What is involved in building a successful international ready website
2023-05-04 13:00 - 16:30 UTC
What’s the masterclass about?
This expert-led webinar covers everything you need to stay ahead of competitors by creating a globalised website and social media presence.
The session is designed as a guide for ambitious Scottish businesses planning to expand into new international marketplaces.
You’ll learn about the following topics:

Selecting a domain
Registering with search engines
Choosing a web host
Language and localisation issues
Payment and shipping
Localising your social media

About the expert speaker
Presenter Stephen Whitelaw has over 30 years of business experience in starting and growing businesses. He won the Deloitte & Touche Fast 50 Award in 1999 and has been described as a ‘rebel without a pause’.
Stephen has a multi-disciplined background. He’s skilled at helping companies at all stages overcome development and technology challenges and has started and sold many technology companies over the years. Given his extensive experience, Stephen is a regular keynote speaker for Fortune 500 companies such a Google, Microsoft, Groupon, and Oracle.

The Essential Guide for International Marketeers
2023-05-09 10:00 - 11:00
Learn the key principles of digital marketing and how to develop results-focused essential skills using the right tools.
From identifying the right channel to evaluating campaign performance, this event will teach you industry techniques to grow your international business. It’s ideal for those starting out in digital marketing or in need of a skills update.
What’s involved?
The session will cover topics such as:

Key principles of digital marketing and a results-driven approach
Using the right tools and data to inform the design and development of your website
SEO basics and how to get more traffic from Google
Increasing engagement through social media
The importance of reviews and user-generated content

What will I learn?
You’ll leave the session with knowledge of:

How to develop a plan with performance measures
How to brief or begin website design and development
What Google ‘likes’ and looks for in a website
What to do and not do when developing a social media plan
How to manage user reviews and deal with online complaints

Email Marketing Tools To Enhance Your International E-Commerce
2023-05-11 10:00 - 11:00
Engaging with customers starts by understanding their needs and wants. This webinar offers an approach that empowers businesses to truly connect – and better serve. Gain insight into who your customers are, take actionable steps towards building a lasting relationship. Now is the time to gain clarity on visible success through meaningful connections.
About the presenter
Ben is an example of how one person can build a business on a laptop, from a cupboard, in their spare time: growing this into an international 7 figure business within 3 years. He provides both inspiration and guidance to the next generation of young entrepreneurs who want to see their businesses reach new heights. Recognised in 2019 as one of Scotland’s Emerging Entrepreneurs of the Year, Ben’s prepared to share the recipe for his success with other ambitious Scottish businesses.

Build your own silk road to China
2023-06-21 09:30 - 13:00
In this online masterclass, Scottish businesses will gain in depth knowledge of business, digital and eCommerce, along with great practical tips on how to break into and grow sales within the market.

Selling to Chinese consumers through cross-border eCommerce
2023-06-21 10:00 - 13:00 | Scottish Enterprise, 99 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5HD
Over the past half-century, China has achieved the greatest economic expansion the world has ever known, lifting 800 million people out of poverty, and creating a vast middle class – a group projected to account for 40 percent of the country’s total population by 2030.
How can Scottish businesses reach this huge consumer base? What are the steps required to start selling to Chinese customers? How should businesses protect their brand, pricing, and IP rights in the Chinese market?
In this workshop, Tmall Global will introduce their B2B and B2C cross-border eCommerce solutions for Scottish FMCG businesses, aiming to address some of the top perceived barriers to exporting to China.
DATE: Wednesday 21 June
TIME: 10am
AGENDA:

Welcome and Introduction – Scottish Enterprise
Accessing the China market opportunity through cross-border eCommerce

Speakers:

o Mim Figueiredo, Senior International Business Development Europe, Tmall Global
o Fireside Chat – Selling online in China with Tmall Global
o Tommy Crooks, Founder, Edinburgh Natural Skincare Company
o Wei Fu, Director, Commercial Cross

Networking

Food and Drink Global Market Insights Event
2023-09-14 12:00 - 17:00
Get involved in the Food and Drink Global Market Insights event.
A great opportunity to meet and network with food and drink specialists from the Middle East, China, Hong Kong, and North America.
You’ll also meet Scotland-based trade advisors who can advise on the support available to help your company develop and grow international business opportunities.

Targeting the US and Australia with your own website
2023-10-04 10:00 - 13:30
This webinar will explore opportunities and techniques for selling in America and Australia through your business website.
Learn about best practices around customer acquisition channels, user experience, fulfilment and administration.

India Ecommerce Opportunity : Fastest Route To Market For Scottish Business
2023-10-10 10:00 - 11:00
Join this webinar to learn about the opportunities for your business in the India e-commerce sector.
The session will demonstrate the fastest route to market for Scottish business through cross-border e-commerce.
India is:

The 4th largest retail market in the world
Projected to reach $2 trillion by 2032 from $690 billion in 2021
A major e-commerce market player, expected to reach $350 billion in GMV by 2030 — the second largest global online shopper base
A country with an internet penetration rate of 61% (851 million), and a smartphone penetration 43.5% (607 million)

Register your interest for full details.

What the CPTPP means for International Trade
2023-11-17 08:30 - 09:30
The UK joined the Free Trade Agreement known as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) earlier this year. Following this, access will be opened up to the other 11 signatory countries (Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam).
Reuben Aitken, Scottish Enterprise’s Managing Director for International, will host a panel session composed of representatives from the Institute of Export, the UK Government’s Department of Business and Trade, and GlobalScots from the UK and the Asia-Pacific region.
The panel will help to show what this Asia-Pac trade bloc means for business growth.
Topics covered will include:

The range of benefits the CPTPP will bring (including to the services industries)
Digital trade
Diversification of supply chains
The impact on investment

Help Boost International Visitor Numbers and Enhance Experiences
2023-12-07 11:00 - 12:00
The world is travelling again on a mass scale; international visitor numbers are increasing, with the recovery of inbound holiday visits to Scotland, faster than for the UK as whole.
Is your business ready to capitalise on the return of the international market, to stand out from the competition and to offer the high-quality experience these visitors expect?
The Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) is partnering with leading, globally ranked translation and interpreting organisation, Transatlantic Translations Group (TTG), to deliver a free online webinar on using translation and interpreting as a powerful tool to attract international visitors and enhance their experience.
Whether you’re a hotel or visitor attraction, a tour operator or destination management organisation, this webinar is relevant for hospitality and tourism businesses of all types and sizes, and will debunk the myths, highlight the tangible benefits and offer accessible and actionable advice related to accessing language solutions now or in the future.
As well as hearing how businesses have successfully unlocked the opportunities provided by translation and interpreting, there will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions, both anonymously ahead of the event and during the session.

Expression of Interest - eCommerce Trade Commission Roundtable
2024-01-23 12:00 - 15:00 | Scottish Enterprise, 99 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5HD
Take a seat at our ground-breaking roundtable! The E-Commerce Trade Commission (ECT-C) – organized by the Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT) is the first of its kind in the UK and aims to develop solutions that encourage small and SMEs to engage in international online trade.
What is it?
The ECT-C, launched in June, is focused on helping SMEs trade internationally online. By addressing barriers to e-commerce exporting, the Commission seeks to kick-start 70,000 more UK small businesses into exporting, contributing significantly to a £9.3 billion boost to the economy.
Who’s hosting?
IOE&IT Director General Marco Forgione will chair the session, ensuring diverse perspectives are represented. The Commission includes contributions from leading e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Alibaba, eBay, Google, Shopify and collaborating organizations like FSB, ICAEW and the Association of Courier and Express Services.
Why is it needed?
The Commission addresses the need for collaboration among key industry players and government bodies to streamline e-commerce processes. The Department for Business & Trade will be part of the Commission, facilitating direct communication with HMG policymakers in Partnership with Scottish Development International

DBT’s Australia and New Zealand Roadshow 2024 - Dundee
2024-03-14 13:30 - 16:30 | Malmaison Dundee, 44 Whitehall Crescent, Dundee, DD1 4AY
Australia and New Zealand offer significant trade opportunities for UK businesses. This is your chance to explore these with trade experts.
You’re invited to join the UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) in Dundee on 14 March for a Scottish Food and Drink Industry event, highlighting opportunities in-market and practical tips for routes to market. You will have the chance to hear from in-country trade advisors, businesses successfully exporting to these markets, and more.
This is a great opportunity to:

Hear directly from a wide range of speakers including our DBT teams based in Australia and New Zealand
Join interactive sessions on the opportunities for selling products and services
Understand the benefits of the Free Trade Agreements for your business
Network with other businesses and specialists from DBT

Made in Angus, Sold to the World: Grow your business with international sales
2024-04-23 09:00 - 12:00 | Arbikie Distillery Experience, Arbikie Highland Estate, Lunan, DD10 9TR
Hosted by Angus Council, this event will help demystify the challenges and highlight the benefits of selling your products or services internationally.
From world-class capability in food and drink production to innovation in financial technology and life sciences, Scottish businesses like yours are already selling to many countries and regions around the world.
Whatever your level of exporting experience, this event will offer free advice and support to help your business expand overseas.
You will hear from exporters and representatives from the UK Department for Business and Trade, Scottish Development International, Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce and Business Gateway who will discuss how you can navigate your export journey and the global opportunities that are out there.
The event will cover:
· Scottish success stories
· free tools and services available
· people who are on hand to help
This is free to attend, and spaces are limited, so request your place to attend now.

Selling and Exporting Overseas
2024-05-22 10:00 - 12:00
Jane Milroy our expert in exporting will be running this innovative masterclass helping you to look at ways to grow business and explore some great opportunities selling to different markets overseas.
This information packed webinar will take you through all the key areas you need to consider when trading internationally with a particular emphasis on doing business with EU countries in the post-Brexit era.
It will cover both strategic and practical aspects of both exporting and importing and is suitable for companies that are new or in the earlier stages of trading internationally.
Topics to be covered will include: researching market opportunities, routes to market and working with international partners, incoterms, customs and VAT implications, legal aspects of working internationally and pricing strategies and getting paid.

Global Insights: Consumer Industries Exporters
2024-09-10 09:30 - 17:30 | SRUC Rural and Veterinary Innovation Centre, 9 Inverness Campus, Inverness, IV2 5NA
Come visit Scottish Enterprise in-person at UHI Inverness as we host an unmissable exporting event.
Whether you’re a new or experienced exporter, this is a fantastic opportunity to:

Meet and network with food, drink and consumer lifestyle specialists from Europe, the Middle East, North America and Asia and learn about current international market opportunities.
Meet trade advisors based in Scotland who can discuss the support that’s available to help your company develop and grow your international exports.
Book one-to-one meetings with our in-market specialists.
Meet with a range of support teams from Highlands & Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise, EFRS, GlobalScot, IOE and Knowledge Bank, who can support you with your international development.

Capital Investment Plenary Session:
Capital Investment is a key factor within productivity that can influence exporting. The aim of the session is to raise awareness across Scottish companies about the support that SE has relating to capital investment, with speakers including SDI trade, Financial Readiness and SMAS. Each team will give a brief presentation regarding the support they can provide and case studies.
IOE Plenary Session:
The aim of IOE Session is to help give insights and information on following topics:

Electronic Trade Act and impact of,
Europe post Brexit looking at Horizon what’s coming next,
Free Trade Agreements upcoming legal/legislation pertaining to food and drink.
IoE support will be available throughout the day for any 1-2-1 questions you may have

Global Insights: Consumer Industries Exporters
2024-09-12 09:00 - 18:00 | Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh Airport, 100 Eastfield Road, Ingliston, EH28 8LL
Join our free event, where new and experienced exporters can network with their peers and meet trade advisors and market specialists.
Whether you’re a new or experienced exporter, this is a fantastic opportunity to:

Meet and network with food, drink and consumer lifestyle specialists from Europe, the Middle East, North America and Asia and learn about current international market opportunities.
Meet trade advisors based in Scotland who can discuss the support that’s available to help your company develop and grow your international exports.
Book one-to-one meetings with our in-market specialists.
Meet with a range of support teams from EFRS, GlobalScot, IOE and Knowledge Bank who can support you with your international development.

International Trade Week 2024
2024-11-11 09:00 - 2024-11-15 17:00
The fourth edition of International Trade Week (ITW) will take place from Monday 11 to Friday 15 November 2024.
Led by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and sponsored by Santander UK, in partnership with industry, ITW 2024 will feature 5 action-packed days of events, workshops and webinars – all free for businesses to attend.
Whether you’re looking to secure your first export contract or expand your existing international sales, ITW will have something for you. The week’s activities are for UK companies of all sizes and sectors – you just need an interest in growing your business.
You will only need to complete registration once to become a member of the UK Export Academy. From there, you will be able to register for as many free ITW events as you wish. See the event programme.

eCommerce and Digital Trade Symposium
2024-11-21 09:30 - 17:00 | Edinburgh International Conference Centre, 150 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EE
The programme will feature presentations, case studies, and panel discussions hosted by industry leaders. It will also include an Exhibitor Zone where attendees can meet and greet with experts from the field. Attendees will have the opportunity to have one-to-one sessions with experts.
Key topics will include:

International and cross border eCommerce – developing new markets
B2B eCommerce – getting to grips with the latest developments
Improved productivity – the application of the latest digital technologies
Omnichannel opportunities – how to serve your customer better
Digital transformation – what does success look like?
Marketplaces and social media platforms – how to select the optimal mix
Data and market analysis – exploring new opportunities
AI and eCommerce – what’s right for your business

Who should attend?
The Symposium is geared towards senior decision makers, business leaders, digital and eCommerce practitioners, and commercial teams. To join, simply register for DIGIT Expo and come along on the day. Your delegate pass will include access to all sessions and networking areas.

EOI - Scaling Internationally with Amazon & Other Global Marketplaces
2025-01-23 10:00 - 16:00
If you’re an established company looking to scale internationally, this flexible accelerator programme is for you.
With a primary focus on maximising success on Amazon, you’ll also explore other key online marketplaces including eBay and Etsy, as well as specialised wholesale online marketplaces like Alibaba, Wayfair, Faire and more.
The programme will provide you with actionable strategies to expand your reach, optimise marketplace performance, and grow sales globally.
You’ll also benefit from a bespoke action plan and personalised 1-2-1 support to create your custom international growth strategy.
Programme Format:
This online programme will start on Wednesday 22 Jan 2025 with an in-person event.
The learning modules will then be released online, and followed with bi-weekly Teams catch ups.
The programme will end on Wednesday 23 Apr 2025 with a final in-person event.

Made in Scotland, Sold to the World Exporter Roadshow
2025-02-27 09:00 - 13:30 | The Caledonian Edinburgh, Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2AB
Hosted by the UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade with Insider, this free in-person and online event will demystify the challenges and highlight the benefits of selling products and services internationally.
Whatever your level of exporting experience, this event will offer advice and support to help your business expand overseas.
From world-class capability in food and drink production to innovation in financial technology and life sciences, Scottish businesses are selling to many countries around the world.
At this event you will hear from Scottish exporters, trade experts and UK & Scottish Government representatives who will discuss how to navigate your export journey and seize the global opportunities that are out there.
Our expert panellists will help answer the most important questions you may have about expanding into new markets, including:

How do I analyse international demand for my products and services?
How do I identify and reach suitable markets?
What regulations and legislation do I need to comply with?
What investment is required to export?
What finance is available to help me sell internationally?
What is the best way to ship my products?
How do I overcome any trade barriers?
What export support is available for Scottish businesses?

This year’s Made in Scotland, Sold to the World Exporter Roadshow will be hosted at The Caledonian Edinburgh as well as being live-streamed online.

AI for Exports - Breaking Into International Markets
2025-03-18 10:00 - 11:30
This webinar explores how AI-powered tools can help businesses expand into international markets efficiently and cost-effectively. From market research and customer insights to automated marketing and logistics optimization, AI is transforming how companies scale globally.
Learning Outcomes:

A base understanding of the main A.I. Platforms, and jargon associated with the technology.
Understand how AI can identify and analyse new market opportunities.
Learn how to leverage AI-driven tools for cost-effective marketing and customer engagement.
Discover AI solutions for streamlining operations, logistics, and customer support across different regions.
Gain insights into real-world examples of businesses successfully using AI to expand internationally.

Who Should Attend?
This webinar is designed for businesses using eCommerce to scale internationally, including:

E-commerce brands looking to expand into new international markets.
D2C (Direct-to-Consumer) businesses aiming to optimise cross-border sales.
B2B eCommerce companies seeking AI-driven solutions for export growth.
Online retailers exploring cost-effective strategies for global expansion.
Manufacturers leveraging eCommerce to reach international buyers.

Targeting the US and Australia with your own website - Part 1
2025-04-16 10:00 - 12:00
If you’re an eCommerce business looking to expand your online presence in Australia and the US, this masterclass is for you.
Whether you’re just starting to explore these markets, or you’re looking to optimise your current operations, these sessions will give you with a structured approach to successfully selling through your website.
The masterclass is split into two online sessions.
Part one will focus on the strategic and marketing aspects of selling in the US and Australia to effectively attract and convert customers, covering these topics:

Market Entry Strategy: Understanding the key differences between the US and Australian markets, consumer expectations, and potential barriers.
Customer Acquisition and Digital Marketing: Identifying the most efficient marketing channels to drive traffic and sales.
User Experience and Conversion Rate Optimisation: Website best practices to create a seamless, high-converting shopping experience.
Internationalisation Considerations: Localising content, currency, payment methods, and customer service to build trust with international buyers.

Part two will dive into the logistical, operational, and technical aspects of expanding into the US and Australian markets, ensuring sustainable and scalable growth. It will cover:

Fulfilment and Shipping: Exploring fulfilment models, warehousing options, and shipping solutions for international customers.
Administrative Considerations: Taxes, import duties, legal requirements, and compliance considerations when selling in the US and Australia.
Customer Retention and Lifetime Value: Strategies for building long-term customer relationships, repeat purchases, and subscription models.
Customer Service and Infrastructure: Setting up efficient processes for customer support, returns, and handling time-zone differences.
Systems and Vendor Management: Choosing the best eCommerce platforms, integrations, and technology stack to support international expansion.

Both sessions will be led by experience eCommerce consultant Al Conroy.
Al works with businesses to accelerate their online growth efficiently, sustainably and profitably.
His ecommerce career started in London where he worked for a large management consultancy. In 2009 he moved to Edinburgh’s Freeze Pro Shop, where he created and led the team that took Freeze’s revenues from <£1M to >£6M.

The AI-Powered Business: How Businesses Can 10x Their Productivity Webinar
2025-04-21 10:00 - 11:30
AI is revolutionizing how businesses operate, enabling companies to scale faster, streamline operations, and optimize efficiency. This webinar will explore the best AI tools for automating key business processes—from marketing and customer service to supply chain management and data analysis—helping eCommerce businesses grow internationally without increasing overhead.
Learning Outcomes:

A base understanding of the main A.I. Platforms, and jargon associated with the technology.
Discover AI tools that can enhance productivity for often time-consuming tasks.
Learn how AI-powered solutions can optimize customer engagement, marketing, and operations.
Understand how AI can support international expansion through smarter data insights and decision-making.
Explore real-world examples of eCommerce businesses successfully leveraging AI to scale globally.

Who Should Attend?
This webinar is designed for eCommerce businesses looking to scale internationally, including:

E-commerce brands aiming to expand into new markets while improving efficiency.
D2C (Direct-to-Consumer) businesses seeking AI-driven automation to streamline operations.
B2B eCommerce companies looking to optimize international workflows.
Online retailers wanting to automate marketing, customer service, and logistics.
Manufacturers leveraging eCommerce to reach global buyers more efficiently.

If you’re using eCommerce to expand internationally and want to leverage AI to scale faster, reduce costs, and free up time for strategic growth, this session will provide practical insights and tools to accelerate your success.

Targeting the US and Australia with your own website - Part 2
2025-04-23 10:00 - 12:00

Lunch and Learn: Navigating the new trade tariffs
2025-07-29 12:00 - 12:30
How do tariffs affect world trade and how can you best manage them?
In the Lunch and Learn, Mike Wilson looks at the recent turbulence in world trade brought about by Trump tariffs, their implications and how businesses can best manage their impact.
Key takeaways from this session:

Understand what tariffs are and what’s happened recently
See their impact on your business and world trade
How to manage tariffs and the effect of trade agreements

Mike is CEO and founder of the fast-growing consultancy company Go Exporting, which specialises in working with businesses of all sizes to take advantage of the world of opportunities in international markets.
He has 30 years’ experience in export-import, with a particular emphasis on entering new sectors and geographies. He has an entrepreneurial flair for identifying and assessing opportunities, developing routes to market and generating growth and profit.

Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce International Members Group
2025-09-11 09:30 - 11:30 | MacIntyre Chocolate Systems, Kirkton Industrial Estate, Arbroath, DD11 3RD
The group welcomes anyone currently involved in international trade and those who would like to learn more about global commerce, offering opportunities to engage in conversations on various topics related to global trade.
During the event, you’ll hear from MacIntyre Chocolate Systems, and there’ll be time for networking with other international traders to discuss common challenges. Towards the end of the event, there’ll be an opportunity to tour the factory.
Your insights, ideas, and plans for your business are valuable to us, and this event will provide a platform for you to share them. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to interact with our International Team, who will be available to address any questions or concerns you may have. We look forward to your participation and collaboration as we shape the future of the IMG together.

Reach Japanese consumers with Rakuten marketplace
2025-09-12 10:00 - 11:00
Following our recent trade mission to Tokyo, join us for an exclusive webinar designed for UK companies looking to break into Japan’s thriving online retail space. Learn how Rakuten Marketplace can be your gateway to millions of loyal Japanese customers.
This online webinar you’ll:
• Learn about the Japanese ecommerce opportunity
• Learn about Rakuten marketplace
• Learn about the strategies that can help you build long term success.
Are you ready to take your brand to Japan? Japan is home to the fourth largest e-commerce market in the world and Rakuten is at its heart. This online marketplace serves a vast number of consumers across many retail goods categories and offers an ideal entry point for brands looking to tap into this marketplace.
This online webinar, will give you an overview of the opportunity and platform, a deep dive into the requirements to sell, and a look at the strategies that can help you build long term success.
If you are a UK-based brand or retailer with strong international experience and a great product, this webinar will provide you with valuable insights on the Rakuten Japan opportunity. You’ll also get details of how you can sign up and support to help you with sustainable business growth in Japan.

How to go global without the headaches
2025-10-29 12:00 - 12:30
Thinking about international expansion, or just curious about what it takes?
We know this can often feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. This session, led by our expert speaker Mike Wilson, is designed to help founders and small business owners explore new markets with confidence and without the stress and complexity that often comes with it.
From testing demand to managing cross-border payments and logistics, Mike will break down the practical steps to understand what’s involved in expanding internationally and how to do it efficiently.
You’ll also learn how Airwallex helps SMEs expand faster by simplifying cross-border payments, helping you set up quickly in new markets and offering better FX rates through multi-currency accounts and local payouts – all in one platform.
Topics covered in this session:

How to explore new markets with minimal upfront investment
Managing multiple currencies and payments seamlessly
Ket logistics, compliance, and partner considerations
How Airwallex simplifies global operations for SMEs

Boosting your revenue across borders
2025-11-19 12:00 - 12:30
International expansion isn’t just about logistics – it’s about unlocking new revenue.
In this session, led by our expert speaker Nick Binza, we’ll explore how founders and operators can tap into cross-border sales opportunities by optimising their e-commerce strategy, pricing, localisation and customer experience (CX).
Whether you’re running a SaaS platform, an e-commerce brand or a service-based business, this webinar will help you understand how to convert international interest into sustainable growth. We’ll also show how Airwallex integrates with platforms like Shopify to streamline global payments and reduce friction at checkout.
Topics covered in this session:

How to tap into cross-border sales opportunities
Localisation tips for payments, pricing and checkout
How to reduce cart abandonment in global markets
How Airwallex integrates with Shopify and other platforms to support international growth
