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About us and how we can help

As Scotland’s trade and inward investment agency, we aim to help more businesses from around the world do business in or with Scotland. If you’re an overseas business looking to set up in Scotland or source Scottish products, services or innovation, we can help.

What is Scottish Development International?

Scottish Development International promotes Scotland as a place for investment and trade. Securing more international trade and investment is vitally important in helping to create a more dynamic and globally competitive economy in Scotland.

We do this by providing information, partnering with businesses and investors that want to set up or invest here, and helping businesses find the connections they need.

Support to set up your business in Scotland

We’ve already helped thousands of companies to realise their ambitions in Scotland, so you can be assured of our support before, during and after you locate in Scotland.

We’ll connect you to the right people, in the right place and at the right time, to ensure that you get your Scottish operations up and running as quickly and easily as possible.

Ways we can help you

  • Property searches and advice

    Find the right facilities and get help with feasibility studies and procurement.

    Academic connections

    Connect your company to Scottish universities and colleges to access cutting-edge innovation and exceptional talent.

    Supply chain development

    Identify the partners and suppliers that can help your business thrive.

    Links to intermediaries

    Connect to the business professionals who can help you set up in Scotland.

    Talent, recruitment and skills advice

    Research, identify, and recruit the people with the skills and experience you need.

    Flexible workforce development

    Access flexible training support and courses available to support staff development needs.

    Link to business networks

    Connect to local and global business networks.

    Business support and advice

    Access dedicated advisers who understand your business and can help develop your strategy and signpost you to the right support.

    Financial support

    Get advice on financial support that may be available to locate or expand your business in Scotland.

    Find your nearest SDI office

Find Scottish suppliers

We can also help businesses around the world access the huge range of high-quality products and services available in Scotland.

Whether you’re looking to import our top-quality products – from whisky and salmon to cutting-edge tech – access our professional services, or use our specialised expertise, we can help you find the suppliers you need.

Find out more about trading with Scotland 

More opportunities for you and your business

Are you an overseas supplier of goods or services and wish to sell them to public sector companies in Scotland?

Search opportunities on the Public Contracts Scotland website opens in a new window

If you’re interested in working for us here in Scotland, you’ll find our current job vacancies on the Scottish Enterprise website.

View our vacancies in Scotland on the Scottish Enterprise website opens in a new window  

Interested in working in one of our global offices? You’ll be helping to promote Scotland's interests overseas and support our citizens and businesses around the globe.  You’ll find vacancies in our global offices on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website.

View our vacancies across our global offices on the UK Government website opens in a new window  

Interested in a brilliant career coupled with an excellent quality of life? Scotland is a great place to live and work. Our partners at TalentScotland are experts at helping talented workers from overseas find jobs in Scotland.

Find a job in Scotland 

If you’re a business based in Scotland looking for information about trading internationally, Scottish Enterprise can help. They can offer resources like detailed market research reports, online guides to exporting, webinars and support for trade missions and exhibitions.

More about trading internationally from Scottish Enterprise opens in a new window  

Other ways we can help

Got a question?

Interested in setting up in Scotland or trading with Scotland? Speak to one of our advisers to find out how we can help you.

Phone: +44 300 013 2734  opens in a new window