23 June 2000
Speaking at the final summit at last week's CIPFA conference, the chief executive of Birmingham City Council told delegates that the global economy means councils can no longer take their existing economic base for granted.
'The decision by BMW to end their relationship with Rover had as much to with the local politics in Munich as in the UK,' he said.
According to Lyons, one result of the globalisation of business is that councils are being forced to compete on a much wider stage.
'There is a new interest in image and branding as cities, towns and counties begin to look for ways to make themselves more distinctive and more attractive as a location.'
The communications and information revolution has also had an impact on the attitude of citizens, Lyons said, adding: 'It is taking away inch by inch any confidence that government is likely to have all the answers.'
PFjun2000
