I have been reflecting recently on how we measure successful inward investment. While the traditional focus on the number of jobs remains important, today there is a range of additional more qualitative benefits essential for sustainable success.
Since joining Morgan Stanley in Glasgow in 2006, I have seen the office grow to employ more than 2,000 people. Over that time, I have experienced first-hand much of what that growth has delivered not only for the firm, but also for our people and the city of Glasgow.
Central to this has been the development of talent and skills. We have enjoyed building successful relationships with schools, colleges and universities, helping nurture young talent through mentoring, coaching, course development, work experience and internships.
Hundreds of individuals have joined the firm via graduate and apprenticeship programmes, embarking on careers leading to professional qualifications. There is also a strong international dimension to our work, with opportunities to collaborate closely with colleagues across our global network – something I have experienced throughout my career.
We are committed to supporting Scotland’s status as an innovation hub. In Glasgow, we have created numerous technology roles and enthusiastically share our global experience, through knowledge transfer. One example is the Financial Regulation Innovation Lab, our collaboration with Fintech Scotland and the University of Glasgow and University of Strathclyde, to drive innovation in regulatory technology.
Another key priority is our desire to make a positive impact on the local communities where our employees live and work.
Through our Giving Back programmes, Glasgow employees provide hands-on support to local organisations such as Glasgow-based charity PEEK and Save the Children UK, through volunteering, fundraising and pro bono work.
A standout example is Morgan Stanley’s Global Volunteer Month, where 90 per cent of our Glasgow workforce took part in the annual global initiative, supporting charities in their local community as part of a wider effort that reached hundreds of organisations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
We sincerely hope our commitment to developing talent, promoting innovation and supporting local communities in Glasgow since 2000 has made a difference beyond the numbers.
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