Strengths

The speciality chemicals sector is an essential part of the vibrant Scottish chemicals industry.

Scotland has particular strengths within this sector in its R&D capabilities and supporting infrastructure, and is a key player in UK academic research.

Strong links exist between Scotland’s academic institutions, research centres and industry.

As a result, Scotland is very much forward-thinking in its approach to meeting the demands of this highly competitive sector.

Academic excellence and training opportunities 

  • Highly qualified specialist workforce − Scotland is home to 14,000 skilled staff in the chemicals industry 
  • Continuous supply of specialist graduates joining the workforce – Scotland produces over 1000 graduates in chemistry or related degrees every year 
  • Specialist training opportunities − Scotland's world-class academic sector supports speciality chemicals companies throughout the country by delivering extensive training programmes, from technician to post-doctorate levels 
  • Access high levels of process design and development expertise − Scotland’s universities and well-established industry network provide a rich knowledge resource for businesses looking to set up here 
  • Access to industry accredited courses − such as, chemical plant operation maintenance and laboratory practice courses provided by Forth Valley and Kilmarnock colleges

Research and collaboration

  • Leading research facilities for chemistry and chemical engineering – at least 10 companies offer R&D and scale-up services to third parties in the following areas: 
      • Pharma and fine chemicals 
      • Noble metal compounds for market segments such as nanotechnology 
      • Omega-3 and 6 lipids for food, pharma, and nutraceuticals 
      • Colorants, mainly for use in inkjet printers 
      • Rare natural products and derivatives 
      • Enzyme development and biocatalysis 
      • Chemical process design and technology 
      • Polymorph crystal screening 
      • Custom R&D and fine chemical manufacture 
  • Support for product development and problem resolution in place – such as, the Materials & Manufacturing Research Group at Napier University

This research team, based in Edinburgh, provides ready access to expertise covering the full range of engineering materials including ceramics, metals, polymers and composites.

Their knowledge and facilities enable them to provide help at all stages of the product life cycle, from initial concept, manufacture, and testing to commercialisation.

  • Specialist community with cross-organisational collaboration – collaborative relationships have been established with a large range of SMEs and multi-national businesses like BP, DSM Fine Chemicals, ChiroTech, AstraZeneca, Evotec, Avecia, Pfizer, Sasol, Merck, GlaxoSmithKline, Eli Lilly, and Kodak

Established and supportive infrastructure

  • Ongoing assistance and advice from our expert chemicals team to help businesses develop and grow
  • Opportunities for partnership schemes between universities and chemical companies
  • Chemicals sector given priority status by UK Government – investment in regional and sector support infrastructure is increasing
  • Open business environment – ranked top in Europe (5th in the World) for ‘ease of doing business’ by the World Bank
  • World-class facilities at competitive prices – Scotland offers a number of large sites and facilities suitable for chemicals operations, including Grangemouth Technology Park
  • Scotland’s 26 percent corporation tax is the lowest of G7 countries (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, and United States)
  • Clear, transparent regulatory environment – flexible labour market regulations and highly competitive staffing costs
  • Access to well established support infrastructure – logistics, venture capital, support organisations, Chemical Sciences Scotland, Chemistry Innovation Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN)
    Innovation
  • Strong innovative culture and capability – Scotland’s has a track record of innovation and its education system provides a steady flow of potential scientific and technical employees
  • New interdisciplinary activities are emerging − this demonstrates Scotland’s pro-active approach in meeting the needs of a dynamic industry. Courses such as sustainable chemistry, nanosciences and advanced materials are evolving within and across our universities.