Starting a business in Edinburgh

The Scottish capital is renowned for its thriving cultural scene, but it’s big on tech too

For a true taste of Scottish heritage, Edinburgh is the place to go – and not just because it’s the country’s capital city. Home to 487,500 people and a thriving cultural scene, Edinburgh is well-known as a hub for the arts thanks to the Edinburgh International Fringe Festival, while its generous mix of iconic landmarks and rugged scenery make it one of the most picturesque cities in the UK.

Big on tech and innovation

Small businesses in Edinburgh benefit from a whole host of support, including plenty of office space and access to some of the country’s leading science parks and research centres. The University of Edinburgh supports the development of new innovations in the city, and in particular, companies focused on science and technology by offering four business incubation centres.

Technology businesses can find even more help in the form of TechCube, a start-up incubator offering world-class co-working space and support that is sending Edinburgh well on the way to becoming one of the most desirable places to start a tech company in Europe.

For early-stage and growing businesses, Entrepreneurial Spark offers a world-leading (and completely free) accelerator programme, giving start-ups the opportunity to work in a collaborative environment that’s vital for networking and growing the team. The 18-month programme also offers support via specialist mentors, workshops, pitch practice and much more, all aimed at making small businesses more investable.

National and international connections

Edinburgh’s thriving business network benefits from excellent transport links, with Edinburgh International Airport connecting the city to 100 destinations worldwide. But it isn’t just great for globetrotters; Edinburgh is also under an hour’s drive from Glasgow, with its very own growing start-up scene – ideal for networking with contemporaries and building a small business community.