Online boost to West Lothian’s growing economy
West Lothian’s strategic role as an economic hub for science, technology and higher-value industries has been highlighted through the launch of a new dedicated online, place- marketing portal.
The excellent new Invest in West Lothian website, www.investinwestlothian.com, was showcased recently at a special launch event hosted, Livingston-based Q² Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary and laboratory division of IQVIA, together comprising Scotland’s largest employer in the life sciences sector.
Key economic partners including the UK Government, Scottish Enterprise, West Lothian College, Heriot-Watt University and a number of major local employers attended to find out more on the support on offer to help attract and retain the best businesses to West Lothian and grow the area’s higher-value business sectors.
West Lothian’s dynamic economy, strategic location and motivated workforce makes it a key economic hub for Scotland, reflecting its attractiveness as a place to invest, live, learn and work. This is why a wide range of major employers have chosen to make West Lothian their long-term home, including Q² Solutions, Sky Television, Mitsubishi, Tesco, Glenmorangie and Shin-Etsu.
The portal has been specially developed by the Business Gateway team within West Lothian Council’s Economic Development service to highlight the range of support for local firms and sells West Lothian as an inward and mobile investment destination.
Marking the formal launch of Invest in West Lothian, Councillor Kirsteen Sullivan, Depute Leader of West Lothian Council, said: “I’m confident the Invest in West Lothian website will play a significant role in continuing West Lothian’s amazing economic success story in the future.
“Local firms have responded positively to the support highlighted on the Invest website around new premises, developing new markets, skills training, digital marketing and carbon reduction projects. At this time of macro-economic challenges, we know that the support provided to business is making a real difference.”
Launch event hosts, Q² Solutions, updated guests on why they chose West Lothian to be the site of their Scottish HQ.
Dr Karen Tait, Q2 Solutions’ General Manager and Livingston Site Head said “We made the strategic decision to commit to expansion in West Lothian because of the access to a skilled workforce, proximity to major roads for transportation and the joined-up support from public agencies. We’re delighted to promote the Invest website and support its objective to encourage business investment in West Lothian.”