The new members of the board are:

• David Currie, group CEO, Proserv
• Gillian Docherty, chief commercial officer at University of Strathclyde
• Simon Forrest, CEO of Nova Innovation
• Richard Knox, managing director of Verlume
• Dr Sarah Lynagh, commercial director of Fios Genomic
• Gary White, senior director, Strategic Site Solutions
• Marcus Pickering, co-founder and director Pickerings Gin
• James Varga, CEO DirectID

Since the launch of ATN in 2019, progress has been made by increasing investment in businesses to export from Scotland and expanding international networks to increase the reach and value of Scotland’s trade with the rest of the world. Exports have shown signs of strengthening over 2021, compared with 2019, our onshore goods exports decreased by only 1%, in comparison, the UK as a whole saw an 8 per cent decrease.

The Trade Board will continue to help us identify how we can build on these foundations and return to an export growth trajectory, by delivering ATN and ensuring it continues to contribute to our National Strategy for Economic Transformation, through the development and delivery of Sector Export Plans on Technology, Life Sciences, Renewables and Hydrogen.

The role and remit of the board is to provide industry and businesses with the opportunity to feedback to the Scottish Government on the delivery of A Trading Nation and advise on long-term strategic, economic and environmental issues which may impact the target of exports making up 25 per cent of GDP by 2029

The new members, appointed by trade minister Ivan McKee, will join four continuing members on the group and will bring with them a wealth of experience and wide-ranging skillsets.

Ivan McKee said: “It is great to be able to announce the new members of the Ministerial Trade Board and I would like to welcome our new members on board.

“I am absolutely determined that the Scottish Government in partnership with business do all we can to boost export growth and realise international market and sector opportunities by delivering on the aims we set out in A Trading Nation back in 2019. Expanding our exports is absolutely essential in the wake of Brexit and the damaging effects on our economy of being taken out of the European single market, which is around seven times larger than the UK market alone.

“As set out in the National Strategy for Economic Transformation we want Scotland to benefit from a strong, green and thriving economy. I look forward to working closely with the Board, their innovative ways of working will be vital in helping inform on the best ways to meet our aims.”