The Knight Frank guide to Edinburgh for businesses

A city of heritage and innovation, Edinburgh’s blend of historical architecture, a vibrant cultural scene and dynamic commercial opportunities make it the perfect home for businesses of all shapes and sizes.

Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, offers a business landscape that combines traditional sectors such as professional services and fi nance with cutting-edge industries such as tech and life sciences. It’s been named one of the best UK cities to launch a startup business, and has a five-year startup survival rate of 42.9% – versus 39.6% for the national average.

Overall, Scotland’s first city has one of the UK’s strongest local economies and is known for high productivity among businesses, above-average levels of income, a healthy employment market and the general wellbeing of its citizens.

Getting there

Edinburgh’s excellent connectivity makes it a strategic location for businesses operating across the UK and beyond. The city is serviced by:

● Edinburgh Waverley Station: A major rail hub that provides direct connections to London, Glasgow, and other key cities

● Edinburgh Haymarket Station: Offering convenient access to local services and the western suburbs

For air travel, Edinburgh Airport is less than a 30-minute commute from the city centre and offers direct flights to over 150 destinations worldwide, including major business hubs across Europe and North America.

The city’s compact layout and extensive bus and tram networks make it easy to navigate, with the new tram link connecting the airport directly to the city centre.

Meet the Neighbours

Edinburgh’s business districts are as diverse as its industries, catering to traditional sectors like finance and law, as well as emerging fields such as tech and creative media.

● New Town: A UNESCO World Heritage site, New Town is the city’s commercial hub. It’s known for its Georgian architecture and grand streets. It’s home to fi nancial institutions, law firms, and high-end retailers, making it the go-to location for prestigious offi ce spaces.

● West End: An extension of the New Town, the West End offers a mix of modern office developments and historic buildings, popular with professional services and boutique firms.

● Leith: Edinburgh’s creative quarter, Leith is a hotspot for startups, digital agencies, and co-working spaces. The area’s mix of industrial heritage and waterfront views attracts a younger, dynamic workforce.

● South Gyle: Located near the airport, this area is a hub for tech and corporate headquarters, offering modern office parks with excellent transport links.

On your doorstep

Edinburgh’s culinary and retail offerings are as impressive as its business credentials, providing options for every taste and occasion.

For fine dining, The Kitchin and Restaurant Martin Wishart in Leith offer Michelin-starred experiences, while The Witchery by the Castle provides an atmospheric option bound to impress clients. For more casual meetings or after-work drinks, venues such as The Dome on George Street, or Brewhemia near Waverley Station, are for discerning types looking for a more laid-back setting.

Princes Street, meanwhile, is host to numerous major high-street brands, while George Street and Multrees Walk cater to luxury shoppers. Independent boutiques and artisan shops in areas like Stockbridge and Grassmarket are perfect for those wanting a distinct local flavour.

Places of interest

Edinburgh’s rich history and stunning surroundings make it an inspiring place to work and live. The city’s vibrant arts and cultural scene, from the world-famous Fringe Festival to its many galleries and theatres, ensures there’s always something happening.

And what perhaps encapsulates the city’s heritage more than Edinburgh Castle. Dominating the city skyline, this iconic landmark is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, but also provides the perfect backdrop for colleagues to enjoy their downtime.

The charm-filled historic Royal Mile stretches from the castle to Holyrood Palace and is an ideal way to showcase the city to unfamiliar clients.

Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park, meanwhile, is a short walk from the city centre, and offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding countryside. This extinct volcano could be Ideal for lunchtime hikes or even team-building outings in the summer.

Edinburgh’s famed Botanic Gardens can be your team’s oasis of calm; a beautiful green space perfect for unwinding in, or holding informal outdoor meetings.

Combined with its historic charm, forward-thinking business climate, and excellent lifestyle amenities, the Scottish capital is a premier destination for businesses looking to find their next home.

Find your base in Edinburgh

At Knight Frank, we know how important it is that you find office space that’s within budget and is conveniently located but that also makes you and your team happy. With our expertise and extensive knowledge of the Edinburgh office space and commercial rental market, we’re perfectly placed to empower your search.

Take a look at our offices to rent in Edinburgh or get in touch for help finding the perfect office space for your business.