By Sarah Findlay, International Trade Manager, Inverness Chamber of Commerce
As more Scottish businesses look to grow beyond the UK, France is emerging as an increasingly attractive gateway to European markets.
That was the focus of Inverness Chamber of Commerce’s recent trade mission to Lille, where our International Trade team, myself and Changu Mosojane-Martin, met with business leaders, legal experts and market specialists to identify the opportunities available to Scottish companies seeking to establish a presence in France and the wider EU.
The visit comes at a time when many businesses are looking for new routes to market, greater supply chain resilience and stronger European partnerships. By building direct relationships with organisations on the ground in France, Inverness Chamber is helping Scottish companies gain access to the expertise, contacts and local knowledge needed to make international expansion less daunting and more commercially viable.
What’s in it for businesses?
One of the most valuable outcomes of the visit is the network of contacts that we now have access to, meaning this is now available to businesses in the Highlands and Islands region. If you’re considering exporting to the EU, speak to us. Through our established partnerships and connections across France and wider European markets, we can help open doors, make the right introductions and connect you with the people who can support your international growth journey.
Lille and the wider Hauts-de-France region offer particular advantages due to the proximity to major European markets (including Belgium and the Netherlands) and access to extensive transport links. Combined with support from partners such as UKBC Lille, Scottish businesses can access trusted local expertise and networks that help reduce the risks and complexities associated with entering a new market.
A closer look at northern France’s supply chains
Thanks to Julien Cattoen, Sales Representative at the Port of Dunkirk, Changu and I had the chance to tour the Port of Dunkirk, one of France’s largest and most strategically important ports. The visit provided valuable first-hand insight into the infrastructure that supports trade across northern France and beyond, highlighting the region’s strong connectivity to European and global markets.
With its direct links to major road, rail and maritime networks, the Port of Dunkirk plays a significant role in facilitating the movement of goods throughout Europe. For Scottish businesses, particularly those involved in food and drink, manufacturing and logistics, understanding how products can efficiently enter and move through the European market is an important part of international expansion planning.
The port’s ecosystem currently supports 30,000 jobs, with a further 20,000 jobs expected to be created in the next few years. The port is undergoing a significant expansion programme, including the development of a new quay which will double the port’s handling capacity, reinforcing Dunkirk’s position as a key gateway to European and global markets.
We discussed supply chain considerations businesses may need to make, as well as customs processes and available freight routes. Seeing the size, scale and operations in action helped showcase the opportunities available to Scottish companies looking to use the Hauts-de-France region as a route of entry to the EU for onward distribution across Europe.
Navigating the French business environment
Our programme included discussions with CIC Bank Nord Ouest on banking and setting up a French account, Triplet Avocat on company formation, Lille Legal on immigration and work permits, Cerdic Legal on employment law and RM Boulanger on fiscal representation and VAT compliance. These conversations highlighted some of the key considerations Scottish businesses need to understand before taking the next step into the French market.
A particular highlight was the roundtable, where we heard directly from UK businesses and market experts about the realities of operating in France. With contributions from Chris Murray, MP and UK Trade Envoy to France, and Baroness Janke, the discussion provided valuable insight into both the challenges and opportunities that UK businesses face.
Turning contacts into opportunities – next steps
Our biggest takeaway from our visit to Lille is that doing business internationally is about more than understanding regulations. It is about people, relationships and having the right conversations. UKBC Lille are expertly placed to make connections for UK businesses looking to explore northern France and are always on hand for advice.
Visits like this allow Inverness Chamber of Commerce to build relationships with the organisations and experts that Scottish businesses may need when entering a new market.
Our role is to help connect businesses, open doors and turn international opportunities into practical next steps.
If your business is considering France as its next international market, or you would like to find out more about our visit and how we can make connections for you, please get in touch by emailing international@inverness-chamber.co.uk