On the 9^th of October, we were delighted to host a workshop on e-commerce led by David Nixon, Director of Regional Sales, and Scotland & Northern Ireland at DHL in partnership with the British Chambers of Commerce.

The workshop highlighted the importance for small businesses to look at selling their products online. Buying online is becoming the preferred choice for many consumers; in 2017 approximately 87% of U.K. consumers bought at least one product online in the last 12 months.

However, it is crucial for businesses to make the online buying process as easy as possible to secure costumers’ loyalty. Websites need to be customer-friendly, easily used on smartphones and tablets as well as desktops. Return options and delivery time are also crucial, especially when selling internationally. Hence, it is fundamental to think about the logistics and find a courier that will suit all your requirements.

On the 23^rd of October, we held a seminar on the UAE in collaboration with The Corporate Group and SDI.

With the Expo2020, there are many opportunities in the UAE for British businesses, particularly in the following sectors:

• renewable energy
• transportation
• Education
• Health
• Water
• Technology and space.

More than 180 nations and 25 million people are expected to visit the UAE within the 6 months expo programme.

The Corporate Group is organising a trade mission to Dubai, 12 – 17 January 2019, which will give delegates the opportunity to explore business opportunities and meet key local organisation. For more information: http://www.evolutioncbs.co.uk/ecbs-events/trade-mission-dubai/.

SDI and Heriot Watt University are also organising 3 fully funded trade missions to support Scottish trade and investment opportunities in the UAE:

• Digital Construction: 06 -10 January 2019
• Renewables (solar and carbon storage): 12 – 17 January 2019
• Digital Health (telemedicine, wearables): 26 – 31 January 2019