Scottish ‘export champions’ to lift trade
Business leaders from key sectors in Scotland have been named "export champions" as part of a UK government scheme.
The Department for International Trade (DIT) has announced 13 Scottish Export Champions from industries including energy, food and drink, finance and technology.
Thegroupincludessenior figures from both Walker's Shortbreadandnairn'soatcakes–withtradesecretary Kemi Badenoch saying they would help provide "realworldexpertisetobusinesses looking to take their first steps as exporters".
The new export champions will work with the DIT and Scottish Development International (SDI) to promote the benefits of exporting, encouraging other firms to follow their example by selling overseas.
Ms Badenoch said: "We know exporters create jobs, pay higher wages and help grow our economy, and Scottishbusinessesareplaying a key part in making the UK an export-led economy.
"That's exactly what these Scottishexportchampions all hope to achieve – and I look forward to working closelywiththemtoachieve our goal of a trillion pounds of exports a year by 2030."
Alastair Walker, the head of international sales at Walker's Shortbread, said exports had made a "huge difference" to the growth of their firm – adding that by taking part in the scheme he hoped to increase the amount of Scottish goods sold overseas.
Mr Walker said: "There's massive demand for Scottish produce around the globe, and we should be doing all we can to encourageotherscottishbusinesses to sell overseas.
"We are pleased to be part of the Export Champions programme.”