by Sarah Findlay, International Trade Manager
I have been with Inverness Chamber of Commerce, working in the international trade team since 2018, and in that time my role has evolved in response to major events such as Brexit. These changes have ensured that our core services continue to adapt and provide the most relevant support to businesses in our region.
International trade is fast paced, shaped by shifting supply chains, evolving geopolitical landscapes, and the constant need for businesses to respond to innovative technologies, market conditions, and changing regulations.
Inverness Chamber of Commerce exists to champion Highland businesses and help them succeed – locally, nationally, and globally. Through our international trade services, we provide practical support, open up access to new markets, and create opportunities for businesses of all sizes to grow their global footprint. By connecting companies to the right people and resources, we enable them to navigate international trade with confidence and build lasting commercial relationships that deliver real impact.
Our international trade team is on hand to support the Highlands & Islands business community with their export and import requirements – whether that means forging connections in new markets, providing documentation (such as Certificates of Origin or EUR1 Movement Certificates), or delivering training to staff who are new to international trade, as well as refresher courses for more experienced teams. We have a variety of training packages designed to suit businesses at various stages of their exporting or importing journey, and we are happy to work with companies individually to create tailored solutions that meet their needs.
We are also an accredited customs agent through ChamberCustoms, the customs brokerage arm of the British Chambers of Commerce network. This accreditation means we can issue import and export declarations for goods entering or leaving the UK, with all documentation produced to a high standard and in full compliance with HMRC regulations.
In the last year, we have delivered two successful trade missions to Ireland and the Netherlands. These provided 16 Scottish companies with a platform to promote their business and make connections in new markets. Some delegates also attended global industry events such as the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam, which opened doors to explore opportunities within the energy sector worldwide and showcase Scotland’s expertise in this field. As a result of the connections made during these missions, we are already seeing new contracts secured – a success we are proud to have helped facilitate.
Looking ahead, our plans include hosting an inbound trade delegation from Canada, in partnership with Edinburgh and West Highland Chambers of Commerce. Together we will deliver a “Scotland–Canada Business Week,” highlighting Scotland’s strengths across industries including energy and renewables, food and drink, aquaculture, and financial and business services. This promises to be an exciting event, and we look forward to working with businesses across the region to build valuable transatlantic connections. Businesses interested in participating in our forthcoming trade missions are encouraged to register their interest by emailing international@inverness-chamber.co.uk.
It is exciting to see new market trends emerging across a variety of sectors, opening fresh opportunities for Scottish businesses. Inverness Chamber of Commerce is proud to play a part in this journey, supporting Highland companies to expand internationally and continuing to provide the expertise and services needed to help them thrive on the global stage.