Scottish businesses must be given the confidence to export their goods and services to foreign markets, a new report from the Scottish Chambers of Commerce argues.
A study by the group found 40% of firms had ambitions to grow internationally but had been held back by the belief they do not have the correct product to sell overseas.
The International Trade Survey, based on responses from 372 businesses and published today, was completed in the early months of the year.
It also found more than half of the one-in- three firms already exporting had upped their profits in the first 12 months.
Differences in regulation, standards, import tariffs and access to funding and distributors were all raised as concerns, with 36% of business decision-makers saying more funding and support could help overcome their concerns.
Scottish Chambers chief executive Liz Cameron said the growth in the Scottish economy showed “the hard work of Scottish business is shining through”.
But she said the country’s people and record of innovation meant more must be done to “tackle the barriers preventing us from doing business outside of Scotland”.
“This survey has shown us that Scottish businesses are facing substantial challenges when looking to export to international markets,” Ms Cameron said.
“Although Scottish businesses have ambitions to increase domestic growth, the survey indicates that we are reliant on Scotland’s home market.
“In order to sustain growth and create new opportunities, we have to be outward-looking but it’s clear that we are not doing enough to create a sense of confidence amongst the business community to export internationally.
“Scotland’s business community needs to be better informed that global markets want to buy the products and services we have to offer, particularly as a majority of businesses who responded felt they did not have the right products/services to offer international customers.
“This is not just a Scottish issue; businesses across the UK are experiencing similar barriers to exporting.”
The Chambers report comes just weeks after former trade minister Brian Wilson warned that the support system for exporters was “too fragmented”, and said many firms did not know where to turn for guidance about selling their goods abroad.
The Harris Tweed Hebrides chairman and UK business ambassador argued for the creation of a new collaborative “front door” for business, which he branded Scottish Exports, to provide a clear entry point for would-be international traders of all types.
His proposals come as the Scottish Government tackles its aim of increasing the value of the country’s exports by 50% on 2011 levels to reach £33 billion by 2017.
Reports suggest recent growth in the economy has come from domestic orders rather than any significant step-up in international business.
Ms Cameron said both Holyrood and the UK Government must support private-sector-led initiatives, like the Chambers’ own Business Mentoring Scotland programme, which would drive businesses to think global.
“If we are serious about stimulating growth and seizing international opportunities for the Scottish economy, we must tackle these barriers head-on,” she added.