A NEW event aimed at Scottish businesses who are just starting to enter international markets or who are looking to increase their activities abroad will open in Edinburgh next month.

The Institute of Directors Scotland (IoD Scotland) has announced its first Scottish International Week scheduled for October 9 to 13.

The five-day programme of activities is for businesses who are taking the first steps into the world-wide market, or for those already operating internationally that wish to increase their activity overseas.

International Week is being held in partnership with Scottish Business Network and will take place at the IoD Scotland HQ at Charlotte Square, Edinburgh.

The agenda will consist of a series of workshops, round tables and panel discussions on how businesses can open up new opportunities in the fastest growing markets in the world, as well as how to approach challenges, and how to optimise success, while minimising risk.

Keynote speakers include Susan A. Wilson, principal officer at US Consulate General in Edinburgh; Rosemary McLennan, managing director at Scottish PA Network; and Suhail Ahmad, UK correspondent for the Islamic Finance News.

The Institute was founded in 1903 and obtained a Royal Charter in 1906. It is a non-party political organisation with approximately 35,000 members in the UK and overseas.

Membership includes directors from right across the business spectrum – from media to manufacturing, e-business to the public and voluntary sectors. Members include CEOs of large corporations as well as entrepreneurs and directors of start-up companies.

IoD Scotland has six branches, in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Tayside, Fife, Aberdeen and Highlands and Islands.

The institute are offering a range of sponsorship and partnership opportunities with the aim of supporting broader participation in Scottish International Week.

Intending delegates are asked to visit the dedicated website at www.scottishinternationalweek.com/ and register their interest to receive a full list of events.

David Watt, Executive Director at IoD Scotland, said: “Scotland has a long and proud history of doing business across the globe. And with uncertainty at home, many more businesses are now looking to established overseas markets as part of their growth plans.

“It can be both rewarding, and complex. Which is why we are thrilled to be hosting this new event in partnership with Scottish Business Network.

“It will be a celebration of Scotland’s International links and an opportunity to share meaningful information with Scottish companies, helping them to access opportunities in new international markets.”

The first item on the event’s agenda is a speech by Russell Dalgleish, co-founder of Scottish Business Network, followed by a talk and Q&A with polar explorer Craig Mathieson.