One of the world's pre-eminent centres of engineering and shipbuilding has transformed itself into a dynamic, stylish and ambitious city which is Scotland's commercial centre. Glasgow is a vibrant metropolis which is taking great strides forward.

Scotland's largest city is a place where business, sport and international culture flourishes. From Scottish Ballet to avant-garde dance, Scottish Opera to rock concerts, the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama to some of the finest collections of civic art in Europe at the Burrell Collection and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum as well as being home to Scotland's two biggest football teams, Glasgow and the West has it all.

These are exciting times for the city as it has been chosen as the host for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, triggering a programme of capital investment and large-scale projects.

Welcome to Glasgow, Scotland's most vibrant and business friendly city.

Population

Glasgow city is home to over 580,000, making it the most populous city in the country, whilst the entire Glasgow and Clyde Valley conurbation is home to 1.75m people. Population projections for Glasgow predict an increase in the number of working-age population over the next 10 years. The proportion of young adults (aged 20-39) is higher than the national average.

The friendliness of the locals has boosted the city's profile as a tourist destination and has stirred the cultural mix of the city. Over 5% of the population is now made up of ethnic minorities, making it one of the most diverse places in Scotland.

Economy

The city has enjoyed steady economic growth over the last few years with an annual output of over £14bn. Some 13,000 firms are located there, including one-quarter of Scotland's largest businesses. Key sectors in the region are finance, retail, tourism, food and drink. The range of specialisations which add value to the city's economy include shipbuilding and marine technologies, enabling technologies, energy, life sciences and creative and cultural industries.

Glasgow delivers efficient and innovative office developments and world class retail spaces suited to every size and type of business. Glasgow boasts more prime office/business space than any city outside London and its success in attracting companies boosted the number of jobs located in the city by more than 70,000 in the 10 years to 2005, making it one of the fastest growing cities in the UK.

Commercial development has seen year on year increases recently. Retail developments such as the extension to the St Enoch Centre, the extension plans for Buchanan Galleries and the completion of the Silverburn Shopping Centre have reaffirmed the reputation of what is the largest retail centre in the UK outside London. Hotel developments, particularly luxury hotels such as the 5 Star Radisson Blu, support the city's tourism and conference industry whilst leisure development projects include Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Botanic Gardens and Springfield Quay.

Academic Excellence

The Greater Glasgow Metropolitan Area is home to four universities with nearly 70,000 students on their rolls. The University of Strathclyde has the only business school in Scotland which is recognised by the world's three top accreditation bodies. The University of Glasgow meanwhile has an international reputation as a research powerhouse and was one of only a handful of UK institutions named in the top 100 of a recent Times Higher Education World ranking of universities.

Transport

Glasgow enjoys an extensive transport mix, easing travel to, from and within the city. A number of motorways serve the region giving high-speed road access to locations across the UK. The city is served by bus links, a subway system and the UK's second largest suburban commuter rail network. For international travel, three major airports, serving more than 180 destinations, lie within 45 minutes of the city centre.

A number of capacity boosting projects are also being developed such as the M74 motorway extension, which will improve transport links to the entire west of Scotland and the New £110m Clyde Fastlink project will use a 15 mile exclusive roadway running alongside the River Clyde and operate 25 flexi-trams.

• The largest retail centre in the UK outside London
• Office rental rates lower than in most UK cities
• Second largest public transport network in UK
• Only business school in Scotland accredited by all major world bodies
• Host of 2014 Commonwealth Games