The Knight Frank Guide to Glasgow for Businesses

A city defined by its industrious spirit and cultural vibrancy, Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city and a key business destination, offering a unique blend of commerce, creativity, and connectivity.

Considered Scotland’s cultural capital by many, it has the second highest GDP in the country behind Edinburgh. The Scottish Fiscal Commission predicts economic growth of 1.5% across 2025, which is stronger than 2024, with steady percentile growth expected in 2026, and beyond.

Glasgow has transformed from its industrial past into a thriving hub for fi nance, technology, and the creative industries. The city and surrounding locales provide a strong talent pool to hire from, while excellent infrastructure and a renowned cultural scene come together to provide the perfect social and commercial environment for businesses of all shapes and sizes.

Getting there

Glasgow’s excellent transport links make it a highly accessible city for businesses with national and international connections. The city benefi ts from two main railway stations:

● Glasgow Central Station: Offering direct services to London (in just over four hours) as well as connections to Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh

● Glasgow Queen Street Station: Provides high-speed links to Edinburgh in under an hour, as well as frequent services to Aberdeen and the Highlands

For international travel, Glasgow Airport is just a 15-minute drive from the city centre, offering fl ights to key European and global business destinations.

The city’s motorway network, including the M8, M74, and M77, ensures easy road access to the rest of Scotland and beyond. Meanwhile, an extensive subway and bus system makes commuting within Glasgow simple and efficient.

Meet the Neighbours

A programme of regeneration over previous years means Glasgow now has several diverse business districts, home to a vast range of different businesses. Expect to sit side-by-side with everyone from major corporate HQs, to thriving creative start-ups.

● City Centre & International Financial Services District (IFSD): As Glasgow’s primary commercial hub, this district is home to major banks, fi nancial services firms, and large corporate offices. The IFSD has established itself as a key fi nancial centre within the UK, with many global fi rms operating from its modern office spaces

● Merchant City: A stylish and historic district that has become a hotspot for creative agencies, design fi rms, and boutique consultancies. With its mix of elegant Georgian buildings and trendy co-working spaces, it attracts a diverse business community

● West End: Known for its stunning Victorian architecture and proximity to the University of Glasgow, the West End is popular among tech start-ups, independent businesses, and media companies

● Finnieston: Once one of Glasgow’s industrial beating heart, Finnieston today is a vibrant business and cultural quarter, with a strong mix of hospitality venues, tech firms, and SMEs

On your doorstep

Glasgow’s food and drink scene is renowned for its variety and quality, offering everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to lively bars and independent cafés.

For fine dining, Cail Bruich, the city’s Michelin-starred gem, is a must-visit, offering a contemporary take on Scottish cuisine. The Gannet in Finnieston is another top spot, known for its locally sourced ingredients and refined dishes. For a business lunch with a difference, Saints of Ingram offers an elegant setting in a beautifully restored former bank.

Glasgow also has a thriving casual dining scene. The West End’s Ashton Lane is home to charming bistros and independent eateries, while Finnieston has become a go-to destination for trendy restaurants and stylish bars. Ox and Finch is a firm favourite for modern small plates, and Paesano is widely regarded as the best place for Neapolitan pizza in Scotland.

The city is famous for its nightlife, with historic pubs, chic cocktail bars, and craft beer taprooms. Venues such as The Pot Still showcases some of the best whiskey Scotland has to offer, while The Corinthian Club is perfect for those looking for high-end cocktails. The Ben Nevis Bar on Argyle Street, meanwhile, has something for all-comers.

When it comes to retail, Buchanan Street – part of Glasgow’s ‘Style Mile’ – is a premier shopping destination, featuring both high-end brands and designer boutiques. The West End and Merchant City are ideal for independent shopping, offering everything from boutique fashion, artisanal homeware or specialist whisky retailers.

Places of interest

Glasgow’s rich cultural and architectural heritage provides a backdrop for businesses, which your team can make the most of in their free time.

The Glasgow Riverside, home to the striking Clyde Auditorium (known as ‘The Armadillo’) and the SEC Centre, is a major hub for conferences, networking events, and exhibitions. Just a short walk away, the Riverside Museum offers a fascinating insight into the city’s industrial past, while the nearby Finnieston Crane stands as a symbol of Glasgow’s transformation.

For green spaces, Kelvingrove Park in the West End is a perfect spot for a lunchtime walk, offering scenic views and access to the stunning Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum. Another favourite is Glasgow Green, the city’s oldest park, which provides an expansive space for outdoor meetings, exercise, or simply unwinding.

Glasgow’s cultural scene is equally impressive. The Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) in the city centre showcases contemporary exhibitions, while the legendary Barrowland Ballroom is an iconic music venue that has hosted some of the world’s biggest artists.

Find your base in Glasgow

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 Glasgow office space and commercial rental market, we’re perfectly placed to empower your search.

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