Businesses invited to Doing Business in France event

27th May 2016

Businesses in the Highlands and Islands new to exporting or looking to move into new markets are invited to a ‘Doing Business in France' event in Inverness next week.

Organised by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the free information and advice event will be held at the Kingsmills Hotel from 9:30am to 1:30pm on Tuesday 7 June.

A range of support is available for people looking to maximise their potential and find out more about growing their business in France.

HIE's export advisors will all be available to offer advice and support to help maximise their business.

Laura Robertson, development manager - international trade at HIE, said: "Trading relations between Scotland and France are strong and well-established and this event provides an excellent opportunity for businesses involved in key sectors such food and drink, textiles, or life sciences. Speakers will offer expert advice on entering and developing business successfully in the France market, and the day provides a great chance to network as well as make new contacts."

Laurent Melin from Scottish Development International's Paris office will provide an overview of business opportunities in France. He is also at this year’s XpoNorth the same week, presenting on a panel focusing on digital, TV, movies and advertising.

Laurent said: "We work closely with HIE and can offer a range of assistance for businesses in the Highlands and Islands region from our overseas SDI office. I am delighted to be meeting businesses from various sectors and look forward to connecting with companies who are considering France as a market to do business in."

Joy Love from GlobalScot, will give an overview of the support available through Scotland’s unique network of global expertise.

Michelle Hardie from Enterprise Europe Network will provide information on the French markets, highlighting the services and tools on offer as well as live opportunities available in France.
Jill Fryer from Harper Macleod LLP will present on the various routes to the French market, focusing on agency and distribution and providing some practical tips.

France is the world’s sixth largest economy and third largest in Europe so it continues to be a significant player in the global economy.

France is the fourth largest destination for Scottish food exports - the largest consumer of Scottish produce outside of the UK. The country is also the second largest consumer of Scotch whisky, valued at £445 million in 2014.

There is an opportunity to request on-to-one meetings with key speakers.

This event is part funded under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2014-2020 EU funding programme. - See more at: http://www.hie.co.uk/about-hie/news-and-media/archive/businesses-invited-to--doing-business-in-france--event.html#sthash.ln6N50ju.dpuf