A group of Scottish female business leaders has arrived in Spain this week for a landmark trade mission, which is a first since the Prime Minister’s new agreement with the European Union aimed at improving post-Brexit relations.
Led by Scotland Minister Kirsty McNeill and the Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC), the two-day visit will see 16 female entrepreneurs engage with Spanish business leaders, politicians, and entrepreneurs across Madrid and Barcelona. The Scotland Office says the initiative is designed to drive Spanish investment into Scotland and increase the global reach of Scottish business.
The mission takes place just days after the signing of a new partnership agreement between the Scotland Office and the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, backed by £100,000 in UK Government funding. The deal focuses on promoting Scottish businesses abroad and attracting investment into the country.
Ms. McNeill, who is heading the delegation, said: “I’m very proud to be teaming up with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and fantastic Scottish women entrepreneurs on a trailblazing mission to Spain to help kickstart economic growth, create jobs and attract investment to Scotland as part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change.” She added, “I want the UK to be a leader in promoting gender diversity in international trade and this is a unique opportunity for our women business leaders to build international connections, explore market opportunities, and connect with other female entrepreneurs in one of Scotland’s and the UK’s largest EU markets.”
“Through Brand Scotland, we are now giving our country the global platform it deserves.”
The visit comes in the wake of a report commissioned by the Scottish Government, which found that Scotland could boost its trade by more than £10 billion over two years if women-led firms exported at the same rate as male-led ones. The Gender Export Gap Report suggested that if female entrepreneurs running small and medium-sized businesses exported on par with their male counterparts, it could result in a turnover increase of between £2.1 billion and £6.3 billion in just one year.
The mission is also being supported by Dr Liz Cameron CBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, who is joining the delegation. “This trade mission marks a bold step forward in advancing Scotland’s global trade ambitions,” said Dr Cameron. “By connecting some of our most dynamic women entrepreneurs and leaders with key players in Barcelona, we are opening new doors of opportunity, innovation, and growth.” She also noted: “Scotland’s businesswomen are global in their outlook, ambitious in their vision, and ready to lead the way in forging deeper connections around the world.”
“The collaboration between the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and Scotland Office is a powerful partnership which will boost business growth, increase exports, and champion Scotland as a world-leading trading nation,” she added. “This mission expands our market access and ensures the future of our business community is more representative, resilient, and internationally competitive.”
While the group’s primary focus is on female-led enterprise and growing business connections, the mission will also address wider economic matters. During her time in Spain, Ms McNeill will meet with the CEO of Navantia UK to discuss future plans for two Scottish shipyards in Methil and Arnish. Navantia, a Spanish company, recently acquired British shipbuilder Harland & Wolff and now operates across four UK sites.
Spain remains a key economic partner for both Scotland and the wider UK. In 2023, bilateral trade in goods and services between the two countries totalled £64.6 billion. Spain ranked as the UK’s seventh-largest trading partner and stood tenth in Scotland’s trade portfolio. The UK also remains the top European destination for Spanish investment, with €83 billion in stock value.
On Tuesday, Ms McNeill will also meet with Salvador Illa, President of Catalonia, in Barcelona to explore opportunities for further collaboration in trade and investment between the UK and Spain.
Recent export figures show the value of Spain as a market for Scottish products. Last year, Scotland’s exports to Spain totalled £0.7 billion, with food and drink accounting for over £212 million. Spain was also ranked as the sixth largest export market for Scotch whisky in 2024, with sales hitting £196 million. It continues to be one of the most important destinations for Scottish seafood, including being in the top 20 for salmon exports.
The trade mission also follows the recent agreement secured by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer with the EU, aimed at stabilising and improving trade relationships following years of uncertainty after Brexit. As part of the deal, EU fishing access to UK waters will be extended until 2038. This means current access arrangements, which were due to end in 2026, will now continue for another 12 years.
While the UK Government argues that the extension provides “stability and certainty” for the fishing industry, some Scottish fishing communities and the devolved Scottish Government have voiced criticism, citing concerns over long-term control and sustainability.
The agreement also includes a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) arrangement. This will bring UK food and animal product standards in line with EU rules, significantly reducing routine border checks for these goods. It also reopens the EU market to certain previously restricted British products, such as sausages and burgers.
For Scotland’s key sectors, especially seafood and agriculture, this alignment is likely to make exporting smoother and more predictable. However, the flip side is that Scottish producers will need to remain compliant with any future changes in EU food safety and health standards.
This week’s mission marks a significant step not only for Scottish trade abroad but also for efforts to close the gender export gap, which industry leaders have long argued is holding back economic growth. By placing female-led business at the heart of its international strategy, the Scotland Office hopes to inspire further collaboration and opportunity beyond UK borders.
