A new joint inward investment and business regeneration strategy has been launched by North and South Lanarkshire Councils.
Chair of South Lanarkshire Council’s Enterprise Services Committee, Councillor Chris Thompson said, “Our new strategy will focus on encouraging more companies to set up business in Lanarkshire.
“We are targeting sectors which are clear growth hubs as a result of our excellent location, transport infrastructure and pool of skilled labour. To assist the strategy, we have developed a new business website, www.chooselanarkshire.com.”
A growing hub for industry
Due to its central location, Lanarkshire has emerged as a hub for a range of sectors, with a particular strength in Energy and Engineering. Companies located in Lanarkshire include; Scottish Power, Wood Group PSN, FMC, Energetics, Centrica, Carillion, Clough Engineering, Banks Renewables, and Gamesa. Scottish Power have twice selected Lanarkshire, locating at both Strathclyde Business Park and Hamilton International Park. Lanarkshire has strong connectivity to rail and road routes (M8, M74, M73 & M80) means that large mobile skilled workforces are readily available.
Motivated by these factors, indigenous developer HFD Group, have combined the popularity of the location with the innovation that the Energy sector by developing EcoCampus at Hamilton International Park. These buildings are the UK’s first speculatively built Carbon Neutral offices, totalling 224,000 sq ft over three buildings, a unique power purchase agreement with GDF Suez (a Lanarkshire occupier) offers GreenPower generated locally at discounted rates. HFD Group has secured capacity to deliver GreenPower to Strathclyde Business Park and Hamilton International Park in Lanarkshire, extending the benefit.
A supportive business environment
Building on Lanarkshire’s strategic location, North and South Lanarkshire Councils work closely with businesses to provide a supportive environment for growth. Astrid McKirdy, Financial Controller of Dalkeith Transport, one of the UK’s leading providers of palletised freight and based in Lanarkshire said, “We have a great relationship with North Lanarkshire Council. They helped us to find suitable apprentices for our business expansion”.
Equally enthusiastic of the business support received was Scott McInnes, Regional Director of Intertek, leading provider of technical inspection services for the global energy market. He said, “South Lanarkshire Council have continuously provided us with support over the last 8 years. Their professional guidance and energetic approach and enthusiasm to assist with our growth have been excellent.”
Working in partnership
The councils’ enthusiastic approach towards new inward investment and business regeneration relies heavily on forging successful partnerships with with both private and public sector bodies.
Key stakeholders such as Scottish Enterprise, Job Centre Plus, Skills Development Scotland along with educational institutions including New College Lanarkshire are working with the councils to monitor trends and ensure the area has the necessary skills to meet changing industry requirements. North Lanarkshire Council’s Convenor for Regeneration, Councillor David Fagan cited the film studio that had been set up in Cumbernauld to film the TV series Outlanders, which has attracted a £20million investment from Sony. “That’s a huge opportunity and we would like to encourage them and the local colleges to work together to develop more skills around say film production, acting, design and other similar qualifications”, he said. Other partnerships being explored include a working group with the major commercial property developers in Lanarkshire to explore how they can market Lanarkshire and maximise occupancy rates.
With so many new and exciting developments taking place in Lanarkshire, it is hoped www.chooselanarkshire.com will be the one-stop shop to help businesses decide to locate or expand in Lanarkshire. Highlights of the website include a monthly calendar of local business events, business news, tailored property search advice, key facts about Lanarkshire and testimonials from successful companies located here. Bruce Gunn, Managing Director of courier company Delivered Next Day Personally CIC, has the last word on doing business in Lanarkshire, “One word to describe being located in Lanarkshire? Perfect.”
North and South Lanarkshire Council have also produced the Lanarkshire Business Guide, which showcases what Lanarkshire has to offer businesses as a place to invest, work and live. It is available to view online or download at www.chooselanarkshire.com.
For any business enquiries, please contact info@chooselanarkshire.com
