The ongoing regeneration of Glasgow could provide a major catalyst for businesses to relocate to the west of Scotland, according to leading commercial property expert Space Solutions.

With the multi-million pound M74 project nearing completion next month and the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in 2014, the city will become an increasingly attractive proposition for businesses across the country that are considering moving their operations to a better location.

Space Solutions has highlighted Glasgow’s East End as a potential new business hub for the Strathclyde region – as it is located right in the middle of the main regeneration activity currently taking place in the city – and predicts that many firms will choose to relocate to this area over the next five years.

But the firm adds that better transport links created by the new M74 corridor and investment in the city from the 2014 Games will also highlight the whole Greater Glasgow area as an attractive prospect for Scottish businesses.

Andy Dobinson, business development manager at Space Solutions, explained: “There are a number of high-profile projects taking place in Glasgow at the moment and there’s no doubt that these are going to have a massive effect on the city. The M74 completion and the Commonwealth Games, in particular, are huge strategies that will bring real benefits to the whole of the Strathclyde region.

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“Most businesses in Glasgow are affected in some way by the poor transport links to and from the City. The new M74 transport link will deliver an alternative route in and out of Glasgow, providing much-needed congestion relief for the M8. In removing the access problems associated with the City, Glasgow suddenly becomes more appealing as a potential business location to companies across the West of Scotland.

“Combined with the ongoing regeneration work taking place along the M74 corridor, this will help re-establish Glasgow as an economic powerhouse, encourage more investment in the city and bring new opportunities for companies that are already established across the Strathclyde region.”

Andy adds that he expects many businesses that do not currently operate within Glasgow to consider moving to the city in the coming years, and says that those who choose make the move soon will be able to secure new premises at the most cost-effective prices.

“The lead up to the 2014 Commonwealth Games, in particular, will be a very important time for the city and I believe that it will provide a catalyst for business relocations across the whole of the region. Within the next three years, it’s likely that we’ll see Glasgow establishing itself as the most desirable and high profile location for business and industry in Scotland.

“However, companies that currently have no presence in the city will need to act fast to take advantage of these conditions, or they may find themselves missing out on the full benefits from the regeneration.”

Space Solutions is Scotland’s biggest independent expert in helping businesses manage changes within the workplace. It operates UK-wide - from bases in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Livingston - to design, build, fit out, refurbish and relocate modern and productive business environments.

(GK)