From traditional industries to the latest in digital and tech, Scotland’s people have the skills you need to help grow your business. Discover our dynamic business community in which researchers, industry groups, advisers, local government and intermediaries are on hand and ready to help.
Why locate your business in Scotland? World-leading innovation, talent, a supportive business environment, and enviable quality of life make Scotland the perfect place to grow.
Scotland's workforce is internationally recognised as one of the best trained, most reliable and cost-competitive labour forces in the world.
Scotland has one of the highest concentration of universities in Europe. Over 50% of Scotland's working population has further education qualifications.
We welcome workers from all around the world, creating a workforce that’s rich in a variety of skills, experiences and languages.
Recent global events have reshaped how we work. Scotland is already ahead of the curve and adapting its offering for companies like yours.
As your company finds its place in the ‘work from anywhere’ world, you can be assured that we’ll keep you plugged into a valuable support network. A dynamic business community where researchers, industry groups, advisers, local government and intermediaries are on hand and ready to help.
Finding the right talent pool, which readily adapts to change and has the right approach to flexible working, is fundamental — and we in Scotland didn’t become known as one of the most attractive locations for investment by being tied to a 9 to 5 office routine.
Our people are creative thinkers who also value, and benefit from, a healthy work-life balance.
Digital connectivity has never been more essential than it is today, as the case for a permanent ‘work from anywhere’ model gathers pace. The good news is that Scotland is ranked among the top 30 countries and cities for digital connectivity. Our future-proofed fibre network is on track to make Scotland one of the best-connected places anywhere in Europe.
As the case for dispersed working gathers momentum and global workplaces continue to evolve, we recognise that your real estate needs may need to change too.
Whether this means you need even more grade A office space, a reconfigured footprint, a global training facility or a network of touchdown hubs, Scotland can offer a range of options to meet your needs.
We see fair work – those well-paid and fulfilling jobs – as being fundamentally important to delivering inclusive growth, which in turn will drive innovation, productivity and inclusion in Scotland.
So, when you invest in Scotland, you’ll have access to a range of resources, funding and tools to support your fair and flexible working objectives.
Scotland offers a revolutionary curriculum and internationally-renowned universities. Whether you’re thinking of locating to Scotland and moving your family here or just want to hire the best staff for your business, our fantastic education system is right on your doorstep.
Scotland’s universities are among some of the best in the world, and the research coming out of them sets us apart as global leaders.
While the University of Edinburgh is ranked among the top 30 universities in the world, four Scottish universities are ranked in the global top 250 according to the 2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings opens in a new window .
This means that not only are over 50% of our population equipped with higher education qualifications, but many have received education from world-class institutions, ensuring the high-quality talent pool you need.
Scotland has a network of 26 colleges covering every part of the country supporting people of all ages in gaining the technical, professional and vocational skills needed to thrive in Scotland’s economy.
More about universities in Scotland on Scotland.org opens in a new window
Our people aren’t just highly skilled, many are leading experts in their field, contributing to ground-breaking research that is changing the world: 87% of Scottish university research is deemed to have 'outstanding' or 'very considerable' impact.
Scotland has a great track record of turning this research into business, and has the highest rate of university spinouts in the UK.
Did you know that Scots are also well known for their loyalty?
With typically low attrition rates across many industries, existing investors tell us they’ve benefited from staff turnover levels so low, they’re 'unprecedented'. This means less disruption to your business operations in Scotland, helping things run smoothly, and making it easy for you to employ and retain staff.
Language and communication capabilities are one of our strengths with our strong multilingual workforce speaking 170 languages, allowing you to access the language skills you need.
Scotland's graduates have degrees in a variety of subjects, including:
Data is the future. Scotland recognises the value of data and is committed to promoting its responsible use to benefit our society and economy. That means big investment in our training hubs.
Between 2018 to 2028, the University of Edinburgh will train 100,000 people in data applications across major sectors and will partner with Heriot-Watt University on data-based projects across public, private and third sectors. This will create a richer pool of data, digital and tech expertise ready for growing businesses to tap into.
Discover how Scotland's digital talent can support your business:
TalentScotland can help employers attract, develop and retain skilled professionals. Whether you need advice about relocating your staff, hiring from outside the UK or anything in between, they can help.
Businesses in Scotland generally enjoy up to 40% cheaper staff costs than London thanks to our lower living costs. We can help with practical advice on recruiting and staff costs in Scotland.
Scotland has skills and expertise in a range of industries, from energy, technology and sciences to creative industries and food and drink.
Discover how Scotland's digital talent is benefiting businesses around the world and how Skills Development Scotland can help you access that talent.
If you have any questions or want to talk with one of our advisers, we're always ready to help.
