American trade trip for Scottish firms

A record number of Glasgow companies have flown to the US to identify new customers and win business.

The 21 firms taking part in the trade visit to New York and Boston will have a number of networking opportunities in meetings with key Scots, as well as with American businesses.

In New York, the companies will have a trade briefing with the British Consulate-General, a meeting with the international business director of the Mayor’s Office, as well as working meetings with Scottish Development International.

While in Boston, they will visit Harvard Business School and benefit from a briefing with local officials of HSBC Bank.

Scottish Council for Development & Industry (SDCI) Chief Executive Dr Lesley Sawers said: “New York and Boston are directly accessible by air from Glasgow. These visits offer companies an excellent opportunity and support to undertake in-market research, identify new customers and win business.

“The United States remains Scotland’s top export market at £3.1 billion per annum. Both cities offer excellent potential as markets in their own right with key sectors complementing the strength of offering from Glasgow businesses including, construction, education and training, life sciences, transport, and creative industries.”

SCDI has taken over 5,000 Scottish companies on 350 trips to overseas markets in its 50 years of international activity.

The SMEs on the week-long trip are being helped with travel costs by Glasgow City Council.

Executive Member for Business Councillor George Ryan said: “This trade visit to the USA provides an excellent opportunity for our home-grown businesses to expand their capabilities and productivity by breaking into new markets and creating international business connections. It also demonstrates Glasgow’s offering to a global market place.”

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