south of scotland part of scotland's investment success

nearly one in six inward investment projects in the uk last year were secured in scotland, according to new data published by EY.

The figures support evidence in the South of Scotland of rising inward investment enquiries from across UK, which have increased by over 400% from businesses wanting to move into the region.

EY figures

The record share of the market cements Scotland’s position as the UK’s top destination outside of London – for the tenth year in a row – while Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow remain among the top 10 UK cities for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects outside of London.

Although the total number of new projects in Scotland fell back slightly (4.9%) from record numbers in 2023, it compares to a drop of 13% in the UK, 14% in France and 17% in Germany.

EY’s survey of global investors found that quarter of those planning to invest in the UK are targeting Scotland, maintaining the country’s long-standing position in investors’ eyes as the UK’s preferred FDI destination outside of London.

South of Scotland Success

Enquiries have increased by 400% from businesses looking to invest the region.

Some examples of UK organisations who have taken advantage of a move to the South of Scotland include:

• Forest Holidays
• Hilltop Leaf
• The Carbon Removers
• Indinature

In addition, the South of Scotland has significant opportunities in process.

These include:

• Center Parcs – At up to £400million, Center Parcs is of the biggest ever investment proposals for the South, at a site near Hawick in the Scottish Borders
• Green Cat Hydrogen - proposing to establish a green hydrogen facility at SOSE’s Energy Transition Zone at Chapelcross in Dumfries & Galloway

Those interested in finding out more about the significant investment opportunities in the South of Scotland can do so at the new Invest in the South of Scotland website.

Jane Morrison-Ross, Chief Executive of South of Scotland Enterprise, said:

“These positive figures highlight that Scotland is the ideal location for businesses to set up and thrive in.

“Partners in Team South of Scotland are seeing significant increases in inward investment enquiries, with businesses recognising the space to grow, invest and breathe that being part of Scotland's Natural Capital Innovation Zone brings.

“This interest is being piqued by the South’s unique status as the country's Natural Capital Innovation Zone, creating opportunities for sustainable investment and driving forward innovation.

“Land for new investment is vital and the Invest in South of Scotland website is being developed now to showcase the variety of commercial land and property available across the South.

“Partners in the South are passionate about creating thriving communities, economy and environment and attracting even more ambitious investment in the years ahead.”

The Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said:

“Given the geopolitical uncertainties clearly affecting investor confidence across the world, this is an incredible endorsement of Scotland’s proposition as a destination for global investment.

“A huge amount of work, across both the private and public sectors, goes into securing these projects, which are vital for economic growth, job creation and bringing benefits across our towns and cities.

“The Scottish Government will continue to work with businesses and our Team Scotland partners to continue building the country’s reputation as a world class location for foreign investment.”

rEADY TO INVEST IN THE SOUTH OF SCOTLAND?