3 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Scotland must build on its growing global reputation
One standout moment was leading a delegation of 16 exceptional Scottish women entrepreneurs to Barcelona, alongside UK Government Minister Kirsty McNeill. This Scotland Office-led mission wasn't just about trade; it was about unlocking untapped business potential. If women-led businesses exported at the same rate as men, Scotland's trade could grow by over £10 billion in just two years. Yet only 2p in every £1 of investment goes to women. That's not just a gender gap but a massive economic opportunity missed.
These businesswomen, representing sectors from food and drink to tech and legal services, proved what's possible when ambition meets opportunity.
The Barcelona trip reinforced a clear message: in a time of global uncertainty, Scotland cannot retreat from the world but must reach out.
We are leading in sectors like digital, AI, advanced manufacturing, space and green energy but are we telling that story boldly enough? I want more people to know about the exciting achievements of brilliant companies like Alba Orbital and Spire, which have made Scotland the top manufacturer of small satellites in Europe. And I want more people to discover our growing strengths in AI and robotics, where the National Manufacturing Institute and Heriot-Watt University's Robotarium are breaking new ground.
Scotland's entrepreneurial spark is alive and thriving now. Take co-founders Dr Sally Beattie and Emer Bustard who started Lazy Day Foods in North Lanarkshire after being inspired by their personal experience with food allergies and intolerances and are now exporting to UAE, Europe and North America. Or Jacine Rutasikwa, co-founded the Matugga Distillery in 2018, and was one of the first in the UK to produce rum from scratch. The Livingston-based distillery produces a multi-award-winning range of handcrafted spirits which are distributed across the UK and Europe. Or Leigh Fell, Founder & CEO of Caritas Bioscience, a life sciences company based in Edinburgh focusing on clinical trials and is involved in the oncology field.
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These are the shining examples today of a nation that has never stopped inventing. From expanding Scotland's contributions to science and exciting new products in food and drink, these Scots are proving that innovation is in our DNA.
The economic performance backs it up: despite global pressures, Scotland's GDP per capita remains one of the highest in the UK outside London. Our export economy is worth £35 billion annually, with the USA accounting for £4.6 billion of that. And we're not standing still. Emerging sectors like green hydrogen, quantum computing and sustainable tourism are already turning heads globally.
This momentum will be on full display as Scotland prepares to welcome the 47th US President. As leader of the world's largest economy, President Trump's presence offers a timely opportunity to showcase Scotland's industrial strengths, renew our commercial ties with the US, and drive forward investment and job creation. This is a moment to demonstrate the scale of our export potential and to advance opportunities for stronger trade terms and deeper commercial partnerships.
Our recent trade mission to New York laid valuable foundations, and we're already building momentum with further US business visits scheduled for this year and plans underway for participation in Tartan Week 2026. Our goal is clear: grow Scottish exports, attract US investment, and champion Scotland as a global business hub.
That message was front and centre when I sat down with one of the most influential voices in global media: The New York Times. I made the case clearly that Scotland is a strategic gateway to both European and global markets. We combine world-class research, skilled talent and a strong entrepreneurial culture. Our time zone, language and legal system make us a natural hub for international operations.
And the message is landing. According to the latest EY Attractiveness Survey, Scotland is the top UK destination for inward investment outside London. Investors are drawn to our skilled workforce, innovation ecosystem, and unmatched quality of life. We offer a stable, transparent, and welcoming environment for long-term investment.
But we can't stop there. To truly unlock Scotland's global potential, we must tackle trade barriers, improve access to talent, and build on the momentum of the new UK-EU trade agreement. It's a pragmatic step toward rebuilding one of our most important trading relationships and making it easier for Scottish firms to compete across Europe.
Scotland's global trade performance is relevant to us all. It's a driver of jobs, prosperity, and investment. With the right policies, we can create an environment that allows our incredible Scottish entrepreneurs to reach new heights. Because when Scotland trades, Scotland thrives.
Liz Cameron is chief executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce
