FEATURE
Perth: The Independent Business Destination Increases in new business registration and resident earnings bode well for the independent business sector in Perth city centre. Despite the underlying uncertainty presented by the current economic crisis, a recent survey by Forbes has shown that independent businesses have continued to demonstrate “resilience, innovation and an unwavering commitment to their craft” with 57% saying they are more confident in their business success. Boosted in no small way by the resurgence of the ‘Love Local’ mantra post-covid, this national trend was echoed in the survey conducted by The Retail Group amongst Perth city centre businesses earlier this year. From its origins as a market town to the attractive city that it is today, Perth has always been renowned for its wide range of quality, independent businesses. Compact in its layout, Perth’s streets, lanes and vennels are easy to navigate and offer well-maintained, smaller units at competitive rates that lend themselves to independent businesses. 745 new businesses were registered in the Perth and Kinross area in the 12-month period ending in July 2023, which was 5.4% higher than the previous 12-month period; of these registrations, 100 were in Perth city centre. In addition to this, resident earnings increased by 13.8% on the year before and are currently 3% higher than the Scottish national average. Add to this the 160,000 new visitors expected as a result of the new Perth Museum opening, and it is easy to see why Perth is fast becoming one of Scotland’s first choice destinations for new, independent businesses.
Invest in Perth Magazine
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