Edinburgh has long been a home for ambitious businesses. An educational hub since the Renaissance, it also has a financial sector dating back to the 17th century.
This history is present in the city’s architecture and thriving business community. Sectors such as Life Sciences, FinTech, advanced technologies and creative industries are all present in the city.
There are plenty of opportunities for collaboration and a wealth of resources for startups here. Plus, Edinburgh’s office spaces are beautiful and well-equipped.
This makes the Scottish capital a great place to grow your business. This article will look at why businesses are expanding here and recommend some of the best office spaces to rent in Edinburgh.
8 reasons to choose Edinburgh for your business expansion
There are plenty of reasons why you should consider having offices in Edinburgh. From talent pools to government incentives, this city is attracting growing businesses for a reason.
1. Best British city for business
An ‘Unlocking Growth’ report by Barclays Eagle Labs and Beauhurst named Edinburgh as the top city for high-growth business.
Top-quality universities, accelerator programmes and business incubators are all present in the capital. Plus, a range of investment sources, such as angel or private equity investors, are available.
Edinburgh is also the UK’s top innovation area outside of the ‘golden triangle’ of London, Oxford and Cambridge. Established giants like IBM and Skyscanner are already in the city. Growing numbers of thriving and dynamic businesses are looking to rent office space in Edinburgh.
2. Supportive business environment
The British government is firmly behind businesses wanting to expand into Edinburgh.
This includes a £150m Investment Fund for Scotland launched by the British Business Bank. Loans from £25,000 to £2m and equity investments up to £5m are available to help small and medium-sized businesses grow.
There’s also the East of Scotland investment fund. This helps businesses with funding gaps secure equal investment from the private sector.
It’s not just the government that offers business support. With so many businesses in one place, Edinburgh is the perfect city for collaborating with new partners.
3. Global cultural centre
One trip to Edinburgh is enough to leave a lasting impression. The city is home to beautiful views, stunning scenery and iconic landmarks. It also has a strong arts scene and hosts the famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Edinburgh International Festival.
Edinburgh’s cultural influence extends beyond the stage, though. The city centre is buzzing with a wide range of high-class restaurants, cosy bars and entertainment venues to choose from.
4. Successful financial district
Edinburgh’s long history of excellence in financial services dates back to the founding of the Bank of Scotland in 1695. More than 37,000 people work in financial services in Edinburgh, with a further 4,500 working in accounting, auditing and tax consultancy.
These facts make office space in Edinburgh an attractive proposition for financial businesses.
5. Advanced technologies
Science and technology startups have been calling Edinburgh home for years now. The University of Edinburgh supports innovators through four business and research centres:
●Edinburgh Research and Innovation, responsible for the University’s commercialisation of technology
●Edinburgh Technology Transfer Centre, a business park with tech companies and other facilities
●The Scottish MicroElectronics Centre offers access to state-of-the-art facilities and in-house expertise
●The Edinburgh Technopole, a science and business park that supports small enterprises
Edinburgh’s technology sector is well-established and one of the world’s leaders. It’s one of the world’s fastest-growing tech hubs and major companies like IBM, Capgemini and Oracle already call it home.
6. Market potential
Edinburgh’s market has huge potential. The city has the highest gross value add (GVA) per capita in the UK (outside of London) at £42.8k.
Edinburgh also boasts a consistently strong performance regarding business ‘births’ vs business ‘deaths’. In fact, between 2011 and 2019 there was only one year when deaths outstripped births.
That means Edinburgh also has the highest business survival rate outside of London over any other city. With 42% of businesses surviving their first five years.
Edinburgh is also second only to Bristol in terms of employment. This is a city that is growing, working, and thriving, making it the perfect new home for any ambitious business.
A base in Edinburgh will allow you to tap into new markets, new talent pools and new opportunities.
7. Innovation and talent
With 43% of Edinburgh’s population holding a degree or professional qualification, there’s a huge talent pool to recruit from here.
The city has several world-class universities. These include Edinburgh Napier, Heriot-Watt and the University of Edinburgh. The latter currently ranks fifth in the Times Higher Education's best universities list.
8. Quality of life
Edinburgh’s green spaces, culture and quality schools make it a great place to live and work. This has attracted businesses and won awards, including:
● Ranking as the UK's happiest place to work
● Being listed as one of the world's most liveable cities for expatriates
● Coming 19th in the Knight Frank City Wellbeing Index
This means more businesses are looking for Edinburgh office space despite an increase in hybrid working. The city reported a 138% jump in workspace take-up during the third quarter of 2022.
Top businesses and industries in Edinburgh
The Scottish capital welcomes and supports companies in a range of sectors, including:
●Technology: Home to big names like Apple, Microsoft, Adobe, and Fujitsu, Edinburgh’s ‘tech tent’ helps companies of all sizes thrive
●Tourism: With 33,000 people employed in the sector, Mercat Tours, James Campbell Tours, and Highland Experience Tours have bases in the city
●Financial services: This includes rapidly growing financial technology and specialist recruitment firms
●Aerospace: The University of Edinburgh has a renowned Aerospace Engineering degree. The UK’s largest sensor manufacturer Leonardo is also based in the city
●Health and life sciences: Home to the Roslin Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, and Pentlands Science Park. Edinburgh is also where Dolly, the world’s first cloned mammal, was born
Our office spaces in Edinburgh
From a skilled talent pool to funding support, Edinburgh is a great place for businesses of all sizes and sectors to expand. Having a flexible serviced office space in Edinburgh gives companies access to everything they need as they grow.
With Regus workspaces, you’ll get all the equipment and space your team needs as it expands on terms you can afford. Here are some of our best offices in Edinburgh.
9-10 Saint Andrew Square
9-10 Saint Andrew Square is perfect for financial businesses. Located in a major district for the sector, this office space to rent in Edinburgh is impressive and stylish.
Designed by Scottish architect Sir Basil Spence, the 1960s building is a light, productive workspace. Take a call on the balcony overlooking Edinburgh Castle. Then head out for lunch in one of the nearby city centre restaurants.
Highlights include
●Outside seating and terrace area
●24-hour CCTV monitoring
●Disabled facilities
Information about 9-10 Saint Andrew Square
●Location: 9-10 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH2 2AF
●Starting cost: Private offices from £129 per person per month
●Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
●Nearby stations: George Street Bus Stop (a two-minute walk away), Princes Street Bus Stop (a two-minute walk away), and Edinburgh Waverley (a four-minute walk away)
Princes Street
Our Princes Street location is a world-class business centre suitable for businesses of all sizes. This six-floor space is easily accessible by public transport, making commutes straightforward.
Enjoy panoramic views of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. Step out for a walk or a run around Princes Street Gardens, then hop in the shower back at the office, all before breakfast.
Highlights include
●Showers
●Break-out areas
●Disabled facilities
Information about Princes Street
●Location: 83 Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2ER
●Starting cost: Private offices from £149 per person per month
●Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
●Nearby stations: Princes Street Tram Stop (a one-minute walk away), Princes Street Bus Stop (a two-minute walk away), and Edinburgh Waverley (a six-minute walk away)
93 George Street
93 George Street is a listed Victorian building with a stunning reception and period architectural details. This serviced office in Edinburgh has exceptional transport links and is easily accessible by car, train or bus.
If you’d prefer to ride to work, George Street offers private bicycle storage. For walkers or joggers, beautiful Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street Gardens are mere minutes away.
Highlights include
●24-hour CCTV monitoring
●Bicycle storage
●Break-out areas
Information about 93 George Street
●Location: 93 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3ES
●Starting cost: Private offices from £199 per person per month
●Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
●Nearby stations: Frederick Street Bus Stop (a two-minute walk away), George Street Bus Stop (a two-minute walk away), and Edinburgh Waverley (an eight-minute walk away)
1 Lochrin Square
1 Lochrin Square’s West End location attracts both big firms and aspiring entrepreneurs. The building’s excellent admin team offers extra support to growing businesses.
This flexible office space in Edinburgh is a short walk from many of the city’s best eateries. Tuck into locally sourced fare at Forage & Chatter or enjoy authentic Italian at Frizzante Proseccheria.
Highlights include
●24-hour CCTV monitoring
●Elevator
●Break-out areas
●Disabled facilities
Information about 1 Lochrin Square
●Location: 1 Lochrin Square, Edinburgh, EH3 9QA
●Starting cost: Private offices from £335 per person per month
●Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
●Nearby stations: Port Hamilton Bus Stop (a one-minute walk away), Bread Street Bus Stop (a five-minute walk away), and Haymarket Station (a 15-minute walk away)
Fort Kinnaird
Based in Scotland’s number one retail park, Fort Kinnaird has access to several major transport links.
Stylish artwork, comfortable furnishings and large interior windows make this a welcoming workspace. This serviced office in Edinburgh even has an on-site coffee bar to meet and greet in. At lunchtime or after work, you’ve got 600,000 sq ft of retail and entertainment on your doorstep.
Highlights include
●24-hour CCTV monitoring
●On-site lunch restaurant
●Break-out areas
●Parking
Information about Fort Kinnaird
●Location: Fort Kinnaird Retail Park, Edinburgh, EH15 3RD
●Starting cost: Private offices from £129 per person per month
●Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
●Nearby stations: Fort Kinnaird Bus Stop (a two-minute walk away), Whitehill Road Bus Stop (a five-minute walk away), and Fort Kinnaird West Bus Stop (a six-minute walk away)
South Gyle
The stylish modern offices at South Gyle are well-served by two railway stations. This makes it easier for commuters and visitors to reach this commercial centre.
The modern building offers lots of natural light and panoramic views of Edinburgh. Take a break at the nearby Gyle Shopping Centre or explore the city centre, just a short tram ride away.
Highlights include
●24-hour CCTV monitoring
●Break-out areas
●Meeting rooms
●Outside seating and terrace area
Information about South Gyle
●Location: 4 Redheughs Rigg, Edinburgh, EH12 9DQ
●Starting cost: Private offices from £115 per person per month
●Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
●Nearby stations: Redheughs Avenue Bus Stop (a one-minute walk away), South Gyle Station (a 12-minute walk away), and Edinburgh Gateway Station (a 16-minute walk away)
Discover flexible office space in Edinburgh with Regus
Whether you’re a start-up looking to scale or a large organisation making big moves, Regus has office spaces in Edinburgh to suit your needs.
Our team of experts know Edinburgh inside and out. So if you’re interested in moving to one of Europe’s leading commercial capitals, they can help. Find your new office space in Edinburgh today.
