Aberdeen is a thriving business city for both large companies and start-ups. As such, it’s a wonderful locale for professionals seeking office space.
The city was once nicknamed the ‘Oil Capital of Europe’. However, it has emerged as a leader in the renewable energy sector in recent years. Aberdeen is also home to well-established marine science, food and drink, and digital sectors.
The city is tipped for an economic boom over the next few years and is conveniently located for both national and international visitors.
Here, we look into the many benefits of renting an office space in Aberdeen and the opportunities available to growing companies in the city.
Why you should consider doing business in Aberdeen
Aberdeen is seeped in historical significance but is also a prosperous hub of business potential. The city is approximately two and a half hours away from Edinburgh via car or train. It can also be reached easily via plane in 90 minutes from London.
Its thriving business sectors make it an attractive location for many businesses looking to grow in a global city. Any company looking for office space in Aberdeen will be surrounded by innovative industries across the science, energy, food, and technology sectors.
Top business sectors in Aberdeen
Aberdeen is known for its innovation across the health and life sciences, energy and sustainability, and marine sciences. The city employs thousands of people across these industries, making it an ideal location for any business looking to succeed in these areas.
Below, we’ve highlighted some of the city’s main business sectors and what they do.
● Health and life sciences: Aberdeen is a leader in biotech and life science research, employing over 2,500 people, particularly in areas such as research and academia.
● Energy and sustainability: A long-time leader in the gas and oil industry, the city is also a growing hub for renewable energy start-ups. In addition, the Port of Aberdeen aims to become the first UK port to achieve net zero by 2040.
● Marine sciences: Aberdeen’s coastal location has made it ideal for many marine science businesses. The Aberdeen Institute for Coastal Science and Management is located in the city. Marine Science Scotland has also had a laboratory in the city dating back to 1898.
● Food and drink: the food and drink industry makes up a significant part of the economy in North East Scotland. The sector employs an estimated 16,500 people. The city is also known globally for its food exports, such as Aberdeen Angus Cattle and its seafood industry.
● Digital and technology: Aberdeen’s tech industry is a centre of innovation in the ClimateTech, AgriTech, and FinTech fields. The city’s digital and tech sector has a turnover of approximately £520 million annually.
Noteworthy businesses based in Aberdeen
As well as many small businesses and start-ups, Aberdeen is also the location of some world-leading names. Global energy firm Shell has a UK office space in Aberdeen’s Union Street. Oilfield services company also has several company hubs across the Aberdeen area.
Accounting is also a huge industry in Aberdeen. The ‘Big Four’ accounting firms are:
● Deloitte: A leading London firm with offices in more than 150 territories
● KPMG: UK specialists who’ve been operating for over a century and a half
● PwC: With 19 offices across the UK, PwC employs almost 22,000 people
● EY: Ernest and Young are a well-known name in the world of accounting, with branches across the globe
Why you should rent an office in Aberdeen
A 2022 Virgin Money study ranked Aberdeen as the second best place in Scotland to start a business. For any company considering whether to rent office space in Aberdeen, here’s a run-down of the many advantages of doing business in the city.
Designated investment zone
Aberdeen is forecast to achieve further economic growth over the next few years, with investment booming in the city.
In 2023, Aberdeen was announced as a designated investment zone by the Scottish government. The city will receive £80 million in investment over five years as part of a scheme that includes tax relief for businesses.
Eligible businesses will be able to apply for a variety of tax relief schemes to help boost economic growth.
Central location
Aberdeen International Airport and the Port of Aberdeen make the city ideal for international business and trade. The city is also conveniently located, with close transport links to Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London.
Despite being quite coastal, there are plenty of roads for drivers, with access via the A92 or M90.
Startup support
Many organisations support startup innovation in the city. Elevator UK offers free workshops and business advice to new companies in the Aberdeenshire area.
Aberdeen businesses can also access various learning and networking opportunities via Business Gateway.
Networking opportunities
Aberdeen has many networking opportunities for businesses. The Aberdeen Business Network and the Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce run regular events for local businesses.
There are also groups for niche sectors, such as the Aberdeen Responsible Business Network or the Business Women Connections Aberdeen.
Technology hub
Technology is forecast to be the second-fastest growing sector in Scotland by 2029.
Aberdeen is one of the country’s leading cities for this growth. The city’s ONE Tech Hub is a centre for tech entrepreneurship with events and networking opportunities for tech businesses.
There are growing businesses working in the fields of AI, IoT (Internet of Things), marine and health technology, and FinTech across the city.
Local business support
New businesses in Aberdeen can access a range of support schemes. For example, Aberdeenshire Council offers funding of up to £3000 for new businesses. If your company rents office space i
Aberdeen, it will also be eligible for this local support.
Investment opportunities
A vast amount of funding is due to support growth in Aberdeen. An estimated £16 billion in investment is predicted to flood into the North East of Scotland over the next ten years.
This will boost the city’s already established energy and science sectors, while also aiding investment in culture and heritage.
Global hub for energy
Aberdeen is a global leader in the energy sector. As well as established multinationals, it’s home to many SME and startup companies in the energy sector. The city is also a member of the World Energy Cities Partnership.
It’s also a leader in clean energy, with First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf announcing plans to make Aberdeen the “renewable energy capital of the world” in 2023.
How much is it to rent an office space in Aberdeen?
Aberdeen offers affordable office rental space that is typically pricey in many UK cities. For example, in London, office rental per person can reach £500 a month. By comparison, serviced office space in Aberdeen starts from £135 per person per month.
Office spaces in Aberdeen
Regus provides a flexible office in Aberdeen that can provide a hub for your business to grow in. From coworking spaces to serviced office space, Aberdeen has a wide variety of rental options for growing companies.
Read on for an overview of our available offices to let in Aberdeen.
1 Marischal Square
1 Marischal Square is a modern, city-centre office located in a business, leisure, and hotel development.
The office has a bright, central atrium containing a sculpture of a crouching leopard by international artist Andy Scott. It also features floor-to-ceiling windows and comfortable break-out areas to inspire workflow.
Union Street, one of Aberdeen’s largest shopping and dining destinations, is less than a 10-minute walk away.
Highlights include:
● City centre location
● Bicycle storage
● On-site café
Information about 1 Marischal Square
● Location: 1 Marischal Square, Aberdeen, AB10 1BL
● Starting cost: Private offices from £219 per person per month
● Opening hours: Private Office and Dedicated Desk access is 24/7 access; Memberships access during reception hours.
● Nearby stations: Aberdeen Station (a 10-minute walk away)
1 Berry Street
1 Berry Street is a new development opening soon in Aberdeen’s city centre. This office location boasts stylish, modern architecture and a location close to many shopping and dining attractions.
Berry Street offers a flexible range of offices, coworking spaces, and meeting rooms along with the convenience of being at the heart of Aberdeen’s metropolis.
Take a walk through the nearby Union Terrace gardens or visit the Aberdeen Art Gallery during a work break, both just a five-minute walk away.
Highlights include:
● New office development
● City centre location
● Meeting rooms
● Break-out areas
Information about 1 Berry Street
● Location: 1 Berry Street Aberdeen AB25 1HF
● Starting cost: Private offices from £145 per person per month
● Opening hours: Private Office and Dedicated Desk access is 24/7 access; Memberships access during reception hours.
● Nearby stations: Aberdeen Station (a one-minute walk away), Littlejohn Street Bus Stop (a two-minute walk away)
Pavilion 5
Pavilion 5 is located in the vibrant Craigshaw Business Park, located about two miles south of the city centre. This location offers a variety of break-out areas, from comfortable sofas to private booths, as well as bookable meeting rooms.
Located a short drive from the city centre, Pavilion 5 is surrounded by amenities such as supermarkets and cafés. The nearby Tullos Park offers a space for calm reflection during break times with views over the River Dee.
Highlights include:
● Break-out areas
● Meeting rooms
● A short drive from Aberdeen City Centre
Information about Pavilion 5
● Location: Craigshaw Business Park, Craigshaw Road, Aberdeen, AB12 3QH
● Starting cost: private offices from £175 per person per month
● Opening hours: Private Office and Dedicated Desk access is 24/7 access; Memberships access during reception hours.
● Nearby stations: Aberdeen Station (a 30-minute walk away)
Aberdeen Airport
This Aberdeen Airport office is situated in a thriving business centre next to a key international hub.
With just a five-minute walk from Aberdeen International Airport, it’s an ideal spot for any company in the oil and gas technology sector.
Highlights include:
● Business lounge
● Close to Aberdeen Airport
● Business park location
Information about Aberdeen Airport
● Location: Cirrus Building, 6 International Avenue Aberdeen Aberdeenshire AB21 0BH
● Starting cost: Private offices from £135 per person per month
● Opening hours: Private Office and Dedicated Desk access is 24/7 access; Memberships access during reception hours.
● Nearby stations: International Avenue Bus Stop (a one-minute walk away)
One Westpoint
One Westpoint is a new office development in the Westhill area of Aberdeenshire. It consists of modern offices and open break-out areas with access to meeting rooms.
This suburban area is a 20-minute drive from Aberdeen city, offering the quietness of a town but the convenience of being a short trip away from the bustling city centre.
Surrounded by Scotland’s beautiful countryside, this location is also 9km away from Aberdeen International Airport, making it convenient for international visitors as well.
Highlights include:
● Quiet town location
● Easy access to Aberdeen International Airport and the city centre
● Meeting rooms and break-out areas
Information about One Westpoint
● Location: Prospect Road, Westhill, Aberdeen, AB32 6FE
● Starting cost: For pricing information, get in touch.
● Opening hours: Private Office and Dedicated Desk access is 24/7 access; Memberships access during reception hours.
● Nearby stations: Abercrombie Court Bus Stop (a one-minute walk away)
How to find an office space in Aberdeen
Regus provides flexible office space in Aberdeen for businesses of all sizes. Offices can be customised to suit any business need, from coworking options to fully serviced offices.
To find out how Regus could help your business, contact our expert team today.
