Business Facts

Facts About Renfrewshire for Businesses

Location
Paisley is located seven miles from Glasgow city centre. From Renfrewshire, it takes around an hour to travel to Scotland's capital city of Edinburgh. Renfrewshire hosts Glasgow International Airport, located five minutes by car, taxi or bus from Paisley town centre. Gilmour Street Rail Station is located in Paisley's town centre and has good connecting rail links throughout Scotland.

Population
Renfrewshire has a total population of 170,000, with Paisley being the largest town in Scotland, with a population of approx 79,000. Approx 80,000 are employed. The region has 49 primary schools, 11 secondary, a college and a university

Updated info from council website - http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/ilwwcm/publishing.nsf/Content/pt-ws-EconomicProfile-KeyFacts

Business Stock

Renfrewshire enjoys good communications and transport links.

The region is home to many of the world's top technology and industrial manufacturers. These manufacturers are suppored by a number of international transport and logistics companies. Key sectors include IT, manufacturing, engineering, chemicals, aerospace, and contact centres. Well known employers include Rolls Royce, BASF / Ciba, Diageo, Chivas, Braehead, Amor, Arriva, Aulds, M&Co, Teknek, Vascutek, Lifetech, Ceridian, Glasgow Airport, HP

Renfrewshire accounts for over one third of Scotland's manufactured exports.

A total of approx 3,500 VAT registered / active businesses are operating in Renfrewshire.

Educational Resources

University of the West of Scotland
Founded in 1897 to offer vocational courses, they began offering degree studies in the early 1900's and matured to University status in 1992. Today, the University of the West of Scotland has an enviable reputation for innovation and excellence, and is widening the provision of higher education in the west and south-west of Scotland with its additional campuses in Ayr and Dumfries. Currently the University has some 1,300 staff guiding more that 10,000 students in over 100 degree courses designed to give them the qualifications, skills and personal attributes they need to compete in the employment market and make a valued contribution within their chosen career.

Reid Kerr College
Is one of the fastest growing further education colleges in Scotland. Reid Kerr College offers an extensive range of courses in a variety of areas including business & management, construction, computing & e-commerce, engineering, hospitality, hairdressing & beauty, science, sport, health & care, creative arts, languages, communication and support for learning. Courses are available on a full-time, part-time, day or evening basis or by distance learning and cover a range of levels from NC, Highers, HNCs and HNDs to professional qualifications.

Reid Kerr also provides training and staff development customised to meet business and commercial needs. Working in partnership with organisations, locally, nationally and internationally Reid Kerr assists companies in the development and growth of their business.