Tailored support for women entrepreneurs to enter international
trade.
Women-led businesses will receive more help to sell overseas
after a study found Scotland could benefit from billions of
pounds in extra trade.
The Gender Export Gap report estimates that Scotland's trade
could increase by between £3.4 billion to £10.3 billion over two
years if women-led businesses exported at the same rate as those
led by men. From 2016 - 2022, between 2% and 9% fewer women-owned
small and medium-sized companies sold overseas compared to those
run by men.
Actions to be introduced include targeting more women to
take part in trade missions and export training programmes.
Business Minister launched the report and
the Scottish Government's response during a visit to Raven
Botanicals near Haddington, East Lothian, run by Arabella and
Charlotte Harvey. The sisters are speaking to a potential
overseas client about their award-winning natural skincare and
beauty products after participating in trade missions to the
United States and Dubai.
Mr Lochhead said:
“The untapped export potential of women entrepreneurs identified
by this report is astonishing. The measures I am announcing today
are just the beginning. We will work with organisations such as
Scottish Development International and the Scottish Chamber of
Commerce to understand the specific export needs of women-led
businesses and provide further assistance.
“The gender export gap is a worldwide phenomenon and the position
in Scotland is typical of comparable countries. However, we are
determined to improve and reap the huge economic rewards.”
Arabella Harvey said:
“As a business in the early stages of growth, we welcome the
commitment to meaningful, tailored support for female
entrepreneurs.
“We have faced challenges accessing export support, even though
there's clear interest from new markets. By empowering female
entrepreneurs to step confidently into the global marketplace, we
can secure significant economic growth and strengthen Scotland's
reputation on the world stage.”
Background
The Gender Export Gap report
The Scottish Government's
response to the report.
The Scottish-Government commissioned research report was authored
by Professor Norin Arshed, Dr Stephen Knox and Dr Carolina
Marin Cadavid.
Steps to encourage and support more participation of women in
trade is a core part of delivering the Scottish Government's
international trade strategy, Scotland's Vision for
Trade.
The work also aligns with wider action on women's
entrepreneurship. The Scottish Government confirmed in June 2023
that it would take forward all the recommendations of Ana
Stewart's Pathways: A New Approach
for Women in Entrepreneurship.
Funding allocated to create more opportunities for women in
entrepreneurship will increase to at least £4 million in the next
financial year, as part of an enhanced enterprise package
commitment of £15 million.
