GLASGOW S INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES DISTRICT

Transcription

1 GLASGOW S INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES DISTRICT

2 an introduction to IFSD Glasgow s International Financial Services District (IFSD) is a purpose built centre of excellence for financial companies. Since its launch in 2001, the District has welcomed many of the biggest names in global finance... attracted by a first class combination of skilled labour, quality offices, competitive operating costs and a great infrastructure, all backed by an award winning support network for both indigenous companies and inward investors. The successful growth of the IFSD in recent years builds on Glasgow s centuries old heritage in financial services. Today, the city has around 30,000 people employed in financial services, making it one of Glasgow s most important business sectors. Glasgow s outstanding credentials as a top class location for financial services companies are underlined by the ever growing list of major firms choosing to locate and grow in the city. These include JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Barclays Wealth, BNP Paribas, Aon, ACE Insurance, esure, First Data, Clydesdale Bank, Lloyds Banking Group, Tesco Bank and many, many more. The IFSD is compact, convenient and concentrated... a truly world class business location for financial services companies.

3 top quality offices A tour around the IFSD reveals just how much physical transformation has taken place in recent years. Where once stood crumbling, dilapidated warehouses, each one a reminder of Glasgow s past, there now stands an impressive array of gleaming, glass fronted office developments, home to many of the best known names in global finance. When it comes to the provision of high quality, competitively priced work space, Glasgow s IFSD has a lot to offer; whether it s modern, award winning, waterfront offices with large floorplates or the very best in refurbished space, converted to meet the needs of today s employers. A key attraction of the IFSD for both expanding and re-locating companies is the sheer choice of office accommodation. Since 2001, almost two million sq ft of Grade A space has been completed offering employers significantly more choice than most comparable cities. Find details on available properties at

4 skilled workforce A recurring reason for global giants in finance choosing to locate in Glasgow is the availability of a highly skilled workforce. The city s excellent public transport networks deliver a huge labour pool of around 1.5 million people from its travel to work area. While 1 in 13 of Glasgow s total workforce is employed in the financial sector, it s about more than numbers the quality is very evident too. Financial staff in Scotland are generally better qualified than anywhere else in the UK. Staff retention is also good in the city and salaries are very competitive. And, last, but certainly not least, many employers in Glasgow comment favourably on a can do attitude in the workplace, accompanied by the traditional Glaswegian reputation for warmth, humour and friendliness. The partnership behind the IFSD works closely with trade bodies and local companies to support their recruitment and training needs. A great example is its work with the Insurance and Actuarial Society of Glasgow to establish a study centre at the Mitchell Library (right) for the insurance industry, the first of its type in the UK. Further information:

5 academic excellence Glasgow s IFSD has ready access to a large pipeline of qualified graduates. The city has four universities, three higher education colleges and twelve further education colleges, producing thousands of graduates each year with qualifications directly relevant to the needs of the financial services industry. Strathclyde Business School, part of the University of Strathclyde, is the only business school in Scotland and one of only 21 worldwide, to win accreditation by the world s top three accreditation bodies. Glasgow Caledonian University has been named the Securities and Investment Institute s first Centre of Excellence, specialising in financial services operations and risk. And, Glasgow University s Business School is one of an elite group - less than 10 percent of the world s business schools that holds AACSB accreditation. Its MBA Programme is also fully accredited by AMBA and approved by the UK Cabinet Office for the civil service. The partners behind Glasgow s IFSD and its major employers have forged close working relationships with Glasgow s universities and colleges to deliver a pipeline of graduates ready to take up career opportunities in the financial services industry. Further Information:

6 great infrastructure Glasgow s excellent transport links feature three international airports within 45 minutes drive of the IFSD. The closest, Glasgow International Airport, only 15 minutes away, offers almost 70 flights each weekday to London airports and serves 90 destinations worldwide. Glasgow boasts the UK s largest suburban rail network outside London and the city also has an underground rail system with two stations offering easy access to the IFSD. On the western edge of the IFSD is the M8 motorway, offering ready access to Scotland s motorway network and all points north, south, east and west. Glasgow also offers one of the most sophisticated, competitive telecommunications environments in Europe. BT, an early partner in the IFSD s development, has invested 50 million in the broadband infrastructure which helps the city deliver class leading standards for security of service, value for money, future proofing and fast, reliable connectivity. All of this is backed by a further 50 million investment in the public realm, creating a high quality environment for the District and ensuring that every visit to the IFSD is impressive, from start to finish. Further Information:

7 quality of life As a stylish, cosmopolitan centre with something for everyone, Glasgow is one of Europe s great cities. Consistently voted the UK s best shopping experience outside London, the city is packed with attractive malls, designer boutiques and speciality shops, catering for every taste. Eating out is another pleasure with a stunning selection of gourmet restaurants, cafes, bars and bistros. As home to the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Scottish Ballet and Scottish Opera, Glasgow scores highly on the arts and culture front, not to mention its museums and art galleries, which rank on a worldwide scale. With more green space per square mile than any other UK city, Glasgow is known affectionately as the dear green place. Those hankering after the great outdoors can find Loch Lomond, the gateway to the Highlands, a short 45 minute drive from the centre of the city. House hunters in Glasgow are spoilt for choice. From trendy waterfront apartments in the IFSD to generously proportioned Victorian flats and townhouses in Glasgow s West End; from loft apartments in the Merchant City to substantial family villas in outstanding high quality suburbs, Glasgow has it all. Further information:

8 strong partnership The success of Glasgow s IFSD has been driven by a strong partnership between the public and private sectors that has seen well over one billion pounds invested in the District since its launch. The public sector partners, led by Scottish Enterprise and Glasgow City Council, have forged strong links and co-ordinated effectively with property developers and investors, technology providers and financial companies, to deliver a purpose built centre of excellence. Partners involved in the IFSD are: Glasgow City Council Scottish Enterprise Scottish Government Scottish Financial Enterprise Scottish Development International BT and numerous property developers and investors The partners are totally committed to working closely with existing companies and new inward investors, offering a wide range of practical assistance. This can include support on telecoms, property, aftercare support and training and recruitment. As an assisted area, Glasgow benefits from a range of further support measures under Regional Selective Assistance, the Government grant scheme to encourage investment and job creation. For further information on Glasgow s IFSD, please visit or ifsd.enquiries@scotent.co.uk