Since 2001 GlobalScot has been connecting Scottish businesses with valuable new markets
Over 20 years old, the GlobalScot network highlights Scotland’s long-term commitment to help Scottish startups and growing enterprises gain access to exciting new international markets. Launched in 2001, GlobalScot connects Scottish business owners with senior business and community leaders around the world who want to support Scotland and share their expertise and insight.
Aberdeen born GlobalScot, Derek Blackwood, is based in Texas, USA. He is a retired consultant in the energy sector and believes in the power of mentorship. “I get a lot of satisfaction helping Scottish companies to accelerate through the learning curve, to expand overseas and avoide many of the mistakes I made doing the same thing a generation ago.”
A powerful national asset
Today, considered a pioneer in its approach, GlobalScot has been acknowledged by the World Bank as an exemplar of how a country can engage its diaspora to support sustainable business growth and development. It is not surprising that Scotland’s diaspora are recognised as some of the world’s most highly educated and motivated business professionals.
For Scottish firm Agenor Technology, CEO Andy Smith says that the support, advice and willingness to share business contacts was the right sort of practical help he needed.
The GlobalScot we connected with took the time to meet us and listen, then promptly set about making several calls to senior contacts to set up meetings. I grabbed the opportunity and will always be grateful for their support.
Likewise, Turtle Pack CEO, Ryan Carenduff explained that, when it came to cultivating new contacts around the world for their children’s swimming aid business, the level of knowledge and expertise, in addition to the passion of the GlobalScots, will continue to play an important part in their international expansion.
Opening doors to new trade opportunities all over the world
The GlobalScot online platform makes joining the network easy—as a GlobalScot or as a new business owner. Supported by a dedicated team of specialists at Scottish Enterprise, connections are facilitated to ensure businesses are matched to GlobalScots with the expertise, insight and contacts to help them.
Linda Hanna, former interim CEO of Scottish Enterprise, said: “The GlobalScot network is a critical and significant asset for Scotland.”
Over the last 20 years harnessing this network has helped to deliver millions of pounds of investment for Scotland and provide vital knowledge and connections to help Scottish companies enter markets overseas.