Why export?
By realising and developing your export potential you'll soon find a wealth of business opportunities in overseas markets that will help safeguard your company's future.
Benefits of exporting
- Increase sales by tapping into new and niche markets, reaching new customers
- Increase profits through higher margins from economies of scale
- Reduce risk of local market dependence
- Grow your business faster as there’s much greater scope for growth in international markets than simply focusing on the domestic marketplace
- Minimise the effect of seasonal sales fluctuations
- Become more innovative by exploiting technology and expertise in foreign markets
- Improve competitiveness through exposure to international best practices and smarter ways of doing business
What’s the opportunity?
Around 5,500 Scottish companies are currently exporting which represents just 5 percent of overall UK companies exporting.
So there’s huge potential for Scottish companies to tap into the scope of overseas opportunities.
Experience tells us that companies often overestimate the risks of exporting while underestimating the true benefits.
Common perceived risks include concerns about fluctuations in currency exchange or of entering markets where little is understood about the language or the culture of those markets.
We can help overcome such concerns.
We’ve business consultant teams in Scotland who can help identify potential markets with interest in your products or services.
We also have 23 offices worldwide with expert teams who really understand and know those local markets.
So, if you’re considering exporting for the first time and don’t know where to begin we can help get you started and will provide tailored support and guidance as your business grows internationally.
Learn more about the opportunity and how to get started
Is it risky?
The weak pound and difficult market conditions at home emphasise the importance of investing overseas. Risk can be minimised by avoiding fluctuations in market conditions by operating across many countries where growth potential is highest.
“The importance of international markets gives you an insurance policy operating in many countries that you wouldn't otherwise have operating in only one country" – Charles Stewart, Chairman and CEO, Holland & Sherry
Learn how Scottish textiles company, Holland & Sherry benefited greatly from our Smart Exporter services to help expand their international business in this video: Holland & Sherry video
With our support we can help you eliminate any risk from the outset by adequately preparing your business for international development.
Is it costly?
Done with the right level of support the returns on your global trade investment will be highly cost-effective.
With our free and subsidised support services, many Scottish-based companies are becoming global traders.
We can help you develop your exporting and international business development skills whilst keeping your training costs to a minimum.
Free support to develop your exporting and international trade skills
Does size matter?
"Any business can export, as long as there is demand and you can fulfil that demand, you should just go for it!" – Rachel Jones, Totseat
A business is never too small to export. Whether you're considering exporting or already exporting in several overseas markets, we've a range of support services and training to suit individual needs.
Totseat, an SME with just three staff, have successfully developed a global business through support from Smart Exporter. Sixty-five percent of their trade is now exported.
Is your company ready to export?
Whatever your level of export experience, we recommend you complete a free export assessment.
You'll discover what tailored support is available for your business, and how we can help you successfully prepare for export and international growth.
Find out more about the benefits of taking an export assessment