Why Invest in Inverness?
Inverness is located in the Highland region of Scotland and is known as the ‘Capital of the Highlands’. It is the northernmost city in the United Kingdom and lies within the Great Glen at its northeastern extremity, where the River Ness enters the Moray Firth.
Inverness is one of Europe’s fastest-growing cities, with a population of nearly 50,000. It has experienced rapid economic growth, reaching a recent high of 86% growth in economic productivity—the highest rate in Scotland and the second-highest in the UK.
The traditional industries of the Inverness area include farming, whisky distilling, fisheries, and maritime industries. However, in recent years, many new industries have been established, including creative industries, energy, finance, business services, food and drink, life sciences, technology, and advanced engineering.
Inverness has excellent transport links, with an international airport offering flights to several UK and European cities, as well as outlying islands. The city is also served by the A9, A96, and A82 roads and has a railway station with services to Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and other local towns and villages.
Inverness is a great base for exploring the Highlands and is a popular destination for tourists, with attractions such as Culloden Battlefield, Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, Clava Cairns, and Fort George. It is also known for its vibrant restaurant and bar scene and offers a wide range of shopping options, from independent shops to large stores at the Inverness Shopping Park and Inshes Retail Park.
Inverness is a university city, with Inverness College, part of the University of the Highlands and Islands, located in the city. The university has around 6,500 students and offers a range of courses, from access level through to PhD.
Inverness has a strong and growing economy, with a diverse range of industries. The city has excellent transport links and a skilled workforce, making it an attractive location for businesses.
Inverness Campus, a world-class business location for life sciences, digital healthcare, and technology companies, has seen significant investment in recent years. The campus brings together businesses, researchers, academics, and scientists to collaborate and innovate.
Inverness also has a thriving tourism industry, with around a million visitors each year. The city’s rich history and culture, proximity to Loch Ness, and stunning natural surroundings make it a popular destination for tourists.
Inverness has a range of incentives to attract investment, including the Inverness City Region Deal, which aims to unlock £1 billion of investment in skills and infrastructure. The city also has a range of grants and funds available to support businesses, including the Inverness and Highland Business Fund and the Inverness and Highland Business Gateway.
Inverness offers a unique combination of a strong and growing economy, excellent transport links, a skilled workforce, and a vibrant cultural and natural environment. These factors, along with a range of incentives and support for businesses, make Inverness an attractive location for investment.