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What you need to know about doing business in Scotland
If you're thinking of starting a business in Scotland there are many organisations, which would be happy to help you. They can also answer your questions on expanding your business in Scotland. This is a list of the organisations, which can give you advice from Visas and finance to relocating to Scotland.
Scottish Development International
Scottish Development International (SDI) helps companies based in Scotland develop in other countries. However, they also encourage international companies to expand in Scotland.
If you currently don't live in Scotland, but want to expand your business here, you would get in touch with SDI. They give advice on the best places, training and help with recruiting staff. They also have information on a wide range of business grant schemes in Scotland.
Business Gateway
Business Gateway gives practical help, advice and support to new businesses. Usually, they focus on smaller companies, and the people they help are based in Scotland. They also help people who would like to expand their business in Scotland.
Scottish Enterprise
Scottish Enterprise (SE) is Scotland's main economic, enterprise, innovation and investment agency, which is mainly funded by the Scottish Government. To help build a world-class economy in Scotland SE is particularly interested in industries that have real competitive advantage in Scotland: energy; life sciences; tourism; financial services; food and drink; and digital markets and enabling technologies.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise
Highlands and Islands Enterprise is the Scottish Government's economic and community development agency for all parts of the Highlands and Islands. They work with many types of and varying scales of business.
The Relocation Advisory Service
The Relocation Advisory Service (RAS) gives advice on relocating to Scotland. RAS staff can also advise you on the type of Visa that you should apply for, should you decide to move to Scotland.
More information about the Relocation Advisory Service
Related links
- More advice on doing Business in Scotland
- How to Expand an Existing Business and Access International Markets
- Employment Advice for Businesses
- Questions and Answers about moving and working in Scotland
- People who have done business in Scotland
- A list of links and contact details of organisations, which can give you help with Visas and permits
Case studies of other people who have started businesses in Scotland
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