Drive to increase Scottish exports
A £7.5 million project will provide new support for Scottish companies seeking to trade globally, Enterprise Minister Jim Mather announced today.
A series of roadshows, specialist training, online tools and a national helpline will be launched as part of the three-year Intelligent Exporter - a joint initiative between Edinburgh Business Development and Scottish Chambers International in conjunction with Scottish Development International.
Mr Mather today revealed that the Scottish Government has earmarked £3.4 million for the project from the European Social Fund.
He said: "It is vital in the current climate that we support initiatives which will make the maximum possible contribution to helping Scottish firms, particularly those that can transform businesses and help them grasp opportunities presented by the global economy.
"The Intelligent Exporter will provide specialist support for small and medium-sized businesses which are considering international trade for the first time. It has the potential to boost levels of Scottish exports overseas and support employment right here in Scotland.
"Projects of this kind are exactly what is needed as we work to position Scotland's economy for recovery and build for long-term economic success."
Scottish Chambers International Director, Alasdair Kerr, said: "International trade offers significant business development opportunities for Scottish businesses. International markets and global opportunities will allow Scotland to recover from the current challenging trading conditions at home. This exciting opportunity to open up new markets in geographical areas which are well into recovery is key to re-establishing confidence amongst Scotland's business community.
"Many small to medium-sized businesses that are considering international trade for the first time are naturally cautious about investing significant amounts of time and money in developing new market opportunities. Support from the European Social Fund ensures that more tailored support is given to a wider range of companies with real export potential."
Liz Cameron, Chief Executive, Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: "This is great news for the start of 2010 and a welcome boost for our new International Division. It gives real tangible support to Scottish businesses to sharpen up their act and receive the best professional support from the country's most experienced export professionals to grow new profitable markets, and safeguard Scottish jobs."
Lena Wilson, Chief Executive, Scottish Enterprise, said: "This is a very welcome boost for Scottish companies with international growth ambitions. We have noticed an upward trend of companies seeking support to internationalise and this new initiative will help those companies to recognise where the best opportunities are and help build their capacity to do more business overseas."
Recognising that exports will be a key driver to the country's economic recovery, Edinburgh Business Development together with Scottish Chambers of Commerce's new International Division (SCI), in conjunction with Scottish Development International have come together in a unique private and public sector partnership to develop this exciting new support package. It aims to address the gap in current support services that will help Scottish businesses to increase their skills, make international connections, explore opportunities, trade globally and transform their business. This will be achieved through a series of awareness raising international roadshows, specialist training, consultancy, advice and support. There will also be online tools, technical support services, and a national helpline.