26 Jun Interview with Rodney Ayre, President, Scottish Chamber of Commerce
How would you describe Scotland’s current economic performance? What macro and microeconomic factors have most driven Scotland’s diversification push over the past decade?
The National Strategy for Economic Transformation has played a key role in positioning Scotland within the global economy. Renewable energy is a major strength — we now generate nearly 90% of our electricity from renewables, with around 17,000 megawatts from wind and another 5,000 megawatts in development. Our goal is to become a net energy exporter. Scotland also leads in sectors like life sciences, with over 700 companies, and in space — we manufacture more small satellites than any other European country. We have strong government support for digital and AI innovation and our financial services sector contributes over $20 billion annually. Total exports stand at around $47.2 billion, making Scotland a dynamic, forward-looking economy.
Scotland is advancing rapidly in robotics through initiatives like the Robotarium and the National Manufacturing Institute. I recently visited the Robotarium and was impressed by innovations in healthcare — robots designed to assist housebound patients, often disguised as everyday furniture like tables to feel less intrusive. Silicon Glen is another key development, with a $6.75 million master plan to transform Glasgow’s prime land into a hub for offshore wind and high-value manufacturing. These projects are helping to position Scotland as a strategic player in the global economy.
Which up-and-coming sectors are transforming Scotland’s industrial base and which ones are poised to become its top economic drivers over the next ten years?
Scotland has a proud legacy of innovation from Alexander Graham Bell to Charles Wilson’s cloud chamber. Today, we are leading in sectors like digital, AI, advanced manufacturing, space and green energy. We are set to become a net exporter of green energy, with projects like a new green hydrogen plant near Glasgow Airport focused on international markets. Our stable financial sector, strong healthcare innovation and initiatives like Tech Scaler — with 2,700 members and hubs in Singapore and San Francisco — show how we are positioning ourselves for global growth. In fact, our GDP is currently outperforming the rest of the UK, thanks to strong government support and forward-looking policies.
What major challenges does Scotland’s private sector face in 2025 and how are leading industry voices turning those hurdles into growth opportunities?
Scotland faces global headwinds like high inflation, weak export demand and lingering trade tensions, particularly impacting sectors like Scotch whisky. Europe has been hit hard in recent years and uncertainty continues to affect business confidence. Domestically, we face skills shortages due to an aging population and low birth rates, so attracting talent is essential. We also need faster planning approvals to support green infrastructure, especially for our electricity grid, which is crucial for the net-zero transition. High labor and energy costs remain a challenge, with Scotland having among the highest energy prices in Europe. Still, there is optimism: Scotland’s Fiscal Commission projects 1.5% GDP growth in 2025, which is a positive sign.
What recent milestones most underscore the SCC’s success and pivotal positioning as Scotland’s main advocate for the private sector?
One of the Chamber’s key strengths is its international work. While our 30 local chambers operate independently, the Scottish Chamber acts as the central voice, shaping policy and representing our 12,000 member companies globally. In the past five years, we have led over 100 trade missions worldwide, including recent initiatives during Tartan Week in the US and with more planned across various US states.
Internationalization remains a top priority, supported by £2 million [$2.7 million] from the Scottish government and £100,000 [$135,000] from the UK government. Right now, our CEO is in Barcelona leading an all-women trade mission to promote Scotland. We also play an active role on strategic boards to help SMEs export more confidently. I am incredibly proud to be the first manufacturing president of the chamber in nearly 50 years. As someone who makes air conditioning and heat pumps, it’s an honor to sit on a board driving Scotland’s growth across diverse industries.
What recent efforts or new developments have you seen to encourage new businesses and entrepreneurs in Scotland? Are there any major differences between Scotland and the rest of the UK in this regard?
Scotland is made up of over 90% SMEs and micro-businesses, so most support programs target that sector. We are seeing a real push to grow entrepreneurial talent, especially through initiatives like Tech Scaler, which has delivered over 10,000 mentoring and training sessions to nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs. The younger generation is far more entrepreneurial than ours ever was and we are adapting to support them.
Programs like the First Minister’s Startup Challenge and the $8 million Pathways initiative are helping women and young founders scale their businesses. We also back the Developing Young Workforce program, which connects students in their early school years with businesses, offering real-world experience and showing that university isn’t the only path to success. Many of these students have gone on to thrive in business without a degree.
The National Robotarium and the National Manufacturing Institute for Scotland are key centers driving research and innovation. The US is a major investor, especially in AI and R&D, and the Robotarium already hosts 30–40 emerging companies. The main challenge is risk — early-stage companies need capital to turn ideas into market-ready products, but global uncertainty is making investors cautious. The Scottish Chambers of Commerce is helping bridge this gap by connecting startups with mentors, partners and business support to turn innovation into real commercial opportunities.
We support SMEs by focusing on scale-up programs, business mentoring and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing. We are strong advocates of the Tech Scaler program, which has supported over 1,400 entrepreneurs and now has 2,700 members. Thanks to our extensive business network and strong links with government and the tech sector, we help connect startups with mentors, partners and growth opportunities. Our role is to be that first point of contact for entrepreneurs looking to scale.
How is Scotland’s huge uptick in renewable energy projects seen as a key driver of the economy in 2025 and what major developments are we seeing on the horizon?
My company is focused on the green sector, which aligns with Scotland’s energy transition mission. While the destination — to move away from fossil fuels — is clear, the pace is always debated. Scotland hosts the UK’s largest heat pump manufacturer, Mitsubishi Electric, and has a strong renewable energy sector including offshore wind and hydrogen. Recent investments include Sumitomo’s $473 million high-voltage subsea cable plant and ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric air engine facility in the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District, which will create around 400 jobs. These innovations are driving significant inward investment.
The Scottish Chamber and its network work closely with the Scottish and UK governments to develop such opportunities. We champion the Global Trading Partnership and, two years ago, led a delegation to COP28 in Dubai to showcase Scotland’s green technologies. That effort resulted in $94-101 million in export deals.
Scotland’s green sector is well positioned to drive innovation and support industries worldwide. The Scottish Chamber has been lobbying hard for the ACORN carbon capture project, which could secure around 15,000 jobs. We are pleased that last week, the government gave this project the green light, after consistent efforts behind the scenes from the Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber and SCC.
The delay of the Heat and Buildings Bill was a setback but not necessarily wrong, as the original pace was too fast to implement. We have met with John Swinney and Kate Forbes and a revised bill is already in the works. The new bill will allow more flexibility for homeowners to avoid financial strain from rapid changes. We expect a draft within a year and are actively involved in discussions, as heating accounts for 60% of UK gas use and is vital for reaching net zero. While uncertainty isn’t ideal for business, the delay may help manage costs for homeowners.
Where does Scotland rank globally in digital innovation in 2025 and in what specific segments does it stand out, such as AI, quantum computing and gaming?
Scotland is one of the UK’s fastest growing and most dynamic tech hubs within Europe, especially outside London, with a rapidly expanding digital sector. The Silicon Glen in the Central Belt remains the heart of Scotland’s high-tech scene, hosting giants like Microsoft, Amazon, Skyscanner, Rockstar North and IBM. Edinburgh has over 100 software firms, while Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen are key centers for cybersecurity, FinTech and IoT. FutureForge at Strathclyde University exemplifies strong collaboration between the Scottish Chamber, academia and industry, driving commercialization in FinTech, data science, digital health and AI.
With tools like ChatGPT revolutionizing industries, digital skills and reskilling remain a challenge. Yet, record fundraising, venture capital and government support fuel this nationwide tech growth beyond just a few hubs.
How would you describe the depth and scope of US business involvement in Scotland’s industrial landscape today?
The US is Scotland’s largest trading partner outside the EU, accounting for 16% of exports. Beverages, especially whisky, make up 26% of that trade. Other key exports include machinery, minerals, fuels, chemicals and pharmaceuticals. The 10% whisky tariff had some impact, but a good deal was negotiated. Events like Tartan Week helped launch trade missions across US states like Washington, New York, Florida, California, Boston and Texas, with strong engagement from the US Department of Trade and Scottish-American groups.
Scotland’s success in international trade is powered not just by companies but by people. Deep cultural ties, including Scottish heritage and shared passions like golf, strengthen this bond. Over 115,000 Scots work for American companies, contributing across engineering, food and drink, finance, R&D, renewables and creative industries. American film crews frequently shoot in Glasgow, drawn by its stunning architecture. This strong relationship will continue to grow.
How is SCC helping Scottish companies expand internationally, particularly into the US, through programs like its £500,000 export and trade alliance partnership?
Using our 30-chamber network, we connect with 12,000 SMEs, offering financial support and business mentoring. Many SMEs hesitate to expand internationally, especially to the US, unsure if they can manage it. We show them their real potential and introduce them to key contacts in the US. The support, mentorship and connections they gain from trade missions with US chambers and commerce departments are invaluable. They return energized and confident, often unlocking growth they hadn’t imagined. In just a few missions, we have helped generate over $94.5 million in SME investment. Sometimes, helping businesses grow means first convincing them they can.
What are some of your personal ambitions in your role as president? In which direction would you like to steer the organization?
I am truly privileged to hold this position. Our strong board covers tourism and key sectors and together with the CEO, we focus on Scotland’s future strategy. The priority for the next few years is internationalization — expanding trade missions and connecting Scottish businesses globally. For example, with the UK’s new agreement with India, we aim to help companies explore opportunities there. We will position ourselves as a key driver of Scotland’s economic revival and global reach. We will remain a constructive partner to both UK and Scottish governments, not just highlighting issues but offering solutions. At SCC, we believe in bringing problems along with practical solutions to help shape better policies — all while staying rooted in supporting Scotland’s international business growth.
Scotland’s international success is driven not just by companies but by its people. Our diaspora in the US — leaders in business, science and culture — are a powerful global force. Scotland is a nation of innovation, resilience and global ambition. The Scottish Chamber of Commerce is ready to build bridges, especially across the Atlantic, to help Scottish and American businesses thrive worldwide. We are open for business.