'International trade opened up better markets for us’ – Scottish exporter to share experiences

The half-day gathering at the Caledonian Edinburgh, and streamed online, will feature more than a dozen exporters, advisers and experts providing practical insights on building overseas sales of goods and services. The free-to-attend event, for all Scottish SMEs whether exporting or not, is hosted by the UK Government's Department for Business and Trade with Insider Media, part of the National World group that includes The Scotsman.

Russell Peterson, chief executive of Munro Vehicles, will tell attendees how his East Kilbride company started exporting its electric 4x4s to Germany and Sweden.

Talking ahead of the event, Peterson said: “In countries like Germany and Sweden, businesses favour equipment that is specific for the task at hand, and are more open to long-term investment in capital assets rather than cheap leasing deals.

“So exporting opens up markets for us that are better suited to our core proposition.”

Munro signed its first export agreement in December 2023, and shipped its first vehicle to Germany in May 2024.

Looking ahead, the company plans to deliver vehicles to Austria this year.

Peterson said: “We’re planning to look at export opportunities beyond Europe. This will be in collaboration with partners who can help us to maximise the potential in our platform, whether it’s from a sales and marketing, after-sales support, or development point of view.”

Munro’s vehicles are designed for heavy industries and uses such as mining, construction, utilities, rescue and tourism. Munro won a Department for Business and Trade Made in the UK, Sold the World award in the low carbon energy category in 2024.

Scottish companies considering exporting should: “Learn about your target customer’s concerns with adopting a product from overseas and leverage local partners to help with those concerns,” Peterson said. “For us, the main concern was about after-sales support, so that’s where we focused.”

Topics at Made in Scotland, Sold to the World will include finding and reaching suitable international markets, meeting regulations, investment, finance, shipping, overcoming trade barriers and the support available to exporters.

The event will feature speakers including Iseabail Mactaggart, deputy director of the Department for Business and Trade’s team in Scotland; Federico Charosky, chief executive of Quorum Cyber, and Richard Lochhead, minister for business in the Scottish Government.

More details can be found here