The all-women trade mission to Spain led by the Scotland minister alongside the Scottish Chamber of Commerce will be the first one since the Prime Minister’s recent UK-EU deal.
The Scotland Office has said it hopes this two-day mission will encourage Spanish investment into Scotland.
A total of 16 Scottish female entrepreneurs, led by UK Government Minister Kirsty McNeill and the Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC), will arrive in Madrid today.
Their mission comes after a report, first covered by The Herald, found that trade in Scotland could increase by more than £10 billion over two years if women-led businesses exported at the same rate as those led by men.
The Gender Export Gap Report, commissioned by the Scottish Government, found that if women who lead small and medium-sized enterprises exported at the same rate as male-led exporters, it could increase total turnover by between £2.1bn and £6.3bn over one year, with this potentially increasing to over £10bn over a two year period.
Scotland Minister Ms McNeill has voiced she wants the UK to be “a leader” in promoting gender diversity in international trade.
Those involved, including the chief executive of Scottish Chamber of Commerce Liz Cameron, will meet with Spanish entrepreneurs, business leaders and politicians to address the Scottish gender export gap and promote Brand Scotland.
Taking place through events in Barcelona and Madrid, ministers said the mission will help Scottish firms “boost exports, inward investment and kickstart economic growth”.
During her trip to Spain, Ms McNeill will also discuss future plans for two shipyards in Scotland with the CEO of Navantia UK, a Spanish ship building company which recently took over the British shipbuilder Harland & Wolff.
It currently runs operations across four UK sites including Methil and Arnish in Scotland.
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Figures from last year show Spain is the UK’s seventh largest trading partner and it is Scotland's 10th with total trade in goods and services (exports plus imports) being £64.6 billion.
The UK is the number one European destination for Spanish investment (€83 billion stock).
On Tuesday in Barcelona, the Minister will also meet the President of Catalonia, Salvador Illa to discuss new opportunities for trade and investment for both the UK and Spain.
This visit marks the first Brand Scotland trade mission since the signing of a partnership agreement between the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and the Scotland Office on Friday.
The deal, backed by a £100,000 UK Government grant, is focused on showcasing Scottish businesses globally and attracting inward investment.
UK Government Scotland Office Ms McNeill said: "I'm very proud to be teaming up with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and fantastic Scottish women entrepreneurs on a trailblazing mission to Spain to help kickstart economic growth, create jobs and attract investment to Scotland as part of the UK Government's Plan for Change.
"I want the UK to be a leader in promoting gender diversity in international trade and this is a unique opportunity for our women business leaders to build international connections, explore market opportunities, and connect with other female entrepreneurs in one of Scotland's and the UK’s largest EU markets.
"Through Brand Scotland, we are now giving our country the global platform it deserves."
Last year, Scotland's goods exports to Spain reached £0.7 billion, with food and drink leading the way at over £212 million.
Most recent figures show that Spain was the number six export destination for Scotch whisky, with sales worth £196 million in 2024.
Spain is also among the most valuable destinations for Scottish seafood exports, including a top 20 destination for Scottish salmon exports.
Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Dr Liz Cameron CBE said: "This trade mission marks a bold step forward in advancing Scotland’s global trade ambitions.
"By connecting some of our most dynamic women entrepreneurs and leaders with key players in Barcelona, we are opening new doors of opportunity, innovation, and growth.
"Scotland’s businesswomen are global in their outlook, ambitious in their vision, and ready to lead the way in forging deeper connections around the world.
“The collaboration between the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and Scotland Office is a powerful partnership which will boost business growth, increase exports, and champion Scotland as a world-leading trading nation.
"This mission expands our market access and ensures the future of our business community is more representative, resilient, and internationally competitive."
The mission follows the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer securing an agreement with the European Union last month which aimed at resetting relations after post-Brexit disruption.
The deal includes an extension of EU fishing rights in UK waters until 2038. This 12-year continuation maintains current access arrangements, which were initially set to expire in 2026.
The UK Government argues that the move provides stability and certainty for the fishing sector. However, Scottish fishing communities and the Scottish Government have voiced strong opposition.
The agreement also includes a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement, which aligns UK food safety and animal health standards with those of the EU. This alignment is expected to eliminate most routine border checks on animal and plant products between Great Britain and the EU.
It will also permit the export of some previously restricted products, including burgers and sausages, back into the EU market.
For Scotland, this is significant, facilitating smoother exports for key sectors such as seafood and agriculture. However, it also means that the UK, including Scotland, must adhere to evolving EU regulations in these areas.
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