An ideal way of researching a new market is to attend a relevant exhibition or trade show or join an organised trade mission with our support in that market.
Attending international events
“In a global marketplace the best deals and connections are usually made at the international trade events but there are substantial costs in exhibiting at these shows. SDI’s support has been crucial in helping Red Kite in accessing an international audience for our productions.” – Ken Anderson, Co-Founder, Red Kite
“In the early days, getting support to attend big trade events like MIPTV helped to raise our profile on the world stage and introduced us to new co-production partners and distributors.” – April Chamberlain, Managing Director, The Comedy Unit
Did you know?
An estimated £313 million in sales will be generated by Scottish companies from taking part in events and trade missions supported by our field teams worldwide. (Source: SDI annual results 2010/11)
Our international exhibitions, trade missions and events can offer you excellent opportunities to network with potential business partners and distributors, and overseas buyers and agents.
By joining our organised group stands your company can benefit from:
- Subsidised cost of attending
- Support and guidance from SDI’s expert field teams
- Tips and shared experience from other Scottish companies taking part
- Having a dedicated touch-down base for networking and meetings
Scottish Companies in the creative industries and digital media sectors describe the benefits of attending IBC, Europe's biggest broadcast and audio-visual exhibition:
Scottish Development International at IBC 2011 video
Funding support to attend UKTI trade shows, either as part of a group or individually, is also available.
Visit potential markets
Ultimately, the best way of finding out about your chosen market is to visit it and make direct contact with customers.
This will enable you to gather first-hand information, speak directly to customers, possible agents, distributors or representatives, and get a good feel of the opportunities and challenges.
If you commit sufficient time to planning who you’re going to meet, these methods can be effective ways of finding out more about your chosen market, within a limited time frame.
With SDI funding and support Wilma Finlay, MD of Cream O’ Galloway was able to visit South Korea in August 2010 to explore business opportunities there.
“SDI staff in South Korea gave me a local slant, explaining cultural differences in things like approaches to contracts. It was invaluable to have somebody with me who was Korean but understood Scotland as well.” – Wilma Finlay, Managing Director of Cream O' Galloway
Read how Cream O’ Galloway got on during their trade visit to South Korea