Scottish Business Network boosts transatlantic links with new US office

Scottish Business Network has opened an office in the US as it looks to increase the support provided to Scottish companies and organisations across North America.

A company has been established as a non-profit entity to mobilise the Scottish diaspora across the continent.

The not-for-profit international membership organisation for Scottish entrepreneurs and business leaders said the move would promote trade and overall linkages between Scotland and the US, and strengthen ties between Scottish and American universities.

A dedicated company has been established as a non-profit entity to mobilise the Scottish diaspora across the continent.

The activities of SBN Inc will be led by Ian Houston who assumes the position of president, supported by Fraser Grier as vice-president.

The board includes Lynn McCloghry, SBN Ambassador to Los Angeles, and Lorraine Bell, described as “a seasoned director of non-profit organisations”.

Houston said: “This is a key moment for Scotland to be bold in engaging with global markets and expanding international relationships.

“The United States is Scotland’s largest international trading partner and the cultural ties run deep. With this historic step SBN is expanding a footprint in the US.

“This will enable us to make even stronger contributions to the goal of furthering Scottish business and engagement in the US alongside our many partners and friends.”

SBN chief executive Christine Esson added: “The USA is a key export market for Scottish Businesses and by establishing our offices in New York and increasing our USA Ambassadors presence, SBN is cementing our ambition to provide on the ground support for Scottish based businesses who have the ambition, passion and commitment to export and grow in the USA.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We’re more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers. If you haven’t already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription: www.scotsman.com/subscriptions