Around 60 business representatives from Dundee and Angus gathered on Monday to find out how to take the export route to success.
The Smart Exporter project, run by Scottish Chambers International in partnership with Scottish Development International, helps firms expand their horizons and increase sales in international markets.
The programme includes introductions for new businesses, market awareness, strategy development and training and technical support.
The roadshow was held at the Dundee Michelin site and concluded with a factory tour and workshop.
Smart Exporter project manager Denise Horn said the issue of high labour costs in the UK should not be seen as an insurmountable barrier.
“The cost of labour, with costs being higher in this country than in other parts of the world, is only one issue,” she said. “In this country we can offer a high quality of work and excellent research and development in our products, and these are important to buyers overseas.
“These can be selling points for UK companies but it is a competitive market out there.
“British companies are competing with those from France, Germany and Italy, which have labour costs similar to ours, so it is important that we promote our products and stress things like quality and R and D.
“You also need to research your market, look for opportunities and go for them.”
Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce chief executive Alan Mitchell said, “Today is about raising awareness of the possibilities for exporting and the support that is available.
“A combination of the global economy and digital communications means that more businesses than ever have the opportunity to break into international markets.
“Dundee and Angus are already home to many internationally successful companies but many businesses are still missing out on opportunities to grow because they don’t think they can export or because they don’t know how to.
“Smart Exporter addresses this by offering a wide array of support for all sizes of companies and across all stages of their international development process.
“With global trade set to grow much faster than the Scottish economy over the coming years, every business in Dundee and Angus should be considering how it can move into international markets or expand its research as a matter of urgency.”
Among the local companies represented were Bonar Yarns, JT Inglis, BRE Ltd and Rautomead.
Also present was David Perkins of Screen Manufacturing & Suppliers, Friockheim, which makes stainless steel screens for filtration in the oil, gas and paper manufacturing industries.
He said, “We export about 60% of our output and it is good to know what opportunities there are for us maintaining or even improving on this situation.”