Reasons to Consider Glasgow for Your Business

Glasgow, located in West Central Scotland, is one of the largest cities in the country. Not only that, but the city also has a vibrant culture, impressive history, and a beautiful landscape. Glasgow’s also home to over 100 cultural and artistic organisations and has one of the world’s oldest underground railway system and the world’s first ultrasound machine.

Scotland has been the country of many innovations, with Glasgow being one of Europe’s top financial districts (in 2001) when the International Financial Services District (IFSD) was established.

But what makes Glasgow a great place for business? Why consider moving your business to Glasgow? We’ll explore the answers to these questions in the following sections. Read on to learn why this beautiful city would make a great home for your company.

1. Thriving City

Glasgow is a place that often gets overlooked by businesses searching for a new home base. However, the city has a lot to offer any business. The city is full of shops, cafes, and restaurants, but it also sports a huge amount of green space.

In addition, Glasgow has been called one of the world’s friendliest cities. So, if you choose to open an office in Glasgow, you could count on interacting with other businesses in the area, too. That’s nothing to sneeze at when you’re looking to open an office in a new place. Why not choose a friendly, thriving city like Glasgow?

2. The Home of Startups

Glasgow is also a great place for startups. In 2016, there were over 5,000 startup businesses registered in Glasgow. In addition, to the many startups in the city, you’ll also find that large, global organisations call the city home, including BBC Scotland, STV, Capital Radio, SECC, and more.

In addition, the city is the largest retail hub in the UK, outside of London’s West End. The city is also home to a large population between the ages of 15 to 34 (41% of the city’s population), making this a community of early adopters and tech enthusiasts.

3. Strong Funding Support

Glasgow is also a great place to get funding support from the council. They offer a £1,000 startup grant for pre-start businesses or those that are still in the first six months of operating.

In addition, the Glasgow New Business Fund helps with rental subsidies that can be provided over a three-year period for new businesses.

Finally, if your business is just starting and has less than 250 employees, and can demonstrate it has a potential for growth, the West of Scotland Loan Fund can help you get started. Businesses can receive gap funding of up to £30,000.

4. Mentorship

Glasgow is a friendly city that also is noted for offering a helping hand. That includes professional mentorship, too. The Glasgow Business Scheme is an excellent example of how the business community comes together to help one another.

It’s possible to find advice on all business elements, from starting up to scaling a business. Experts from a wide range of backgrounds are available to help new businesses learn and grow in this beautiful city.

5. Large Pool of Talent

Glasgow also has a large pool of talent to choose from; with four universities and three higher education colleges, the city is a well-established centre of education and academic research.

With so much talent to choose from, your business won’t have to struggle with finding suitable staff. You’ll be able to choose from plenty of new graduates searching for their first job.

6. Low Cost of Living

Research has shown that Glasgow is 20% cheaper to live in than London and 10% cheaper than the rest of the UK.

In addition, retail and office spaces are also cheaper in Glasgow. While searching for the right office space can be challenging, you have a wide range of offices to choose from in this amazing city.

7. Great Transport Links

Glasgow also has one of the UK’s best suburban rail networks outside of London. Passenger numbers have seen recent growth over the last decade. In 2018, the Glasgow Connectivity Commission published a report calling for major changes to the city’s roads, footpaths, and cycle lanes to make the city more user-friendly for everyone.

What’s more, your employees won’t need to live in the city centre. There are many bus routes and train lines that can quickly take them from the suburbs to work and back again quickly.

The city’s railway infrastructure includes Glasgow Central Station, which offers routes to London, Manchester, Liverpool, and Birmingham. Each of these cities is accessible to clients, stakeholders, and guests. When it comes to international travel, Glasgow Airport is only about 20 minutes by car from the city centre.

8. Strong Local Economy

Glasgow also has a great reputation for its thriving local economy and extensive retail options. The city features essential shops, stores, and offices. The city’s a major shopping destination, especially with an increasing number of professionals choosing to live and work in Glasgow. Employees have more disposable income due to the city’s low cost of living.

9. Quality of Life

Along with a low cost of living and low housing rates, Glasgow offers a high quality of life for everyone. When you combine these with high internet speeds, high levels of social cohesion, and inclusivity, you have a city that’s a great place to live. Glasgow ranks as the third-best city in the UK for quality of life.

You’ll find a wide range of events, attractions, and cultural events in the city, along with an amazing food and drink scene. Glasgow also features over 90 parks and gardens, city cycling routes, and so much more that make this a lovely place to live.

Summing It Up

With so much to offer, Glasgow makes a marvellous place to relocate or start your business. Combined with a low cost of living and high quality of life, where else could you find a better city for your business to call home?