Soilutions is a specialist in contaminated land remediation based in Scotland. In simple terms; it helps clean up polluted soil and water. The company started out in 2003 and now undertakes remediation projects, mostly as a contractor or consultant.

How Soilutions started exporting

As a micro SME within a niche market, Soilutions were conscious that in order to stay competitive they needed to consider exporting their services overseas. The company firstly approached their local support agency in Scotland – Scottish Development International (SDI). Through working with SDI, Soilutions developed an overseas business strategy that highlighted India as a growth market for its services. With drinking water quickly becoming a scarce resource in India, coupled with a vast amount of ground pollution from their present and historical industries, it was clear that the Indian market had a lot to offer Soilutions.

It was vital for Soilutions to ensure they take the right approach to the Indian market. Its strategy identified that it should export the knowledge of contaminated soil and water remediation through a consultancy and project management approach rather than a standard UK contracting model.

Challenges faced by Soilutions

As an SME with a niche specialism, Soilutions have a constant challenge to promote their services to large blue chip companies who would normally employ large global consultancies for assistance on contamination issues. However, it has been able to overcome this challenge through gaining access to key decision-makers of these large organisations by way of introductions from SDI and the British Chambers of Commerce networks.

Support from Edinburgh Chamber

Edinburgh Chamber are constantly available to Soilutions for advice and guidance. Most importantly, the Chamber is able to make introductions to fellow members from a variety of different sectors that may be able to assist Soilutions in expanding overseas.