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International Trade

Made in Angus. Sold to the World.

Angus is home to world-class businesses already selling their goods and services across the globe – from premium food and drink and precision engineering to offshore energy and tourism. If you haven’t yet explored international trade, or if you’re looking to expand into new markets, there has never been a better time to take that step.

There is substantial free support – from local partners right through to national agencies with offices in over 30 countries – and that support is there for businesses of any size, at any stage of their exporting journey, whether you’re selling abroad for the first time or a seasoned exporter looking to break into new markets.

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Why International Trade is Worth Exploring

Businesses that export consistently outperform those that don’t. The evidence is compelling – companies that sell internationally tend to grow faster, become more productive, and build greater resilience against downturns in any single market. Crucially, Scotland has a remarkable reputation globally – and Angus businesses can trade on that.

These are some of the most significant benefits:

  • Access to far larger markets – the UK domestic market is just a fraction of global demand. Opening up even one or two new international markets can transform a business’s growth trajectory.
  • Reduced dependency on any single market – businesses that sell to a range of countries are better insulated against economic downturns, seasonal fluctuations, or changes in domestic demand.
  • Improved productivity and innovation – exposure to international competition and customers drives businesses to improve products, streamline processes, and innovate more consistently.
  • Better margins – in many international markets, quality Scottish products and services command a premium that is harder to achieve domestically.
  • Stronger business valuation- an established export business is generally more attractive to investors and potential buyers.
  • Job creation – internationally active businesses tend to grow their workforces more quickly, benefiting Angus communities directly.

Scotland’s global reputation in food and drink, energy, engineering, and tourism makes Angus businesses well-placed to compete internationally. The world already loves Scottish quality – and our businesses are ideally positioned to capitalise on that.

Your Export Journey - Support at Every Stage

 

Wherever you are in your exporting journey, the right support is out there – and most of it is free.

The sections below outline the key organisations and resources available to Angus businesses, grouped to help you find the right starting point. 

Business Gateway offers free, no-obligation business support to businesses in Angus at any stage, including early-stage conversations about whether exporting is right for you.

Their advisers can help you explore market opportunities, understand what’s involved, and develop an international growth plan. This is a great first conversation if you’re new to international trade.

The UK Government’s UK Export Academy provides free online and in-person training on every aspect of exporting, from finding your first international customer to navigating customs and documentation.

The courses are practical, free of charge, and designed for businesses at all stages.

Scottish Enterprise / Scottish Development International (SDI) is the primary route to expert, tailored international trade support for Scottish businesses.

SDI has dedicated trade specialists based in Scotland and in over 30 locations around the world, who provide:

  • One-to-one support to identify the right markets for your products or services.
  • In-country market intelligence and introductions to potential buyers and distributors.
  • Access to trade missions, overseas trade shows, and export events.
  • Advice on navigating regulations, standards, and cultural considerations in target markets

SDI’s focus sectors – consumer industries (including food and drink), science and technology, and energy and low carbon transition – align closely with Angus’s strengths.

Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce is your local specialist for export documentation and customs support, and is an accredited issuer of Certificates of Origin and other essential export paperwork.

The Chamber processes documents for over £90 million worth of goods each year and offers:

  • Export documentation including Certificates of Origin, EUR1 Movement Certificates, and Arab-British Certificates.
  • Customs clearance through Chamber Customs – the only UK service offering a single point of contact for clearance at any major GB port.
  • International trade training courses.
  • Connections to trade missions and international networking opportunities

The Chamber’s International Trade team is an invaluable local resource – particularly for businesses navigating post-Brexit export administration for the first time.

Navigating Post-Brexit Trade

The UK’s departure from the EU changed the documentation and regulatory requirements for businesses trading with European markets.

If you export or are considering exporting to EU countries, it’s important to understand the current rules around customs declarations, rules of origin, VAT, and product standards.

The Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce’s customs and export documentation service can help you navigate the practicalities.

The UK Government’s Export Support Service provides free advice on exporting to Europe specifically, with a helpline and online guidance covering product standards, customs procedures, and market entry.

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Financing Your Export Ambitions

One of the most common barriers businesses face when exploring international trade is access to working capital – funding the stock, staffing, or investment needed to fulfil international orders before payment is received.

UK Export Finance (UKEF) is the UK government’s export credit agency, and one of the most powerful and underused resources available to Scottish businesses. In 2024-25 UKEF provided a record £14.5 billion of financial support to UK exporters – and it is actively seeking to support more SMEs.

UKEF can help Angus businesses by:

  • Providing a government-backed guarantee to your bank to unlock trade finance and working capital facilities.
  • Insuring you against the risk of not being paid by overseas buyers.
  • Offering the General Export Facility – a partial guarantee to banks to make trade finance more accessible, with loans now available for up to five years.
  • Fast-tracking applications for eligible businesses through its auto-inclusion scheme, meaning you can access credit quickly through your own bank without manual UKEF intervention

UKEF also has a dedicated Export Finance Manager for Scotland with a specialism in renewables – reflecting the growing importance of Scotland’s energy transition exports. Businesses in Angus’s engineering, offshore wind, and food and drink sectors are particularly well-placed to benefit.

The Scottish National Investment Bank (SNIB) provides patient, mission-led investment to Scottish businesses, including those with international growth ambitions.

If your international expansion plans require longer-term capital rather than short-term trade finance, SNIB is worth exploring alongside UKEF and commercial lenders.

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Angus Sectors with Strong International Potential

Angus has particular strengths in sectors where Scottish exports are internationally recognised and in growing global demand.

  • Food and Drink – Angus beef, soft fruit, premium produce and artisan food businesses are well-positioned to access premium international markets.
  • Engineering and Manufacturing – Angus’s precision engineering and manufacturing businesses have a strong track record supplying to global supply chains, particularly in energy and defence.
  • Offshore Energy and Renewables – with Montrose Port at the heart of Scotland’s offshore wind sector, Angus businesses in the energy supply chain have significant international opportunities as global investment in renewables accelerates.
  • Tourism and Hospitality – attracting international visitors to Angus is itself a form of international trade. VisitScotland’s global marketing, and the reach of Scotland’s global reputation all directly benefit Angus tourism businesses.
  • Golf – as a world-renowned golf destination, Angus’s golf sector has natural international reach that can be further developed through trade connections and international partnerships.
Montrose Port

Support at a Glance

Three wavy, parallel lines in blue and green to the left of the text "business gateway Tayside" in a clean, sans-serif font.
Logo featuring the text "Dundee & Angus CHAMBER OF COMMERCE" next to a green map-pin icon filled with various small icons representing local industry and culture, such as a ship, a controller, and a bridge.
A logo featuring three upward-curving, parallel waves in navy blue and bright green, followed by the text "Scottish Enterprise."
A formal logo featuring the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom in black, positioned above the text "UK Export Finance," with a vertical red line to the left of the text.
A purple logo consisting of a slanted rectangular banner containing the text "UK Export Academy," with a white arrow pointing diagonally upward in the top right corner.
A promotional graphic for "The New Export Support Service for UK Businesses." It includes the HM Government logo, a "Made in Britain" stamp, and a blue circular tag reading "The New."
A minimalist logo with a diamond shape split horizontally at the top, followed by the stacked text "The Scottish National Investment Bank" in a clean, sans-serif font.

Additional Resources

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