A Business Location

Aberdeen is a fast moving, forward thinking city with the infrastructure to match. A modern transport system helps to secure Aberdeen’s reputation as one of the best connected cities in Europe – connected by rail, road, air and sea. Local and international businesses also benefit from one of the most advanced telecommunications networks in Europe. Indeed, the ‘Connected Aberdeen’ project is working on creating a Wireless Fidelity Environment within the City in addition to the existing LAN and ABMAN networks.

Significantly, the skills, technologies and infrastructure developed as a result of the oil and gas industries provide excellent opportunities for business diversification and innovation. International links and strategic alliances such as the World Energy Cities Partnership offer a platform for business development, growth and co-operation.

The business environment in Aberdeen is robust. Compared with other cities in Scotland, Aberdeen has the second highest rate of business formation, a GDP growth rate above the Scottish average and the lowest unemployment rate in the country.

Many high profile international companies have chosen to establish their headquarters in Aberdeen because of its strategic importance and attractive investment opportunities. These companies include AGIP, Atlantic, BP Amoco, First Group, Shell, Talisman and Total. Aberdeen hosts the third largest group of knowledge-based businesses anywhere in the UK.

Business tourism is a growth sector in Aberdeen. An £18 million expansion of the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre has confirmed its reputation as a world class convention facility with the potential for generating income and opportunities for the city and beyond.

Relocation is made easier by the choice and quality of commercial property available in and around the city. Prime office, industrial and retail properties are in good supply at competitive prices to buy or lease.

Over and above the business benefits of relocating to Aberdeen are a whole host of social and personal advantages. Aberdeen boasts a first class health service and the biggest healthcare complex in Europe. Education is of the highest quality at all levels – including three schools offering an international curriculum. And the housing market is buoyant, offering a wide choice of traditional or new build homes to buy or rent in the heart of the city or in the countryside a short journey away.

As Scotland’s third largest city, Aberdeen is buzzing with activity all year round. Regular arts and science festivals, great shops and a choice of 330 restaurants make this a city where everyone feels at home. Few cities can boast of a clean, sandy beach close to a thriving business centre like Aberdeen can and the City has won the Britain in Bloom contest so many times it was banned from competing to give others a chance!

The Lecht ski centre offers fantastic skiing in the most remote of Scotland’s ski areas. With 20 runs to choose from including beginners slopes and a Snowboard Fun Park, you’ll find it hard to believe that Aberdeen is only a couple of hours drive away. Elsewhere, there are many other excellent indoor and outdoor leisure opportunities including:

• golf courses
• sea and river fishing
• sailing and watersports
• swimming pools and leisure centres
• ice rinks
• bowling
• football
• tennis