US Export Plan among steps to boost business.
A bespoke plan to help Scottish companies export to the United
States will be drawn up as part of new measures aimed at boosting
trade.
It is one of six actions announced in the First Minister's
Programme for Government to assist exporters and address global
trade challenges.
Other steps include increased funding for product
development, market research and attendance at international
trade shows.
Within the current financial year, the Six Point Export Plan
will:
- produce a US Export Plan to identify states offering the best
markets for Scottish products, as part of wider support for trade
with North America
- use the International Growth Support Programme to unlock
opportunities through trade shows, distributor visits, market
research and product development
- bring more global buyers to Scotland to showcase what
companies have to offer
- expand funding for overseas trade missions through the
International Trade Partnership with Scottish Chambers of
Commerce
- increase funding for exporters in the technology, life
sciences, renewables and hydrogen sectors
- widen support for businesses through Scottish Enterprise's
international team, Scottish Development International, including
more overseas trade missions and exporter showcase events
During a visit to Summerhall Distillery in Edinburgh, which
exports to more than a dozen countries including the US, Deputy
First Minister said:
“In the face of global uncertainty, I am determined to protect
and grow Scotland's business interests around the world.
“As the USA remains the single largest destination for Scottish
exports outside the European Union, action to maintain and grow
the market share while recognising the changing dynamics of US
export opportunities is an important focus of our Programme for
Government.
“These steps will build on the significant support we already
provide through Scottish Development International and its
network of 34 offices across the world, including four in the US.
“We must grasp all opportunities to strengthen Scotland's
reputation in world markets. Demand for Scottish products and
services around the world is high and global customers recognise
the innovation, quality and ambition of our businesses.”
Commercial Director of Summerhall Distillery Dave Quinnell said:
“We export around the world, including the US where we recently
signed a new contract to sell more than 100,000 bottles a year.
“Without Scottish Development International, we would not have
been able to access the majority of our international markets.
“We received help to draw up our initial export plan, to access
specialist advice and to fund trade visits overseas. All of this
has been vital to our business as we grow and continue to explore
markets across the world.”
Background
Programme for Government
2025 to 2026 - gov.scot
Summerhall
Distillery was opened as the first exclusive gin
distillery established in Edinburgh for over 150 years, producing
Pickering's Gin. It has since become home to The Broody Hen
Scotch Whisky and Coldsnap Vodka. The business has diversified
into private and own label products, culminating in the formation
of Edinburgh Bottlers & Co-Pack, specialising in premium
private label spirits services.
In the last financial year Scottish Enterprise, whose overseas
brand is Scottish Development International, reported £2.15 billion in
planned international salesfrom the Scottish companies it has
helped - among the highest results ever achieved.
The International Trade
Partnership Programme is run with the Scottish Chambers of
Commerce and will expand access to business membership
organisations to provide support for trade missions to
established and emerging markets.
