Aberdeen & Grampian’s international businesses have long punched above their weight in global markets — and now, your views can help shape the next stage of that success.
We’re inviting those involved in exporting, importing, international logistics, or trade documentation to take part in a short survey. The aim is simple: to identify what training, tools, and support would make the greatest difference to firms working across borders today.
Your insight will inform future programmes designed to keep the region’s companies globally competitive — whether you’re shipping goods, delivering specialist services abroad, or managing compliance for international transactions.
https://surveys.agcc.co.uk/s3/AGCC-Customs-International-Trade-Training-Survey
The new age of trade documentation
International trade is evolving at a pace unseen in decades, shaped by geopolitical shifts, environmental priorities, and rapid advances in digital practices. For businesses in the Aberdeen & Grampian region — from energy and food producers to logistics and emerging clean tech firms — keeping up with changing trade policy and documentation standards is no longer just about compliance; it’s central to performance and competitiveness.
Automation and digitalisation are transforming the landscape, reducing paperwork and errors while improving real-time visibility across supply chains. Yet, new systems bring new challenges too, from cyber-security risks to the need for dedicated upskilling in digital compliance and verification.
Aberdeen & Grampian’s trade strength
The region remains one of the UK’s foremost export and import areas. According to the latest Quarterly Economic Survey, nearly three-quarters of local firms trade internationally, with 36% reporting export growth — well above the UK average.
Imports remain crucial to Aberdeen’s local competitiveness. In 2024, the region imported goods worth hundreds of millions of pounds, including iron pipes, electric generating sets, animal feed, and fish oil. These imports reflect Aberdeen’s strong global supply chain links—though trade remains primarily focused within Europe. Such inputs underpin key industries like food processing, seafood production, oil equipment manufacturing, and emerging energy transition technologies. Because these sectors rely on complex, time-sensitive supply chains, accurate import documentation and consistent customs procedures are essential—playing just as important a role in economic competitiveness and regulatory compliance as export processes
Brexit and shifts in services trade
The post-Brexit environment continues to reshape the documentation landscape for both goods and services. For physical trade, additional customs and origin documentation now demands precision and continuity. For service-led firms, stricter rules on licensing, professional qualifications, and residency documentation in the EU have introduced new administrative layers. While digital exports can move more freely, staff mobility and credential verification now require meticulous paperwork.
What it means for local businesses
For exporters, importers, and service providers across Aberdeen & Grampian, staying agile means continuously updating internal processes and documentation standards. Whether it’s exporting whisky to Asia, importing specialist equipment from Scandinavia, or delivering digital consultancy across Europe, businesses must stay ahead of evolving documentation and compliance expectations to protect their reputation and competitiveness.
Local companies are advancing fast — but they’re also calling for practical, accessible guidance: which templates must change, where the greatest risks lie, and how to prepare staff to handle modern, digitised trade systems confidently.
If you operate in international trade, handle import or export documentation, or deliver services across borders, share your experience today. Your feedback will ensure regional training reflects the real-world challenges facing the North-east’s vibrant and globally connected business community.
https://surveys.agcc.co.uk/s3/AGCC-Customs-International-Trade-Training-Survey