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Is your company doing as well as it could be? Are you fully aware of the opportunities to sell your products or services into markets outside Scotland and grow your business?

6 Reasons to Export
View our full infographic to debunk the myths about exporting and discover the benefits
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Once you realise which international markets offer the best opportunities for your business, we can support you to develop your export potential and make the most of these opportunities helping safeguard your company's future.

What’s the opportunity?

Over 99% of potential market opportunities exist outside Scotland. Around 5,500 Scottish companies are currently exporting which represents just 5% of overall UK companies exporting.

That means there’s huge potential for Scottish companies to tap into the scope of overseas opportunities.

Experience tells us that companies often overestimate the risks of exporting while underestimating the true benefits.

Common perceived risks include concerns about fluctuations in currency exchange or of entering markets where little is understood about the language or the culture of those markets.

We can help overcome such concerns.

We’ve business consultant teams in Scotland who can help identify potential markets with interest in your products or services.

We also have 28 offices worldwide with expert teams who really understand and know those local markets.

So, if you’re considering exporting for the first time and don’t know where to begin we can help get you started and will provide tailored support and guidance as your business grows internationally.

Is it risky?

The weak pound and difficult market conditions at home emphasise the importance of investing overseas. Risk can be minimised by avoiding fluctuations in market conditions by operating across many countries where growth potential is highest.

“The importance of international markets gives you an insurance policy operating in many countries that you wouldn't otherwise have operating in only one country" – Charles Stewart, Chairman and CEO, Holland & Sherry

With our support we can help you eliminate any risk from the outset by adequately preparing your business for international development.

Is it costly?

Done with the right level of support the returns on your global trade investment will be highly cost-effective.

With our free and subsidised support services, many Scottish-based companies are becoming global traders.

Any business can export, as long as there is demand and you can fulfil that demand, you should just go for it.

Rachel Jones, Totseat

We can help you develop your exporting and international business development skills whilst keeping your training costs to a minimum.

Does size matter?

A business is never too small to export. Whether you're considering exporting or already exporting in several overseas markets, we've a range of support services and training to suit individual needs.

Totseat, an SME with just three staff, have successfully developed a global business with our support – 65% of their trade is now exported.

So there you have it, in a nutshell. Think you’re ready to export?

Talk to our trade experts for tailored to support