Free export advice as export hub visits Highlands

17th August 2016

The Export Hub is a UK Government initiative backed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI).

It is currently touring Scotland and will be in Sleat on Skye on Wednesday 31 August; Cairndow 29 August; Inverness 2 September; and Forres 5 September.

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.

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."

The Exporting is GREAT campaign began in November 2015, and the Export Hub toured Scotland in February and March visiting Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh. This second visit demonstrates the joint commitment of the UK and Scottish Governments to support Scottish businesses as they explore the potential of foreign markets.

The campaign encourages companies interested in selling overseas to search online for the Exporting is GREAT website.

Via this website, they can access and apply for export opportunities that are being uploaded at a rate of one every 37 minutes by UK Government's network in over 100 markets overseas. So far, around the UK, over 30,000 export opportunities have been applied for.

Scottish businesses can also access help from dozens of Exporting is GREAT partners. These include major banks, logistics firms, currency converters and accountants, and also UK Export Finance, which aims to ensure that no viable export fails due to lack of insurance or finance.
UK Government works with both Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to support thousands of Scottish firms every year to export, and it helps to land the inward investment projects that create thousands of new jobs in Scotland each year.

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."

Local businesses wishing to attend this free event should register on http://www.scottish-enterprise.com/exporthubtour