An examination of the similarities between the economies of the Sjuharad region in Sweden and the Scottish Borders. At this meeting we will explore - across a number of sectors - what business opportunities may be developed with Sweden by Borders based businesses and organizations.

The Open Forum sessions have in recent years proved to be extremely popular. As before we will welcome a panel of experts to address important and topical issues. The committee are pleased to announce that Lord Smith, Jim Hume, Charles Stewart and Fiona Williams have agreed to sit on the panel.

In an on-line survey of Borders exporters the USA topped the list of countries we export to. Always a popular choice, this is an opportunity for us to examine how our exorts are holding up following the credit crunch and what new opportunites might exist. The sponsor for this meeting is UPS.

A presentation by the EMRS team on the various approaches to market research and support available. Sykes will reveiw the pros and cons of outsourcing. The sponsor for this meeting is Sykes Global Services.

Thursday 25th February - 6.15 for 6.30 p.m., at the G&A Hotel, Melrose. Germany is the largest country in the EU and one of our biggest export markets. This meeting will review the opportunities that exist for Borders exporters in the various regions of Germany. Our speakers will include Wolfgang Mössinger, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany, and Paul Flynn from SDI's office in Germany.

Turmoil in the world financial markets has created many difficulties for Borders exporters; one of which is securing funds to finance exports. With late payments and extended terms placing a great strain on Cash Flow this has become a real problem for many businesses. This workshop will examine the various ways finance can be secured.

A review of the world economy lead by Edward Hocknell a Director of Baillie Gifford Overseas with responsibility for North America, and Chairman of their investment trust business. Our old friend John Wright has also agreed to participate in this meeting. It will be interesting to hear their forecasts for the year ahead.

A day-time visit to Holland & Sherry, where we will be taken through the whole process of stock control and order processing. An excellent opportunity to see how this very successful company operates. The time for the visit is 2.p.m. See more.

Maintaining an up-to-date database of your customers is essential to the smooth running of your business. Keeping an accurate record of communications. and related sales and marketing activities will improve your efficiency. Hamish Dobbie will look at the various packages that are available to ensure your records are up-to-date, accurate, and how extremely important they are to the successful running of your business.

An opportunity for new members to make a 5 – 15 minute presentation on their current export activities; their plans for the future or, simply to seek advice from other members. This meeting will be followed by the AGM.

Business model innovation. As time passes every business has to evolve; frequently driven by customer demand or simply progress. This workshop will address how change should be anticipated, recognised and addressed .

A review of opportunities in the Baltic States with presentations from the Charles Cormack Consultancy, BSW Timber, and Holland & Sherry's agent in Lithuania.

A return of the popular Open Forum with a panel of experts ready to answer questions and offer guidance. Full details of the panel and content will be posted in due course.

Full details of the presenters and content will be posted in due course.

A presentation by Murdo Beaton

The last of three workshops presented by amish Dobbie. It is not necessary to have attended the previous two seminars but, those who have will get the greatest benefit. This is a morning workshop at Ettrick Riverside running from 9 -12.

Anna White of ScolandShop and David Ogilvie of Lochcarron will talk about their respective businesses and how they have been effected by the credit crunch. We will also welcome speakers from accountants Stark Main & Co and the Clydesdal Bank to offer advice.

Maggie Elliot of Inkslinger! and Nick Sellers of member company Sykes will make presentation of PR and Customer Care respectively.

The second of three workshops presented by Hamish Dobbie. Attendees are expected to have attended "How to develop a website that sells" and be seeking customers outside the UK. This is a morning workshop at Ettrick Riverside running from 9 -12.

Hear from an expert how SDI's Globalscot programme can help your exports. Non-members welcome.

A seminar presented by John Wright. Full details will be posted in due course.

The first of three international Internet workshops presented by Hamish Dobbie. Attendees must have practical experience in the decision making for the running of the website. This is a morning workshop at Ettrick Riverside running from 9 -12.

The AGM will be followed by an Open Night with new and potential members invited to present their products or services.

AGMs can be tedious but we get ours finished within ten minutes and then enjoy the fun! Nibbles and drinks accompany a pub style quiz.

A look at export opportunities in Scandiavia / Iceland. Full details of the presenterrs and content will be posted in due course.

A presentation and explanation on the Young International Trader programme by Mike Wilson, Co-ordinator of the Scottish Export Clubs Group

An opportuntity to hear from experts on the importance of a Brand name, and Presentation. Full details will be available in due course.

Hear from HM Customs & Revenue and a freight frowarder. Non-members most welcome.

An insight into exporting to Italy with expert speakers plus a case study. Full details will be available in due course.

The management of Sykes in Galashiels have kindly agreed to give us an insight into all of the systems that make this company so successful. A factory tour may also be possible. Full details will be available in due course.

Always a most enjoyable evening with an enlightening speaker. More details to follow.

A group of Globalscots, including John Wright, will be on hand to demonstrate how they can be of assistance to Border Exporters. Full details will be available in due course.

Hear from two IT expert as to how you can utilise the Internet to boost your internet sales.

Find out how you can benefit from tapping into the extensive and very successful Gloabscot initiative

For the first meeting of 2008 we are holding an informal networking evening at the G&A with Alan Brydon. Our guest is a well known Borders raconteur and singer. . This will be an opportunity for members and guests to get together, relax, exchange views, catch up on the latest news, and enjoy the buffet with a glass of wine. 6.15 for 6.30 p.m. at the G&A, Melrose

The first Export Club meeting of 2008 will be hosted by West Lothian Council in their offices in Livingston and will feature the opportunities of India as an export market. 6 p.m., 16th January. Venue: The Enterprise Centre, Livingston

Young International Trader is an exciting programme that introduces pupils at our High Schools to the world of International Trade and local career prospects. We will report on the success of Young International Trader at our Borders High Schools with presentations by teachers and pupils. We will also be seeking volunteers to mentor Young International Trader at their local High School.

AGM, Pub Quiz & a Surprise Treat!

A half day Workshop at Ettrick Riverside presented by Hamish Dobbie of Business Cohesion. A great opportunity to find out how to market your products on the Internet.

Sometimes we can overlook the fact that there are excellent exporting opportunities very close to home, and this almost certainly applies to the Republic of Ireland. Anyone with an interest in exporting to Ireland should sign up for this event.

What is inhibiting the growth of our exports?

Members are invited to bring along their products or make a presentation about their activities. This is a meeting Open to any individual or company with an interest in exporting.

Visit the new factory of Walkers Shorbread in Elgin and hear from the key executives on what makes them such a success story.

What holds us back from Exporting? What barriers do we encounter in our efforts to be successful Exporters? With the aid of a panel of experts we will attempt to establish and overcome the most common Exporting Inhibitors. G&A Hotel, Melrose, 6.15 for 6.30 p.m.

Your questions answered on Customs Forms and International Banking

Further details will appear here in due course.

This meeting will address opportunities in what is by far the largest single market in the EU. Our main speaker will be Mike Hambly, SDI's Regional Director for Central Europe, who is based in Dusseldorf. Rosemary Eribe will give a case study based on her personal experiences in trading with Germany. G&A Hotel, Melrose, 6.15 for 6.30 p.m.

A group of the most successful Exporters from the Scottish Borders will share their experiences and advice. G&A Hotel, Melrose, 6.15 for 6.30 p.m. Further details will appear in due course.

Further details will appear here in due course.

This meeting has been postponed and will be re-scheduled before the end of the 2006-07 programme season

A most enjoyable social evening with a talk from leading food exporter, Stanley Bernard OBE of Sco-Fro Foods Ltd.

Further details will appear here in due course.

Some thoughts on how to arrive safely and with minimum hassle within the curent levels of security.

Further details will appear here in due course. This meeting is sponsored by Davies Turner

The Euro Info Centre will address the question 'How can Borders Companies benefit from the recent EU Enlargement? What opportunities are there for our products in the 12 markets new to the EU? G&A Hotel, Melrose, 6.15 for 6.30 p.m.

Phil Massey will lead this afternoon Workshop. Venue G&A Hotel, Melrose. 2 - 4 p.m.

Everybody is their own secretary these days and we need to get things done a.s.a.p. That includes getting the best out of our computers. Venue, G&A Hotel, Melrose, 6.15 for 6.30 p.m. Click on more for full details.

A presentation by the Clydesdale Bank. Further details will appear here in due course.

Further details will appear here in due course.

A social evening enhanced by tales from that well known Borders raconteur Iain Landells. We shall be joined at the Dryburgh Abbey Hotel by the participants in SEB's Win World Wide event. Further details will be released in due course.

AGM, Whisky Tasting & Pub Quiz

Find out what support exporters can get from West Lothian Council. Further details will appear here in due course.

An opportunity to follow the Brewing process and taste the reknowned Broughton Ales. Further details will be issued in due course.

Further details will be available soon.

On-Line shopping, direct selling; B2B, how do these trends change the relationship between the seller and the end user in the USA? G&A Hotel, Melrose 6.16 for 6.30 p.m. Click on More for full details.

Speakers: Michael Thomas (Middle East Association) & John Wright. Venue: G&A Hotel, Melrose Time 6.15 for 6.30 p.m. The meeting will be followed by a finger buffet.

Presentations by the Innovation Relay Centre, Wavor Magor, SEE&L, and representatives from various Consulates. An evening event for which more details will appear here shortly.

Speakers: Stuart Shorthouse (Scottish Networks International), Strathclyde University, & David Scott Aiton. Venue: G&A Hotel, Melrose Time 6.15 for 6.30 p.m. The meeting will be followed by a finger buffet.

The Nordic Countries will be profiled at the Hillington Park Innovation Centre. Further details will appear here approximately one month prior to the event.

Presentation from the Russian Consulate, a guest speaker from SE Russia, plus two Company Case Studies. An evening event for which more details will appear here shortly.

A tour of 'The Gathering Place' conducted by David McLetchie. Tour starts prompt at 6 p.m. and will be followed by a sit down silver service meal in the Member's restaurant.

Our Going Global event will be held at the Hillington Park Innovation Centre. Further details will appear here approximately one month prior to the event.

Sarah Glendinning, New Ways Co-ordinator, will present for open discuusion the New Ways Community Plan, Venue G&A Hotel, Melrose, Time: 6.30 p.m. Also a presentation by Gavin Brown, World Trainer of the Year 2004.

Presentations from the China British Trade Council, the Chinese Consulate, and a Company Case Study. Click on more for full details of this evening event.

Venue: G&A Hotel, Melrose Time 6.15 for 6.30 p.m. The meeting will be followed by a finger buffet. Click on More for additional details.

A tour of the Dealing Room at the Royal Bank of Scotland, George Street, Edinburgh. . This is a daytime event. further details will be posted here shortly.

This event, to be held at Reid Kerr, will profile opportunites in Estonia. Further details will appear here approximately one month prior to the event.

Karin Sode, ofAsbro, will speak to working across cultures and Catherine Perry, of French Kiss Design, will lead us through WEB Design and Translation. An evening event for which more details will appear here in due course.

Advice and assistance from professionals in the financial sector. Venue: G&A Hotel, Melrose Time 6.15 for 6.30 p.m. The meeting will be followed by a finger buffet.

This first meeting of the 2005-05 season will examine the successes of Club Members through Web and e-mail Marketing, plus new trends in promoting products. Venue: G&A Hotel, Melrose Time 6.15 for 6.30 p.m. The meeting will be followed by a finger buffet. For full details and agenda click on 'more'.

The first event of the 2005-06 season explores 'Secrets of Successful Exhibiting' and will take place at the Hillington Park Innovation Centre, Thursday, 15th September, 09.00 to 13.00 Hrs. For additional information click the more button

The management of Ahlstrom have kindly agreed to give us a presentation on their International activities. A tour of the factory will also be available prior to the presentations. Venue: Ahlstrom, Chirnside, 6.30 - 8.30 p.m.

One year after the EU expansion, we will look at the impact.

A Panel of experts will be on hand to answer questions about International Trading. Details of the speakers will be posted here on the web-site in due course. Venue: Kilmarnock Football Club - Park Suite Time: 14.00 - 17.00

An afternoon workshop that will address what resources are available to assist companies research a market prior to committing to visit the market for a Trade Mission or Trade Fair. Venue: George & Abbotsford Hotel, Melrose, 2-4 p.m.

An update on China with presentations from the China Britain Business Council followed by case studies, one from Holland & Sherry, the other to be announced, Venue: George & Abbotsford Hotel, Melrose, 6.30 - 8.30 p.m.

The AGM will be followed by 10 pin bowling at Deer Park.

A short AGM of about 5/10 minutes and then on with the fun.

An afternoon workshop at which Ric Clark, Maclay Murray Spens, will highlight how exporters must be aware of any legislation that applies to their activities and products. Followed by an update on the EU expansion which saw 10 more countries join in May 2004. Venue: George & Abbotsford Hotel, Melrose, 2-4 p.m.

The next Forum will be a site visit to Linn Products of Eaglesham, 20th April 2005. More details about the visit will appear here approximately three prior to the event.

A workshop on ' How To Bid Effectively for World Bank Projects' organised by SDI in conjunction with UK Trade & Investment's Development Business team and Crown Agents. Venue Scottish Enterprise, Atlantic Quay, Glasgow

A presentation on Trading with India. Venue: Glaxo SmithKline - Irvine Time: 17.30 - 19.30

Note: the date for this visit is tentative and has yet to be confirmed.

Mr. Akito Tani, Deputy Director General, JETRO, and Robin Sloan, UK Trade & Investment, will give an update on Trading with Japan. Venue George & Abbotsford Hotel, Melrose, 6.30 - 8.30 p.m..

A presentation by Mr Jonathan Brown, Regional Director for Northern & Eastern Europe, The Drambuie Liqueur Co Ltd., on 'The Challenges of working in the Nordic Spirits Market'. Venue: The Royal Scots Club, 30 Abercromby Place, Edinburgh. 6.15pm for 6.30pm.

A breakfast meeting at which we will address the key issues of International Logistics. Wednesday 2nd March at the Reid Macewen Centre, Erskine Home, Bishopton. Registration will begin at 8.00am with a light breakfast being served allowing companies the opportunity to network before the meeting starts at 8.30am.

What do our foreign neighbours and customers think of us Scots?

Alistair Moir & David Hedges will address the question, how can we make sure we get the results we seek from consultants? This presentation will address how the exporter can ensure the consultant's activities will be of benefit to the company, and produce the desired results and information. Venue: George & Abbotsford Hotel, Melrose, 6.30 - 8.30 p.m. Thursday 17th March 2005.

A full day seminar to introduce companies to this subject. To register or for further information on the above seminar at SEFV, Stirling, please contact Kristell.clunie@scotent.co.uk

A presentation on E Commerce in International Trades. Details of the speakers will be posted here on the web-site in due course. Venue: Business technology Centre, Irvine Time: 9.00 - 11.00

A presentation by Professor Gavin Kennedy, Edinburgh Business School, Heriot Watt University

An examination on how Scottish Universities can assist companies with there export actviity. Venue : George & Abbotsford Hotel, Melrose, 6.30 - 8.30 p.m. Thursday 20th January 2005.

Gavin Brown, who has recently been elected European Trainer of the Year, will eloquently share with us the best techniques for “Speaking with Impact”. Venue: The Royal Scots Club, Hepburn Suite. 30 Abercromby Place. Edinburgh,

Our guest speaker is Willie Roe, the new Chairman of Highlands & Islands Enterprise.

An afternoon workshop, lead by Gordon Stuart, that will include 'The One Page Business Plan'. Venue: George & Abbotsford Hotel, Melrose, 2-4 p.m. Thursday 9th December 2004

The importance and value of using the International Marketing Mix in a strategic sense and how the strategy drills down to a series of actions in the international marketplace.

A presentation on Trading with the Middle East. Seakers Michael Thomas Director of Trade Relations, Middle East Association, John Viola, Senior Manager, International Operations,SDI, Hugh Fraser, Hugh Fraser International Legal ConsultancyTime: 17.30 - 19.30

An update on trading into Russia with presentations from the Scottish-Russia Forum plus a case study about a local companies experiences in Russia. Venue: George & Abbotsford Hotel, Melrose, 6.30 - 8.30 p.m. Thursday 18th November 2004.

An afternoon workshop covering Incoterms and labelling requirements both inside and outside of the EU. Venue: George & Abbotsford Hotel, Melrose, 2 -4 p.m. Thursday 21st October 2004.

Panel of experts answer member's questions. New Club Website introduced.

A presentation by Dr. Sean Ennis from the Marketing Department at Strathclyde University Business facility, followed by a report on how Netherfield successfully sold display cases to Egyptian museums. This meeting is sponsored by the George & Abbotsford Hotel, Melrose. Venue: George & Abbotsford Hotel, Melrose, 6.30 - 8.30 p.m. Thursday 9th September 2004.

Evening Meetings organized by the Scottish Borders Export Club

Workshops organized by the Scottish Borders Export Club

An independant assessment of the prospects for the products of individul companeis. In which countries should you concentrate your export marketing efforts. Sponsored by Llyods TSB Scotland

Social Evening. A bowling challenge match between the Edinburgh & Lothians Export Club and Fife Export Club.

A two hour workshop, presented by Microsoft, on how to implement a successful customer relations management system.

Fatcory tour and evening presentations by Pringle management group