Twenty one Glasgow companies flew out on Saturday to New York and Boston on the largest-ever trade visit from the city to the USA.

The companies will take part in an intensive five-day Monday to Friday programme aimed at informing them about the market in the Eastern seaboard of America, and ultimately identifying new customers and winning business.

The programme includes, in New York, a trade briefing at the British Consulate-General, working meetings with Scottish Development International, a meeting with the international business director of the Mayor’s Office, and, in Boston, a trade briefing with local officials of HSBC Bank and a visit to Harvard Business School – as well as networking occasions where they will come in direct contact with key Scots operating in the New York and Boston and American businesses.

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SCDI chief executive Dr Lesley Sawers said: “New York and Boston are directly accessible by air from Glasgow. These visits offer companies an excellent opportunity and support to undertake in-market research, identify new customers and win business. New York has re-invented and re-invigorated itself in recent times, creating the world's biggest and best city brand. I believe our companies will learn much from this trip.

“The United States remains Scotland’s top export market at £3.1bn per annum. Both cities offer excellent potential as markets in their own right with key sectors complementing the strength of offering from Glasgow businesses including, construction, education and training, life sciences, transport, and creative industries."

The US trip is the first in a programme of funded visits to key overseas markets with direct links to the city - organised by a partnership of the SCDI, Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Chamber of Commerce.

(GK)