CBI to help expand Scotland’s markets internationally

The Scottish Government is teaming up with the leading business group the CBI, to boost Scotland’s exports, the First Minister has announced.

CBI Scotland will mobilise its membership to help deliver 300 business peer-to-peer mentorships over the next three years to increase awareness of the benefit of exporting and help ramp-up overseas activity.

These measures are part of a package backed by £20 million investment announced as part of the Programme for Government, unveiled by the First Minister, and come as the latest statistics show Scottish exports increased seven per cent to £28.8 billion over the past year to June 2018 – the fastest rate of growth of any country in the UK.

CBI Scotland and the Scottish Government will also host a major business conference on exporting at the end of November to encourage companies to enter international markets.

Speaking at the CBI Scotland annual dinner, the First Minister made clear the Scottish Government’s ambition for exports, and wider economic success for Scotland, would not be defined by Brexit, despite the clear threat posed by the UK Government’s plans to leave the EU, single market and customs union.

Tracy Black, CBI Scotland director, said: ‘We’re absolutely thrilled to partner with the Scottish Government to support the next wave of Scotland’s pioneering exporters.’