BUSINESS IN SCOTLAND

Scots are renowned the world over for their business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit. Over the centuries they have proved time and time again that they are quick to spot an opportunity and will work harder than most to make things happen.

The business disciplines practiced by our forefathers formed a solid base from which the Scottish businesses of today still operate. Evidence of our success as a nation can be seen in our industrial output.

With a population of just over 5 million, Scotland produces the following for European distribution:

Over 30% of branded PC's
Nearly 80% of work stations
Almost 65% of ATM's
Over 50% of notebook computers

Within the European semiconductor market Scotland holds a 15% share while accounting for over 50% of UK capacity.

Within the financial sector this small country ranks no 4 in international funds under management.

It has a low rate of unemployment - standing at 7.3% and a high GDP - £10,984.

Key Stats

The electronics industry employs 40,500 people directly and a further 29,500 indirectly within the supply infrastructure.

Scotland is home to three of the world's top five computer and office equipment manufacturers. (IBM, Agilent and Compaq)

Scotland has over 170 call centre including 18 outsourcing companies. There are over 28,500 people employed in this sector.

Three of the world's top ten telecommunications equipment manufacturers are based in Scotland. Motorola, Cisco and Lucent

Over 12,000 people are employed in the Scottish telecommunications industry.

It is the fifth largest equity management centre in the European Union

Scotland's oil and gas industry is responsible for the employment of 116,000 people

The Scottish software industry has a turnover of £1.5 billion and employs around 20,000 people.

Education

Scotland has an excellent reputation for the quality of its educational system and consistently turns out students of the highest calibre.

There are thirteen universities in Scotland:

University of Aberdeen
King's College
Aberdeen AB24 3FX
Tel: 01224 2722000

University of Dundee
Dundee DD1 4HN
Tel: 01382 344000
Fax: 01382 201604

 
Glasgow Caledonian University
City Campus
Cowcaddens Road
Glasgow G4 9BA
Tel: 0141 331 3000
Fax: 0141 331 3005

The University of Edinburgh
Old College
South Bridge
Edinburgh EH8 9YL
Tel: 0131 650 1000
Fax: 0131 650 2147

University of Glasgow
1 The Square
Glasgow G12 8QQ
Tel: 0141 330 4575
Fax: 0141 330 4413
Email:

Heriot-Watt University
Edinburgh EH14 4AS
Tel: 0131 449 5111

Napier University
219 Colinton Road
Edinburgh EH14 1DJ
Tel: 0131 444 2266
Fax: 0131 445 6333

University of Paisley
Paisley PA1 2BE
Tel: 0141 848 3000
Fax: 0141 887 0812

The Robert Gordon University
Schoolhill
Aberdeen AB10 1FR
Tel: 01224 262000
Email:

University of St Andrews
79 North Street
St Andrews
Fife KY16 9SX
Tel: 01334 476161
Email:

University of Stirling
Stirling FK9 4LA
Tel: 01786 473171

University of Strathclyde
16 Richmond Street
Glasgow G1 1XQ
Tel: 0141 552 4400