Scottish Business Network Fraser Allen from Fraser Allen Communications

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.

In 1966, two brothers called George and Mike Wills bought a small taxi firm in Glasgow, comprising just three cars – a Humber Hawke, a Humber Snipe and an Austin Princess. More than half a century later, George’s daughter Heather Matthews is CEO of Little’s – the luxury worldwide chauffeur services. In this interview with Christine Esson, Heather tells the fascinating story of the business – and bouncing back from the pandemic crisis.

If you’ve had any interaction with the Scottish marketing industry, you will almost certainly have heard of Tayburn, one of the leading agencies in Scotland for more than four decades. Our guest in this episode is Richard Simpson, who joined Tayburn 14 years ago, before participating in a management buyout to become co-owner and joint managing director.
Several other large agencies have fallen by the wayside over the years, but Tayburn has successfully adapted over and over again to the rapid transformation of the market-place. Originally known for traditional branding and annual reports, the company then moved into the design and build of websites, before repositioning itself as a creative strategic partner.
Richard explains his thoughts on marketing and the challenges of running a business in difficult times. We also hear about his passion for sport (particularly rugby and CrossFit), his love of sneakers and what he likes to rustle up in the kitchen.
Interview by Fraser Allen recorded on 20th January 2023.
www.allencomms.co.uk