Latest news with #BrandScotland
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Scotland Office leads trade mission in Spain
A total of 16 Scottish female entrepreneurs, led by UK Government Minister Kirsty McNeill and the Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC), will arrive in Madrid today. Their mission comes after a report, first covered by The Herald, found that trade in Scotland could increase by more than £10 billion over two years if women-led businesses exported at the same rate as those led by men. The Gender Export Gap Report, commissioned by the Scottish Government, found that if women who lead small and medium-sized enterprises exported at the same rate as male-led exporters, it could increase total turnover by between £2.1bn and £6.3bn over one year, with this potentially increasing to over £10bn over a two year period. Scotland Minister Ms McNeill has voiced she wants the UK to be 'a leader' in promoting gender diversity in international trade. Those involved, including the chief executive of Scottish Chamber of Commerce Liz Cameron, will meet with Spanish entrepreneurs, business leaders and politicians to address the Scottish gender export gap and promote Brand Scotland. Taking place through events in Barcelona and Madrid, ministers said the mission will help Scottish firms 'boost exports, inward investment and kickstart economic growth'. During her trip to Spain, Ms McNeill will also discuss future plans for two shipyards in Scotland with the CEO of Navantia UK, a Spanish ship building company which recently took over the British shipbuilder Harland & Wolff. It currently runs operations across four UK sites including Methil and Arnish in Scotland. READ MORE: 'Scottish trade could create billions through women-led businesses' What Keir Starmer's new UK–EU agreement means for Scotland Figures from last year show Spain is the UK's seventh largest trading partner and it is Scotland's 10th with total trade in goods and services (exports plus imports) being £64.6 billion. The UK is the number one European destination for Spanish investment (€83 billion stock). On Tuesday in Barcelona, the Minister will also meet the President of Catalonia, Salvador Illa to discuss new opportunities for trade and investment for both the UK and Spain. This visit marks the first Brand Scotland trade mission since the signing of a partnership agreement between the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and the Scotland Office on Friday. The deal, backed by a £100,000 UK Government grant, is focused on showcasing Scottish businesses globally and attracting inward investment. UK Government Scotland Office Ms McNeill said: "I'm very proud to be teaming up with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and fantastic Scottish women entrepreneurs on a trailblazing mission to Spain to help kickstart economic growth, create jobs and attract investment to Scotland as part of the UK Government's Plan for Change. "I want the UK to be a leader in promoting gender diversity in international trade and this is a unique opportunity for our women business leaders to build international connections, explore market opportunities, and connect with other female entrepreneurs in one of Scotland's and the UK's largest EU markets. "Through Brand Scotland, we are now giving our country the global platform it deserves." Last year, Scotland's goods exports to Spain reached £0.7 billion, with food and drink leading the way at over £212 million. Most recent figures show that Spain was the number six export destination for Scotch whisky, with sales worth £196 million in 2024. Spain is also among the most valuable destinations for Scottish seafood exports, including a top 20 destination for Scottish salmon exports. Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Dr Liz Cameron CBE said: "This trade mission marks a bold step forward in advancing Scotland's global trade ambitions. "By connecting some of our most dynamic women entrepreneurs and leaders with key players in Barcelona, we are opening new doors of opportunity, innovation, and growth. "Scotland's businesswomen are global in their outlook, ambitious in their vision, and ready to lead the way in forging deeper connections around the world. 'The collaboration between the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and Scotland Office is a powerful partnership which will boost business growth, increase exports, and champion Scotland as a world-leading trading nation. "This mission expands our market access and ensures the future of our business community is more representative, resilient, and internationally competitive." The mission follows the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer securing an agreement with the European Union last month which aimed at resetting relations after post-Brexit disruption. The deal includes an extension of EU fishing rights in UK waters until 2038. This 12-year continuation maintains current access arrangements, which were initially set to expire in 2026. The UK Government argues that the move provides stability and certainty for the fishing sector. However, Scottish fishing communities and the Scottish Government have voiced strong opposition. The agreement also includes a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement, which aligns UK food safety and animal health standards with those of the EU. This alignment is expected to eliminate most routine border checks on animal and plant products between Great Britain and the EU. It will also permit the export of some previously restricted products, including burgers and sausages, back into the EU market. For Scotland, this is significant, facilitating smoother exports for key sectors such as seafood and agriculture. However, it also means that the UK, including Scotland, must adhere to evolving EU regulations in these areas.
Edinburgh Reporter
3 days ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Brand Scotland – UK Government signs agreement with Scottish Chambers of Commerce
A Brand Scotland overseas trade missions initiative was signed on Friday by the Scotland Office and Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) in a partnership agreement. This collaboration will be supported by UK Government funding of up to £100,000 for 2025/26 which will help to promote Scottish trade and is aimed at attracting foreign direct investment into Scotland. Brand Scotland is part of the UK Government's Plan for Change boosting economic growth by promoting Scottish products and services while attracting international inward investment. The initiative will include a series of trade missions all designed to showcase Scottish businesses across the globe. Ian Murray and Liz Cameron signed the agreement at the UK Government's Queen Elizabeth HQ in Edinburgh. Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: 'This agreement will help give Scotland a global platform to sell everything our brilliant country has to offer – from whisky and seafood to our world class services. 'The trio of trade deals secured by the Prime Minister in recent weeks is a huge opportunity for Scotland's economy – with the most populous country in the world, the richest country in the world and our most important market. This partnership with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce will create valuable opportunities for Scottish firms and help kickstart economic growth as part of our Plan for Change. 'I have already been to Norway, Singapore, Malaysia, and the United States to bang the drum for Scotland and with this partnership we will take businesses to even more markets. The Scotland Office will be Scotland's window to the world.' Scottish Chambers of Commerce Chief Executive and Director Dr Liz Cameron, CBE, said: 'Delivering impactful trade missions that will sell Brand Scotland and our innovative and dynamic businesses will strengthen our global presence. This partnership with the Scotland Office is vital for economic growth and will help more businesses trade internationally and encourage more inward investment. 'The world wants our quality products and services and this significant investment in Brand Scotland will create even more opportunities to sell our nation internationally. Our businesses continue to successfully engage with SCC overseas missions and now by combining forces between SCC and the Scotland Office, we can drive our economy further by providing valuable platforms and alliances for more exporters to sell their fantastic products and services to new global markets. 'Scotland is open for business and we welcome Brand Scotland's support to allow us to trade with confidence on a world stage.' Leading entrepreneurs from a variety of sectors have also welcomed the agreement. Founder & CEO of Greenock-based PG Paper Dr Poonam Gupta, OBE, said: 'At PG Paper, international trade is the backbone of our business. We have built a multi-million pound business by connecting with over 60 countries. This partnership between the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and the Scotland Office sends a clear message: Scotland is ambitious, outward-looking, and ready to lead. The Scotland Office initiative will help businesses like ours expand our international reach, forge high-value connections, and drive economic impact both at home and abroad. This is exactly the kind of bold, collaborative action Scotland needs to accelerate exports and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.' CEO of Aberdeen-based PCL Group Dr Jeanette Forbes, OBE, said: 'As a global IT and energy tech company operating in over 27 countries, we know first-hand how critical international trade is to business growth and innovation. Trade missions are strategic enablers that unlock new markets, foster long-term relationships, and elevate Scotland's global standing. The collaboration between Scottish Chambers of Commerce and the Scotland Office is exactly the type of public-private partnership needed to amplify Scotland's voice on the world stage and grow our economies.' Details of trade missions will be confirmed later. The Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, (with his younger daughter) and Liz Cameron, CBE Like this: Like Related
Scotsman
27-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
SNP spent decades 'selling Scotland to Scots' rather than rest of world, Scotland Secretary claims
The SNP claimed issues around exports were down to Brexit Sign up to our Politics newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The SNP has spent decades 'selling Scotland to Scots' rather than the rest of world, Ian Murray has claimed. In a letter discussing the work of the Scotland Office, the Scotland Secretary accused both the SNP of Tories of contributing to 15 years of 'failure', and damaging the success of the country's exports. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mr Murray, the MP for Edinburgh South, claimed the UK Government was now pushing "Brand Scotland" to transform this, coming on the back of three successive trade deals being announced. In the past few weeks Labour have secured trade deals with the US, India, and EU. The SNP claimed the agreements were 'minor', and that only the SNP were putting Scotland's interests first. In his letter to Patricia Ferguson, the Labour MP and chair of the Scottish Affairs Committee, Mr Murray said: 'For more than a decade, Scotland had two governments focused on selling Scotland to the Scots rather than selling what our brilliant country has to offer the rest of the world to create jobs, opportunities, and investment. 'The impact of that has been stark: in 2023, exports were 20.5 per cent of GDP in Scotland, but 31.1 per cent of UK GDP. If Scotland's exports had been 31.1 per cent of its GDP in 2023, they would have been £62 billion, £21 billion higher than their actual value. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Promoting Brand Scotland' 'That is the opportunity we have to grasp by promoting Brand Scotland after more than 15 years of failure from successive UK and Scottish governments. 'The ambition for Brand Scotland is to target key markets across the globe. Scotland Office officials are working to support a trade mission to China in June with the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, and Minister McNeill will be leading a trade mission to Spain for Women led business in Scotland.' Scottish Secretary Ian Murray, seen in a rescue submersible at JFD Global in Renfrew, is willing to work co-operatively with the devolved government in the national interest (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell) | Getty Images Mr Murray also claimed future trade missions could include visits to the Far East, India, Southern Africa, Brazil, and Australia, all organised in collaboration with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and other key industry stakeholders. SNP economy spokesperson Dave Doogan MP claimed issues with exports and the economy were down to Westminster. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He said: "Over the last decade, Scotland has consistently been the most attractive place for inward investment in the UK, anywhere outside of London - but international trade is reserved to Westminster and successive Labour Party and Tory governments have failed Scotland, and treated our economic interests as an afterthought. "By imposing a hard Brexit and refusing to rejoin the EU, single market and customs union, Keir Starmer's Labour government is costing Scotland billions of pounds in lost trade and economic growth every year - meaning less money available for the NHS and public services.
Scotsman
11-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
John Swinney must explain how he'll get Scottish steel plants back in operation
This week has shown there must be no doubt – the UK government is championing international trade with renewed passion and purpose. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The first-of-its-kind agreement made with the US on Thursday will protect British businesses and save thousands of well-paid, skilled jobs. Tariffs on British steel and aluminium have been wiped out, and there are vital assurances for life sciences and important reductions for the automotive industry with US tariffs cut from 27.5% to 10% for 100,000 vehicles every year. New reciprocal market access has also been agreed on beef – with UK farmers given a tariff free quota for 13,000 metric tonnes without compromising the sector's high standards. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It's for John Swinney now to explain how he'll get Scotland's steel plants back into operation so workers can take full advantage of the opportunities this new US deal brings. The First Minister seems to have taken a vow of silence on the actions of his government that have effectively seen Dalzell and Clydebridge steelworks mothballed. It's time he explained what is going on. A worker in action at a steel mill. Picture: Danny Lawson/PA Wire Our landmark deal with India is also a huge economic win that will increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion, UK GDP by £4.8bn, and wages by £2.2bn each year in the long run. Strengthening our alliances unlocks new opportunities for businesses and consumers in every corner of the UK, with Indian tariffs slashed on key products such as our iconic whisky brands and food exports like salmon, alongside new opportunities for the financial services and advanced manufacturing sectors. Both of these significant trade breakthroughs are the result of stable and pragmatic leadership, delivering for British business and British workers. And it will directly boost the Scottish economy, supporting jobs and ensuring more money in people's pockets. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad We're proving that the UK is an attractive place to do business, a crucial part of our Plan for Change to create a stronger, more secure economy that will raise living standards for working people from Sutherland to Saltcoats. I'm proud to say these deals also directly deliver on the Scotland Office's key mission of promoting Brand Scotland, showcasing our world-class produce and services on the global stage. From whisky to textiles, clean energy to life sciences, Scotland has so much to offer. We are determined to help Scottish businesses make the most of these new opportunities and we'll be working with trade associations, chambers of commerce and individual businesses to ensure everyone understands how they can benefit. I'm confident we'll see a surge in exports, supporting jobs and prosperity across Scotland. At least 1.9 million people with Indian heritage call the UK their home and striking this new deal will strengthen the vital partnership between our two countries in the most significant bilateral trade agreement since Brexit. This isn't just abstract economics – it means real opportunities and real money for Scottish families. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The benefits for Scotland are substantial and wide-ranging. Indian tariffs will be slashed across the board, with reductions on 90 per cent of tariff lines and 85 per cent becoming completely tariff-free within a decade. For our world-famous Scotch whisky industry, this is transformative. Currently, Indian whisky tariffs stand at a prohibitive 150 per cent, which has severely limited our export potential to the world's largest whisky market by volume. Under our new deal, these tariffs will be immediately halved to 75% and then reduced further to just 40% within ten years. This is a game-changer for our distilleries across Scotland, supporting long-term investment and jobs in communities where whisky production is the economic lifeblood. We have all-important industry backing – whisky companies know greater access to foreign markets is crucial to support long-term investment and jobs in distilleries and bottling plants all over Scotland. Scottish gin producers will enjoy the same tariff reductions, opening up exciting new markets for our craft distillers. Our advanced manufacturing sector – including many innovative small companies - will benefit from reduced tariffs across the board, simpler export procedures, and improved IP protections in India. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Our relationships will be strengthened around financial services – already a world-renowned sector in Scotland. With India set to become the world's third largest economy by 2028, the opportunities for financial professionals in Glasgow, Edinburgh and beyond, could be huge. Scottish food producers will also see major benefits, with reduced tariffs on salmon exports, lamb, and other key products. Meanwhile, our cosmetics manufacturers and medical device companies will find it easier and cheaper to sell their high-quality products to India's expanding middle class – a consumer base projected to reach 60 million people by the end of this decade. For small businesses in Scotland, who often complain of red tape standing in the way of them exporting, this deal will make customs and digital procedures simpler and more streamlined, meaning even the smallest Scottish enterprises can now realistically look to India as a potential market. In times of global economic uncertainty, having guaranteed access to the fastest growing major economy in the world provides Scottish businesses with stability and confidence to invest. By the end of this decade, demand for imports into India is projected to top £1.4 trillion – and Scottish businesses will be perfectly positioned to capitalise on this enormous opportunity. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad For Scottish shoppers, there will be benefits too, with the potential for cheaper prices and more choice on imported goods including clothing, footwear, and food products like frozen prawns. This isn't just about one market, though. Our government is pursuing a comprehensive strategy to boost Scottish exports globally. We're putting the UK front and centre in the world-wide marketplace because working well with our allies for mutual benefit is the only way forward. Securing a stronger, more prosperous future for Scotland and the UK is our number one priority. By breaking down barriers to trade and championing Scottish businesses on the world stage, we're ensuring that our ingenuity and innovation can reach new markets and new consumers across the globe.
Scotsman
03-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Women in business: Scotland Office minister Kirsty McNeill to lead all-female trade mission
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now An all-female trade mission from Scotland will head for Spain in a bid to boost exports by women-led companies. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The visit, planned for Madrid in June, will be led by UK Government Scotland Office minister Kirsty McNeill as part of the Brand Scotland drive to sell Scotland's unique strengths around the world and promote Scottish goods and services to new markets. The aim is create more export opportunities for female-led businesses after research found that trade in Scotland could increase by more than £10 billion if women's companies were exporting at the same rate as firms led by men. KIrsty McNeill hosted a roundtable meeting of women business leaders ahead of the trade mission in June | supplied Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ms McNeill hosted a gathering of female business leaders from across Scotland last week, which brought together women from across the technology, sustainability, clean energy and beauty sectors, as well as representatives of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, the Confederation of British Industry and Women's Enterprise Scotland. Ms McNeill said: "From science and sustainability to culture and financial services, we're amongst the best in the world - and by selling Scotland globally, we can unlock jobs and investment, an essential part of our Plan for Change. 'It's crucial that I hear from Scottish businesswomen about the barriers they face, find out what we can do to help, and demonstrate how Scottish companies can really benefit from having direct informal access like this to the UK's vast global network of trade expertise. By harnessing the combined resources of the Scotland Office, the Foreign Office and Department for Business and Trade, we can create significant opportunities for women entrepreneurs. "We're already seeing positive results from championing Brand Scotland internationally and I'm committed to unlocking more global opportunities for Scottish women in business." Challenges they discussed included how businesses can access finance and investment, overcome export barriers, and tackle market access issues that disproportionately affect women-led business.
