Editorial

Scotland claims inward tech investment success

Firms ranging from data analytics to 5G research still see north of the border as a fine place to set up, claims Holyrood

Posted 3 April 2017 by Gary Flood


The Scottish government says US firms are continuing to invest in the country despite the triggering of Article 50 last week.

Three – health IT data analytics specialist Spiritus Partners, geoscience firm ION Geophysical Corporation and life sciences player PPS UK – are between them putting an extra £6.3m into their activities north of the border, creating or safeguarding 44 jobs in high tech, says Holyrood.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon welcomed the announcement by the trio, which have all been supported by Scottish Enterprise through grants totalling more than £1.5m.

At the same time, the BBC has been reporting how a US technology firm is to invest £3.8m in its specialist research centre in Edinburgh.

That firm, Xilinx, says its Scottish arm will develop communications technologies, particularly around 5G, with an overall aim of establishing its Edinburgh lab an international 5G centre of excellence.

The move will create 12 new jobs, protect 30 existing roles, and is supported by yet more help from Scottish Enterprise, a special £1m research and development grant.

“These are all fantastic examples of US companies recognising the benefits of Scotland’s top talent and effective business environment,” claimed the Chief Executive of that organisation, Lena Wilson.

“We are very pleased to have been able to support all four growth companies to get to this stage and wish them every success in achieving their future ambitions.”

Social Sturgeon, Scotland’s First Minister, added that, “The United States is Scotland’s biggest source of inward investment and, in the wake of Article 50 being triggered and the risk of a hard Brexit, it is vital we continue to build on the success of our current business relationship with the US.

“Scotland remains open for business, and I’m delighted these companies have chosen to expand here and it further demonstrates our position as a prime location for inward investment.”

Sturgeon will be setting off this week on a US tour to promote Scotland as a destination for yet more inward investment.