“A good address for a research-based business with an international reputation to maintain”
Institute of Occupational Medicine
Edinburgh serves as the governmental, administrative and financial centre of Scotland and is the UK’s second largest financial centre. This diverse city region has a varied and robust economy with a regional catchment population of 1.2 million.
The city’s wide economic base was recognised by being voted both the Best Large European City for Foreign Direct Investment 2012/2013 and Best Large City for fDi Strategy 2012/2013 (Financial Times fDi magazine).
Excellent air, road and rail connections link Edinburgh with the rest of the UK, Europe and beyond. Edinburgh Airport is one of the UK’s busiest international airports, with more than 40 airlines serving over 130 destinations worldwide.
The city centre is served by two railway stations, Waverley and Haymarket, with £130 million currently being invested in rail improvements and refurbishment. Additionally, over £700m is currently being invested in establishing a world-class tram line which will run from the city centre to the airport, with trams projected to be running from summer 2014.
Edinburgh has excellent credentials as a place to live, work, visit or study. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, the city’s historic connections and inviting lifestyle make it an extremely popular tourist attraction. The year round cultural offering attracts more than 3.5 million visitors annually and the city is also host to the world’s largest arts festival.
Edinburgh benefits from a highly educated and skilled workforce with 44% of the population holding a degree level or professional qualification. There are currently more than 41,000 undergraduates at Edinburgh’s 4 universities, with 40% studying science, engineering or health. Edinburgh is now considered a world leader in science, technology and research, with particular influence in stem cell research, biotechnology and microelectronics.