The economic outlook in 2026 is bright for North Lanarkshire as the area continues to attract new business and the council sets out bold ambitions for growth and investment.
Figures published by the Scottish Government for the year to March 2025 show the number of businesses in North Lanarkshire increased by 130 to 8,515, the third highest increase recorded within local authority areas in Scotland.
The construction sector saw the biggest increase, with an additional 50 businesses and 30 in the wholesale, retail and repair sector.
Collective turnover of North Lanarkshire-based businesses increased significantly to £18.034 billion in 2025, up by £751 million.
In 2026 the council will publish its ten-year Business and Industry Strategy, setting out the vision and pathway for growth within the local economy and signalling the area’s ambition for a productive and prosperous economy.
The year ahead will see new investment in the area with a number of businesses locating or expanding their operations:
- Ciceley Commercials Ltd has purchased 4.75 acres of land at Eurocentral to construct a purpose-built Mercedes Benz Truck and Bus dealership - an investment of £8 million, with 40 jobs being created.
- Victor Pizza Ltd will relocate from Glasgow to a 24,500sq ft factory in Coatbridge. The company is investing £3 million in the new site and will transfer their existing workforce and create 17 new jobs.
- Ritchie Precision Engineering Ltd will relocate from Livingston to Link Park at Newhouse, bringing 45 to 50 jobs. The site will become the company’s new headquarters.
- Ion Beam Services UK Ltd are relocating from Bathgate to Newhouse creating a 29,795 sq ft manufacturing, development and training centre, including an ion implantation foundry for the micro electronics industry. The move will see 30 high-skilled jobs coming to North Lanarkshire.
“The latest economic figures up to March 2025 show positive business performance in North Lanarkshire, despite challenging UK and global conditions,” said Councillor Alex McVey, Convener of the Enterprise and Fair Work Committee.
“Businesses and industry see North Lanarkshire as an attractive location, with its strong transport links, investment in infrastructure and skilled workforce. These factors are all contributing to building a strong, resilient economy, which brings benefits for everyone.
“With a series of significant investments on the horizon, there’s a lot to be optimistic about for 2026.”
Figures from Ryden Commercial Property Consultants show that North Lanarkshire holds an estimated 30 million sq ft of industrial property, strategically located mainly along the M8 and M80 corridors and around the principal towns.
Demand for industrial property in North Lanarkshire continues to be high with a current availability rate of 3.25% compared to the Glasgow City Region average of 4.3%.
Across Glasgow City Region, North Lanarkshire accounts for 58% of the employment land supply by area and 38% of its sites (the highest proportion among the region’s eight local authorities).
To support the ongoing demand for industrial space, Fusion Assets, North Lanarkshire Council’s arms-length regeneration development company, is constructing new industrial space at Ravenscraig, Gartcosh, Eurocentral and Cumbernauld.
Between 2026 and 2028, an additional 193,000 sq ft of high-quality industrial stock will be built by Fusion Assets and joint venture partners, helping provide infrastructure and foundations for continued economic growth.
A pipeline of new sites is also being developed by the private sector. This includes a joint venture between Wemyss Properties and Westerwood Properties at Shawhead Point, Coatbridge which will see 105,000 sq ft of industrial and logistics space, and 200,000 sq ft of new industrial accommodation at McNeil Drive, Eurocentral being planned by Manse LLP and J Smart & Co (Contractors) PLC.
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