The Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network were delighted to host our International Business Week in London earlier this month.
For the first time since the pandemic, we gave businesses in Scotland the chance to engage with senior Westminster politicians and city business leaders providing access to an unrivalled series of B2B meetings, briefings and events.
The week started with an evening reception, held by kind permission of the Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack MP, at Dover House. There, delegates were given the chance to network with global business leaders and hear from our Deputy Chief Executive, Charandeep Singh BEM, who touched on Scotland’s success in attracting visitors, talent, students and investments. Consistently recognised as the most attractive place in the UK, outside London, for foreign direct investment Scotland is a country that’s challenging new thinking, inviting new investment, creating new opportunities, supporting new industry and driving technology that embraces humanity around the globe.
The second day was spent at Scotland House, where delegates participated in a series of roundtables, identify new markets and supply chain opportunities providing delegates with international advice to support market entry and export initiatives and access to our global Chambers network.
The evening was spent with the team from Santander who provided a deep dive of the results for Scotland from their Trade Barometer before providing delegates with an overview of the Santander Navigator.
The following day was spent at the British Chambers of Commerce annual conference with the theme of ‘Building British Business’; an opportunity for business leaders from across the UK and the globe to come together to discuss the opportunities for growth to help local communities thrive. Throughout the day delegates heard from key senior politicians and other notable public figures about their plans for growth.
Reflecting on the trip, SCC International Trade Director, Seona Shand said: “It was testament to the strength of Scotland’s business community and the convening power of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network that we were joined by a wide range of companies and market representatives.
“Our packed agenda allowed us to be joined by colleagues from international Chambers of Commerce and organisations represented from every continent and the result is the untapped opportunity for businesses in Scotland getting into a wider global market.
“As markets open, the increase for global demand for products and services from Scotland is obvious and we were delighted to be able to showcase what Scotland has to offer the world.”
New York Ambassador for the Scottish Business Network, Frazer Grier, said: “The SCC International Business Visit gave me a rare opportunity to hear from, and ask questions directly to, Scottish and UK government and industry leadership on the United Kingdom’s current economy, international standing, and ambitions for the future.
“I left the three-day trip with an invaluable insight into the importance of strong working relationships between the local Chambers of Commerce across the UK and the Scottish and UK government, with the former providing essential feedback for post-COVID recovery, post-Brexit international opportunities and partnerships, and sustainability-minded growth.
“I look forward to continuing to support the SCC and the wider network and their members’ objectives in New York City and the wider United States.”
