28 Jan 2026
Business leaders in Scotland’s biggest city have hailed the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as a ‘golden opportunity’ for the local economy as they line up alongside communities to play their part in ‘Scotland’s Games’.
At the iconic Barras Market and Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow’s East End, representatives from across the city’s hospitality, tourism, transport and retail sectors came together to back Glasgow 2026’s nationwide All In movement, which focuses on rallying the nation behind the biggest sporting event in the UK this year.
Glasgow Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stuart Patrick CBE joined Stephanie Horneman, from restaurant and bowling venue VEGA Glasgow; Michaela Tzaneti of City Sightseeing Glasgow; Dougie McPherson of Glasgow Taxis; John McGuire and Neill Murphy of whisky tours operator Scottish Rogue; and Chris Butler, market manager at Glasgow Barrowland, who backed the call for firms to “go All In” ahead of the Games.
All In is Glasgow 2026’s national campaign inviting communities, schools, sports clubs, cultural organisations and businesses across Scotland to celebrate the Games in their own way. For businesses, that could mean anything from themed menus, offers and extended opening hours, to staff events and watchalongs, dressed shopfronts, or community-led activity in partnership with local groups.
Stuart Patrick CBE said: "The Commonwealth Games present another golden opportunity for Glasgow to once again demonstrate to the world why it is a globally recognised host city.
“Glasgow 2026 is not just a sporting event, it is a powerful platform to showcase the city’s ambition, hospitality and economic strength. The ‘All In’ initiative gives businesses a clear and collective way to play their part. From family-run traders and local suppliers to international hotel and hospitality brands, businesses across the city will be on the frontline of welcoming visitors, athletes and officials, while helping to project the very best of Glasgow to a global audience.
“With an anticipated £150 million boost in local spend, the Games will deliver a significant uplift to the visitor economy and wider supply chain. I would strongly encourage firms of all sizes to get involved and help make Glasgow 2026 a lasting success for the city and its economy.”
Businesses across the city are already going ‘All In’, with VEGA Glasgow creating a bespoke Glasgow 2026 cocktail menu; City Sightseeing and Glasgow Taxis getting on board, and the iconic Barras Market set to welcome thousands of visitors and shoppers as the Games arrive in Glasgow.
Chris Butler, market manager at The Glasgow Barrowland, said: “The Barras has been at the heart of Glasgow’s trading and cultural life for generations, so it’s fitting that we’re going All In. From long-standing traders to new independents, our businesses know how powerful big events can be for footfall, profile and pride in the local area. Glasgow 2026 is a once-in-a-generation moment and we want visitors from around the world to experience the real Glasgow – its markets, music, food and people.
“By going All In, places like The Barras can show that the benefits of the Games reach far beyond the main venues and right into the heart of our communities.”
Phil Batty OBE, Chief Executive of Glasgow 2026, said: “We’re incredibly proud that so many of Glasgow’s leading businesses have already gone All In for Glasgow 2026 – Scotland’s Games. Glasgow has a wealth of world-class experience hosting major events, and the halo effect that can be felt across the nation.
“The business community will be absolutely central to the success of the Games, spotlighting the very best of our products, services and entrepreneurial spirit, while generating significant economic benefits across the nation. There is no better city than Glasgow – and a country like Scotland – to welcome the world and showcase our warm hospitality, vibrant culture and first-class businesses. The magic of the Commonwealth Games is its ability to bring people and communities together, and Glasgow and Scotland are ready to welcome the world.”
Featuring 10 sports and six Para sport disciplines between 23 July and 2 August 2026, Glasgow 2026 will see more than 3,000 athletes and 3,000 volunteers converge on the city, with events taking place within an eight-mile corridor at venues including Scotstoun Stadium, the Scottish Event Campus (SEC), the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Arena, and Tollcross International Swimming Centre.
Businesses going ‘All In’ will receive free official Glasgow 2026 All In branding to show their support, ready-to-use digital toolkits and opportunities for nationwide exposure via Glasgow 2026 channels, helping them to attract customers, stand out to visitors and align their plans with Scotland and the UK’s biggest sporting event of the year.
To show your support, spark local pride and make the most of the economic opportunity of Glasgow 2026, go All In and register at glasgow2026.com/all-in.
