Keep up to date with current investment opportunities, news from Perth's business community and browse interviews with your fellow industry peers based here in Perth and the wider region. You can also flick through previous editions of the Invest In Perth magazine, or order hard copies from the team.
If you have news you'd like to see featured, please contact Nicola Martin at The Red String Agency.
Make a Location Statement with an HQ in Perth
As the workforce of the world beds into the new rules of hybrid working, does your HQ real estate really need to remain in the largest city centres?
International Barley Hub Advances
Building work has begun on the £62m International Barley Hub and Advanced Plant Growth Centre at the James Hutton Institute.
Building Skills for the Talent Pool
The Young Person’s Guarantee, an employer recruitment incentive, is now well underway in Perth, placing young people into real jobs.
The Glenturret, Distilling Tradition and Luxury
Glenturret Distillery in Perthshire has gone from strength to strength with a recent investment of £31 million in the modernisation of the business.
Provender Brown’s Funding Success Story
Diane Brown, owner of Perth city centre based Provender Brown. talks about adapting her business to the pandemic by introducing a variety of new services.
Keira Proctor: The A. Proctor Group
Kiera Proctor, Managing Director of the A. Proctor Group sat down with Invest in Perth to discuss the history of the Blairgowrie based family business.
Capital budget backs £90M investment in new leisure centre for Perth
Perth and Kinross Council has
approved a £90M investment in a new leisure venue as part of the wider regeneration strategy for Perth and Kinross.
The Future of Tourism in Perthshire
Perthshire’s tourism industry has joined forces with VisitScotland, Perth and Kinross Council to produce a new tourism action plan which runs until 2025.
Leading The Charge on Smart Investing
Perth’s smart agenda is focused on delivering economic resilience and long-term growth through innovation and sustainability
Vicki Unite: Why Perth Works For Me
Chief Executive of Perthshire Chamber of Commerce, Vicki Unite, talks about recovery, resilience and why she chose Perth as home.
Making an Attractive Investment
The first of Perth’s £65 million city centre regeneration projects has launched, with further developments underway.
Perth West: A Catalyst for Change to Reach Net Zero
Perth West is a unique proposition to integrate low carbon innovation within a single urban development for the transition to net zero.
Green Recovery Capital Fund launches to support Perth and Kinross businesses
Businesses could benefit from Perth & Kinross Council grants worth up to £25,000 funding to invest in green technology and develop new ways of working.
Council teams up with Crowdfunder to launch £150,000 Business Fund
Perth & Kinross Council has teamed up with Crowdfunder to launch the £150,000 Crowdfund Perth and Kinross Business Fund.
Binn Eco Park, The Circular Generation
The Binn Group has been quietly building on the solid foundation of their decades-old waste management business, to become a leading company in the field of decarbonisation.
Advance work to begin for the Cross Tay Link Road
Stage 1 contractor, BAM Nuttall set to begin preparatory work Perth’s largest ever infrastructure project, the Cross Tay Link Road.
Works continues at Perth City Hall
The renovation of Perth’s City Hall into a major new museum has taken a significant step forward as the next phase of work begins.
Ambitious net zero strategy agreed by Perth and Kinross Council
An ambitious strategy for Perth and Kinross to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2045 has been unanimously agreed by Councillors on Wednesday 15th December.
Perth named UNESCO City of Craft and Folk Art
UNESCO has announced Perth is to join their Creative City network as a City of Crafts and Folk Art – the first in the UK.
Perth’s Move Forward From Cop26
Mike Robinson, CEO of RSGS and Chairperson of Perth City Leadership Forum with his
views on how Perth embraces the opportunities presented by COP26.
Zero Carbon Bus to make Perth stop ahead of COP26
Perth & Kinross Council are proud hosts of a stop on the Zero Carbon Tour, coming to Perth Concert Hall on Tuesday 26th October.
Plans submitted for £33.8million leisure-led development
A planning application for a new £33.8 million leisure-led development at West Kinfauns, Perthshire has been submitted to Perth and Kinross Council.
The Climate Change Emergency and Your Business
Mike Robinson, Chief Executive of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society discusses the importance of tackling climate change.
Weddings, Weekends And Countryside Pursuits
Katriona and Lewis Cameron decided to transform their enchanting 2,000 acre Perthshire estate into an all-purpose wedding and events venue.
Smart Perth Roadmap
As a progressive city, Perth aims to effect long-term, meaningful change using a number of smart city initiatives.
Neos Full Fibre Network
Spanning 19.5km, Perth’s new, end-to-end full fibre network, completed in August 2021 by Neos Network, one of the UK’s leading B2B connectivity providers.
Smart Perth
Perth is a leader in the field of smart technology and offers opportunities for purpose-driven investors and corporates focused on driving place and business innovation in energy and mobility.
Binn Eco Park
established and growing circular economy focused resource management centre, at the forefront of plastics recycling in the UK.
Cross Tay Link Road contractor appointed for Stage One
Perth & Kinross Council have appointed BAM Nuttall Limited to deliver stage one of the Cross Tay Link Road Project.
Building work begins at James Hutton Institute’s £62M Development
The £62M development of a state-of-the-art International Barley Hub and Advanced Plant Growth Centre at James Hutton Institute is now at underway.
George Stubbs: Why Perth Works Well for Me
Established in Perth in 1991 by George Stubbs, GS Group is one of the United Kingdom’s largest insurance brokers with offices throughout Scotland.
£1.4 million investment Sees Perth City Centre Home To The Future of Eye Care
One of Perth’s longest-standing independent businesses, Salmoni’s Optician, has marked their 50th anniversary with the completion of an ambitious £1.4 million city centre investment.
Helen Stewart talks growing Badvo Gin in Rural Perthshire
Heritage and history are what brought 24-year-old entrepreneur Helen Stewart back to work in Highland Perthshire, now the home of Badvo Gin.
Business Leader: Murray Alexander of Algo Ltd
Murray Alexander is the Managing Director of Perth based Algo Ltd, one of Scotland’s longest-standing independent construction companies.
£32.5 million Investment in Bertha Park High School
After opening its doors to pupils for the first time in August 2019, Bertha Park High School has become a hallmark for state-of-the-art teaching facilities.
Gannochy Trust’s £10m Innovative Housing Expansion
The first tenants of the Gannochy Trust’s £10 million ‘affordable housing to rent’ development have took up residency in their new homes.
Air Service Training to Future-Proof Industry
Perth College UHI and Air Service Training (AST), continue to develop innovative Aeronautical and Aircraft Engineering courses.
ABP Food Group praises Perth as Prime Investment Location
ABP Food Group has invested over £10 million in its only Scottish site located in Perth since they took ownership in 1998.
Stagecoach creates 80 Contact Centre jobs in Perth
Stagecoach has announced plans to create 80 jobs at a new customer contact centre from its Head Office base in Perth, Scotland.
Miconex rolls out the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card
Perth based Miconex is set for major expansion across Scotland as part of a government backed Scotland Loves Local Gift Card.
Tay Cities Regional Business Barometer
Businesses across Tayside are being given the chance to help shape the local economic recovery by contributing to the Regional Business Barometer Survey.
Work underway on transformation of Perth City Hall
Work is underway on the £26.5 million regeneration of Perth City Hall, turning it into cultural and heritage attraction scheduled to open oi Spring 2024.
Plans for high quality and low carbon living in Perth
Perth & Kinross Council is preparing a Development Brief for the site of Perth’s Thimblerow car park to guide future planning applications.
Micro Enterprise Fund launches in Perth and Kinross
The Micro Enterprise Fund has been designed to support businesses that employ fewer than 10 people, whether they are just starting out or looking to grow.
Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust launches Community Heritage Grant Scheme
Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust (PKHT) launches new Community Heritage Grant Fund and are inviting applications from local groups.
Former Perth city centre church set for new lease of life
More than two centuries after it was built, a Perth city centre church is about to get a new lease of life as a unique outdoor performance space.
Eco film launches new cycling routes in Perthshire and Angus
The Cateran Ecomuseum is a museum without walls, and one of a growing number of ecomuseums worldwide, all its sites are outside.
Perth Creative Exchange – Regeneration Project of the Year
Perth Creative Exchange was named Regeneration Project of the Year at the Scottish Property Awards 2021 on Thursday 25 March.
Tay Cities Deal go-ahead for flagship innovation projects
The James Hutton Institute’s two flagship innovation projects, have been officially approved by the Tay Cities Deal joint committee.
Great Perthshire secures food funding boost
Great Perthshire secures funding from industry leadership body, Scotland Food & Drink to support the ongoing development of Scotland’s regional food groups.
The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise 2022
Applications for 2022 Queen’s Awards for Enterprise will open in May 2021 and close for entries in the first week of September 2021.
£33.8 million leisure development revealed for Perthshire
Perth based company Morris Leslie have revealed proposals for a £33.8 million leisure based development in West Kinfauns.
The Stone of Destiny is coming home
The Stone of Destiny is returning to Perth in Spring 2024 to form the centre piece of Perth’s new £26.5 million museum at City Hall.
Business Gateway Delivery | April to November 2020
The latest summary of Business Gateway services delivery (including digital boost) for Tayside for April – November 2020.
Covid-19 Business Barometer 2 : Take Part
Following the first Business Barometer that was issued in May, the Perth and Kinross Covid-19 Business Support Task Force would like to gather additional information re the effects of Covid-19 on your business and the subsequent changes you have made. We will use the information gathered to inform our local Economic Recovery Plan and to help re-shape our
Perth & kinross Quarterly Economic Journal
Perth and Kinross Council’s quarterly economic journal offers an insight on the how Covid-19 has impacted the local economy.
Over 3,000 firms receive Business Grant support
Perth & Kinross Council announces nearly £33 million has been paid out to local businesses during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown.
Last call for Business Barometer Responses
Perth & Kinross Council has today praised the strong response of local business leaders and owners as almost 1000 completed surveys have been returned
Business Barometer Perth and Kinross : May 2020
We hope you can spare a few minutes to complete the attached short survey, re how Covid-19 has impacted on your business.
£20 million paid in business support grants
£20 million has been paid out to date in crisis grants to Perth and Kinross businesses during the current coronavirus lockdown.
Coronavirus Business Support
During these unprecedented times Perth & Kinross Council is here to offer assistance to businesses and can provide you with advice and funding.
Tay Cities Regional Tourism conference – Cancelled
Due to the ongoing Coronavirus (Covid-19) situation it is with regret that the delivery organisations of the Tay Cities Regional Tourism Conference.
Official Opening and First Exhibition to Celebrate Perth’s New Creative Hub
Perth Creative Exchange, a £4.5 million creative hub which will help boost the local Perthshire arts economy, was officially opened at a launch ceremony on Wednesday February 26, by the Provost of Perth and Kinross, Dennis Melloy. The Provost unveiled a plaque to commemorate the success of this partnership regeneration project by Wasps Artists’ Studios
Next milestone in transformation of St Paul’s Church
A 60 week programme of work to transform the B-listed former St Paul’s Church on Perth’s Old High Street is set for completion in August 2020.
Tay Cities Business Month
Throughout February, a series of events and workshops designed for individuals and organisations looking to start up or grow a business, learn new skills, build networks, find inspiration or gain a competitive edge will be taking place across Tayside as part of the Tay Cities Business Month. The events will be covering topics such as: E-Commerce; Book-keeping;
Binn Eco Park Partnership
PKC and the Binn Group, the driving force behind Binn Eco Park, are set to strengthen their joint engagement with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.
The Bathroom Company celebrates quarter-century of customer satisfaction
Perth-based The Bathroom Company celebrates an impressive 25 years in business this year. The company forms part of The Haddow Group.
Binn Eco Park looks forward to a world first in recycling
Project Beacon will combine mechanical and chemical recycling in the world’s first Advanced Plastic Recycling Facility.
ACS Engineering Case Study
Perth Airport-based ACS Aviation has gone from strength to strength. Their engineering division operates from Scotland’s largest General Aviation maintenance facility.
Edwards Engineering Case Study
Celebrating a significant 50 years of business this year, Edwards Engineering is one of Perth’s longest standing companies and a shining example of continued success.
Perth College UHI and AST Case Study
Perth College UHI is considered a facility which produces industry-ready graduates of the highest calibre thanks to its unique marriage of practical skills and classroom learning.
Merlin ERD Ltd Case Study
The award-winning and Perth-based consultancy Merlin ERD is considered one of the world’s leading companies in Extended Reach Drilling (ERD).
James Hutton Institute Case Study
Agritech is one of the world’s fastest growing industries and the James Hutton Institute, established at Invergowrie in Perthshire in April 2011, is a global leader in its field.
Praveen Kumar Ready Meals Case Study
From city centre restaurant to a multi-million pound ready meal business, Praveen Kumar’s journey within the food and drink industry in Perth is prolific.
Scarletts Scotland Case Study
Scarletts Scotland is BRC accredited, a global recognition that lets them pack honey for a wide variety of international customers from their base in Meigle.
Bruce Farms Case Study
An excellent example of farm diversification and food innovation, Bruce Farms has developed a ready-to-eat, freeze-dried snack using their own peas.
Perth West: Joining Forces
Perth & Kinross Council and the John Dewar Lamberkin Trust, the driving force behind the Perth West development, are set to strengthen their joint working.
m3 Networks – IT support that’s clear
For Mark Riddell, managing director of m3 Networks, Perth, running a successful company is as much about people as it is about knowledge and systems.
Luxury Tourism flourishing in Perthshire
Perthshire is home to many luxury tourism operators that bring a truly unique offering to our stunning area. Find out about six of the best that the region has to offer.
GROWING TAY-GETHER -Tourism conference focuses on increasing visitors to Tay Country
Food and drink, adventure activities and creative and design experiences could all help grow tourism in the East of Scotland in the next five years, that’s what attendees at a leading industry conference heard today (19 March) Over 200 delegates attended the first ever Tay Cities Regional Tourism Conference at Dundee Rep Theatre. Organised by
Award-winning Persie announces launch of latest Dog Gin
Award-winning Perthshire distillery Persie is celebrating the imminent launch of its third Dog Gin – the zesty Dachshund Gin. In April 2019 it will join the “Labrador” and the “Spaniel” to make a trio of Dog Gins whose flavours are inspired by these beloved breeds. Dog fans will be doing a good deed with every
Fraktul celebrates a decade of excellence in marketing
Fraktul, a Perth-based marketing business which provides award-winning support to a range of organisations, celebrates its 10 th anniversary this year. The company, which Managing Director Stephen Gorton started with his wife Madelaine, has grown in that time to become a thriving, expanding business employing a team of six with headquarters in Perth and satellite
Perth is best in class according to stable staff survey
Perth Racecourse is one of only six of 60 UK racecourses to achieve five-star status according to a survey of horse racing staff who use venue facilities, published this week.
Accelerator programme supports 11 more businesses to grow and develop
The latest 11 participants on the Famous Grouse Ideas Centre Creative Accelerator Programme took part in their Showcase event in December 2018, where they gave presentations on their businesses, the stories behind them and their plans for development. The 11 “founders” – who took part in the intensive 12-week Accelerator course – are all from
£62m boost for revolutionary projects at James Hutton Institute
As part of the Tay Cities Deal, the Scottish and UK governments will invest up to £62m in the work of the James Hutton Institute in Invergowrie. This investment will go towards the Institute’s International Barley Hub and the Advanced Plant Growth Centre. The International Barley Hub is an ambitious development to create a world-leading
Extra £50 million boosts Tay Cities Deal
Nicola Sturgeon has announced additional funding for a new bridge over the River Tay and road improvement works as part of the Tay Cities Deal.
The Cross Tay Link Road project, which will see the A9 linked with the A93 and A94 north of Scone, will receive £40 million in investment in an aim to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality, as well as to open up sites for housing and economic development.
Stagecoach boosts Perthshire independent businesses by getting on board with Mi Rewards
Bus operator Stagecoach is backing independent businesses in Perth by signing up to the local Mi Rewards loyalty scheme, giving passengers the chance to benefit from shopping local and travelling by bus. Mi Rewards, the UK’s first card-linked loyalty programme launched in Perth in September 2018 by Miconex – a company founded and based in
ACS Aviation scoop top award at the Business Star Awards
ACS Aviation have claimed a prestigious award for attracting overseas business to Perthshire, Scotland.
£20million Transformation Plan
An ambitious £20 million transformation project could create work for nearly 200 people, while pumping around £1 million into the economy.
Additional boost for Tay Cities Region
Perth & Kinross Council has welcomed an additional £50 million funding from Scottish Government announced today for the Tay Cities Region. The funding includes £40m towards the Cross Tay Link Road (CTLR), which is integral to the future growth and development of Perth and the surrounding area. People moving to the new Bertha Park development
TAY CITIES DEAL HEADS OF TERMS SIGNED
PARTNERS in the £700 million Tay Cities Region Deal have gathered in Perth to sign up to deliver the Heads of Terms for the agreement.
New place story for Perth highlights city’s renewed ambition
Ambitious plans to make Perth one of Europe’s great small cities will take a major step forward this week with the launch for the first time of a single consistent place story for the region.
Perth construction firm Morris & Spottiswood signs DWP contract
Perth construction firm Morris & Spottiswood has been selected by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to take on a programme of works after being appointed to its Estate Contractor Framework.
Measures discussed to increase quality of experience for visitors to Perth and Kinross
Tourism is the “heartbeat” of the Perth and Kinross economy, according to the country’s national agency for attracting visitors.
An idea custom-made for success
Biking has never been so popular: figures show that the total number of motorbikes licensed in Scotland topped 70,000 in 2016. A figure that has risen by 64% in just 20 years.
The magic ingredient in successful hospitality? Inspiration…
“You know it’s right when people are taking photographs of the food before they take a taste.”
That’s the advice of Andrew D. Scott, business consultant and serial hospitality entrepreneur, who draws on more than 15 years’ experience running his own food & drink businesses.
Perth eco-innovation park could boost Tayside economy by £500 million, developers claim
Tayside’s economy would receive a £500 million boost from an eco-innovation business park in Perth, developers claim.
THE SCOTTISH CITIES ALLIANCE LAUNCHES ITS LARGEST INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO AT EXPO REAL
At Expo Real 2018, the Scottish Cities Alliance, a unique collaboration of Scotland’s seven cities and the Scottish Government, will launch its largest investment portfolio yet, with billions of Euros worth of prime development opportunities.
Vertical Farming Rises to the Challenge
Vertical farming is an operational reality at a demonstration facility at the James Hutton Institute; and it could deliver improvements across agriculture.
Entrepreneurship in the rural economy
Paul and Rebecca Newman of Errichel House and Thyme Restaurant, talk tourism success, award wins and growing their business in rural Perthshire.
FROM MILITARY TANK DRIVING TO WEDDING PLANNER
It may seem like a strange career change, but for Rod and Adelle Sim, the move from driving military tanks to looking after bridal parties, is one they’ve been more than happy to make.
Scottish fintech firm Miconex launches first cardless rewards programme for town centres
The ‘Mi Rewards’ programme, the first of its kind in the UK, is to be piloted in the Scottish city of Perth to in order to reward shoppers for spending money locally. After a successful trial, it is hoped the scheme could be replicated across the rest of the UK.
Perth West – A sustainable city expansion offering great investment potential
Lying in the heart of Scotland, offering great transport links and beautiful rolling countryside on its doorstep, Perth West is an exciting, sustainable investment opportunity in a growing city, offering investors the chance to get in at an early stage.
The Rise of Ballintaggart Farm
Chris Rowley, his wife Rachel and brother Andrew have transformed Ballintaggart Farm into a destination restaurant complete with rooms and cook school.
St Paul’s Church works update
Work continues to progress at St Paul’s Church as part of the Council’s plan to repair and transform part of the historic building into a versatile public space. Work done on site to date includes site establishment; removal of overhead risks (loose slates, masonry, vegetation, other debris); inspection by engineers of the high level areas;
Derelict School to Become Creative Exchange Hub
A vacant former primary school in Perth city centre will be transformed into a creative hub in a project spearheaded by Perth and Kinross Council.