners from across the public, private, third and academic sectors came together at Paisley Town Hall for the Renfrewshire Economy Conference 2026. The event provided an opportunity to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping Renfrewshire's future and how we can work together to create a stronger economy, better lives and sustainable public services.
Through presentations, discussion and interactive table sessions, delegates explored key themes including economic growth, investment, the wellbeing economy, and the key pillars of Community Wealth Building. A clear message throughout the day was that while Renfrewshire has significant strengths and investment opportunities, future prosperity will depend on improving health, participation, productivity and collaboration across sectors.
The conference also provided an important opportunity for delegates to share ideas, challenges and practical actions through facilitated discussion sessions, helping to shape a shared vision for the Renfrewshire we want to build.
Key speakers
The conference featured presentations from:
- Andrew Robertson, Glasgow City Region, who provided an overview of the economic and fiscal outlook for Scotland and the wider region
- Alasdair Morrison, Renfrewshire Council, who highlighted the scale of investment activity across Renfrewshire and the opportunities this presents for businesses, communities and residents
- Professor Gerry McCartney, University of Glasgow, who explored the links between economic systems, health inequalities, wellbeing and demand for public services
- Ruth Cooper, Renfrewshire Council, who outlined a vision for "The Renfrewshire We Want to Build" and demonstrated how Community Wealth Building can create greater local value through the decisions organisations make every day.
Conference report, presentations and delegate pack
Presentation slides from each speaker, alongside feedback from the table discussions, are available. Together they provide further insight into the themes, ideas and opportunities discussed throughout the day.
We encourage you to explore the materials and consider how your organisation can contribute to building a stronger, fairer and more resilient Renfrewshire economy.