Boosting Business Exports

Local businesses are being offered help and support to trade throughout the UK and internationally.

The 'one-stop-shop' will provide a single point of contact for firms. Experts will be on hand to help organisations reach new customers, access in-country knowledge and to overcome barriers to market entry.

Depute Fife Council Leader Councillor Lesley Laird, Spokesperson for Economy and Planning, said: “Our aim is to make it simple for businesses to do business. By joining up the various export services and support opportunities that are already in Fife into a one-stop-shop we will be in a better position to equip more businesses with the tools needed to tap into new markets, grow and create jobs.

“With the drive and determination of the region’s business leaders, combined with the provision of additional support this should enable businesses to take advantage of growing global opportunities. Local businesses are already maximising their export potential and we anticipate that many more will now want to expand their horizons and play an important role in making Fife the best place to do business.”

A new guide to equip businesses with key information on accessing support to trade outwith Scotland entitled “Expanding Your Horizons: Your Guide to Accessing New Markets” is now online, and a series of growth workshops are being designed for firms seeking to export.

Pamela Stevenson, Lead Officer, Enterprise and Business Development, Fife Council, said: “Trading outside of Scotland can open up a mass of opportunities. Fife is already home to a number of export success stories. Whatever stage you are at in your export journey, whether you are considering expanding into new geographical areas or already exporting and want to improve your processes, through our partnership approach, we can help you harness new opportunities.”

Scottish Government statistics reveal that £27.9 billion worth of Scottish goods and services were exported across the world in 2013, a rise of £1.9 billion in a year, highlighting the strength of the Scottish brand to international markets.

Fife exports are estimated to be worth just over £2,000 million. Fife businesses across a range of sectors already export to major markets, including Eastern Europe, Germany, the USA and BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries thanks to the services, support and funding on offer.

Dunfermline-based Connect EcoSystems, which supplies carbon removing machines to the hotel and catering industry, is now a European success story. Dave Williamson, Owner, Connect EcoSystems Ltd, said: “We recently launched our products to the international market. Thanks to assistance from Business Gateway Fife and Fife Chamber of Commerce we obtained funding to scout potential markets and received assistance with the correct relevant export documentation. As a result we now have a strong foothold in Ireland, Spain, Portugal and New Zealand.”

Neil Mcintosh, CEO of Kirkcaldy-based CluisTROM, commented: “We asked for help from Business Gateway Fife to attend the largest audiology show in the country. Straight away my Business Gateway Fife advisor realised the potential the show had for business growth. This resulted in a 400 per cent rise in sales and a huge increase in brand awareness south of the border.”

The new 'one-stop-shop' service is designed to further boost exports by directing firms to the schemes available. In the first instance, Business Gateway Fife will receive the enquiries and filter them to the relevant partner. Businesses can access support via the telephone or online.