Kirsteen Higgins Smart Exporter Operations Manager

WHAT IS SMART EXPORTER? Smart Exporter is an innovative international trade skills programme designed to increase exporting skills and knowledge amongst Scottish businesses This initiative is a collaboration between SDI, SCC and ESF Smart Exporter services are available on a free or subsided basis to businesses and individuals across Scotland

Which market is right for my company’s Product/Service? I’m new to Exporting – where do I start? Market Awareness Events I’m ready to Export but I don’t understand what paperwork I need? I need help in defining my Export Strategy International Strategy Forum International Strategy Workshop Export Assessment Tool Preparing to Export Programme Specialist Technical Support SMART EXPORTER PRODUCTS We need an Export Expert to help implement our International Strategy International Business Manager for Hire

Supports companies by helping them develop key skills in a range of business activities and equipping them with the knowledge to operate internationally. Delivered at 3 levels – Introductory, Intermediate and Advanced via workshops or online Topics include Understanding International culture, market research, distribution channels to acquisitions and joint ventures. PREPARING TO EXPORT PROGRAMME

PREPARING TO EXPORT PROGRAMME – CASE STUDY Totseat produce a washable, squashable highchair and have 4 employees in Edinburgh. Rachel attended a Preparing to Export Intermediate Programme in Edinburgh and found it hugely beneficial for her company. “Good networking and sharing of experiences with ‘fellow travellers’. Would recommend to anyone thinking about exporting.” Totseat Limited Rachel Jones, Director

PREPARING TO EXPORT PROGRAMME – CASE STUDY SalesForceOne provide sales and marketing services to businesses. They are a sole trader in their first year of operation, based in Aberdeen. Recently they attended a Preparing to Export Introductory Programme in Aberdeen, to help develop an exporting plan to grow their business in China, Canada and Russia. Jamie Hastings, Director of SalesForceOne, said: "The introductory preparing to export programme was a real eye-opener and it has given me the knowledge and the tools to approach international business opportunities in a structured way that will allow me to get the most from entering overseas markets."

Telephone: Website: Events: HOW TO CONTACT US AND WHAT’S COMING UP November th November 2011 – Export Europe event, Edinburgh 28 th & 29 th November 2011 – Preparing to Export Introductory Kilmarnock January th & 31 st January 2012, Preparing to Export Introductory, Glasgow 14 th & 21 st February 2012, Preparing to Export Introductory, Edinburgh

Kirsteen Higgins