Business leaders named as Scottish Export Champions in bid to boost trade

Business leaders from key sectors in Scotland have been named “export champions” as part of a UK Government scheme.

The Department for International Trade (DIT) has announced 13 of the Scottish Export Champions from industries including the energy sector, food and drink, finance and technology.

The group includes senior figures from both Walker’s Shortbread and Nairn’s Oatcakes – with Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch saying they would help provide “real-world expertise to businesses looking to take their first steps as exporters”.

The new export champions will work with the DIT and Scottish Development International (SDI) to promote the benefits of exporting, encouraging other firms to follow their example by selling overseas.

Ms Badenoch said: “We know exporters create jobs, pay higher wages and help grow our economy, and Scottish businesses are playing a key part in making the UK an export-led economy.

“That’s exactly what these Scottish Export Champions all hope to achieve – and I look forward to working closely with them to achieve our goal of a trillion pounds of exports a year by 2030.”

Alastair Walker, the head of international sales at Walker’s Shortbread, said exports had made a “huge difference” to the growth of their firm – adding that by taking part in the scheme he hoped to increase the amount of Scottish goods sold overseas.

Mr Walker said: “Walker’s shortbread has a long and successful history of exporting, and it’s made a huge difference to the growth of our business.

“There’s massive demand for Scottish produce around the globe, and we should be doing all we can to encourage other Scottish businesses to sell overseas.

“We are pleased to be part of the Export Champions programme. We’re hopeful that by sharing our experience and offering advice to other Scottish companies, we can help increase the amount of goods that Scotland exports.”

Another of the new export champions, Federico Charosky, the founder and chief executive officer of Quorum Cyber, said he could “not wait to get started in the role”.

He stated: “Scottish businesses make and provide many high-quality goods and services, and we should shout about the benefits of selling them to markets all over the world.

“I can’t wait to get started in the role and share my experience with others in our sector. Together, I’m sure we can encourage many businesses and entrepreneurs to make the most of the exciting opportunities that are out there today.”

The business leaders are: James Varga, Direct ID; Lee Hanlon, Cesscon Decom Ltd; Hassan Heshmat, Hydro-C; Luis Gomes, AAC Clydespace; Robert Kennedy, Optos; Katie Birrell, Nairn’s Oatcakes; Alistair Walker, Walker’s Shortbread; Martin Murray, Dunnet Bay; Shahida Imani, Chromacity; Anna White, The Scotland Shop; Poonam Gupta, PG Paper; Ian Stevenson, Cyacomb; Federico Charosky, Quorum Cyber.