- UK Government teams up with trade experts on masterclasses to turn Scottish export potential into reality
- EU export event in Inverness to help kickstart economic growth in Scotland and a decade of national renewal
- Masterclasses will cover tech, life sciences, manufacturing, food and drink, professional services and energy sectors
Scottish businesses are set to benefit from expert insight and guidance about exporting to the EU at a series of UK Government events this month.
The Scotland Office will host two-day sessions in Inverness, Glasgow, Dundee and Edinburgh, aimed primarily at Scottish small and medium enterprises (SMEs) looking to either re-establish their presence in Europe or begin exporting to EU countries for the first time.
Delivered in partnership with local Chambers of Commerce, UK Business Centre Lille, the Department for Business and Trade, Scottish Enterprise, and British Chambers of Commerce from the Netherlands, the EU Export Masterclasses will combine guidance on customs, regulations, product standards with market-intelligence sharing and sessions on accessing finance.
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said:
“These masterclasses will help turn Scottish business export potential into reality, and I strongly encourage any company considering expanding into the European market to come along.
“The UK Government is backing Scottish businesses at home and abroad. Our EU trade agreement alongside other deals with India, South Korea and the US are helping to kickstart economic growth in Scotland and a decade of national renewal.”
Minister for Trade Chris Bryant said:
“Scotland’s innovators should be competing and winning in Europe and these masterclasses will give businesses the guidance and confidence they need to break into European markets, navigate the rules and unlock new opportunities for growth.”
The masterclasses will enable Scottish businesses to take advantage of the UK’s landmark 2025 trade agreement with the EU.
By significantly cutting the red tape that previously burdened exporters, this deal has streamlined the movement of food and drink products and removed many routine sanitary checks on animal and plant goods. This progress sits alongside other major trade successes secured by the UK Government over the past year, including deals with the US, India and South Korea.
To provide targeted and tailored advice, each city will also focus on two key sectors which are particularly pertinent. Details are below alongside dates and links where businesses can register to attend.
- Glasgow (9th-10th March)– Tech and Life Sciences
- Dundee (11th-12th March) – Life sciences (spotlighting agri-tech) and Manufacturing
- Edinburgh (16th-17th March) – Food and Drink and Professional Services
- Inverness (18th-19th March) – Food and Drink and Energy
Artus Galiay, Director UK/Ireland at Nord France Invest and co-founder of UKBC Lille, said:
“This masterclass is about turning questions into clear, actionable next steps. The UK Business Centre Lille can support Scottish companies with tailored advice, trusted local introductions and real-time guidance.
“It includes clarifying routes to market and regulatory requirements, identifying partners and establishing a presence on the ground, so they can unlock EU opportunities and grow with confidence. We’re delighted to be partnering with the Scotland Office on this action.”
Sarah Findlay, International Trade Manager, Inverness Chamber of Commerce, said:
“At Inverness Chamber of Commerce, we recognise how important the European market remains for Scottish businesses, and this event provides a fantastic opportunity for companies to build the knowledge, confidence and connections they need to succeed, while raising challenges they are facing in the current climate. By bringing together specialists from organisations including UK Business Centre Lille, UK Export Academy and UK Export Finance, we’re able to offer practical insights alongside strategic guidance. We are delighted to be able to offer a small travel grant to businesses based on the Islands, making this event accessible for those based further afield. We look forward to welcoming businesses from across the region and supporting them to strengthen their export readiness and grow their presence in EU markets.”