A strong entrepreneurial culture exists in Shetland, backed up by our robust supply chain, skilled workforce, and ambitious outlook. With a diverse and dynamic economy, there are many opportunities for investors to realise economic growth.

Shetland boasts a diverse regional economy, which continues to evolve to capitalise on new opportunities. In these islands, innovative industries of the future can be found alongside crafts characterised by centuries-old traditions.

From the fishing and aquaculture industries working with a bountiful and sustainably-managed marine larder, to the renewables and clean energy sector developing new technologies, the islands are home to a range of high-tech industries.

From the discovery of fossil fuels that powered a range of industrial growth in Shetland, to the businesses working in preparation for space launches, the islands' proven ability to deliver nationally-significant projects is unrivalled.

There’s also an inspiring array of high-quality food and drink producers, adventure tourism businesses and a growing visitor economy, as well as an established community of craft-based enterprises and a thriving cultural scene, famed throughout the world.

Are you looking to invest?

The Highland and Islands Enterprise team in Shetland can talk through your business plan and the financial needs of your business, as well as what Shetland has to offer you.

If you are an investor and want to find out more about investment opportunities in Shetland and what advice and support is available, please contact Highlands and Islands Enterprise's Head of Business Growth: email katrina.wiseman@hient.co.uk or call +44 (0)1595 744 909; or Vicky Grant, HIE’s Regional Head of Inward Investment on vicky.grant@hient.co.uk.

If you are interested in setting up a business in Shetland or wish to move your existing business to Shetland, please contact the Business Gateway service. This provides free advice and support to any new or existing business in any sector.

Shetland’s workforce

Shetland has a motivated, educated and highly skilled workforce and islanders are known for their strong work ethic and “can-do” attitude.

School leavers overwhelmingly go into positive destinations such as employment, training and higher and further education. The University of the Highlands and Islands and other providers deliver a range of courses from degrees to modern apprenticeships and short vocational training, helping employers to continually develop and upskill their workforces.

Transport connections

Shetland is well connected to the Scottish mainland via its ferry and air links. Aberdeen, Scotland’s energy industry capital, is only an hour’s flight away.

As a net exporter of seafood, both caught and farmed, Shetland has sophisticated and experienced logistics and transport services on the islands, which have extensive links to key logistics hubs in the north and central belt of Scotland.

Passenger and freight ferries depart seven nights a week and there are regular freight services. For full details go to the Northlink Ferries website.

Shetland has extensive air links, with airline operator, Loganair providing up to 15 scheduled flights a day to Aberdeen, Bergen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Kirkwall and Manchester from Sumburgh airport.

The airline also has code-sharing agreements with international airlines, giving people and businesses access to a wider range of markets.

Business support

Inward investors and businesses can gain access to a range of business advice and support from Shetland Islands Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Skills Development Scotland. The development agencies work closely together to help investors achieve their plans.

What next?

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