Scottish Business Network Fraser Allen from Fraser Allen Communications

Welcome to the last of three special episodes of the Scottish Business Network podcast in partnership with the UK Government’s Department of Business and Trade and, in particular, its International Markets Team for Latin America and the Caribbean.

And here's a questions for you... Did you know that one of the most popular dishes in Brazil is sushi? That's a consequence of another fact that may or may not surprise you in that Brazil is home to 1.5m people of Japanese descent – one of the biggest Japanese communities outside Japan itself.

Stay with me because that is a valuable fact for the Scottish seafood industry, and in particular salmon producers, because there is a huge opportunity to sell high-quality Scottish salmon to the sushi chefs of Brazil.

That’s exactly why as part of the Government’s Seafood Exports Package, the Department of Business and Trade, in collaboration with Defra and Seafood Scotland, recently brought some of Brazil’s most influential sushi chefs over to Scotland to demonstrate what is on offer. This initiative was led by Iseabail Mactaggart, Deputy Director for Scotland at the UK Government’s Department of Business and Trade, and she explains all in this episode.

If you would like to find out more about trade opportunities in Brazil or elsewhere in Latin America and the Caribbean, you can simply email the International Markets Team at exportsupport.latac@fcdo.gov.uk or, as Iseabail mentions in this episode, DBTScotland@businessandtrade.gov.uk.

And do listen to the two other episodes in this series, you’ll find them by seareching for:
Spencer Mahony: Our Man in Mexico
Robin Sampson: Trade Spaces in Colombia”

Welcome to the second of three special episodes of the Scottish Business Network podcast in partnership with the UK Government’s Department of Business and Trade and, in particular, its International Markets Team for Latin America and the Caribbean.

In this episode, it' a great pleasure to hear from Spencer Mahony, His Majesty’s Deputy Trade Commissioner for Latin America and the Caribbean, based in Mexico City. Brimming with enthusiasm for the region, Spencer explains why there are great opportunities for many Scottish businesses in these markets, and how he and his team can help. He also casts a fresh light on countries that perhaps don’t always get the most balanced coverage in the media. For anyone interested in trade opportunities with this part of the world, it’s a great listen.

If you have any queries about markets in Latin America and the Caribbean, or would like to explore trade opportunities there, do get in touch by sending an email to exportsupport.latac@fcdo.gov.uk.

And do listen to the two other episodes in this series:
Iseabail Mctaggart: Scottish Salmon & the Sushi Chefs of Brazil
Robin Sampson: Trade Spaces in Colombia

Welcome to three special episodes of the Scottish Business Network in partnership with the UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade and, in particular, its International Markets Team for Latin America and the Caribbean.
In this first episode, we hear the fascinating story of Robin Sampson, founder of Trade in Space, an Edinburgh-based business that is flourishing in Colombia. Trade in Space uses satellite data and blockchain traceability to enable agricultural supply chains to meet their ethical and sustainability targets. In particular, Robin and his team are playing a hugely positive role in developing transparency within the Colombian coffee market.
Robin demonstrates opportunities available in Latin American countries that may not be on the radar of many Scottish businesses. He also explains how the International Markets team and the British Embassy in Bogota have played a key role in his success.

If you have any queries about markets in Latin America and the Caribbean, or would like to explore trade opportunities there, do get in touch by sending an email to exportsupport.latac@fcdo.gov.uk.

And do listen to the other two episodes in this series:
Iseabail Mctaggart: Scottish Salmon & the Sushi Chefs of Brazil
Spencer Mahony: Our Man in Mexico

SBN co-founder Russell Dalgleish meets identical twins Lisa and Alana Macfarlane and discovers how they swapped their globe-trotting careers as DJs to build an ambitious business promoting gut health.

If you go down to the woods today, you might find Rupert Waites drilling for birch sap. The co-founder of Scottish drinks company Buck & Birch is our fascinating host for a special woodland episode in which we discuss the business he co-founded with Tom Chisholm. We also explore their deep connection with the Scottish landscape, their foraging-inspired spirits & liqueurs, and why Rupert is currently eating a lot of venison.

David started life in Glasgow dreaming of working in an ice cream van but then, after considering a career in the merchant navy, he realised he could get a place at university. That decision opened the door to an extraordinarily successful career thousands of miles away in the US space industry. David tells his story with wonderful colour, humour and affection for his homeland. Recommended!
Recorded on 23 March 2023.