On July 9th, the Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) embarked on a groundbreaking trade mission to Barcelona, delivered in partnership with the UK Government. This visit marked a major milestone as it marked the inaugural trade mission as part of the strategic partnership between SCC and the Scotland Office, supported by a £100,000 UK Government grant. The initiative is part of a broader ambition to promote Scottish businesses on the global stage and attract inward investment.
Notably, it was an all-female trade mission, a landmark step in amplifying the role of women in international trade. While female entrepreneurs are increasingly driving business growth across Scotland, a relatively small percentage currently export or import their goods and services. In response, SCC and the UK Government organised this business visit to expand international business connections for women-led businesses.
Strengthening Scotland-Catalonia Ties
The economic ties between the UK and Catalonia are flourishing. Around 1,000 British firms now operate in the region, marking a significant 20% growth since 2019. This growth is underpinned by Catalonia’s strategic location, dynamic industrial base, and excellent logistics infrastructure, positioning it as a key gateway to European and global markets. According to 2024 data, the UK is Catalonia’s largest trading partner outside the EU, ranked just behind France, Germany, Italy, and Portugal overall.
Spearheaded by Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, Dr Liz Cameron CBE and Minister Kirsty McNeill MP, UK Government, they led the key engagements with their shared ambition of elevating Scottish women-led businesses on the global stage. The delegation engaged in high-level meetings and site visits, including the IESE Business School, the British Consulate in Barcelona, a networking lunch at Juno House, and productive discussions with the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce.
Catalan Market Insights and Global Connections
The first full day of the mission began with a visit to the IESE Business School, which is ranked among the world’s top business schools for executive education. Here the group was welcomed by Josemaria Siota, Executive Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Centre who provided an overview of innovation, entrepreneurship and investment in Barcelona advising our delegates what it takes to do business in Barcelona from navigating local markets to building global connections. Later, the delegation joined Minister McNeill MP at the British Consulate in Barcelona for a roundtable which focused on international growth, innovation and the critical role of women in driving economic development.
A Highlight at Juno House
A standout moment of the mission was an unforgettable business connections lunch at Juno House. As Barcelona’s first members club designed by women for women, its focus on business, wellness, and motherhood, Juno House is a haven for female professionals balancing ambition with wellbeing. The SCC delegation were honoured to be joined by Natalie Batlle, visionary founder and president of Juno House; Minister Kisty McNeill; Lloyd? Milen, UK Consul in Barcelona and Deputy Mayor Eugenia Gay Rosell whoshared inspiring perspectives on the role of female leadership in shaping vibrant, inclusive economies.
Chamber-to-Chamber Collaboration
As a proud member of the International Chamber of Commerce, SCC facilitated a strategic meeting between the delegation and the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce. The discussions focused on expanding market access and fostering stronger commercial ties between Scotland and Catalonia.
Innovation and the Blue Economy
The momentum continued onto the final day of the trade mission where our delegates explored two of Barcelona’s most innovative business hubs, Tech Barcelona’s Pier01 and BlueTechPort. Pier01 is a former port warehouse which was transformed after the 1992 Olympic games, it now hosts a thriving innovation community, including startups, corporates, investors, incubators and institutions. In 2017 it was named one of the five most important innovation hubs in the world by Forbes. The BlueTechnPort, is an initiative led by the Port of Barcelona, this dynamic innovation hub supports innovative companies, research centres, corporations and bold entrepreneurial ventures in the Blue economy to help propel their growth. These final visits offered valuable knowledge exchange and affirmed the potential for Scottish businesses to thrive in innovative, future-focused sectors.
Looking Ahead
This mission laid the foundation for deeper partnerships, enhanced market access and long-term collaboration between Scotland and Catalonia. The conversations and connections started here will continue to evolve, just like the dynamic businesses behind them. We have since returned to Scotland, energised, connected and determined to build on this momentum. This is just the beginning. We look forward to more opportunities, greater collaboration and more Scottish women leading on the global stage.
A thank you to our inspiring delegates, whose drive and innovation made this mission so impactful:
Dr Liz Cameron CBE
Director & Chief Executive,
Scottish Chambers of Commerce
Dr Jeanette Forbes OBE
CEO, PCL Group
Dr Poonam Gupta OBE
CEO & Founder,
PG Paper Company Ltd
Arjumand Ara Sheikh
Principal Solicitor and Associate CIPD, Strand Solicitors
Elaine Borland
Owner, Blowin’Free
Beth Wright
Co-Founder,
HCW Consulting Partners
Becky Hain
Co-Founder,
HCW Consulting Partners
Katie Cameron
Co-Founder,
HCW Consulting Partners
Sophie Rankine
Managing Director,
Sophie Gets Social Ltd
Lucy Harper
Head of Public Affairs, Lumo
Shona Cowan
Director, Go-You Ltd
Rebecca Wilson
Owner, Bec Wilson Creative
Arabella Harvey
Founder & CEO, Raven Botanicals
Amber Knight
Director, MacNeil Shellfish Limited
Libby McQuarrie
Commercial Executive, MacNeil Shellfish Limited
Rosalind Wardley-Smith
International & Operations Executive
