Investment

The chemicals industry manufactures a diverse range of materials and products. Today, pressures from changing domestic demand and globalisation are driving the industry towards research and development of higher added-value end-products and their applications.

This presents huge potential and opportunities for SME’s particularly in niche products, by targeting new overseas markets in Europe.

Investment potential and opportunities in chemicals in Scotland

Businesses like yours can tap into this growth potential. With our track record of innovation, R&D capabilities, skilled workforce, support networks and established infrastructure, Scotland is ripe for your investment.

Scotland is attractive to chemicals industry investors primarily for its:

  • High value export commodity − worth £2.7 billion a year 
  • Track record in Health & Safety, risk management and trustworthiness around confidentiality 
  • R&D expertise – significant capability in chemical processing, product and process development, and niche product development, as well as scale-up facilities, commercial testing and demonstration services 
  • Proximity to European customer base − four key airports with direct freight links to Europe and key markets 
  • Training and education opportunities to skill our engineers of the future − offered from our strong university and college links with industry 
  • Excellence in customer service – we provide comprehensive aftercare support services via our industry networks, such as Chemical Sciences Scotland

Chemistry research and industry impact

The chemicals industry is an enabling industry. This means it helps provide technical solutions to many challenges faced by other parts of the economy, underpinning sustainability in wider industries such as healthcare, electronics and textiles. 

The impact of Scotland’s chemistry research is far-reaching. Without chemistry research many products would not exist, or simply would not be as effective as they are today.

Our chemistry research departments are very active in bridging connections between the traditional sciences of chemistry, physics, biology and medicine.

The resulting impact ranges from the latest breakthroughs in medical devices to improving the health benefits of the humble potato.

Helping your business stay competitive

Chemistry research is essential for business growth. Scotland's strengths in supporting innovation, meeting evolving customer needs, and responding to market pressure from regulatory or environmental concerns can help your business stay ahead.

Scotland’s expanding knowledge base

Chemistry research is the foundation stone to discovering new commercial applications. New interdisciplinary activities are emerging in areas such as advanced materials, sustainable chemistry and nanosciences.

Track record of collaborative work 

Collaboration is vital for knowledge transfer and effective research. Scotland's outstanding track record of collaboration between industry and our academic research centres provides businesses like yours with more in-depth understanding of outcomes of research and expertise that may not otherwise exist in-house by industry alone.

Find out more about investing in the chemicals industry in Scotland from our chemical sciences team