Scotland - a great place for business
by Alice Arandia, Director l CQ® Certified Facilitator
I grew up in Scotland, then spent many years as an expat living and working in several different countries, before returning to settle back in Scotland early 2020. I came back to open a business, something I had wanted to do for many years, but arrived just before the UK went into it’s first lockdown. Talk about challenging! like everywhere, it hasn’t been an easy time for businesses in Scotland but despite all the challenges I have been impressed by how businesses have adapted, and how innovative people have been. It hasn’t surprised me though, as that is what Scotland is about.. so let me share with you some of the reasons I think Scotland is a good place to do business.
5 reasons you should do business in Scotland:
1. World Leading Innovation
I doubt any of us, wherever you are in the world, will have grown up without access to a television, telephone, pneumatic tyres or most importantly antibiotics. The world would certainly be a vastly different place without these amazing inventions which have transformed lives in the last 100+ years and they are all thanks to Scottish inventors. They are however but a few of the many inventions that have come out of Scotland, and this innovative culture continues today, with many talented people in Scotland working on development of new medicines, renewable energies, artificial intelligence in a business environment that promotes and encourages research and innovation.
Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, is a great example of the ongoing drive to be a world leader in sustainability and innovation thanks to its Sustainable Glasgow campaign which has made the city one of the greenest in Europe. Glasgow hosted the UN Climate Change Conference, COP26, in November 2021; selected to host this international event due to its “experience, commitment to sustainability and world class facilities” (ukcop26.org)
2. Talented, skilled work force
Scotland, with its world-renowned universities, some of the top research institutions in the world, and well developed, experienced industry and service sectors, can count on a large pool of talented, skilled workers. Scotland also attracts workers from around the world, creating a workforce which is rich in diversity, knowledge, experience, and languages.
3. Good Transport Links
Scotland has well established, efficient transport links to Europe and worldwide by sea, air, road or railway. The main ports are Clyde and Grangemouth, and Glasgow, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Inverness all have international airports. (And yes we have the Forth Rail Bridge, featured in this photo, west of our capital city, Edinburgh, which I love, and you might have seen if you’v seen a FINCH presentation with the tagline “bridging the gap between you and your new market”).
4. Business Support
I have found that the support provided for businesses in Scotland is second to none, from private business networks and communities to government funded enterprises such as Business Gateway, CanDo and Scottish Development International. These initiatives provide advice and support for starts ups and businesses as they grow, with an aim to promote innovation and entrepreneurship. There is also a lovely collaborative community spirit among small businesses, which is so encouraging to see and beneficial to companies already in the market as well as companies seeking to enter the market.
5. Great Place to Live or Visit
Despite our notoriously bad weather, which has to be acknowledged, Scotland really does have a good quality of life, with stunning scenery, cosmopolitan cities, and clean air. Wherever you are in Scotland you won’t be far from quiet rolling hills, long sandy beaches, stunning golf courses, vibrant football stadiums, a busy city centre, parklands, bookshops, libraries, historic buildings or sports facility.. there’s something for everyone within easy reach. The only thing you need to remember is to have a raincoat, whatever time of year it is as we can have 4 seasons in one day.
If you are interested in exploring business opportunities in Scotland, we are here to help, whether that be anything from procurement of products or services, opening a business in Scotland, finding new clients to providing foreign employees in Scotland with cultural skills training and orientation. We work with you, tailoring our services to your requirements.
