Expat boost for business leaders

The GlobalScot conference is a chance for business leaders to network

Hundreds of international business leaders have gathered to try to help Scottish businesses grow and reach new export markets.

The GlobalScot networking conference will include executives at the most senior levels of Microsoft and Disney.

The theme of the conference will be "Scotland's global opportunity - great minds and innovation".

Conference chairman Gerry Rice said that in order to prosper, Scotland would have to become more competitive.

Mr Rice is deputy director for external relations of the International Monetary Fund.

'Tough world'

Scottish companies will also have the opportunity to meet and make their pitch to GlobalScots through informal one-to-one briefings and an interactive programme of workshops.

Mr Rice said: "As Scottish companies face up to the challenges of the global financial crisis, now really is the time to start looking outwards.

"It's a tough world out there and in order to survive and prosper, Scotland is going to have to become even more competitive.

"That means being nimble enough to take advantage of international opportunities, particularly in those sectors where Scotland has a competitive advantage."

Finance Secretary John Swinney said: "The efforts of GlobalScots, in encouraging investment in Scotland and helping Scottish companies expand internationally, are of paramount importance in the current climate.

"As we look to maximise opportunities to position Scotland's economy for recovery, it is important that GlobalScots continue to open doors for Scottish companies across the globe and promote our country as a great place to do business."

A keynote speech will be delivered by Will Whitehorn, president of Virgin Galactic. A panel session involving Sir Tom Hunter, chairman of West Coast Capital, Peter Robertson, former vice chairman of the board of Chevron, and Lena Wilson, chief executive of Scottish Development International, will be discussing "Scotland's global opportunity".