Record export activity shows how Scottish businesses are taking homegrown innovation, technology and expertise to customers around the world
Edinburgh, Scotland, 7 September 2026 – Scottish businesses are reaching more international markets, turning local ideas into global opportunities and strengthening Scotland’s place in the global economy.
During the 2025/26 financial year, Scottish Enterprise helped ambitious businesses generate £2.15 billion in exports. The result represents one of the organisation’s strongest international trade performances in recent years and highlights the growing ability of Scottish companies to compete beyond their home market.
For businesses, expanding overseas can be a major undertaking. Finding customers in unfamiliar markets, understanding local requirements and building trusted relationships can take time and investment. Support that helps companies overcome these barriers can make international expansion more achievable.
The latest figures show that export growth is being supported by businesses across a variety of industries. Scotland has developed a strong reputation for sectors including technology, aerospace, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, food and drink, energy and environmental services. Many companies are using specialist knowledge and innovative products to find opportunities in markets around the world.
One example is CAVU Aerospace UK, a Stirling-based space engineering company developing technology for satellites and deep space missions. With support from Scottish Enterprise, the company generated more than £7.5 million in export sales during 2025/26. Its contracts now extend across Europe, Asia, America and the Middle East.
CAVU develops flight computers and cameras for space applications and works with space agencies, major contractors, satellite businesses and universities. Its technology has reached customers in countries including the United States, Japan, South Korea and Australia.
The company’s progress illustrates how specialist Scottish businesses can build an international customer base by combining technical expertise with innovation. Rather than competing solely on price, companies in highly specialised industries can create opportunities through products and services that solve specific problems.
The wider economic impact of this activity is also significant. Scottish Enterprise reported that businesses it supported created or safeguarded more than 12,450 Real Living Wage jobs during the year. Nearly 5,000 of these were higher-paid positions.
Businesses also secured £348 million in growth funding and invested £355 million in innovation. More than £1 billion went toward business capital expenditure, supporting investment in facilities, equipment and expansion.
Sustainability is becoming another important part of the business growth story. Supported companies and projects recorded estimated carbon dioxide savings of around 518,000 tonnes. This reflects the increasing focus on combining commercial growth with more efficient and environmentally responsible ways of operating.
The export results come at a time when businesses around the world are navigating changing customer demands, economic uncertainty and increasingly competitive international markets. For Scottish companies, developing innovative products and building strong international connections can provide new routes to long-term growth.
Exporting also brings benefits beyond individual companies. Successful international businesses can create skilled employment, attract investment, encourage innovation and help develop stronger industry networks.
Scotland’s latest export performance therefore tells a broader story. It is about businesses taking ideas developed locally and finding customers globally. From space technology to advanced manufacturing and life sciences, Scottish companies are demonstrating how specialist expertise can become a valuable international asset.
Maintaining this momentum will depend on continued innovation, investment and the ability of businesses to understand changing global markets. But the latest figures provide a clear indication that Scottish businesses are not simply looking outward. They are increasingly finding their place on the world stage.
