GLASGOW has regenerated itself and must now use the Commonwealth Games to attract more visitors and investors to the city, according to business leaders.

While localised projects remain, the big job is done and it is time to reap the benefits, according to the Chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce.

Stuart Patrick told a breakfast meeting at the Glasgow Business Embassy, open every day during the Games, the city was strong once again.

He said: "We don't need to talk about regeneration any more.

"The city doesn't need regenerated, we've done it, Glasgow is once again an economic powerhouse for Scotland.

"We can talk about regeneration of areas but the city has done it."

The boss of one of the city's biggest shopping centres said the benefits need to last years beyond the Games.

Ann Ledgerwood, Manager of the St Enoch Centre, said the change in the city can attract investment.

She said: "We are not just selling a shopping centre or a single pitch, we are selling a city to retailers. We are seeing an increase in footfall and turnover. But if all we see are one-off benefits, then back to normal after the Games, then it is not worth it.

"The Games have given us the stage to send out a message and we have got to capitalise on that.

"The bricks and mortar legacy is in the venues but it also boosts aspirations and confidence, which gathers into retail."

The Glasgow Business Embassy, based in the Old Fruitmarket, is hosting daily Games events, with speakers covering a whole range of development issues.

Mr Patrick said the Games were an opportunity.

He said: "There are a whole series of people coming who have never been here before.

"We have an opportunity to show we are better than the perception they may have suggests."

stewart.paterson@ eveningtimes.co.uk