Sturgeon opens London hub for Scottish businesses

Nicola Sturgeon has officially opened a new London centre for Scottish businesses looking to expand internationally.

The Scotland House innovation and investment hub is aimed at helping companies pursue new customers and investment.

The Scottish Government said more than 450 businesses had already registered an interest in joining the hub.

The First Minister said: “London is a very important trading market and a meeting place for the world's business leaders, but for Scottish businesses it can be challenging and costly to try and break into these markets.

“The new hub will play a critical role in attracting investment to Scotland, helping businesses trade internationally and raising Scotland's international profile.

“Scotland House will provide Scottish companies with a base to build new partnerships and a low cost place to trade, and I am pleased that more than 450 businesses are interested in becoming members of the hub.

“As we face the uncertainty and threat of a hard Brexit, having a Scottish hub in London will help support and stimulate the Scottish economy and show that we are open for business.

“We are already seeing the benefits of our presence in Dublin and I look forward to our next investment and innovation hubs in Brussels and Berlin.”

The hub will also provide a base for the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Development International and VisitScotland in London.

Lena Wilson, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise, said: “The opening of Scotland House marks the start of an exciting new phase of growth and collaboration between Scotland and London.

“Together, Scotland and the City are a formidable force for tourism, trade, investment and collaboration and this new facility will provide the ideal platform to help take our partnership to the next level.”