Lochaber Chamber of Commerce is heading stateside this May with a group of Scottish businesses keen to explore opportunities in the lucrative Californian market.
This is the second in-person trade mission that Lochaber Chamber has led to North America on behalf of Scottish Chambers and the Scottish Government, and the team are looking forward to helping more businesses make connections.
Go big in the USA!
The USA remains Scotland’s largest export destination. Scotland exported £5.1 billion of goods and services to the USA in 2021, making it our largest international export destination, accounting for 16% of Scotland’s international export value in 2021.
With that in mind, Scottish companies are seeing the huge potential in trading with the USA. On Lochaber Chamber’s trade mission to Orange County, Scottish businesses from a range of sectors will have the chance to experience the trading environment there first hand.
They’ll visit the booming city of Irvine in Orange County, in the greater Los Angeles area. Orange County’s robust and diverse economy make it an ideal place for Scottish companies to develop trade connections.
As Eilidh MacDonald, International Trade Manager at Lochaber Chamber commented: “We’ve worked hard to match our delegates up with valuable business connections in Orange County, and they’ll find out so much about what it’s really like to do business there.”
Raring to go!
The delegate list showcases the variety of Scottish businesses interested in exporting and doing business with the USA. Businesses on the mission include artisan drinks, strategy and branding, ethical gifting, higher education and sustainable natural skincare companies.
The Chamber team can’t wait to introduce their delegates to the business world of the O.C.
As Eilidh says, “There is no better way to get a feel for the way business is done and the opportunities available than by coming on a trade mission. It’s a great way for small and medium-sized companies to dip their toe in the water of international trade without any risk.”
Explore opportunities in Canada
As well as the California trade mission, Lochaber Chamber will also be returning to Halifax this summer and Eilidh encourages businesses from all sectors to get in touch about joining the mission:
“ Last year’s mission to Nova Scotia opened a lot of doors for our delegates, and led directly to one of our companies signing a valuable export contract. You don’t have to be a big business to trade internationally. There is huge potential for smaller businesses to tap into a vast new market that loves all things Scottish.”
If you’re interested in finding out more about the opportunities for your business in the Nova Scotia market, please email Eilidh MacDonald, International Trade Manager on trademission@lochaberchamber.co.uk or call for a chat on 01397 705 765.
