Invest Glasgow has launched online data tools on their website to put the Scottish city firmly on the map for business relocation, investment and expansion.
Market research shows that more than 98% of corporate site selectors research location data online, often before contacting economic development organizations or investment promotion agencies. Using the ZoomProspector web tool, decision-makers can search an online database of commercial properties and development sites while simultaneously analyzing demographic, labour force, consumer expenditure, wages, business and talent data at both city region and local authority levels. The interactive tools are mobile-friendly and put key data at the fingertips of website visitors.
The user-friendly data portal makes information, research and analysis instantly accessible to community stakeholders, site selectors, property developers, commercial property agents and existing businesses seeking city intelligence to make informed location decisions. Users have the ability to visualize data with local mapping layers, thematic heat maps, interactive tools, charts, graphs, infographics, and reports that can be dynamically sorted, shared and downloaded.
Already a mature tool for many EDOs in North America, Invest Glasgow is the first IPA in Scotland and only the third in the UK to take advantage of digital site selection tools. The mobile-friendly, interactive web tool uses ZoomProspector software, the industry-leading site selection and analysis tool by GIS Planning, a service from the Financial Times Group. It comprises a customized property and site search alongside location, economic and population data for analysis by investors, businesses and decision makers.
By putting compelling, accurate and relevant information in the hands of decision-makers, the tool will be used to generate more engagement and leads in order to attract additional investment to help stimulate the local economy by creating new jobs for the city region.
Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council, explains, “In light of current COVID restrictions and social distancing, it has never been more important that we enhance Glasgow’s digital profile. These online data tools create a ‘shop window’ to showcase opportunities to the international commercial and corporate communities, allowing them to research Glasgow as potential location for their business around the clock. Specifically, it allows investors an in-depth perspective to help positively address the question of ‘Why Glasgow?’.”
“The Glasgow City Region is the powerhouse of the Scottish economy and one of the UK’s most business-friendly cities and significant magnets for investment attraction," notes Kevin Rush, Director of Regional Economic Growth, Glasgow City Region. "COVID-19 has accelerated the need for robust digital transformation, and investment promotion agencies around the world have been re-evaluating their strategies to ensure they’re still able to reach their investors – even if they’re still halfway around the world. By giving users direct access to thousands of data points and the most accurate, up-to-date information on the city will help build a nuanced picture of the breadth of opportunity and value of relocating and growing in Glasgow.”
“Glasgow’s business community enthusiastically supports the work of Invest Glasgow in demonstrating why Glasgow is the perfect city to build an enterprise. The adoption of the ZoomProspector data tool demonstrates Glasgow’s commitment to innovation and ingenuity. This digital portal allows city partners to target virtually a new audience and, at the same time, demonstrates Glasgow’s resilience and openness to investment, helping to grow further our thriving business community,” says Stuart Patrick, Chief Executive, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce.
Click here to visit the Glasgow City Region site selection data portal.
Invest Glasgow is Glasgow City Council’s inward investment team. Invest Glasgow offers comprehensive business support and guidance to businesses, property investors and developers seeking to invest or locate in the city. The investment team works with investors from initial inquiry to helping them set up in the city and beyond:
- Guidance on investment incentives and business support
- Facilitating access to partners and networks
- Help identifying the right site/location
- Investment advice
- Dedicated aftercare
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