“Inward investment projects not only deliver high-quality, well-paid jobs, they can also act as a catalyst to accelerate innovation in fast-growing industries.

“As an influential, agile, focused, international innovation and investment agency, Scottish Enterprise will continue to work with all partners to deliver economic transformation by promoting the very best Scotland has to offer to international companies and investors.” 

Global firms are continuing to choose Scotland as an ideal place to pursue their net zero ambitions. Last month, Japanese firm Sumitomo Electrical Industries (SEI) announced plans to develop a power cable facility in the Scottish Highlands.    

Adrian added: “We’ve focused on key sectors in Scotland enjoying global growth, such as offshore wind.    

“Our SDI team in Japan developed a relationship with SEI over a significant period of time, highlighting Scotland’s strengths and the transformational opportunities that our people and natural resources have to offer.” 

Highlands and Islands Enterprise 

The Highlands and Islands have also seen strong foreign direct investment (FDI) performance, thanks in large part to the excellent support network for businesses that locate there. 

Vicky Grant, Head of International Trade and Investment at Highland and Islands Enterprise, said:  

“It’s great to see the Highlands and Islands continue to make a huge contribution to Scotland’s overall success and attractiveness for FDI.   

“In addition to the outstanding quality of life available here, our region offers expertise across sectors such as energy, food and drink and health tech, as well as excellent infrastructure and connectivity. 

“As Scotland’s development agency for the region, we work closely with companies looking to invest here. We help them identify the ideal location, find premises, help with recruitment and training, and can often also help financially.   

“Beyond that, we continue working with them to make sure they have access to the full range of support they need to prosper.” 

South of Scotland Enterprise 

In the South of Scotland, Smart Green Shipping announced a new headquarters in Dumfries. This follows a £1.8 million grant from Scottish Enterprise towards a research and development project and support from South of Scotland Enterprise. 

Smart Green Shipping is developing new concepts for shipping through renewable engineering of FastRig wing sails, as well as weather routing software and circular economy business models, over the course of a three-year project. 

Professor Russel Griggs, Chair of South of Scotland Enterprise, said:  

“These are hugely positive results which again highlight that Scotland is the ideal location for overseas businesses to set up and thrive in. 

“In the South, we are committed to working with our ‘Team Scotland’ partners to build on these results. This includes the recently published South of Scotland regional proposition and South of Scotland Enterprise’s new Five-Year Plan which aims to improve the lives of local people. 

“Alongside our partners, we are committed to contributing to the wellbeing of our local economies and communities, and ultimately attracting even more ambitious investment.” 

Skills Development Scotland 

Marion Beattie, Head of Skills Growth and Inward Investment at Skills Development Scotland (SDS) said: 

“Investors tell us that skills are one of the most important factors when making decisions over where to locate. So, SDS is committed to working as a part of Team Scotland to ensuring businesses can benefit from a dynamic, resilient, inclusive and intelligence-led skills system that will support investment and create sustainable skills solutions when they land. 

“By working with our partners, we can provide inward investors with a package of support that meets their skills needs and ensures Scotland continues to punch above its weight in a competitive global marketplace.”