Glasgow is a vibrant, up and coming city with a rich history. It is one of the top places to live and work in Scotland and has much to offer any business. With a low cost of living and higher than average salaries, Glasgow is increasingly becoming a desirable place for the most talented individuals to move to, and with good reason.
While the coronavirus pandemic has left many businesses struggling to stay afloat, Glasgow local government has put many measures in place to ensure that local businesses continue to operate.
Here are some of the top benefits that you could find managing a business in Glasgow.
Excellent Funding Options For Start-Ups
If this is your first entrepreneurial venture, you will have plenty of funding options to establish your business in Glasgow. Good access to funding is crucial for any start-up unless you are lucky enough to be self-funded. Glasgow’s Business Gateway is an excellent place to start if you are looking for grants. There are many beneficial small and medium business loans from reputable high street banks to choose from so you can find the right one for your business.
It may help to do some research into the different funding options available. You should consider the size of your proposed enterprise and ensure that you have a good idea of how much funding you will require to get off the ground.
Strong Local Economy
Glasgow has an excellent reputation for its extensive retail options. With essential shops set to open up once again over the spring, it is a fantastic time to consider opening up a store or office in Glasgow. As a desirable shopping destination, Glasgow looks set to enjoy a massive boost to the local economy in the coming months.
There is also a quickly increasing number of professionals choosing to live and work in Glasgow. With the cost of living remaining low, this means that professional workers have plenty of disposable income to use. This has helped contribute significantly to the excellent state of the local economy.
Wide Range Of Local Businesses
Managing a business in Glasgow will allow you to take advantage of the vast range of local companies. By doing so, you will not only boost your business’s reputation as a company that supports local industry, but it will also mean that you have access to cutting edge technology and supply chains.
Here at Texaport, we pride ourselves on supporting and empowering local business to be the best they can be. Our Glasgow IT support solutions are cutting edge, and we are constantly shifting and growing with the advancements in technology.
Incredible Office Space
You can find office space in Glasgow at significantly lower rent rates compared to other areas. The quality of office space is high and combined with the low cost of living, this offers up excellent property options for business owners. You will have various options available, from sleek, modern buildings to gorgeous historic spaces.
Before you make your move to Glasgow, it is a good idea to look into the different areas you could rent office space. Where you choose to rent will largely depend on your business type and model. For instance, renting office space in the thick of the City Centre retail area might not best suit a business that operates primarily online.
Do some research into the options available, and make sure to view the premises in person before you make a solid choice.
Mentorship
Glasgow is a friendly city that thrives on giving one another a helping hand. This is just as true in professional spheres as it is in personal ones. The Glasgow Business Scheme is one excellent example of how the business community pull together for the advancement of all.
You can find advice on all business practice elements, starting up to accelerating your company’s growth. With experts from a vast range of backgrounds, any business will massively benefit from the learning opportunities that Glasgow has to offer.
Talented Jobseekers
Glasgow is increasingly being seen as the place to be for graduates and highly skilled individuals. The quality of living is a crucial factor in attracting talented people, as are the four universities located within the city. Each university has its own specialities and is renowned for turning out graduates skilled in science, arts and industry.
The local universities bring an influx of diverse and talented new students each year, and many of them fall in love with the city and its culture, opting to stay in Glasgow at the end of their studies. This provides local businesses with a massive talent pool to recruit from, making Glasgow the place to be for recruitment.
Sense Of Community
When people come to Glasgow, one of the first things they notice is the friendliness of the city and its people. This is one reason many students come to Glasgow and never leave – there is an unparalleled sense of community in Glasgow. The city is increasingly becoming more diverse, making it an ideal and welcoming area to operate a business.
The sense of community is no less strong within the business community. You will find many businesses willing to lend a helping hand and empower one another, making Glasgow ideal for new business owners.
Quality Of Life
With the cost of living low and salaries above average, choosing Glasgow is an obvious choice for anyone looking for a greater quality of life. House prices are lower than the national average, meaning that you can focus your finances on your growing your business without compromising your lifestyle and the joys of city living.
Remote Working
Glasgow is an excellent choice for anyone looking to start or expand their remote working capabilities. With a low cost of living, with all the benefits of city life, Glasgow makes a perfect base for any company. The travel links to the rest of Scotland and the UK are excellent, allowing you to hire remote workers who will be able to visit the office with ease once the pandemic has subsided.
For remote working to be successful, you will need the best IT support. Your employees will need to know that they can depend on your IT systems and that there is help on hand should anything go wrong.
Cybersecurity is another crucial element of remote working. There are many threats home working can pose, such as the risk of viruses and malware and potential data breaches. It would help if you considered providing your remote staff with formal training on working from home safely and securely.
Final Thoughts
Glasgow has many advantages that make it attractive to business owners. Perhaps the most beneficial is the range of support available both financially and through the business community. Glasgow allows everyone to shine in industry. It has all of the competitive advantages of a big city without the cutthroat nature that can be present in some places – instead choosing to focus on uplifting and supporting each other.
As with any business decision, the critical thing to remember is that you should be moving to Glasgow for the right reasons. While the excellent cost of living is a clear advantage, this should not be your only consideration. Do your research into the city and the opportunities available before you make and decisions.