Inaugural Perth and Kinross Economic Summit to bring together 300 leaders to shape the region's economic future
Perth and Kinross Council has announced the inaugural Perth and Kinross Economic Summit, taking place at Perth Concert Hall on Wednesday 9 September 2026.
Perth and Kinross Council has announced the inaugural Perth and Kinross Economic Summit, taking place at Perth Concert Hall on Wednesday 9 September 2026. Sponsored by SSE, the summit will bring together 300 senior leaders from business, education, government and the third sector to deliver a shared direction for sustainable economic growth in the region.
Hosted by Steve Stewart, Co-Chair of the Perth and Kinross Business Partnership, the event has been created to be action-focused, moving beyond talk into clear priorities for the next 12 months and beyond.
Delegates will feedback on the challenges facing business today, informing the future work programme of the Perth and Kinross Economic Partnership. Discussions will explore how the region builds economic resilience, strengthens skills and workforce development, unlocks investment, improves infrastructure, supports sustainable growth through clean innovation, and maximises opportunities within the rural economy.
The programme includes a welcome from Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney, and a keynote address from Susan Campbell, Director of Market Creation (Place) at the Scottish National Investment Bank, who will explore the national economic landscape and what it means for regions such as Perth and Kinross.
Delegates will also hear from SSE, lead sponsors of the event, who will showcase how they are spearheading the energy transition across the UK from Perth.
The afternoon session will see all delegates involved in facilitated roundtable discussions designed to generate realistic outcomes and actionable priorities.
Councillor Eric Drysdale, Perth and Kinross Council Leader, said:
"Businesses across Perth and Kinross, and wider Scotland, are navigating a period of unprecedented change. Rising costs, workforce shortages, rapidly changing technologies and the transition to a low-carbon economy are creating new challenges.
“Alongside this, investment, innovation and emerging industries offer significant opportunities.
“No single organisation can address these changes alone, and through this Summit we aim to align priorities across the public and private sectors, with actions and accountability at the fore.”
The summit is proudly supported by SSE, whose investment reflects a shared commitment to long-term, sustainable economic growth. As a major infrastructure and energy provider based in Perth and Kinross, SSE's work in energy transition, infrastructure investment and workforce development aligns closely with the summit's core themes.
Martin Pibworth, Chief Executive of SSE, said,
“As one of the region's largest employers and infrastructure investors, SSE has a direct stake in the future success of Perth and Kinross.
“We're proud to support a summit that brings education, business and government together to shape that future, particularly at a time when the transition clean energy is helping to create jobs, support businesses and drive growth across the region.
“As a company proudly headquartered in Perth, SSE’s sponsorship reflects our long-term commitment to working in partnership with others to see the local economy flourish.”
Councillor Drysdale continued,
“I am confident, that together we can shape the priorities that will positively influence economic development across Perth and Kinross and I encourage all businesses who are committed to helping deliver on the future success of our area to ensure they attend."
Businesses interested in attending the Perth and Kinross Economic Summit are encouraged to book through the Invest in Perth account on Eventbrite.