Businesses have learned how to take the road and the miles from Dundee to sell in export markets.
The Exporting is GREAT roadshow visited City Square to deliver workshops and one-to-one coaching to companies with ambitions to sell abroad.
The UK Government initiative, delivered in partnership with the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise, allowed business people to hear business leaders discuss their exporting experiences.
It also gave them the chance to discuss topics including e-commerce, researching new markets and how to start selling internationally.
Rebecca Russell, global brand manager of Mackie’s at Taypack, the potato crisp producers of Errol, said: “All businesses face challenges with exports. This event is about giving as much insight as possible so that a business can be better equipped to overcome these challenges.”
Exporting had been fundamental to the rapid growth of Mackie’s, she said.
It had opened up new revenue streams and enabled the firm to build brand equity by raising its profile on a global scale.
Dan Allan, of games company A Fox Wot I Drew, explained the challenges of exporting digital products.
Its new mobile device game Baum (German for tree) in 12 languages, is now being sold in more than 100 countries through the App Store.
Scottish Secretary David Mundell said: “Dundee is a global leader in some of the world’s fastest-growing and most innovative sectors such as life sciences and gaming.
“That success helps create jobs in Scotland and drive economic growth and security.
“Businesses which export are more innovative, resilient, achieve a stronger bottom line and are more likely to stay in business.”
He said the roadshow will help unlock the potential of many more Scottish companies, helping them make their mark around the world, and boosting the economy at home.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “Internationalising business is a key priority for the Scottish Government.
“Our latest statistics show total export sales in 2014 from Scotland increased over the year, by £570 million to £76 billion.
“This roadshow will help businesses build upon this success.”
The campaign aims to inspire 100,000 more UK companies to export by 2020.