Area Strengths
As an area, Perth has grown by 12% in the past ten years, generating £4billion GVA in 2019 with productivity of £58,700 – 17% higher than the Scottish average.
Now, with the demands of 21st century life impacting how we work, live, and do business, Perth and Kinross’s key strengths as an area come sharply into focus. Made up of a small and vibrant city, surrounded by a substantial rural hinterland, the region is well-placed to quickly adapt and evolve in an ever-changing global marketplace, while delivering on what matters for the people who make our businesses thrive.
This combination of environment, economic focus, and agility, has secured its reputation as a forward-thinking business destination with much to offer.
Scotland's Prime Location
With its prime location on Scotland’s east coast, Perth and Kinross boasts exceptional connections to all major UK road networks and is a central hub for national rail and is within an hour’s drive of Glasgow and Edinburgh airports. Cited as the major strength of the region, business benefits include faster, more cost-effective distribution and logistics, and stress-free commute times for personnel.
The ongoing Perth Transport Futures roll out is now in stage 2. The multimillion-pound Cross Tay Link Road project is the biggest infrastructure project ever undertaken by Perth & Kinross Council. It plays a vital role in the future of Perth and Kinross, both economically and environmentally and has a due completion date of 2025.
Innovation in Energy and Mobility
Perth is a leader in the field of smart technology and offers opportunities for purpose-driven investors and corporates. A number of projects are now underway with commitment made to developing solutions in smart mobility, smart energy, industrial IoT, AI and machine learning.
This is made possible by an end-to-end full fibre network spanning 19.5km of Council ducting and connecting data centres, public buildings and community establishments, as well as the Smart City Operations Centre. Future ambitions include becoming one of the first UK cities to be net zero using smart and off-grid systems.
Partnership Working for Business Support
Guided by Invest in Perth, the Council’s inward investment arm, Perth and Kinross works at a regional, national and international level with multiple partners and stakeholders, as it seeks to ensure the region’s continued growth and prosperity.
Locally, it partners with Business Gateway, GrowBiz, and Perthshire Chamber of Commerce, and on an international scale, partnerships with Scottish Cities Alliance and Scottish Development International are utilised to attract overseas business and inward investment.
In addition to this, the private sector driven, Perth & Kinross Business Partnership, enhances the area's offer by providing a clear channel for businesses to communicate and share their issues, ideas and support.
From grants and funding to business development support, exporting advice and more, these organisations are focused on helping you reach and exceed your business goals.
Cultural Growth for Business Gains
With a thriving cultural sector including two award-winning theatres, the Concert Hall, a thriving programme of events, and several five-star historical attractions, Perth has long been recognised as punching above its weight when it comes to its cultural offer.
The opening of Perth Museum in March 2024, a £27 million renovation project, has presented a wealth of opportunities for business. With an anticipated 167,000 additional visitors to the city each year, retail, hospitality, and events will all benefit from increased trade and an evolving captive audience.
Commitment to Sustainability
With a public commitment to make Perth one of Europe’s most sustainable small cities, Perth and Kinross is building on its strong environmental foundations by steering an agenda for green growth as laid out in the Council’s Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan.
Driven by Perth & Kinross Council in partnership with the Perth & Kinross Climate Change Commission and the Climate Change Taskforce, the plan outlines the steps required to deliver a net zero, carbon and climate resilient, Perth and Kinross.
A Thriving Creative Hotbed
As the UK’s only UNESCO City of Craft, Perth’s place in the global Creative Cities Network has strengthened its position as a leading destination for ambitious creatives and manufacturers.
Bolstered by the 2019 opening of The Creative Exchange, a £4.5 million project which marked the Council’s move to recognise the significance and value of the creative economy, and supported by Perthshire Artisans, a collective of quality independents, the area is fast becoming one of the country’s leading destinations for this growing sector.
Scotland’s Independent Business Champion
From its vibrant city centre to its many towns and villages, Perth and Kinross boasts an abundance of independent retailers, restaurants and hospitality providers. This thriving community of small, entrepreneurial business owners is the catalyst behind Perth’s flourishing reputation as the #LoveLocal capital of Scotland.
By nurturing an environment in which small businesses feel supported and respected, Perth and Kinross has set itself apart from the carbon-copy high streets of larger cities and has created a quality USP that is attractive to local consumers, visitors and the next generation of entrepreneurs and startups.
Quality of Life
With a rich heritage, thriving arts and cultural scene, and unrivalled outdoor playground, Perth and Kinross is consistently ranked as one of the top five places to live and work in the UK.
Together with a competitive housing market, excellent schools, and low unemployment and crime rates, it is easy to see why 85% of people working in the city region also choose to live in the area.
Through the Perth and Kinross Offer, the Council aims to prioritise the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of the entire population, ensuring a happier and more motivated workforce.