With less than one week to go, organisers have confirmed that the inaugural Perth and Kinross Economic Summit is fully booked and now operating a waiting list. More than 300 delegates from business, education, and the public sector are due to attend Perth Concert Hall on Wednesday 9 September 2026 for the event.
Councillor Eric Drysdale, Leader of Perth and Kinross Council, commented, “The response we’ve had to this summit has been hugely encouraging. Selling out a week ahead of the event shows this is exactly what businesses across Perth and Kinross want – a chance to be part of the conversation about our economic future. We’ve put together a fantastic line-up of speakers and panellists, and I’m really looking forward to a productive day that helps shape what comes next for the area.”
The summit, titled “Growing Perth and Kinross: Unlocking Business Growth Through Skills, Investment and Collaboration”, has been organised by Perth and Kinross Council and is supported by local sponsors, SSE plc and Highland Spring. It brings together business leaders, investors, education and skills partners, and public sector organisations to explore how the area can unlock its next chapter of economic growth.
Delegates will hear an opening address by John Swinney MSP, First Minister of Scotland, reflecting on the national economic context and the opportunities ahead for Perth and Kinross. Martin Pibworth, Chief Executive of lead sponsor SSE plc, will speak on the company’s role in leading the energy transition from Perth, and Susan Campbell, Director – Market Creation (Place) at the Scottish National Investment Bank, will deliver a keynote on investing in Scotland’s future.
Martin Pibworth, Chief Executive of SSE plc, commented, “SSE’s roots in Perth run deep, and the scale of our investment here reflects the confidence we have in this area’s future. As we lead the energy transition, Perth and Kinross has real significance for us both locally and on the national stage as we support jobs, skills and a growing local supply chain.”
The programme also includes two interactive panel discussions – one on unlocking business growth, hosted by William, Viscount Stormont of Scone Estates, and one on building the workforce for future growth, hosted by Evonne Boyd of Skills Development Scotland – along with facilitated roundtable discussions designed to ensure every attendee has the chance to contribute their views.
First Minister, John Swinney commented, “Ensuring that local and national government work hand-in-hand to build a vibrant, sustainable economy is vital for Scotland’s future.
“Perth and Kinross has many important economic strengths including energy, food and drink, tourism and innovation, I look forward to hearing directly from the local business community on how we can work together to deliver growth, investment and opportunity across Perth and Kinross, and Scotland as a whole.”
With capacity now reached, organisers are advising anyone hoping to attend to contact the Council to join the waiting list in case of cancellation. They would also ask those booked who can no longer attend, to cancel their ticket allocation. Investinperth.co.uk
