Inward Investment Case Studies
Key FDI Projects
Examples of recent FDI projects from global businesses who have chosen to invest in and locate to Glasgow can be found below.
Bird.i
Bird.i, a satellite and aerial imaging specialist and a subsidiary of US-based Zonda, will expand its technology centre in Glasgow, UK by creating 12 jobs.
Free satellite imagery platforms (such as Google Maps) can be up to 8 years out-of-date in places meaning many strategic business decisions are being based on often inaccurate data. By curating imagery from multiple providers, Bird.i offers assurance that users are consuming the latest (and most accurate) satellite imagery data available in the marketplace, and at a fraction of the cost of purchasing imagery in a more traditional way.
“Following the completion of Bird.i’s first investment round in May 2016, I decided to move the business to Glasgow in Scotland — a decision which surprised my family, friends and colleagues. Although the quality of the local universities, talent pool, the affordable cost of living, the BREXIT status and support from Scottish Enterprise were all key to that strategic decision, I also knew something big was happening over there and I wanted to be part of it.”
- Corentin Guillo, Founder & CEO
Estimated Investment
£1.22m
New Jobs Created
Type
New
Sector
Digital technology
Incremental Group
Incremental Group was acquired by Spanish firm Telefónica Tech for up to £175 million.
The Glasgow-headquartered data analytics business employs 350 people and has annual revenues of almost £40 million. It is expected that with the backing of Telefónica Tech, Incremental will be in a position to make strategic and long-term investments in recruitment and development at scale.
“As we looked ahead to the next stage of our development, it was important that we secured Incremental the right support for the long term. Becoming part of Telefónica Tech propels us into the next phase of our journey and enables us to further scale the business, creating exciting opportunities for our people and our customers.”
- Neil Logan, Chief Executive Officer at Incremental
Estimated Investment
£175m + £5.65m CapEx
New Jobs Created
Sector
Digital technology
Type
Expansion
Invisors Europe
Atlanta-based Invisors LLC set up a new office on Queen Street to serve their European market. Invest Glasgow worked directly with company to identify support needs in partnership with SDI and SDS.
Since its opening, Invisors has hired approximately 20 employees across the UK, half of whom based are in the firm’s Glasgow office. The company is targeting incremental growth in employee numbers and continues to develop its presence in Europe.
“I’m based in the Glasgow area, so was pleased that our due diligence indicated that Glasgow would be a strong location for our plans. We have seen a lot of value so far in the local talent we have attracted and the support we have received from local partners.”
- Matt Smith, EMEA Operations Lead at Invisors
Sector
Digital technology
Type
New
New Jobs Created
Morgan Stanley
Morgan Stanley opened its first Glasgow office in 2000, employing six people. Having grown to occupy two city centre office buildings, the bank moved in 2018 to a new 155,000 sq ft purpose-built HQ building on Waterloo Street in Glasgow’s International Financial Services District.
Morgan Stanley is creating 100 new jobs for students – their largest ever recruitment campaign for students. 75 university graduates and 25 graduate apprentices will be recruited for roles and responsibilities across Technology, Operations, Finance, Legal & Compliance and Fund services.
Estimated Investment
£15.57m
New Jobs Created
Sector
Financial & Business Services
Type
Expansion
“Our investment and commitment to young people in Scotland has been more than rewarded through the sheer depth of diverse talent we have been able to meet and recruit from across the country and we very much value the strong relationships we have forged with schools, universities and a whole host of partner organisations dedicated to nurturing and developing future generations.”
- Vida Rudkin, Head of Morgan Stanley Glasgow
WorleyParsons
Australia-based Worley, a provider of professional services to the energy and resource industries, has announced it will expand operations in Glasgow, UK.
The company will create 1000 jobs as its expands it UK operations across Humberside, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow and Aberdeen by quarter three in 2023. It is expected to create 200 jobs in Glasgow
