Opportunities for Business Growth
Perth has always played a significant role in growing the GVA in Scotland and as we move into the new age of circular economy, the area has committed to supporting businesses focused on sustainability and green innovation.
Building on our long-term strengths in the food & drink and tourism sectors, the area is fast becoming synonymous with developments in agri-tech and eco-tourism, as well as extending opportunities for innovation in the creative industries, energy transition, and circular manufacturing.
The Circular Economy in Perth & Kinross
Perth & Kinross is an integral player in the Tay Cities Clean Growth Partnership, and has committed to ensuring economic gains are achieved by building a strong, circular economy across all key industry sectors.
Underpinned by a focus on renewable energy and mobility, and supported by world-leading businesses including The Binn Group and James Hutton Institute, the area's Economic Strategy looks toward a resilient, cyclical system that is good for business, people, and the environment.
Food & Drink Sector
From traditional agricultural to scientific advances in food security, Perth & Kinross is renowned globally for its food and drink industry and is home to a plethora of Scotch Whisky distilleries, the world-famous Tay Salmon fishing, and the JHI International Barley Hub.
Today, there are currently around 900 food and drink businesses, thriving and growing in Perth and the wider region. Driven by the Business Growth Team, this flourishing industry benefits significantly from continued investment and these businesses jointly generate almost £500 million per annum.
Leisure, Business and Eco-Tourism
With an unrivalled natural landscape, colourful history and rich cultural offering, Perth and Kinross is a frontrunner for leisure, business and eco-tourism. Couple this with its central location and an exceptional infrastructure linking it to all major road, rail and air networks, and you will see why it remains one of Scotland’s strongest options for tourism-related investment.
Tourism accounts for just over 11% of employment in the area and it is estimated that in 2022 there were over 2 million visits totalling £286 million of industry turnover. (2021 statistics).
Energy Transition
Perth & Kinross aims to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2045 and beyond in a fair, equitable and economically viable way and to secure long-term sources of low cost and low carbon energy for the residents and businesses of the area.
On 27th November 2023, Perth & Kinross Council approved its first Perth and Kinross Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy and Delivery Plan which constitutes the building blocks of Perth and Kinross Local Area Energy Plan. This provides the strategic and delivery framework for the decarbonisation of the energy infrastructure in Perth and Kinross.
Financial & Business Services Sector
Financial and business services play a vital role within the economic structure of Perth and the wider region, combining international brand names with strong national businesses and smaller, more niche companies offering specialist expertise.
The sector’s local economic output is estimated at more than £135m annually, representing 7.1% of the area’s total economic output and accounting for more than 8,000 jobs – around 13% of the working age population.
Creative & Digital Industries Sector
Perth and Kinross is home to a thriving creative community, proudly hosting The Famous Grouse Ideas Centre (FGIC) within Perth’s Creative Exchange. This unique incubator space presents a wealth of opportunities and support for individuals and SMEs working in the creative, digital, and technology sectors.
Perth's recent award as a UNESCO city of Crafts and Folk Arts - and subsequent inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network - has further strengthened this important sector, while paying tribute to the role of artisans and makers in Perth's history and heritage.