We support businesses

As part of our contribution to the Government Economic Strategy, we are involved with many activities to help companies increase productivity and boost innovation.

Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service (SMAS)

SMAS provides manufacturing firms of all sizes throughout Scotland help to improve their processes and productivity. Please ask for a free manufacturing review to see how your business could benefit.

Scottish Development International

International economies offer some of the biggest potential for economic growth and we help businesses expand into new overseas markets. We do this through the work of Scottish Development International (SDI), our joint venture with the Scottish Government and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Other initiatives to help companies internationally include:

  • Smart Exporter  - helping companies develop exporting knowledge
  • GlobalScot  - providing practical advice to companies wanting to engage with the global marketplace
  • TalentScotland - a talent attraction project that showcases Scotland as an outstanding destination to live, work and study.

The leadership challenge

Business leadership has emerged as the key issue for Scottish companies as they face up to economic and competitive realities. Scotland needs to create an ethos of leadership which reaches throughout Scottish society and generates a self-sustaining pool of talented leaders.

Account management

Through our account management programme we work with companies to understand the business issues they are facing. We can then help to develop solutions or opportunities for their business and this could involve strategy development, business efficiency or introducing the business to international markets.

Innovation Support Service

It's vital you think creatively about your business and the Innovation Support Service is a free advisory service available to all businesses in Scotland. It will help your company explore ideas for new products, introduce fresh approaches and identify new ways to improve your business.

Considering collaborative working? Talk to Co-operative Development Scotland

Businesses can reduce costs and share risks by working together. By helping businesses to scale-up, consortia create new platforms for growth, across all business sectors. We offer specialist advice and tailored support for co-operative business models.

Co-operative Development Scotland.

Find a business property

Scottish Property Network - Find a range of properties and information on commercial, industrial, and retail property markets from the north-east of Scotland to the Borders.