Research by Utility Bidder examined factors such as GDP, business survival rates, transport connectivity and office efficiency ratings to determine the best and worst areas in Scotland for starting a business.
Further findings found that Edinburgh was the best Scottish region for starting a business in 2025.
Meanwhile, Aberdeenshire has the highest employment rate in Scotland at 83.6%.
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Utility Bidder collected data from thinkbroadband, the Office for National Statistics and the Scottish Government for their findings.
They additionally looked at the number of train stations per 100,000 people, the number of office sector properties per 100,000 people, the percentage of people who leave school with a level 6 qualification and non-domestic properties with positive Energy Efficiency Ratings across local authorities.
They then combined the data points to find which local authorities are worst for starting a new business.
Here are the 10 regions with the lowest business survival rates in Scotland:

5. Stirling
Stirling received 37.1% for their five year business survival rate. Pictured is Stirling city centre. | Google


7. North Ayrshire
North Ayrshire also received a 37.1%. Pictured is Irvine town centre. | Google

8. East Ayrshire
East Ayrshire received a 37.7% for their five year business survival rate. Pictured is Kilmarnock town centre. | Google


