Lochaber Chamber of Commerce is inviting Scottish businesses to join them on their upcoming trade missions to Orange County, California and Nova Scotia, Canada in February and March 2024 respectively. The missions are part of a Scottish Government initiative to encourage smaller companies to consider exporting as an option to grow their businesses. 

Both trade missions will include market briefings, networking events, and one-to-one business meetings with potential clients and trade partners. The missions are open to all Scottish businesses, regardless of size or sector, and businesses do not need to be members of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce to participate.

The Orange County trade mission will take place in February 2024 and will focus on the Irvine area of Southern California. Irvine is a global hub for innovation and technology that covers a wide range of industries, including medical, biochemical, medical device, automotive, energy, fibre, communications, cyber security, and advanced manufacturing.

The Nova Scotia trade mission will take place in March 2024 and will visit Halifax and other key locations in the maritime province. Nova Scotia offers many opportunities for Scottish businesses in a variety of sectors, including retail, food and drink, ocean technologies, cultural heritage and arts, aquaculture, agriculture, forestry, offshore wind, and digital healthcare solutions.

Frazer Coupland, CEO of Lochaber Chamber of Commerce, said: “Exporting can be a great way for Scottish businesses to grow and diversify. By selling products and services to overseas markets, businesses can reach a wider customer base, increase sales, and create jobs.

“This is our call to action to those Scottish businesses who are keen to explore international trade opportunities to join is in Orange County and Nova Scotia. Our trade missions are a great opportunity to learn about new markets, make valuable connections with potential customers and trade partners, and grow your business internationally.

“Our trade missions are a fantastic opportunity for Scottish businesses to dip their toe in the water at a relatively low cost of just £350 for each trade mission.” 

Businesses can apply to join the Orange County and Nova Scotia trade missions by visiting the Export Hub Scotland website or by emailing [email protected] for an application form.

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• Lochaber Chamber of Commerce Trade Mission delegates to The Port of Halifax, Nova Scotia, October 2023

Notes to Editors:

Why Export?

Exporting can be a great way for Scottish businesses to grow and diversify. By selling their products and services to overseas markets, businesses can reach a wider customer base, increase their sales, and create jobs.

The Scottish Government is committed to helping Scottish businesses export. The Scottish Chambers of Commerce International Trade Programme provides a range of support services to help businesses get started with exporting and to grow their international trade.

Additional Information

The trade missions are open to all Scottish businesses, regardless of size or sector. Businesses do not need to be members of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce to participate.

There is a participation fee of £350 per trade mission. The fee covers the cost of organising and delivering the mission, including market briefings, networking events, and one-to-one business meetings.

How to Apply

Businesses can apply to join the Orange County and Nova Scotia trade missions by visiting the Export Hub Scotland website or by emailing [email protected] for an application form.

Why Orange County?

Orange County is a thriving economic hub with a strong track record of innovation and growth. The county is home to a diverse range of industries, including technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism. Orange County is also home to some of the world’s leading companies, including Google, Apple, and Boeing.

Why Nova Scotia?

Nova Scotia is a growing economy with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability. The province is home to a number of world-class companies in a variety of sectors, including ocean technologies, life sciences, and clean energy. Nova Scotia also has a strong cultural heritage and a vibrant arts scene.

Call to Action

Scottish businesses are encouraged to apply to join the Orange County and Nova Scotia trade missions. The missions are a great opportunity to learn about new markets, make valuable connections with potential customers and trade partners, and grow your business.