Free Export Advice For Scotland As Export Hub Makes Return Trip

The Export Hub is a UK Government initiative backed by the UK Government, Scottish Enterprise, the Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Scottish Council for Development and Industry. The truck will visit Dumfries & Galloway, Ayrshire, Argyll & Bute, the Isle of Skye, Inverness, Moray, Perthshire and Fife.

Businesses will be able to access advice from experts about how to sell overseas and which markets offer the greatest potential. They can also hear from experienced exporters and arrange one-on-one meetings with export advisers. Companies who would like to attend the tour can book their space, by visiting: http://www.scottish-enterprise.com/exporthubtour

Places are allocated on a first come first served basis. The Export Hub will be in the following locations on the following dates:

23 August: Gretna Green
26 August: Prestwick Airport
29 August: Cairndow
31 August: Isle of Skye
2 September: Inverness
5 September: Forres
7 September: Perthshire
8 September: Fife

Scotland Office Minister Lord Dunlop said:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Scottish firms to get the support they need to start exporting and grow their businesses. The Exporting is GREAT roadshow is taking the message to businesses right across Scotland that the demand for their products and services is there, as is the help they need to make exporting happen. It is a great example of the UK and Scottish governments working together for businesses in Scotland."

Neil Francis, Director of International Operations for Scottish Enterprise, said:

“Scotland exports roughly £27.5bn of goods to countries around the world every year, and there is every opportunity to increase this as companies learn how straightforward and beneficial to their businesses exporting can be. Exporting presents an opportunity for businesses of every size, and in almost every industry, to take their growth to the next level. With an excellent group of partners available to provide in-person advice, the Exporting is GREAT road show is an ideal opportunity to explore the options.”

Martin Johnson, Regional Head of International Trade and Investment at Highlands and Islands Enterprise said:

“Exporting is a theme that runs across the commercial sector in the Highlands and Islands and there is huge potential to build on that. Indeed it is essential that we do. The dramatic increase in digital connectivity in the region is enabling more and more businesses to connect with global markets more easily. The Export Hub offers businesses a chance to explore new opportunities to market their products and services overseas. I certainly hope and expect many will take up this opportunity and pay a visit to the hub while it’s in the region.”

Ross Martin, Chief Executive, SCDI (Scottish Council for Development & Industry), said:

“SCDI is delighted to be a principal partner in the UK Government’s Exporting is GREAT campaign. Our membership includes many of Scotland’s most successful and experienced exporters, and we have been committed to helping businesses achieve their global ambitions over more than five decades. SCDI recognises the vital contribution exporting brings to the economy, including increased productivity and higher levels of innovation.”