VIEW FROM THE CHAMBER

From tomorrow, Friday January 31, the UK will no longer be a member of the European Union.

We’ll be taking a new place in the global economy – and it’s time to look outwards to new horizons and new opportunities.

Scotland is open for business and the Scottish Government is actively encouraging Scottish businesses to expand their international connections and global trading ambitions.

That’s why it is an ideal time for smaller businesses to work with Scottish Chambers of Commerce to make connections into new overseas markets that you might have thought were beyond your reach.

Scottish Chambers of Commerce is delivering a wide range of international business visits for crosssectoral groups over the coming year.

As part of this, Lochaber Chamber of Commerce will be helping to make business connections and collaborations for Scottish businesses in Nova Scotia, pictured.

Canada represents a fantastic opportunity for Scottish businesses – as well as benefiting from direct trade routes by air and sea, a compatible time zone and common language, the strong cultural and community links between our two countries gives us a head start in creating opportunities for trade and learning connections.

Food and drink, creative industries and merchandising, engineering, aquaculture, heritage and tourism are all key areas that Scottish businesses could explore in Nova Scotia.

As a smaller company, it’s extremely hard to do this alone but visiting an overseas area as part of a Chamber of Commerce delegation makes it easy: we use our extensive international chambers of commerce network to reach the right people to talk to.

This ensures you get targeted business-to-business matching to make the most of your visit and will help you get to know the companies and contacts that will be most beneficial to you.

You’ll also get a real feel for the business environment and community at special events as part of the trip.

For a relatively small cost (for which there may be funding available), you can explore a whole new market, make valuable international connections and learn firsthand about how things work in Nova Scotia.

Nothing beats face-to-face business connections, a real handshake and first-hand experience of a new place.

What are you waiting for? Make your New Year’s Resolution to broaden your business horizons and join us on a trade mission. It could transform your business.

Dip your toe in the water and explore new opportunities for your business in Canada.

To find out more, visit www. lochaberchamber.co.uk or call us on 01397 705765.