On Wednesday 8 April, the Scottish Chambers of Commerce led a senior business delegation to New York as part of the city’s annual Tartan Week, reinforcing Scotland’s economic, cultural and trading relationship with the United States during the USA’s 250th anniversary year
The delegation brought together Chamber leaders, businesses and partners from across Scotland for a focused programme of highlevel engagement designed to deepen commercial ties, support export growth and strengthen longterm collaboration between Scotland and the United States.
During the visit, Scottish Chambers of Commerce led a series of strategic activities. Key highlights included a business reception with the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce, hosted by its President, Mark Jaffe. The event brought together senior US and Scottish business leaders to explore new trade and investment opportunities. Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Greater New York Chamber during Tartan Week the previous year, it was valuable to reconnect and discuss future opportunities and ways to further enhance ScottishAmerican business relationships.
The delegation also took part in an exclusive fireside chat with Joseph Gadaleta, CEO of Walker’s USA. Entitled From Speyside to Stateside, the discussion provided practical insights into doing business in the United States and scaling Scotland’s food and drink exports in the US market. This was followed by spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline from 40 floors above Grand Central Station at the CliftonLarsonAllen offices.
The annual Scottish Chambers Business Reception was generously delivered in partnership with Internova Leisure Group, thanks to Jacqueline Dobson, who also serves as VicePresident of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce. This reception provided a fitting conclusion to three busy days of business engagement, bringing together partners and stakeholders from Scotland and the United States in one room to celebrate the strength of ScottishAmerican commercial relationships.
Following the business programme, the delegation took part in the iconic New York City Tartan Week Parade, walking proudly down Sixth Avenue, also known as the Avenue of the Americas. One of the city’s largest celebrations of Scottish heritage, the parade was led this year by Grand Marshal Sam Heughan. Taking part was not simply about honouring history, but about being present and visible in a dynamic, opportunityrich moment. The parade perfectly encapsulated the prosperous future that Scotland and the United States can achieve by working together harmoniously. The future is bright when we work together.
Charandeep Singh BEM, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“I am personally delighted to have returned to New York City with our business delegation during NYC Tartan Week. New York is one of the world’s great commercial capitals and a gateway for Scottish companies looking to grow, invest and build lasting partnerships in the United States. During the USA’s 250th anniversary year, this visit is a powerful reminder of the depth of the ScottishAmerican relationship – built on shared values, entrepreneurship and trade. Our programme here is firmly focused on outcomes: connecting Scottish businesses with US partners, supporting export growth, and ensuring Scotland continues to be a trusted and ambitious trading partner for New York and the wider US economy.”
Sarah Medcraf, Chief Executive of Moray Chamber of Commerce, said:
“New York provides an incredible platform for Scottish businesses to engage with US partners, and this delegation helps create real momentum for the year ahead. Following the New York programme, I travelled on to Boston to continue building business relationships, particularly as planning intensifies around the World Cup. For Moray businesses, including food and drink, tourism and associated sectors, the opportunities across the United States over the coming years are significant.”
Richard Muir, Deputy Chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said:
“This delegation highlights Glasgow’s global outlook and the importance of deepening our US connections. After our engagements in New York, I travelled to Pittsburgh to further expand links between Glasgow and Pennsylvania. Strengthening these citytocity relationships is critical for attracting investment, supporting innovation and driving longterm economic growth for both regions.”
Joseph Gadaleta, CEO of Walkers USA, said:
“The Walker’s journey from Speyside into the United States is built on heritage, quality, and a deep sense of place. It’s exciting to be part of a wider conversation how Scottish brands can thrive internationally while staying true to their roots.”
Through its NYC Tartan Week programme, Scottish Chambers of Commerce continued to champion Scottish business on the international stage, supporting companies of all sizes to access new markets, forge meaningful partnerships and contribute to sustainable economic growth across Scotland and the United States.
The delegation is a multisector group. Participating companies included AGS Airports, operator of Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southampton airports; Burns Gym, a Scotlandbased health and fitness company expanding into the US market; TetheredApp, a digital wellbeing platform showcasing Scotland’s landscape to support mental health; and NeuroBite, a medtech company specialising in dissolvable neurotechnology for epilepsy and poststroke treatment.”
