SDI and SCI launch partnership approach to export
Scottish Development International (SDI) and Scottish Chambers International (SCI) have joined forces to launch a new service aimed at helping up to 8000 Scottish companies to target new international markets.
The two organisations will be joined by Enterprise Minister Jim Mather in Edinburgh today (6th September) to formally launch Smart Exporter – a groundbreaking new programme which aims to equip ambitious Scottish businesses with the skills and expertise needed to enter new international markets.
The project supplements the internationalisation programmes which are already available from SDI and SCI, and has been developed to widen the availability of export services to target all Scottish companies, specifically by helping them to overcome some of the skills-related barriers to export.
The three-year project, which is part-funded by the European Social Fund, will focus on providing Scottish companies with the technical skills required to target international markets and help them prepare for export.
Commenting on the launch, Anne MacColl, interim chief executive of SDI said: “We believe that internationalisation represents the single biggest opportunity for growing Scottish companies, yet we estimate that only 5500 Scottish companies are currently involved in international activity – this is around 5% of the UK total.
“As such, we’re looking for ways to deliver more export support to Scottish companies, but we recognise that tough times lie ahead, and with fewer resources, the objective for us is to work smarter.
“Therefore, we have joined forces with Scottish Chambers International to deliver the Smart Exporter service and expand the availability of export support to ensure that we continue to reach as many companies as possible. We want ambitious companies to realise that it’s not about the size of your company or the number of languages you can speak – with the right support and ambition, you can achieve export success.”
Scottish Chambers International Managing Director, Alasdair Kerr, added: “According to the World Trade Organisation, global markets are set to grow by 9.5 per cent. This offers a tremendous opportunity for Scottish companies to diversify the risk of relying solely on home markets for their business growth. Through Smart Exporter, which draws on the strengths of both the private and public sectors to support internationalisation, Scottish businesses have never before had access to such a comprehensive and practical package of specialist international trade support. This is open to all types of business, regardless of their size or sector. We already have great examples of Scottish businesses that are excelling in global markets. What we need is more of them, and that’s what Smart Exporter will achieve.”
Enterprise Minister Jim Mather added: “This project demonstrates what can be achieved by working in collaboration to build Scotland’s economy for long-term success. Smart Exporter will build on existing SDI support, targeting approximately 8000 small and medium-sized businesses and helping them to take advantage of opportunities presented in a global economy.
“We want to sustain the economic recovery which is underway and see rising levels of exports from Scotland while supporting employment. That’s why the Scottish Government earmarked £3.4 million from the European Social Fund to support this initiative, and I applaud the efforts of Scottish Development International and Scottish Chambers International in turning this into reality.”
Smart Exporter support is available to any Scottish company considering international markets.
The programme includes a comprehensive range of support which will be delivered to companies in a variety of ways, including self-help online tools, roadshows, workshops, specialist training and skills development support, in-house technical support, market awareness support and a specialist national international trade helpline.
For more information, visit: www.smartexporter.co.uk
ENDS
Photo caption: Totseat (represented by company founder Rachel Jones) is one of the ambitious Scottish companies hoping to benefit from the Smart Exporter project, which will be launched by Enterprise Minister Jim Mather in Edinburgh today.