Scottish Business Network expands to the United States

SBN has today opened an office in the United States with the goal to increase the support provided to Scottish companies and organisations in North America, promote trade and overall linkages between Scotland and the United States, and strengthen ties between Scottish and American universities. The opening of this office and US trade association has been achieved through the support of active members of the Scottish diaspora in the US.

The company has been established as a nonprofit to mobilise the Scottish diaspora across the continent. It will also advocate for American entities, investors, and policy decision-makers to consider deeper engagement with Scotland.

The activities of SBN Inc. will be led by Ian Houston who assumes the position of President, supported by Fraser Grier as Vice President. Ian and Fraser have been prominent supporters of Scotland and have been fundamental in driving this next stage in SBN growth. The board includes Lynn McCloghry, SBN Ambassador to Los Angeles and Lorraine Bell a seasoned director of non-profit organisations.

Scottish Trade Minister Ivan McKee said:

“We have worked closely with the Scottish Business Network over the last two years and I am delighted with the work it has undertaken, both in the UK and internationally, to support the delivery of the Scottish Government’s export strategy A Trading Nation.

“The opening of the Network’s new office in New York is a very welcome development and will help expand Scotland’s presence in the United States, our largest export market and one of the most important strategic markets for our future export growth.”

The US is the largest international export market for Scottish products and services, estimated at £5.5bn in 2017. Members of the Scottish diaspora can be found at senior levels within the largest corporations and as founders of businesses across all sectors. SBN has mapped members of the diaspora in all 50 states and over 2021 will appoint local Ambassadors in each state capital to coordinate support for SBN Members.

Upon his appointment Ian Houston stated “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.”

Suggested Resource for Entrepreneurs: Established as a nonprofit, SBN will also advocate for American entities, investors and decision-makers in order to promote deeper engagement with Scotland. Forming a nonprofit corporation on American soil is subject to regulation, fortunately this resource lightens the red-tape burden.