Export help to boost Scottish business abroad

The road show will be launched in Glasgow by the UK Government’s Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell and the Scottish Government’s Deputy First Minister John Swinney.

Stopping in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee over course of the week, the ‘Exporting is GREAT’ truck will offer expert exporting advice through talks, workshops and one-to-one coaching. Businesspeople will have the chance to hear Scottish business leaders discuss their own exporting experiences, and meet other like-minded businesses. Topics covered will include e-commerce, researching new markets and how to start selling internationally.

The Exporting is GREAT road show is a UK Government initiative, being delivered in Scotland in partnership with the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise.

Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell said: “Scotland is a global leader in some of the world’s fastest-growing and most innovative sectors such as life sciences, advanced engineering and food and drink. That success helps create jobs in Scotland and drive economic growth and security.

“Research shows that those businesses which export are more innovative, resilient, achieve a stronger bottom line and are more likely to stay in business. But not all businesses have the confidence or the knowledge base to reach out into new global markets.

“That’s why I am delighted that the UK Government’s Exporting is GREAT Road Show has come to Scotland. This initiative will help unlock the potential of many more Scottish companies, helping them make their mark around the world, and boosting the economy at home. It is just one of a number of initiatives to support businesses, encourage growth and help Scotland prosper.

“This event is also an excellent example of the UK and Scottish Governments working together to support Scottish businesses.”

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said:

“Internationalising business is a key priority for the Scottish Government. Our focus is on creating an environment in Scotland which supports companies to grow and enter new markets. Our latest Export Statistics Scotland, published earlier this year, show total export sales in 2014 from Scotland increased over the year, by £570 million to £76 billion. International exports have now increased by more than 17 per cent since 2010. This road show will help businesses build upon this success, offering additional access to tailored one-to-one business advice and support, and further enabling companies to innovate and expand.”

Paul Lewis, Managing Director of Scottish Development International and Scottish Enterprise International Operations, said:

“Scotland now has more than 11,000 companies actively exporting, resulting in our international exports rising by £7.2 billion since 2007. We’re making strong progress to increase the number of companies exporting and the value of exports. We are keen to encourage more companies to make exporting a key part of their business growth plans, given its role in growing our economy.”

Mr Mundell and Mr Swinney will both speak at the launch at Hampden Park later today [Monday 29 February], as will a number of prominent Scottish business leaders, including Andrea Pozzi (C&C Brands/C&C International), Jim Stewart (Clicknetherfield) and Rabinder Buttar (ClinTec).

The road show is part of the UK Government’s ‘Exporting is GREAT’ campaign to encourage small and medium-sized businesses to take advantage of the global appetite for the UK’s products, skills and expertise. The website, www.exportingisgreat.gov.uk, showcases live export opportunities across the world.

Its tour round Scotland is being organised by the UK Government body UK Trade and Investment in partnership with Scottish Government bodies Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Council for Development and Industry. This reflects the dual support available to Scottish exporters through the UK and Scottish governments.

The road show comes ahead of the International Festival of Business, the world’s largest business festival, taking places in Liverpool in June, where Scottish businesses can sign up in advance for meetings with potential business partners from the UK and overseas.