Do business in Stirling
Expanding - the area's population has more than doubled to 87,000 in the last half century. Over the next decade it is forecast to increase by over 11%, making it Scotland's third fastest growing area.
Enterprising - the number of businesses has grown three times faster over the last decade than for Scotland as a whole. Key growth sectors are business services, specialist manufacturing, retail and distribution, and health.
Close to markets - over half of Scotland's population lives within an hour of the city making Stirling the logical choice for business services, retail and distribution.
Globally connected - Edinburgh International Airport is half an hour's drive from the city centre and Glasgow International Airport is under an hour away by motorway.
Educated - nearly a third of employees in Stirling have a degree. School leaver qualifications are significantly higher than the Scottish average.
Knowledge-driven - 54% of Stirling University's research activity was awarded the top ranking in the latest official assessment. Both the University and Forth Valley College foster close links with local employers.
High-spending - The disposable income of local households is 10% higher than for Scotland as a whole. There are 120,000 square metres of retail space in the city centre. Stirling's heritage attracts over 4.5 million visitors a year to the city.
Investing in the future - Forthside is a new, 40-acre city centre quarter being created on the banks of the Forth. With housing, offices, hotel and conference facilities, a multi-screen cinema, cafes and bars and a park, in the next few years it will reconnect the city with its river.
Business connections - the city has a dedicated network of resources to support business growth.
Business development
Economic Development Team, Stirling Council, Viewforth, Stirling FK8 2ET. Tel: +44(0)1786 442593
Business Gateway, Stirling Enterprise, John Player Building, Stirling Enterprise Park, Stirling FK7 7RP.
Tel: +44(0)1786 463416 or 0845 609 6611
Scottish Enterprise Forth Valley, Laurel House, Laurelhill Business Park, Stirling FK7 9JQ.
www.scottish-enterprise.com
Tel: +44(0)1786 451919
Funding
Stirling 4 Business - www.open4business.info/stirling
Property
Property Team, Stirling Council, Viewforth, Stirling FK8 2ET. Tel: +44(0)1786 442472 www.stirling.gov.uk/property
STEP, John Player Building, Stirling Enterprise Park, Stirling FK7 7RP. Tel: +44(0)1786 463416
University knowledge and resources
Stirling University Research and Enterprise (SURE), Scion House, Stirling University Innovation Park, Stirling FK9 4NF. Tel: +44(0)1786 458053