The Business In & Out of Scotland (BIOS) conference is aimed at encouraging exports out of Scotland and imports into Scotland. Did you know that 50% of all exports from Scotland are done by just 50 companies? The BIOS Import / Export conference brings together companies to share the export journey. It is a place for companies to share experiences and learn about how they can grow their offering outside of Scotland.
In a recent Scottish government review (The Wilson Review), the need to increase Scottish exports was highlighted. The review identified two areas that were causing barriers to export for Scottish SMEs:
1. Many small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) that wish to take the first steps towards becoming exporters still experience difficulties identifying where to get the help and advice they need.
2. Access to finance is the most significant barrier faced by SMEs seeking to turn themselves into exporters.
This year’s BIOS Export / Import Conference is aimed at tackling there two areas. BIOS provides a forum in which SMEs interested in import / export are able to collaborate, knowledge share, and interact with companies who have been through (or are going through) the process. Our speakers have been selected to represent different stages of the import / export process.
Paul Grant, Chairman of Mackays, represents an established foothold in the export market. Mackays is a leading Scottish food company exporting to over 50 countries worldwide. Mackays was founded in 1938 by the Mackay Brothers. Today, owned by the Grant family and based in Scotland, Mackays is proud of its heritage and authentic products.
Fiona Houston, Co-founder of Mara Seaweed, represents an “up-and-coming” brand, and a relative new comer to exporting. Mara Seaweed is new to the market and export game but making a big splash with a niche product. Now exporting a range of seaweed flakes, powders and blends across the UK, USA and Europe, Fiona has driven the company’s growth from concept to an award-winning innovative food brand. In 2015 she won BQ’s Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Click here for more information on Mara Seaweed.
Emma Meredith, Director of Internationalisation at Edinburgh College brings an academic and service based element to BIOS. Edinburgh college sell and deliver courses worldwide from their Edinburgh base.
Emil Stickland, Director, Thrive Digital will be providing a workshop, aimed at helping SMEs to develop their international online presence. In conjunction with BIOS, Thrive Digital have created a white paper to help Scottish SMEs think about how they can use online as a cost effective means of export. View their white paper here.
Finance was identified by the Wilson Review to be the most significant barrier faced by SMEs when exporting. At BIOS we have a seminar presented by John Brown, Head of Trade & Working Capital, Clydesdale Bank on International Finance. John will be presenting two case studies.
Agility, especially in the digital space, is important when deriving a competitive advantage. Being knowledgeable about the “next big thing” can allow SMEs to be first to market. With this in mind, Penny Heyes, Director at The Digital Agenda will be discussing The Internet of Things.
Whether you are selling a product or a service and want to expand your client base, extend your geographical reach or simply connect with ambitious businesses, this is the event for you. The BIOS conference is an interactive day with VIP talks and facilitated Q&A during the morning with more intimate discussion and debate in the afternoon seminars. So great networking is a given. BIOS staff will be on hand throughout the day to make introductions and ensure everyone gets value.
10% off for CeeD Members using the code CEEDSCOT