Press Release:

INTERNATIONAL MARKETEER LAUNCHES NEW BUSINESS TO HELP SCOTS FIRMS BOOST OVERSEAS TRADE

Helping hand from Alice Wood Associates for Scots firms
aiming to step up overseas trade post- Devolution.

A marketing expert who has promoted Scotland and its products for the last fifteen years with leading organisations has launched her own business.

Alice Wood, who spent the last four years as business development director of Scotland the Brand, is targetting the global marketplace. Her company Alice Wood Associates has an established network of business contacts in Glasgow, New York and Los Angeles.

Before joining Scotland the Brand, the national agency set up to raise the profile of Scotland and its products across the world, Alice, was Deputy Director, International Marketing … with the Scottish Tourist Board where she worked for 20 years. Alice believes the creation of the Holyrood Parliament will provide the springboard for a new campaign to showcase Scotland to the world... "The timing is right to help Scottish businesses and organisations become more globally-minded. I will aim to use my experience in international marketing to help companies make their mark in an increasingly competitive world. "International marketing is not just about exporting - it's about thinking globally. If Scottish companies are coming into contact with international customers, they need to understand their clients' mindset so they can secure the business."

Alice, who is fluent in French, has played a key role in high-profile integrated marketing campaigns across the world. Among the recent projects she has helped to organise have been ScotsFest, a month long celebration of Scotland in the United States, sponsored by the largest stateside whisky importer, and Marks and Spencer Scottish food and drink promotions across Europe.

Alice Wood Associates is currently playing a key role in creating a Scottish restaurant at Vinexpo in Bordeaux - the largest wine and spirits show in the world. The restaurant which will be open during the course of the show from June 14 - 18 will feature dishes created by Stewart Cameron, executive chef of the Turnberry Hotel Golf Courses and Spa.

Bordelais restaurants will also take part in a promotion of Scotch lamb which is being exported to the region from ABP in Bathgate. Alice said: "The Bordeaux promotion is a good example of how integrated marketing can open doors in a crowded market place."

Press Release issued by Beattie Media on behalf of Alice Wood Associates. For further information, please contact:
Jim Gough, Beattie Media 01698 787878, mobile 0850 811309