West Lothian Chamber of Commerce are excited to be announcing the launch of their brand new International membership which is available to all Scottish businesses. This new International membership will provide businesses with the opportunity to learn more about exporting and encourage them to explore the potential avenues for entering new markets.
With Brexit approaching, it’s important to encourage more businesses to consider exporting their products and services overseas. Therefore, the Scottish Government are offering funding to the Scottish Chambers of Commerce to roll out across all local Chambers in Scotland, to encourage more Scottish based businesses to export. From this funding, West Lothian Chamber of Commerce have developed a new international membership club which will encourage more businesses, of various size and sector, to consider exporting as a growth opportunity.
Our international links is a key priority for the Chamber going forward and to support this we will have guest speaker Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport at our annual Business Excellence Award which celebrates local West Lothian talent on the 24th of November at Macdonald Houstoun House Hotel, Uphall.
Dublin Trip
The West Lothian Chamber have already begun building essential international connections by visiting South Dublin Chamber in Southern Ireland to sign their first Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). By developing this agreement with South Dublin Chamber, businesses can receive support and advice as well as access to relevant events when looking to enter the market.
The South Dublin Chamber kindly sponsored the trip providing the West Lothian Chamber team with complimentary accommodation in the fabulous City West Hotel. The team then attended the British Ambassadors Summer Party with the CEO of South Dublin Chamber. It was a fantastic event which allowed new connections to be made and a chance to embrace the Irish culture. The trip was then followed by many exciting meetings with South Dublin Chamber to discuss the future plans and signing the MOU.
Although this is the first relationship to be built as part of the International Club, the West Lothian Chamber of Commerce plan to extend their market reach and develop various connections with countries across the globe.
Access to national and global resources
As well as building global connections, West Lothian Chamber also have access to the support and resources from local Chambers across Scotland and can signpost businesses onto key contacts across the national network. By becoming part of the International Club, members can receive several benefits such as expert training, global connections, and access to services from across the Chamber network. As well as the Chamber network, West Lothian Chamber of Commerce can provide businesses with access to key businesses and expert organisations who can provide continuous support throughout their exporting journey.
There is lots happening with West Lothian Chamber of Commerce’s international focus and it’s important to gain support and engagement from businesses across Scotland. Therefore, if you would like to find out more then please get in touch with Project Officer Amy Connell at amy.connell@wlchamber.com or call 01506 414808.
