Highlands and Islands Businesses Look to New Markets

22nd March 2011

Twelve ambitious Highlands and Islands companies will be pursuing new business after taking part in specialist training to create their own international action plans.

The businesses explored how best to identify the most likely international markets for their products, how best to break into these markets, how to improve their e-commerce, and how to manage international contracts.

The International Preparedness Programme, which was tailored specifically according to each business' experience of exporting, was delivered free through Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

Nick Scroggie of HIE, commented: "International business development is extremely important for companies which want to grow their market potential and increase opportunities. Many businesses in the Highlands and Islands have high quality products which have huge potential overseas, but it can be daunting to work out how to position yourself in the right marketplace.

"This programme is all about taking away the mystery. With good market intelligence and know how on how to reach the right buyers or prospective customers, local companies see how they can become part of a bigger picture. HIE is keen to support businesses in their ambition to grow."

Businesses taking part in the programme and the advanced programme include:-

Argyll and the Islands -
Henshelwood Fine Foods, info[AT]henshelwoodfinefoods.co.uk 01700 500014 (Advanced programme)

Lochaber -
Ginger Morar, info[AT]ginger-morar.com 01687 462655

Inner Moray Firth
I Imagine Ltd, andy[AT]i-imagine.tv 01667 453152
Cairngorm Brewery, sam[AT]cairngormbrewery.com 01479 812222 (Adv)
Keltic Seafare, ben[AT]kelticseafare.com 01349 864087
Connage Highland Dairy, jill[AT]connage.co.uk 01667 462000

Moray
Highland Spring (Glenlivet), yannisk[AT]highlandspringgroup.com 01764 660551
Copernicus Technology, giles.huby[AT]coptech.co.uk 01343 842406
Walkers Shortbread, andrew.stokes[AT]walkers-shortbread.co.uk 01340 871555 (Adv)
Spey Fruit, info[AT]speyfruit.co.uk 01343 547733
Murdoch Butchers, info[AT]murdochbutchers.co.uk 01309 672805

Innse Gall
HTT (Manufacturing) Ltd, ann[AT]harris-tweed.co.uk 01851 643300 (Adv)