With 100 firms responsible for more than 60 per cent of Scots foreign trade, SCC boss sounds rallying cry

Speaking at the Scottish Chambers of Commerce’s 23rd Annual Business Address last night, chairman Nora Senior called for action after revealing that just 100 companies are currently responsible for more than 60 per cent of Scottish exports.

Speaking to those gathered at the Hilton in Glasgow, Ms Senior said the situation demands that more Scottish businesses become exporters in order to create a more dynamic and prosperous country.

She said: “As Scotland enters a new era of devolution, the challenge for business and government alike is to raise our game. Action needs to be urgently taken on supporting four key areas – international trade; ecommerce; bridging the gap between business and education; and supporting women into work.

“With just 100 Scottish companies responsible for over 60 per cent of Scotland’s exports, I passionately believe that we need to work harder to get more Scottish businesses exporting. Over the past three years, Chambers has extended its range of B2B trade support services, particularly focussed on SMEs, expanded our Global Business Network and established private sector partnerships.

“Our aim is to build an additional complementary programme of engagement for international trade and encourage a redesign of how Scotland approaches and delivers international trade.”

Addressing around 500 senior business leaders from across Scotland and beyond, she called for action by both business and government to “raise the game” and deliver economic growth.

Ms Senior said she wanted to see more support in four key areas: international trade; e-commerce; bridging the gap between business and education; and supporting women into work.

She added: “E-commerce plays a major role in international trade and is a channel that is tailor-made for Scotland.

“As successful practitioners like (Edinburgh firms) FanDuel and Skyscanner have shown, e-commerce obliterates distance from markets and allows Scottish companies, even those in remote rural locations, to compete on a level playing field for business.

“Digital communications infrastructure is as fundamental to 21st-century Scottish industry as canals were to the 18th, rail ways to the 19th and motorways and airports to the 20th century.

“Government should plan its investment accordingly, not just investment in physical networks of fibre optics, broadband and 4G but also the human factor, ensuring that no-one is excluded from the digital marketplace, and that superior ICT (information communications technology) skills are instilled in our children.

“Scotland’s businesses want speedy and bold action from our politicians in the next Scottish Parliament, focussed on creating the best possible environment for growth, aspiration and enterprise. 2016 will bring new opportunities for our businesses and politicians alike.

“Let’s raise our game and deliver for Scotland.”

Other speakers included First Minister Nicola Sturgeon – who called on businesses to boost their productivity through “innovation and internalisation” – and Robert Brozin, the founder of restaurant chain Nando’s.