Expert Office Advice

Vital facts and key information for businesses considering relocation to or setting up an office in Glasgow.

Glasgow is the largest city and at the same time the commercial capital of Scotland. It is one of Europe’s top financial centres and is home to many of Scotland’s leading businesses. Over the last decade, new business start-ups and corporate relocations have sprung up in Glasgow creating thousands of new inward investments. It is therefore no surprise that Glasgow was named “A Leading UK City for Locating a Business” by Healy & Baker in 2002.

Glasgow is one of UK’s leading financial service providers and the hub of the growing UK call centre industry. Glasgow also takes pride in having its own stock exchange and dealing floor, the heart of a thriving business centre. With its reputation as an established financial services centre and ably supported by a comprehensive business support group, Glasgow continues to attract new businesses and sees business expansions.

Population
580,690 – estimated population as of 30 June 2006

Migration, immigration, ethnic diversity, basic population demographics
• 3.44% of the population was born outside of Europe while 1.07% was born in Europe but outside UK.
• 94.5% is white.
• 5.5% belongs to the ethnic minority.

Unemployment/employment rate
• 65.9% of the population is employed.
• 8.4% is unemployed.
• 27.9% is economically inactive (retirees, students, looking after home, sick, disabled and others).
Source: Annual Population Survey in Scotland 2005

Average income/salary
• ₤411 per week
Source: Glasgow 2006 Labour Market Statement

Location within the UK and closest major location
• Situated 42 miles from Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh
• Located on the banks of the River Clyde in West Central Scotland

Transport options to and within
• Glasgow is the centre of Scotland’s motorway network, giving fast easy access to the major cities in the UK.
• Inter-city services is excellent with two main line train stations.
• There is also an extensive underground and suburban railway links.

Closest airports with average distance from town/city centre
• Glasgow International Airport – 10 miles west of the city centre
• Glasgow Prestwick International Airport – 32 miles from Glasgow

Dominating sectors/industries
Glasgow’s economy is dominated by the services sector (70%) broken down into healthcare, education, local government and other services (40%); retail, hotel and distribution (29%); financial and business services (22%); transport and communications (9%). Nevertheless, the city still retains a strong manufacturing sector (14%) especially in engineering and metal processing, food, clothing as well as the new growth sectors – software and biotechnology. Glasgow is also experiencing a tourism boom.

Large companies that have headquarters or major branches in the location
• Insurance companies – Direct Line, AXA Insurance Norwich Union
• Banking institutions – Royal Bank of Scotland, Abbey, National Australia Group
• Securities companies – Barclays, Morgan Stanley
• Media – BBC Scotland, Scottish Television

Areas that are considered to be prime business locations
• International Financial Services District
• West of Scotland Science Park
• Rowallon Business Park
• Buchanan Galleries

Major or annual business-related events
Glasgow’s bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games has built up tremendous Business opportunities.

Awards won by the location – business or otherwise
• Glasgow Garden Festival – 1986
• European City of Culture – 1990
• UK City of Architecture and Design – 1999
• European Capital of Sport – 2003
• UK’s Coolest City – bestowed by the National Geographic Traveller Magazine

Restrictions
Permits are required to carry out certain activities such as roads and footways and events within the city.

Special business benefits/dispensations
• The Glasgow Business Loan Fund offers small businesses an opportunity to access funding for new start-ups and existing businesses.
• The Local Enterprise Action Fund provides new and expanding businesses owned by local residents grant contributions toward improving their businesses.

3 best things about the location
• Glasgow is easily accessible from all the major UK and European cities.
• Glasgow is Scotland’s main retail centre and UK’s largest retail hub after London.
• Wages are competitive and the workforce is highly skilled and flexible.

Sources: General Register Office for Scotland, Office for National Statistics

Comprehensive list of Glasgow office space including short term and serviced