Business

Inward Investment

Stirling’s attractive environment, quality schools and exceptional quality of life are attracting more people to live and work in the Stirling area. Stirling’s population increased by two per cent between 2000 and 2006, higher than the one per cent average rate of growth for Scotland as a whole. Stirling has also experienced strong jobs growth, with the number of jobs increasing from 40,600 in 2000 to 46,400 in 2006. This increase represented growth of 14 per cent, higher than the six per cent average rate of growth for Scotland as a whole.

Stirling provides a competitive location for business start-ups and for business growth. The Committee of Scottish Clearing Banks recorded 480 business starts in 2007. High levels of business starts, combined with higher than average 3-year business survival rates for VAT registered businesses (77 per cent survival rate for Stirling businesses compared to 70 per cent average for Scotland as whole) have meant that Stirling has developed a strong and diverse business base. Stirling has 340 VAT registered businesses per 10,000 population, compared to an average of 254 for Scotland as a whole.

Stirling’s diverse business base covers a number of key growth sectors, including business services, construction, hotels and catering, retailing, banking and insurance and health.