Glasgow businesses are being encouraged to seize the ‘golden opportunity’ offered by the city hosting this year’s Commonwealth Games.
Representatives from across Glasgow’s hospitality, tourism, transport and retail sectors gathered this week at the Barras Market and Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow’s East End to launch the ‘All In’ campaign encouraging the nation to get behind the sporting event.
For businesses, going ‘All In’ for Commonwealth 2026 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.
Glasgow Chamber of Commerce chief executive 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,” said Patrick.
“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.”
Taking part in the launch at The Barras were Stephanie Horneman, from restaurant and bowling venue VEGA Glasgow – which is creating a bespoke Glasgow 2026 cocktail menu – Michaela Tzaneti of City Sightseeing, Dougie McPherson of Glasgow Taxis, John McGuire and Neill Murphy of whisky tours operator Scottish Rogue, and Chris Butler market manager at the Glasgow Barrowland itself.
Butler 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,” said Butler.
“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.”
Chief Executive of Glasgow 2026, Phil Batty OBE, added: “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.”
Featuring 10 sports and six Para sport disciplines between 23 July and 2 August 2026, Glasgow 2026 will see more than 3000 athletes and 3000 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 branding to show their support, ready-to-use digital toolkits and opportunities for nationwide exposure via Glasgow 2026 channels.
