Whether it’s global enterprises or industry-leading organisations, Scotland is no stranger to housing major corporate spaces for some of the world’s biggest companies.
Millions – if not billions – of pounds have been invested in transforming cities like Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen into bustling business hubs.
However, it seems there is a new player bubbling up the ranks when it comes to attracting industry talent, and my bet is it won’t be long before this growing city is considered a real contender in the race to become Scotland’s answer to Silicon Valley.
Enter: Stirling. This medieval city might be best known for its ancient ruins and student subculture, but recent major investments in the area have been positioned towards attracting the next generation of business leaders to set up shop there. And the good news is, it’s working.
Health technology firm Emblation is one of the latest to announce its arrival in the city. The company has invested £4 million in a brand new, state-of-the-art headquarters at Castle Business Park, located just five minutes from the city centre.
The multi-million-pound venture is being supported in part by Scottish Enterprise Regional Selective Assistance funding and will accommodate over 60 employees who will have access to a range of facilities, including a gym, games room and even a sauna.
Co-founder and chief executive of the firm Gary Beale identified Stirling as the perfect Silicon Valley substitute and said that while setting up Emblation’s new HQ in the US would probably have been the “easiest thing in the world” to do, the firm was determined to reflect the huge talent Scotland has to offer, while giving something back to the economy of Central Scotland.
It is no secret that significant business developments like this bring huge benefits to the communities in which they are built. The Tradeston area of Glasgow has been completely transformed in recent years thanks to the development of the £330 million Barclays campus there, and I can imagine Stirling’s economy will likely see a similarly healthy boost once Emblation’s new headquarters opens later this month.
However, it’s not just multi-million-pound companies that are being attracted to this growing entrepreneurial haven.
Small business owners are also having their heads turned by the excitement currently surrounding this city. In fact, it is those independent businesses which are gaining more recognition now than ever before, with ten of the very best honoured at the inaugural Stirling Business Awards earlier this year.
I’m in no doubt this will have caught the attention of many budding entrepreneurs and business brains alike. A city which celebrates firms of all sizes is certainly a hot commodity when it comes to finding the perfect place to establish your headquarters.
It is also promising to see there are steps being taken to improve Stirling’s infrastructure to accommodate the potential increase of commuters travelling in and out of the city.
Nearly £5 million has been spent redeveloping Stirling railway station to improve the travelling experience for visitors and locals alike, while councillors are set on encouraging more people to cycle around the area with the development of two key “transport corridors” in the city centre. They’re not quite the electric unicycle and hoverboard friendly pathways which Silicon Valley has to offer, but I suppose you must start somewhere.
I’m intrigued to see how Stirling will continue to establish itself as a key player in business development not just here in Scotland, but within the UK and the rest of the world.
It certainly has many of the key components which are required by companies both big and small – great commuter links, a green agenda and plenty of space set within a stunning backdrop – so I don’t think it will be too long before we see some major global companies settling down in the central belt.
I wouldn’t expect to see someone cruising out of the Raploch on a hoverboard anytime soon, though.
Drone delivery takes off in Orkney
I’ve read countless articles about the dangers of Artificial Intelligence recently and the negative impact it could have on our lives and livelihoods.
Change always brings with it a level of uncertainty, however with technological innovations, it can also bring huge benefits to how we live.
One such innovation has taken effect in Orkney, becoming the first location in the UK to have mail delivered by drone. The Orkney I-Port operation, launched by Royal Mail and drone firm Skysports, will now see letters and parcels transported between the islands by flying robots.
The drones, capable of carrying loads up to 6kg, will take mail from Kirkwall and Stromness, on the Orkney mainland, to the smaller islands of Graemsay and Hoy – where postal staff will then complete their usual delivery routes.
While the service will initially operate on a trial basis, it could be made permanent due to Orkney’s unique landscape and the proximity of the islands to one another.
The drone postie is expected to significantly improve service levels and delivery times to Graemsay and Hoy, as weather and geography have long played havoc with postal services in these remote areas, which usually rely on ferries.
With the added bonus of helping to reduce emissions as well, it is great to see technology like this being used to help better connect Scotland’s island communities.
Whether we see the initiative rolled out to other locations remains to be seen, but I would certainly embrace the new postie revolution.
It Made Me Laugh
Deep-fried fame for tourist treat
Scottish cuisine is a tale of two halves. Scotland’s natural larder of vegetables, seafood and game are often lauded as the best in the world. On the flip side however, we also carry a reputation for deep fried delicacies.
Last week a video of two American tourists went viral after the pair visited a chippie in Edinburgh and sampled a deep-fried Mars Bar.
Viewers lapped up their lip-smacking review of the sweet treat, but I had to laugh at the comments from Scottish viewers with one joking: “We eat this every day in Scotland”.
I’m not convinced many Scots are chomping on a deep-fried chocolate bar, but we do like to laugh at tourists trying them out!
It Made Me Weep
AG Barr boss bows out after 21 years
The importance of a good business leader to steer the ship can’t be overestimated. They provide direction, motivation and support for their team.
Last week it was announced that the boss of Irn-Bru maker AG Barr would step down after more than 21 years in the job.
Chief Executive Roger White (59) is thought to be one of the longest-serving chief executives of a public company in the UK – an incredible achievement.
Under his tenure the business has gone from a regional soft drinks manufacturer into a highly successful multi-branded beverage company.
I have no doubt Mr White’s absence will be sorely felt by his colleagues, so it will be interesting to see what Irn-Bru does next.
