We were pleased to support the Scotland Office in hosting a highly successful two‑day EU Export Master Class on 18 and 19 March at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness this week. The event brought together an exceptional line‑up of international trade specialists, financial advisers, and sector experts. Strategy was to assist Highlands & Islands based businesses with the tools on how to enter the EU market and explore new opportunities.
The programme delivered valuable insights into market entry, regulatory requirements, funding pathways, and the growing advantages of the Hauts‑de‑France region.
The businesses were highly engaged and enthusiastic, asking questions and actively discussing solutions to the challenges they face when trying to enter the EU market.
The attendees left feeling they had gained answers to their problems, along with valuable new connections to support their business’ future EU export opportunities.
A key feature of the first day was the central role of the UK Business Centre Lille (UKBCL), now firmly established as a leading support hub for UK companies expanding into Europe. The morning session was led by Nik Haidar, Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce and Industry Lille, who’s energetic and solutions‑focused approach immediately captured the room. His sessions addressed real export challenges raised by local businesses and offered clear, actionable guidance on establishing an EU presence, navigating fiscal representation, and understanding the business environment in the Hauts‑de‑France region.
Presentations from Julien Cattoen (Port of Dunkirk) and Artur Sarkisian (RM Boulanger) further strengthened local business’ understanding of logistics, regulatory frameworks, and the implications of the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
For many local businesses, a particular highlight was the opportunity to speak directly with Artur Sarkisian about EU VAT regulations at both B2B and B2C levels, a topic that often creates uncertainty for SMEs. His ability to simplify complex requirements around EU registrations, tax structuring, and reporting obligations, offered immediate clarity and reassurance.
The afternoon’s Food & Drink Deep Dive then provided additional value, with expert contributions from specialists in customs, agri‑food investment, transport, and tax. This session offered practical guidance on how Scottish food and drink producers can position themselves for success within the French market.
Jade Guiffes from Sutralis made a particularly strong contribution, which was very well received by attendees. She provided valuable commercial insights into the food and drink sector, outlining how Scottish producers can develop new routes into French retail markets. Her advice on product development, branding expectations, and building effective buyer relationships helped connect suppliers with her established contacts in French food retail.
Delegates also gained from one-to-one sessions with UK Business Centre Lille experts, who offered guidance across a broad range of business services.
Day Two shifted focus to financial strategies and representation from the UK and Scottish government both backing export support. Presentations from DBT Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, UK Export Finance, and Virgin Money helped businesses understand how to finance and de‑risk their export operations, with support tailored to exporting SMEs.
Gillian McGregor from Highlands and Islands Enterprise highlighted the free resources available to help businesses in the Highlands & Islands assess their export resources which will be an invaluable tool for companies considering their next steps.
We were pleased to be joined by Thomas Wiggers from the Netherlands-British Chambers of Commerce, whose contribution provided valuable insight into Dutch market opportunities and strengthened connections between Highlands & Islands businesses and the wider European Chamber network.
We would like acknowledge thanks to Brand Scotland and the Scotland Office for organising the full two‑day event and providing the strategic leadership and speakers who made the programme both impactful and seamless.
The event finished with partners noting the genuine energy and momentum of Highland businesses to take their next steps into Europe. With that drive and strong support networks behind them, our region is well positioned to accelerate its export ambitions.
For more information or support, please contact us on international@inverness-chamber.co.uk