Help to export

Smart Exporter

Smart Exporter is an ambitious new international trade programme designed to increase exporting skills and knowledge among Scottish businesses.

This initiative is delivered by Scottish Development International (SDI) funded through the European Social Fund (ESF).

Export assessment

Are you ready to export?

Complete an export assessment to explore your full export potential. Discover which of our free support services are appropriate for your business to help it grow and prosper.

You'll receive a tailored report outlining the next steps that your business needs to take to tap into new international markets.

Digital marketing training

SDI has partnered with leading online company HubSpot, to provide a 16-part Inbound Marketing University (IMU) course which takes you through the key principles and practices of online marketing including: 

• Email marketing
• Search engine optimization
• Blogging
• Twitter
• Online PR

Whether your new to exporting, currently exporting or exploring new markets, you can access our free digital and social marketing course to help build sustained and meaningful relationships with international customers, wherever they are. 

"SDI was keen to ensure that the tools and resources we developed for exporters delivered the most advanced and up-to-date knowledge.

"The partnership with HubSpot's Inbound Marketing University allows companies to attend an accredited digital marketing course online for free, learning from leading industry experts."

– David Smith, Innovation and Enterprise Services Director at Scottish Enterprise

Smart Exporter roadshows

Smart Exporter roadshows give you the chance to hear from Scottish companies that are already exporting and enjoy an introduction to the exporting opportunities that exist for companies like yours in Scotland.

We’ll also outline all the free export support services we can offer to help your company start exporting successfully.

Know your market events

Identifying and understanding new markets are a key part of a successful exporting strategy.

Our know your market events introduce you to new markets and help you identify opportunities for your business.

SDI advisory service

We can offer companies like yours the chance to benefit from specific advice on an area of your export strategy.

Our export advisory service can be provided on a one-off basis or as part of our wider work with your export and international trade strategy.

GlobalScot

Scotland has a global support network that offers free help and advice to Scottish companies.

GlobalScot is a worldwide network of Scots or people with an affinity to Scotland. The network is a perfect source of advice, assistance and support to businesses that are planning to export.

Overseas market support

Your company can receive tailored support that will help you identify export opportunities, carry out market research and establish business relationships overseas.

The UK Trade and Investment's (UKTI) overseas market support service will provide your company with a customised report detailing export and international trade opportunities.

Overseas market report

Getting the inside track on new markets is an important part of successful exporting.

You can access the knowledge and expertise that your company needs to successfully export through UK Trade and Investment’s (UKTI) Overseas Market Introduction service.

European business opportunities

Enterprise Europe Scotland (EES) gives Scottish companies a free source of information, advice and expertise on doing business in Europe.

Scotland’s exports to Europe total £9.6 billion. EES can help your company to find collaborative partners, identify business opportunities and increase competitiveness in Europe.

Smart Exporter

Smart Exporter is an ambitious new international trade programme designed to increase exporting skills and knowledge among Scottish businesses.

This initiative is delivered by Scottish Development International (SDI) funded through the European Social Fund (ESF).

Preparing to export online

Smart Exporter’s online preparing to export programme will ensure that your business is prepared for exporting.

Our online programme is aimed at businesses new to exporting or those looking for a refresher on how to expand their business into new markets. 

The step-by-step guide will help you develop key skills and knowledge needed for international trade across a number of training modules.

You can work through these modules in your time and at your pace to uncover the next steps your business needs to take to go global.

Six modules cover key topics and factors to consider when preparing to export:

• Research and identify your market
• Overseas pricing and finance
• Distribution channels
• Trading and contractual terms
• Internet marketing and social media
• Marketing and promotion

Export assessment

Are you ready to export?

Complete an export assessment to explore your full export potential. Discover which of our free support services are appropriate for your business to help it grow and prosper.

You'll receive a tailored report outlining the next steps that your business needs to take to tap into new international markets.

Digital marketing training

SDI has partnered with leading online company HubSpot, to provide a 16-part Inbound Marketing University (IMU) course which takes you through the key principles and practices of online marketing including: 

• Email marketing
• Search engine optimization
• Blogging
• Twitter
• Online PR

Whether your new to exporting, currently exporting or exploring new markets, you can access our free digital and social marketing course to help build sustained and meaningful relationships with international customers, wherever they are. 

"SDI was keen to ensure that the tools and resources we developed for exporters delivered the most advanced and up-to-date knowledge.

"The partnership with HubSpot's Inbound Marketing University allows companies to attend an accredited digital marketing course online for free, learning from leading industry experts."

– David Smith, Innovation and Enterprise Services Director at Scottish Enterprise

Smart Exporter roadshows

Smart Exporter roadshows give you the chance to hear from Scottish companies that are already exporting and enjoy an introduction to the exporting opportunities that exist for companies like yours in Scotland.

We’ll also outline all the free export support services we can offer to help your company start exporting successfully.

Know your market events

Identifying and understanding new markets are a key part of a successful exporting strategy.

Our know your market events introduce you to new markets and help you identify opportunities for your business.

TalentScotland

TalentScotland promotes Scotland as a place to live and work, attracting skilled professionals to some of Scotland's most important industry sectors.

With TalentScotland's support your company can access a growing talent pool of people equipped with the skills need to help Scottish-based companies to grow.

Preparing to export

Preparation is the key to successful exporting. There are many things to consider before your company enters new markets and preparing properly can help achieve the results you want.

Whatever your current level of expertise our preparing to export service can help develop the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to grow your company by exporting.

Preparing to export: Learn the basics

If your company is considering exporting for the first time then it is vital to make sure you have prepare correctly.

Our introductory level preparing to export programme helps new exporters to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to start exporting successfully.

Preparing to export: Develop your skills

To successfully enter new markets it is important that your company is well prepared.

Our Preparing to export: Develop your skills service helps companies with some experience of exporting to develop and expand their knowledge and skills.

Preparing for international growth

Our preparing for international growth advanced programme is the ideal way for these companies to enhance and develop the knowledge and skills needed to increase exports and international trade.

UKTI export communications review

Communications and marketing collateral are an important part of your company’s export strategy.

UK Trade and Industry (UKTI) provide an Export Communications Review that can provide help and advice on language and cultural issues surrounding export communications.

In-house training

Even companies with a developed export strategy can face challenges. Exporting can be a complex task and often specialist experience can help your company’s management team through the process.

In-house training delivered by a specialist consultant can help improve specific areas of your export strategy and overcome the challenges of international trade.

SDI advisory service

We can offer companies like yours the chance to benefit from specific advice on an area of your export strategy.

Our export advisory service can be provided on a one-off basis or as part of our wider work with your export and international trade strategy.

TalentScotland Graduate Placement

TalentScotland is Scotland’s talent attraction programme, promoting Scotland as an excellent place to live, work and study.

The TalentScotland Graduate Placement Programme gives companies like yours the chance to access some of Scotland’s finest graduates to deliver a critical piece of work.

Funding for an export manager

To successfully export you may need to access specific skills and knowledge that are not available within your existing management team.

We can help by providing funding for an export manager who will fill those gaps and support the delivery of your company's export and international trade strategy.

GlobalScot

Scotland has a global support network that offers free help and advice to Scottish companies.

GlobalScot is a worldwide network of Scots or people with an affinity to Scotland. The network is a perfect source of advice, assistance and support to businesses that are planning to export.

Overseas market support

Your company can receive tailored support that will help you identify export opportunities, carry out market research and establish business relationships overseas.

The UK Trade and Investment's (UKTI) overseas market support service will provide your company with a customised report detailing export and international trade opportunities.

Overseas market report

Getting the inside track on new markets is an important part of successful exporting.

You can access the knowledge and expertise that your company needs to successfully export through UK Trade and Investment’s (UKTI) Overseas Market Introduction service.

Events

Our export events can help Scottish companies develop an understanding of new markets and make the connections needed to export successfully.

Our support can help Scottish companies attend both overseas exhibitions and UK exhibitions that are aimed at international audiences. These are valuable marketing opportunities and a chance to meet potential business partners, overseas buyers and agents or distributors.

Support to attend trade shows

Attending international trade shows is an excellent way of growing your export business. 

We can help Scottish companies attend these shows as part of the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) Trade Access Programme (TAP).

Trade missions

Trade missions and international exhibitions are a great way to test international markets and can help companies develop a successful export strategy.

We can help you find the funding and support you need to attend trade missions than can open new markets and opportunities for your company.

European business opportunities

Enterprise Europe Scotland (EES) gives Scottish companies a free source of information, advice and expertise on doing business in Europe.

Scotland’s exports to Europe total £9.6 billion. EES can help your company to find collaborative partners, identify business opportunities and increase competitiveness in Europe.

Smart Exporter

Smart Exporter is an ambitious new international trade programme designed to increase exporting skills and knowledge among Scottish businesses.

This initiative is delivered by Scottish Development International (SDI) funded through the European Social Fund (ESF).

Preparing to export online

Smart Exporter’s online preparing to export programme will ensure that your business is prepared for exporting.

Our online programme is aimed at businesses new to exporting or those looking for a refresher on how to expand their business into new markets. 

The step-by-step guide will help you develop key skills and knowledge needed for international trade across a number of training modules.

You can work through these modules in your time and at your pace to uncover the next steps your business needs to take to go global.

Six modules cover key topics and factors to consider when preparing to export:

• Research and identify your market
• Overseas pricing and finance
• Distribution channels
• Trading and contractual terms
• Internet marketing and social media
• Marketing and promotion

Export assessment

Are you ready to export?

Complete an export assessment to explore your full export potential. Discover which of our free support services are appropriate for your business to help it grow and prosper.

You'll receive a tailored report outlining the next steps that your business needs to take to tap into new international markets.

Digital marketing training

SDI has partnered with leading online company HubSpot, to provide a 16-part Inbound Marketing University (IMU) course which takes you through the key principles and practices of online marketing including: 

• Email marketing
• Search engine optimization
• Blogging
• Twitter
• Online PR

Whether your new to exporting, currently exporting or exploring new markets, you can access our free digital and social marketing course to help build sustained and meaningful relationships with international customers, wherever they are. 

"SDI was keen to ensure that the tools and resources we developed for exporters delivered the most advanced and up-to-date knowledge.

"The partnership with HubSpot's Inbound Marketing University allows companies to attend an accredited digital marketing course online for free, learning from leading industry experts."

– David Smith, Innovation and Enterprise Services Director at Scottish Enterprise

International trade guides

Our online international trade guides offer a deeper insight into a range of topics to support your international growth plans: 

• Strategic alliances and joint ventures
• Managing intellectual property, licensing and franchising
• Market entry strategies and distribution channel selection
• Setting up and managing an overseas base
• International marketing communications
• Currency and foreign exchange management

Register now for free access to these guides

Smart Exporter roadshows

Smart Exporter roadshows give you the chance to hear from Scottish companies that are already exporting and enjoy an introduction to the exporting opportunities that exist for companies like yours in Scotland.

We’ll also outline all the free export support services we can offer to help your company start exporting successfully.

Know your market events

Identifying and understanding new markets are a key part of a successful exporting strategy.

Our know your market events introduce you to new markets and help you identify opportunities for your business.

TalentScotland

TalentScotland promotes Scotland as a place to live and work, attracting skilled professionals to some of Scotland's most important industry sectors.

With TalentScotland's support your company can access a growing talent pool of people equipped with the skills need to help Scottish-based companies to grow.

Preparing to export

Preparation is the key to successful exporting. There are many things to consider before your company enters new markets and preparing properly can help achieve the results you want.

Whatever your current level of expertise our preparing to export service can help develop the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to grow your company by exporting.

Preparing to export: Learn the basics

If your company is considering exporting for the first time then it is vital to make sure you have prepare correctly.

Our introductory level preparing to export programme helps new exporters to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to start exporting successfully.

Preparing to export: Develop your skills

To successfully enter new markets it is important that your company is well prepared.

Our Preparing to export: Develop your skills service helps companies with some experience of exporting to develop and expand their knowledge and skills.

Preparing for international growth

Our preparing for international growth advanced programme is the ideal way for these companies to enhance and develop the knowledge and skills needed to increase exports and international trade.

UKTI export communications review

Communications and marketing collateral are an important part of your company’s export strategy.

UK Trade and Industry (UKTI) provide an Export Communications Review that can provide help and advice on language and cultural issues surrounding export communications.

In-house training

Even companies with a developed export strategy can face challenges. Exporting can be a complex task and often specialist experience can help your company’s management team through the process.

In-house training delivered by a specialist consultant can help improve specific areas of your export strategy and overcome the challenges of international trade.

SDI advisory service

We can offer companies like yours the chance to benefit from specific advice on an area of your export strategy.

Our export advisory service can be provided on a one-off basis or as part of our wider work with your export and international trade strategy.

Export and trade strategy forum

Before your company starts to export it is important to ensure that you have an export strategy in place. This will help identify the opportunities and risks involved and can ensure the success of your company’s entry into new markets.

To help you get the most from your export strategy we offer export and international trade strategy forums that give you the chance to hear from exporters and explore the issues involved in planning your strategy.

Export and trade strategy workshop

Strategy development training

Our strategy development training has been designed to help companies accelerate their international growth.

The training helps develop a detailed export and international trade strategy and builds the skills and knowledge necessary to put that strategy into action.

TalentScotland Graduate Placement

TalentScotland is Scotland’s talent attraction programme, promoting Scotland as an excellent place to live, work and study.

The TalentScotland Graduate Placement Programme gives companies like yours the chance to access some of Scotland’s finest graduates to deliver a critical piece of work.

Funding for an export manager

To successfully export you may need to access specific skills and knowledge that are not available within your existing management team.

We can help by providing funding for an export manager who will fill those gaps and support the delivery of your company's export and international trade strategy.

GlobalScot

Scotland has a global support network that offers free help and advice to Scottish companies.

GlobalScot is a worldwide network of Scots or people with an affinity to Scotland. The network is a perfect source of advice, assistance and support to businesses that are planning to export.

Overseas market support

Your company can receive tailored support that will help you identify export opportunities, carry out market research and establish business relationships overseas.

The UK Trade and Investment's (UKTI) overseas market support service will provide your company with a customised report detailing export and international trade opportunities.

Overseas market report

Getting the inside track on new markets is an important part of successful exporting.

You can access the knowledge and expertise that your company needs to successfully export through UK Trade and Investment’s (UKTI) Overseas Market Introduction service.

Events

Our export events can help Scottish companies develop an understanding of new markets and make the connections needed to export successfully.

Our support can help Scottish companies attend both overseas exhibitions and UK exhibitions that are aimed at international audiences. These are valuable marketing opportunities and a chance to meet potential business partners, overseas buyers and agents or distributors.

Support to attend trade shows

Attending international trade shows is an excellent way of growing your export business. 

We can help Scottish companies attend these shows as part of the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) Trade Access Programme (TAP).

Trade missions

Trade missions and international exhibitions are a great way to test international markets and can help companies develop a successful export strategy.

We can help you find the funding and support you need to attend trade missions than can open new markets and opportunities for your company.

Global development projects

Global development projects offer opportunities for your company to win contracts funded by international aid agencies and create sustainable assets in developing countries. Global organisations spend $60 billion every year on aid funded projects.

We can help Scottish companies can access global aid opportunities through the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) Aid Funded Business service.

European business opportunities

Enterprise Europe Scotland (EES) gives Scottish companies a free source of information, advice and expertise on doing business in Europe.

Scotland’s exports to Europe total £9.6 billion. EES can help your company to find collaborative partners, identify business opportunities and increase competitiveness in Europe.

Project and contract opportunities

We can help your company access overseas projects and contracts from key organisations, companies and governments.

With our support and the help of UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) your company can win contracts, implement a strategy for high-value international trade projects and access a global network of business contracts.

Global sports projects

Global sports events provide Scottish companies with a highly competitive but very valuable market.

UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) can provide guidance for Scottish companies looking to realise the potential of the global sports events market and help you access the key decision makers.

Smart Exporter

Smart Exporter is an ambitious new international trade programme designed to increase exporting skills and knowledge among Scottish businesses.

This initiative is delivered by Scottish Development International (SDI) funded through the European Social Fund (ESF).

Preparing to export online

Smart Exporter’s online preparing to export programme will ensure that your business is prepared for exporting.

Our online programme is aimed at businesses new to exporting or those looking for a refresher on how to expand their business into new markets. 

The step-by-step guide will help you develop key skills and knowledge needed for international trade across a number of training modules.

You can work through these modules in your time and at your pace to uncover the next steps your business needs to take to go global.

Six modules cover key topics and factors to consider when preparing to export:

• Research and identify your market
• Overseas pricing and finance
• Distribution channels
• Trading and contractual terms
• Internet marketing and social media
• Marketing and promotion

Export assessment

Are you ready to export?

Complete an export assessment to explore your full export potential. Discover which of our free support services are appropriate for your business to help it grow and prosper.

You'll receive a tailored report outlining the next steps that your business needs to take to tap into new international markets.

Digital marketing training

SDI has partnered with leading online company HubSpot, to provide a 16-part Inbound Marketing University (IMU) course which takes you through the key principles and practices of online marketing including: 

• Email marketing
• Search engine optimization
• Blogging
• Twitter
• Online PR

Whether your new to exporting, currently exporting or exploring new markets, you can access our free digital and social marketing course to help build sustained and meaningful relationships with international customers, wherever they are. 

"SDI was keen to ensure that the tools and resources we developed for exporters delivered the most advanced and up-to-date knowledge.

"The partnership with HubSpot's Inbound Marketing University allows companies to attend an accredited digital marketing course online for free, learning from leading industry experts."

– David Smith, Innovation and Enterprise Services Director at Scottish Enterprise

International trade guides

Our online international trade guides offer a deeper insight into a range of topics to support your international growth plans: 

• Strategic alliances and joint ventures
• Managing intellectual property, licensing and franchising
• Market entry strategies and distribution channel selection
• Setting up and managing an overseas base
• International marketing communications
• Currency and foreign exchange management

Register now for free access to these guides

Smart Exporter roadshows

Smart Exporter roadshows give you the chance to hear from Scottish companies that are already exporting and enjoy an introduction to the exporting opportunities that exist for companies like yours in Scotland.

We’ll also outline all the free export support services we can offer to help your company start exporting successfully.

Know your market events

Identifying and understanding new markets are a key part of a successful exporting strategy.

Our know your market events introduce you to new markets and help you identify opportunities for your business.

TalentScotland

TalentScotland promotes Scotland as a place to live and work, attracting skilled professionals to some of Scotland's most important industry sectors.

With TalentScotland's support your company can access a growing talent pool of people equipped with the skills need to help Scottish-based companies to grow.

Preparing to export

Preparation is the key to successful exporting. There are many things to consider before your company enters new markets and preparing properly can help achieve the results you want.

Whatever your current level of expertise our preparing to export service can help develop the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to grow your company by exporting.

Preparing for international growth

Our preparing for international growth advanced programme is the ideal way for these companies to enhance and develop the knowledge and skills needed to increase exports and international trade.

UKTI export communications review

Communications and marketing collateral are an important part of your company’s export strategy.

UK Trade and Industry (UKTI) provide an Export Communications Review that can provide help and advice on language and cultural issues surrounding export communications.

In-house training

Even companies with a developed export strategy can face challenges. Exporting can be a complex task and often specialist experience can help your company’s management team through the process.

In-house training delivered by a specialist consultant can help improve specific areas of your export strategy and overcome the challenges of international trade.

SDI advisory service

We can offer companies like yours the chance to benefit from specific advice on an area of your export strategy.

Our export advisory service can be provided on a one-off basis or as part of our wider work with your export and international trade strategy.

Export and trade strategy forum

Before your company starts to export it is important to ensure that you have an export strategy in place. This will help identify the opportunities and risks involved and can ensure the success of your company’s entry into new markets.

To help you get the most from your export strategy we offer export and international trade strategy forums that give you the chance to hear from exporters and explore the issues involved in planning your strategy.

Export and trade strategy workshop

Strategy development training

Our strategy development training has been designed to help companies accelerate their international growth.

The training helps develop a detailed export and international trade strategy and builds the skills and knowledge necessary to put that strategy into action.

TalentScotland Graduate Placement

TalentScotland is Scotland’s talent attraction programme, promoting Scotland as an excellent place to live, work and study.

The TalentScotland Graduate Placement Programme gives companies like yours the chance to access some of Scotland’s finest graduates to deliver a critical piece of work.

Funding for an export manager

To successfully export you may need to access specific skills and knowledge that are not available within your existing management team.

We can help by providing funding for an export manager who will fill those gaps and support the delivery of your company's export and international trade strategy.

GlobalScot

Scotland has a global support network that offers free help and advice to Scottish companies.

GlobalScot is a worldwide network of Scots or people with an affinity to Scotland. The network is a perfect source of advice, assistance and support to businesses that are planning to export.

Overseas market support

Your company can receive tailored support that will help you identify export opportunities, carry out market research and establish business relationships overseas.

The UK Trade and Investment's (UKTI) overseas market support service will provide your company with a customised report detailing export and international trade opportunities.

Overseas market report

Getting the inside track on new markets is an important part of successful exporting.

You can access the knowledge and expertise that your company needs to successfully export through UK Trade and Investment’s (UKTI) Overseas Market Introduction service.

Events

Our export events can help Scottish companies develop an understanding of new markets and make the connections needed to export successfully.

Our support can help Scottish companies attend both overseas exhibitions and UK exhibitions that are aimed at international audiences. These are valuable marketing opportunities and a chance to meet potential business partners, overseas buyers and agents or distributors.

Support to attend trade shows

Attending international trade shows is an excellent way of growing your export business. 

We can help Scottish companies attend these shows as part of the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) Trade Access Programme (TAP).

Trade missions

Trade missions and international exhibitions are a great way to test international markets and can help companies develop a successful export strategy.

We can help you find the funding and support you need to attend trade missions than can open new markets and opportunities for your company.

Global development projects

Global development projects offer opportunities for your company to win contracts funded by international aid agencies and create sustainable assets in developing countries. Global organisations spend $60 billion every year on aid funded projects.

We can help Scottish companies can access global aid opportunities through the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) Aid Funded Business service.

European business opportunities

Enterprise Europe Scotland (EES) gives Scottish companies a free source of information, advice and expertise on doing business in Europe.

Scotland’s exports to Europe total £9.6 billion. EES can help your company to find collaborative partners, identify business opportunities and increase competitiveness in Europe.

Project and contract opportunities

We can help your company access overseas projects and contracts from key organisations, companies and governments.

With our support and the help of UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) your company can win contracts, implement a strategy for high-value international trade projects and access a global network of business contracts.

Global sports projects

Global sports events provide Scottish companies with a highly competitive but very valuable market.

UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) can provide guidance for Scottish companies looking to realise the potential of the global sports events market and help you access the key decision makers.

Smart Exporter

Smart Exporter is an ambitious new international trade programme designed to increase exporting skills and knowledge among Scottish businesses.

This initiative is delivered by Scottish Development International (SDI) funded through the European Social Fund (ESF).

Preparing to export online

Smart Exporter’s online preparing to export programme will ensure that your business is prepared for exporting.

Our online programme is aimed at businesses new to exporting or those looking for a refresher on how to expand their business into new markets. 

The step-by-step guide will help you develop key skills and knowledge needed for international trade across a number of training modules.

You can work through these modules in your time and at your pace to uncover the next steps your business needs to take to go global.

Six modules cover key topics and factors to consider when preparing to export:

• Research and identify your market
• Overseas pricing and finance
• Distribution channels
• Trading and contractual terms
• Internet marketing and social media
• Marketing and promotion

Export assessment

Are you ready to export?

Complete an export assessment to explore your full export potential. Discover which of our free support services are appropriate for your business to help it grow and prosper.

You'll receive a tailored report outlining the next steps that your business needs to take to tap into new international markets.

Digital marketing training

SDI has partnered with leading online company HubSpot, to provide a 16-part Inbound Marketing University (IMU) course which takes you through the key principles and practices of online marketing including: 

• Email marketing
• Search engine optimization
• Blogging
• Twitter
• Online PR

Whether your new to exporting, currently exporting or exploring new markets, you can access our free digital and social marketing course to help build sustained and meaningful relationships with international customers, wherever they are. 

"SDI was keen to ensure that the tools and resources we developed for exporters delivered the most advanced and up-to-date knowledge.

"The partnership with HubSpot's Inbound Marketing University allows companies to attend an accredited digital marketing course online for free, learning from leading industry experts."

– David Smith, Innovation and Enterprise Services Director at Scottish Enterprise

International trade guides

Our online international trade guides offer a deeper insight into a range of topics to support your international growth plans: 

• Strategic alliances and joint ventures
• Managing intellectual property, licensing and franchising
• Market entry strategies and distribution channel selection
• Setting up and managing an overseas base
• International marketing communications
• Currency and foreign exchange management

Register now for free access to these guides

Smart Exporter roadshows

Smart Exporter roadshows give you the chance to hear from Scottish companies that are already exporting and enjoy an introduction to the exporting opportunities that exist for companies like yours in Scotland.

We’ll also outline all the free export support services we can offer to help your company start exporting successfully.

Know your market events

Identifying and understanding new markets are a key part of a successful exporting strategy.

Our know your market events introduce you to new markets and help you identify opportunities for your business.

Preparing to export

Preparation is the key to successful exporting. There are many things to consider before your company enters new markets and preparing properly can help achieve the results you want.

Whatever your current level of expertise our preparing to export service can help develop the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to grow your company by exporting.

Preparing for international growth

Our preparing for international growth advanced programme is the ideal way for these companies to enhance and develop the knowledge and skills needed to increase exports and international trade.

UKTI export communications review

Communications and marketing collateral are an important part of your company’s export strategy.

UK Trade and Industry (UKTI) provide an Export Communications Review that can provide help and advice on language and cultural issues surrounding export communications.

In-house training

Even companies with a developed export strategy can face challenges. Exporting can be a complex task and often specialist experience can help your company’s management team through the process.

In-house training delivered by a specialist consultant can help improve specific areas of your export strategy and overcome the challenges of international trade.

SDI advisory service

We can offer companies like yours the chance to benefit from specific advice on an area of your export strategy.

Our export advisory service can be provided on a one-off basis or as part of our wider work with your export and international trade strategy.

Export and trade strategy forum

Before your company starts to export it is important to ensure that you have an export strategy in place. This will help identify the opportunities and risks involved and can ensure the success of your company’s entry into new markets.

To help you get the most from your export strategy we offer export and international trade strategy forums that give you the chance to hear from exporters and explore the issues involved in planning your strategy.

Export and trade strategy workshop

Strategy development training

Our strategy development training has been designed to help companies accelerate their international growth.

The training helps develop a detailed export and international trade strategy and builds the skills and knowledge necessary to put that strategy into action.

TalentScotland Graduate Placement

TalentScotland is Scotland’s talent attraction programme, promoting Scotland as an excellent place to live, work and study.

The TalentScotland Graduate Placement Programme gives companies like yours the chance to access some of Scotland’s finest graduates to deliver a critical piece of work.

Funding for an export manager

To successfully export you may need to access specific skills and knowledge that are not available within your existing management team.

We can help by providing funding for an export manager who will fill those gaps and support the delivery of your company's export and international trade strategy.

GlobalScot

Scotland has a global support network that offers free help and advice to Scottish companies.

GlobalScot is a worldwide network of Scots or people with an affinity to Scotland. The network is a perfect source of advice, assistance and support to businesses that are planning to export.

Overseas market support

Your company can receive tailored support that will help you identify export opportunities, carry out market research and establish business relationships overseas.

The UK Trade and Investment's (UKTI) overseas market support service will provide your company with a customised report detailing export and international trade opportunities.

Overseas market report

Getting the inside track on new markets is an important part of successful exporting.

You can access the knowledge and expertise that your company needs to successfully export through UK Trade and Investment’s (UKTI) Overseas Market Introduction service.

Events

Our export events can help Scottish companies develop an understanding of new markets and make the connections needed to export successfully.

Our support can help Scottish companies attend both overseas exhibitions and UK exhibitions that are aimed at international audiences. These are valuable marketing opportunities and a chance to meet potential business partners, overseas buyers and agents or distributors.

Support to attend trade shows

Attending international trade shows is an excellent way of growing your export business. 

We can help Scottish companies attend these shows as part of the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) Trade Access Programme (TAP).

Trade missions

Trade missions and international exhibitions are a great way to test international markets and can help companies develop a successful export strategy.

We can help you find the funding and support you need to attend trade missions than can open new markets and opportunities for your company.

Setting up overseas

With access to a global network of high quality office accomodation and business facilities, we can help Scottish companies find the right location to set up operations overseas.

US market development support

We have a network of offices available for lease in three US cities that offer Scottish companies a great opportunity to set up in lucrative international markets.

Available for short term leases and less expensive than private rentals our US offices are an excellent way for companies like yours to quickly enter US markets.

Free meeting facilities

Scottish companies can access free conference and meeting room facilities in Scotland House in Brussels. 

The Scotland House facilities offer the chance to to do business in a modern location at the very heart of Europe.

Discounted international office space

We work with managed office giants Regus to provide Scottish companies with discounted work space in locations around the world.

This includes 1100 business centres in 500 cities, covering 85 countries.

Global development projects

Global development projects offer opportunities for your company to win contracts funded by international aid agencies and create sustainable assets in developing countries. Global organisations spend $60 billion every year on aid funded projects.

We can help Scottish companies can access global aid opportunities through the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) Aid Funded Business service.

European business opportunities

Enterprise Europe Scotland (EES) gives Scottish companies a free source of information, advice and expertise on doing business in Europe.

Scotland’s exports to Europe total £9.6 billion. EES can help your company to find collaborative partners, identify business opportunities and increase competitiveness in Europe.

Project and contract opportunities

We can help your company access overseas projects and contracts from key organisations, companies and governments.

With our support and the help of UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) your company can win contracts, implement a strategy for high-value international trade projects and access a global network of business contracts.

Global sports projects

Global sports events provide Scottish companies with a highly competitive but very valuable market.

UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) can provide guidance for Scottish companies looking to realise the potential of the global sports events market and help you access the key decision makers.

Smart Exporter

Smart Exporter is an ambitious new international trade programme designed to increase exporting skills and knowledge among Scottish businesses.

This initiative is delivered by Scottish Development International (SDI) funded through the European Social Fund (ESF).

Export assessment

Are you ready to export?

Complete an export assessment to explore your full export potential. Discover which of our free support services are appropriate for your business to help it grow and prosper.

You'll receive a tailored report outlining the next steps that your business needs to take to tap into new international markets.

Digital marketing training

SDI has partnered with leading online company HubSpot, to provide a 16-part Inbound Marketing University (IMU) course which takes you through the key principles and practices of online marketing including: 

• Email marketing
• Search engine optimization
• Blogging
• Twitter
• Online PR

Whether your new to exporting, currently exporting or exploring new markets, you can access our free digital and social marketing course to help build sustained and meaningful relationships with international customers, wherever they are. 

"SDI was keen to ensure that the tools and resources we developed for exporters delivered the most advanced and up-to-date knowledge.

"The partnership with HubSpot's Inbound Marketing University allows companies to attend an accredited digital marketing course online for free, learning from leading industry experts."

– David Smith, Innovation and Enterprise Services Director at Scottish Enterprise

Smart Exporter roadshows

Smart Exporter roadshows give you the chance to hear from Scottish companies that are already exporting and enjoy an introduction to the exporting opportunities that exist for companies like yours in Scotland.

We’ll also outline all the free export support services we can offer to help your company start exporting successfully.

Know your market events

Identifying and understanding new markets are a key part of a successful exporting strategy.

Our know your market events introduce you to new markets and help you identify opportunities for your business.

SDI advisory service

We can offer companies like yours the chance to benefit from specific advice on an area of your export strategy.

Our export advisory service can be provided on a one-off basis or as part of our wider work with your export and international trade strategy.

GlobalScot

Scotland has a global support network that offers free help and advice to Scottish companies.

GlobalScot is a worldwide network of Scots or people with an affinity to Scotland. The network is a perfect source of advice, assistance and support to businesses that are planning to export.

Overseas market support

Your company can receive tailored support that will help you identify export opportunities, carry out market research and establish business relationships overseas.

The UK Trade and Investment's (UKTI) overseas market support service will provide your company with a customised report detailing export and international trade opportunities.

Overseas market report

Getting the inside track on new markets is an important part of successful exporting.

You can access the knowledge and expertise that your company needs to successfully export through UK Trade and Investment’s (UKTI) Overseas Market Introduction service.

European business opportunities

Enterprise Europe Scotland (EES) gives Scottish companies a free source of information, advice and expertise on doing business in Europe.

Scotland’s exports to Europe total £9.6 billion. EES can help your company to find collaborative partners, identify business opportunities and increase competitiveness in Europe.

Preparing to export online

Smart Exporter’s online preparing to export programme will ensure that your business is prepared for exporting.

Our online programme is aimed at businesses new to exporting or those looking for a refresher on how to expand their business into new markets. 

The step-by-step guide will help you develop key skills and knowledge needed for international trade across a number of training modules.

You can work through these modules in your time and at your pace to uncover the next steps your business needs to take to go global.

Six modules cover key topics and factors to consider when preparing to export:

• Research and identify your market
• Overseas pricing and finance
• Distribution channels
• Trading and contractual terms
• Internet marketing and social media
• Marketing and promotion

TalentScotland

TalentScotland promotes Scotland as a place to live and work, attracting skilled professionals to some of Scotland's most important industry sectors.

With TalentScotland's support your company can access a growing talent pool of people equipped with the skills need to help Scottish-based companies to grow.

Preparing to export

Preparation is the key to successful exporting. There are many things to consider before your company enters new markets and preparing properly can help achieve the results you want.

Whatever your current level of expertise our preparing to export service can help develop the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to grow your company by exporting.

Preparing to export: Learn the basics

If your company is considering exporting for the first time then it is vital to make sure you have prepare correctly.

Our introductory level preparing to export programme helps new exporters to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to start exporting successfully.

Preparing to export: Develop your skills

To successfully enter new markets it is important that your company is well prepared.

Our Preparing to export: Develop your skills service helps companies with some experience of exporting to develop and expand their knowledge and skills.

Preparing for international growth

Our preparing for international growth advanced programme is the ideal way for these companies to enhance and develop the knowledge and skills needed to increase exports and international trade.

UKTI export communications review

Communications and marketing collateral are an important part of your company’s export strategy.

UK Trade and Industry (UKTI) provide an Export Communications Review that can provide help and advice on language and cultural issues surrounding export communications.

In-house training

Even companies with a developed export strategy can face challenges. Exporting can be a complex task and often specialist experience can help your company’s management team through the process.

In-house training delivered by a specialist consultant can help improve specific areas of your export strategy and overcome the challenges of international trade.

TalentScotland Graduate Placement

TalentScotland is Scotland’s talent attraction programme, promoting Scotland as an excellent place to live, work and study.

The TalentScotland Graduate Placement Programme gives companies like yours the chance to access some of Scotland’s finest graduates to deliver a critical piece of work.

Funding for an export manager

To successfully export you may need to access specific skills and knowledge that are not available within your existing management team.

We can help by providing funding for an export manager who will fill those gaps and support the delivery of your company's export and international trade strategy.

Events

Our export events can help Scottish companies develop an understanding of new markets and make the connections needed to export successfully.

Our support can help Scottish companies attend both overseas exhibitions and UK exhibitions that are aimed at international audiences. These are valuable marketing opportunities and a chance to meet potential business partners, overseas buyers and agents or distributors.

Support to attend trade shows

Attending international trade shows is an excellent way of growing your export business. 

We can help Scottish companies attend these shows as part of the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) Trade Access Programme (TAP).

Trade missions

Trade missions and international exhibitions are a great way to test international markets and can help companies develop a successful export strategy.

We can help you find the funding and support you need to attend trade missions than can open new markets and opportunities for your company.

International trade guides

Our online international trade guides offer a deeper insight into a range of topics to support your international growth plans: 

• Strategic alliances and joint ventures
• Managing intellectual property, licensing and franchising
• Market entry strategies and distribution channel selection
• Setting up and managing an overseas base
• International marketing communications
• Currency and foreign exchange management

Register now for free access to these guides

Export and trade strategy forum

Before your company starts to export it is important to ensure that you have an export strategy in place. This will help identify the opportunities and risks involved and can ensure the success of your company’s entry into new markets.

To help you get the most from your export strategy we offer export and international trade strategy forums that give you the chance to hear from exporters and explore the issues involved in planning your strategy.

Export and trade strategy workshop

Strategy development training

Our strategy development training has been designed to help companies accelerate their international growth.

The training helps develop a detailed export and international trade strategy and builds the skills and knowledge necessary to put that strategy into action.

Global development projects

Global development projects offer opportunities for your company to win contracts funded by international aid agencies and create sustainable assets in developing countries. Global organisations spend $60 billion every year on aid funded projects.

We can help Scottish companies can access global aid opportunities through the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) Aid Funded Business service.

Project and contract opportunities

We can help your company access overseas projects and contracts from key organisations, companies and governments.

With our support and the help of UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) your company can win contracts, implement a strategy for high-value international trade projects and access a global network of business contracts.

Global sports projects

Global sports events provide Scottish companies with a highly competitive but very valuable market.

UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) can provide guidance for Scottish companies looking to realise the potential of the global sports events market and help you access the key decision makers.

Setting up overseas

With access to a global network of high quality office accomodation and business facilities, we can help Scottish companies find the right location to set up operations overseas.

US market development support

We have a network of offices available for lease in three US cities that offer Scottish companies a great opportunity to set up in lucrative international markets.

Available for short term leases and less expensive than private rentals our US offices are an excellent way for companies like yours to quickly enter US markets.

Free meeting facilities

Scottish companies can access free conference and meeting room facilities in Scotland House in Brussels. 

The Scotland House facilities offer the chance to to do business in a modern location at the very heart of Europe.

Discounted international office space

We work with managed office giants Regus to provide Scottish companies with discounted work space in locations around the world.

This includes 1100 business centres in 500 cities, covering 85 countries.