Scottish Business Network
Scottish Business Network (SBN) is a non-profit organisation based in Edinburgh.[1]
SBN is led by Chair Russell Dalgleish and aims to connect the Scottish diaspora and support international business connectivity from Scotland.[2] It organises Scottish International Week, a series of international events that promote trade, exports, and internationalisation opportunities for Scottish companies by facilitating connections with the diaspora.[2]
History
[edit]The history of Scottish Business Network (SBN) dates back to 2008 when Russell Dalgleish was inspired by an art event in Trafalgar Square organised by Antony Gormley.[2][3] Dressed in a kilt and playing Scottish music, Dalgleish reflected on his Scottish identity and his lack of connection to Scotland while in London.[3] Motivated by this experience, in 2016, Russell Dalgleish and former Scottish Enterprise executive Christine Esson founded SBN to connect Scots in the UK capital.[2][3]
SBN's initial focus was to host monthly events in London, featuring Scottish firms such as Appointed, to engage with senior Scots, stimulating commercial activities.[3]
Later, SBN set up "soft landing" support centres in London and Dubai, providing facilities and local network access to help Scottish companies expand.[3] Additional events were held in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Dubai. The organisation also introduced a digital platform developed by Glasgow's VeryConnect and a consultancy service aimed at helping Scottish businesses enter new markets.[3]
In 2017, SBN received a small grant from the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise to support sustainable economic growth in Scotland.[3]
In February 2021, SBN established an office in the United States to enhance support for Scottish companies in North America and to facilitate trade between the regions. Previously, in 2020, the organisation appointed Ian Houston as the ambassador in Washington, D.C., Tom Thomas in India, and Fraser Grier in New York City.[4][5][6]
Since its founding in 2016, the network has evolved to include 48 voluntary ambassadors across 22 countries, focusing on facilitating global business connections for the Scottish diaspora.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ "Interview: Scottish Business Network chairman Russell Dalgleish on deploying the diaspora". The Scotsman.
- ^ a b c d e Robertson, Adam (30 October 2023). "How one non-profit is helping connect Scottish businesses with the diaspora". The National.
- ^ a b c d e f g "The Big Interview: Russell Dalgleish, co-founder of the Scottish Business Network". The Scotsman.
- ^ Symon, Ken (May 13, 2020). "Business network appoints 'ambassador' to Washington". Scottish Business Insider.
- ^ "Lawyer is Scottish business ambassador to New York". Scottish Business Insider. March 10, 2020.
- ^ Cassidy, Jane (December 14, 2020). "Scots business organisation appoints first ambassador to India". The National.