With the support of the Scottish Government and Scottish Chambers of Commerce we are continuing to build on our existing international partnerships and create new ones across the world. 

Over the past few years we have established partnerships with Chambers of Commerce in Manhattan, Nuremberg, Berlin, Milan and Turin, taking Scottish companies on business visits to create new opportunities and increase their presence on the global stage. Building on the success of these early partnerships, further funding from the Scottish Government will enable us to deliver a programme of inward and outward missions through until the end of March 2020.

In the last quarter of 2019, we welcomed two inward missions to Glasgow. On Friday 4th October, we organized a programme for 20 delegates from Rotterdam. Representing some of the biggest Dutch construction companies, architects, transport consultants, and the maritime sector, their special interest lay in meeting Glasgow businesses who are also involved in these sectors. They were particularly interested in the circular economy and how circular principles are embedded in the construction sector. A visit to the new Innovation School at Kelvinside Academy, a meeting with the Scottish Maritime Cluster and the opportunity for business to business meetings with our members provided an interesting and inspiring day for all involved.

Continuing a busy beginning to October, the Chamber then hosted a delegation of 45 delegates from the Greater Portland, Orgeon area. The delegation had been visiting cities across the UK on a best practices study visit. A key objective for the delegation was to understand how Glasgow is fostering vibrant innovation ecosystems including investments in research, education, workforce development, entrepreneurship and strategic partnerships.

The delegation comprised urban and regional leaders from across sectors, including economic development, government, business, education and not-for-profit organizations. Specific sectors represented included travel and hospitality, transportation, construction, financial and legal services, energy and utilities. Our programme included our work on Circular Glasgow, an overview of the Glasgow economy and business to business meetings between our members and the delegates. The Lord Provost of Glasgow supported the programme by hosting a Civic Reception in the City Chambers – a fitting end to their visit to the city.

We are currently pulling together a programme of visits to help you make those vital connections to support the growth of your company and the Scottish economy so please look out for further information on our website and on our social media channels. We are working with partners including the Scottish Government, the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network, Scottish Development International, Scottish Enterprise, Glasgow City Council and many others to ensure you have the support, advice and connections you need to either start trading internationally or access new markets.

For more information on all our international trade development activities please contact Elaine Rodger on
0141 204 8332 or email elaine.rodger@glasgowchamberofcommerce.com