Colin Marr, Chief Executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce
The most effective route to growth for any country is through increasing international trade, but for the past decade, conversations about exporting to the European Union have been focused on new barriers rather than opportunities. Trading with the EU is certainly more complex than it used to be, but it still provides valuable opportunities for Highland businesses whose products are recognised and valued throughout the world.
That was the clear message behind the recent EU Export Masterclass hosted in March by our International team at Inverness Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Scotland Office, the Department for Business & Trade and UK Business Centre Lille.
Held over two days at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness, the event brought together businesses from across the Highlands and Islands looking to better understand how they can enter, or expand within, European markets. It also reinforced that the EU remains a hugely important trading partner for Scottish businesses, and that there is strong demand for our region’s products.
The masterclass aligned with the UK Government push to rebuild and strengthen EU trade links and the aim was simple – to provide practical, accessible support to businesses navigating EU trade.
Across the two days, delegates heard from a range of experts covering everything from market entry strategy and logistics to VAT, customs and funding pathways. We also included sector-specific sessions, particularly around food and drink, where opportunities in France and wider European markets remain significant.
One of the most valuable contributions was from UK Business Centre Lille. Representatives travelled to Inverness to explain the practical support available to UK businesses looking to establish or grow a presence in France. That sort of on-the-ground expertise matters enormously as international trade is nearly always built on local knowledge and trusted networks.
The engagement from businesses throughout the event was encouraging. The discussions were interactive and honest about both the opportunities and the obstacles and there was a focus on finding solutions to over coming the barriers.
We have already started to see tangible outcomes from the event, and we look forward to seeing more companies take advantage of the support available through all these partners.
Following the success of the masterclass, our International Trade Manager, Sarah Findlay, was invited to Lille to attend a roundtable lunch with Chris Murray, MP and Trade Envoy to France. This provided an opportunity to connect with British companies already operating in France at a high level, while acting as a voice for Scottish companies looking to expand into the EU.
For Inverness Chamber to be represented in those discussions was significant. It demonstrated the growing recognition of the Highlands as a serious contributor to international trade conversations and underlined the credibility of the work being carried out here in the north of Scotland.
Several familiar challenges emerged from the roundtable conversations. Skills and labour shortages continue to affect competitiveness, and businesses also spoke candidly about the administrative burden surrounding customs and compliance, alongside the impact of rising energy costs.
But there was also a strong sense of optimism. Businesses on both sides of the Channel recognised the value of greater UK–EU regulatory alignment and the growing role of AI and digital tools in simplifying elements of international trade, from documentation processes to supply chain management.
There remains a continued demand for support infrastructure. UK Business Centre Lille can act as a gateway into Europe, providing on-the-ground support, and businesses continue to value organisations that can provide expertise and make introductions. That is why the long-term collaboration between chambers of commerce and government is so important.
For Highland businesses, there are clear opportunities emerging from these relationships. Following these two events, Inverness Chamber can offer improved access to advisors and partners in the wider Hauts-de-France region. Together with our ongoing advice on export processes, this can help reduce the risk of entering a new market.
Businesses in rural economies often underestimate their international potential. The Highlands absolutely can compete globally. Across sectors including food and drink, renewable energy, technology, life sciences and tourism, there is strong international interest in Scottish expertise and products.
But ambition alone is not enough.
Success in international trade requires continued collaboration between business and government and practical expert support. We can help with these. It also requires a willingness from government to keep improving the systems that underpin trade and, at the moment, that willingness exists.
The journey from Inverness to Lille may seem symbolic, but it also represents something very real.
At Inverness Chamber, we are committed to continuing that work. Further follow-up activity is already being planned for later this year, and I would strongly encourage businesses with an interest in EU trade to engage with it.
The trading landscape may have changed, but the opportunities remain very much alive for businesses willing to seize them, and our international team is here to help.
Businesses interested in future international trade activity should register their interest by contacting the Chamber’s international team at international@inverness-chamber.co.uk.