“It's disappointing to see the electronics sector continuing to decline, but Chemicals, Food and Drink, Metals, and Transport Equipment have all shown strong growth. Whisky exports have also increased by 4.7 per cent and life sciences is starting to make an important contribution, with medical equipment expanding by 5 per cent to £365m.
“The results support the decision by Scottish policy-makers to concentrate on high skilled and high value sectors, but there is more that the Scottish Government can do to increase Scotland's sales abroad. We need targeted investment in language and marketing skills; better support and advice in opening up new markets; and more direct air links to key markets.
“We also have to improve the commercialisation of research and development activity in our universities so that home-based manufacturers can stay ahead of their competitors. The other big worry for all manufacturers is the decline in the numbers of students choosing science and engineering courses, with the sector already reporting difficulties recruiting these skills.
“This strong set of results shows that with the right support and encouragementmore companies could access export markets. We now want to see the new government make a strong commitment to help more Scots firms internationalise and support an expanded programme of SCDI trade missions.”
Scottish Council for Development and Industry
marketing@alchempro.com
