A group of business advisers have partnered to launch a new programme to help Scottish businesses enter the US market.

The New England Unlocked programme has been developed by Fortro of Edinburgh and Sloan Growth Strategies in Boston. It aims to meet demand from many mid-sized, high-growth Scottish businesses looking to expand overseas but are struggling for support on execution.

Tailored to each individual company, the programme will provide real-world insights into the participants’ sectors, along with strategic analysis and practical guidance on the most direct and cohesive route to market.

By helping key executives develop tactical plans, they will be able to establish a “beachhead” in Boston, from where they can explore further expansion into additional states.

New England Unlocked will initially be delivered in Edinburgh and is aimed at companies ready to expand internationally. Business leaders who sign up will receive an initial diagnostic assessment to validate their company’s readiness to expand, a tactical plan plus support to develop a hub in New England.

Sean McGrath, CEO of Entrepreneurial Scotland, a charity supporting leadership and talent development, said: “This programme is responding to the post-pandemic desire to continue the great legacy of Scottish entrepreneurship on an international level.”

The greater Boston metropolitan area is a hub of innovation and recognised globally for its expertise in education, technology and life sciences. The city is the centre of the New England tech sector, boasting the seventh-largest number of tech employees in the US.

Furthermore, Cambridge, Massachusetts is within the Greater Boston area, home to both Harvard University and MIT, two of the most prestigious education institutions in the world.

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The nine-month programme is a result of collaboration between Aileen Boyle, CEO and Founder of Fortro, which supports companies with revenue optimisation, innovation and technology change, and Alice Sloan of Sloan Growth Strategies, which supports mid-sized international and domestic companies to grow in the US.

Aileen Boyle, Founder CEO of Fortro said: “Scottish executives are eager to kickstart growth internationally. As we emerge from the pandemic, many companies have transformed their approach and want to create sustainable outcomes. Now is the time for distinctive companies who have a global mindset and bold ideas to move forward with their plans.”

Alice Sloan of Sloan Growth Strategies said: “The US loves the Scots and their innovative mindset. Like many ex-pats, I am proud of my Scottish heritage and having lived in Boston for almost 25 years I believe the time is right to execute on international expansion goals.”

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