Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce

Looking beyond the UK for growth?

Ireland remains one of the UK's strongest trading partners and offers a gateway to the EU market.

Our Dublin Trade Mission is designed to help businesses build connections, gain market insight and explore new opportunities through a programme of briefings, site visits and pre-arranged B2B meetings.

Previous trade missions have helped businesses secure contracts, generate sales and build valuable international relationships.

Could Dublin be your next growth opportunity?

Find out more here: https://www.edinburghchamber.co.uk/events/trade-mission-to-dublin-ireland-?eid=D0D1FE65-3D00-41ED-9A36-2F374D8AFDC7&type=Event

What gives someone the confidence to step into a completely new industry?

Over a 35-year career spanning transport and oil and gas, Fiona Doherty has built a reputation for leading through change, embracing new challenges and trusting in the power of transferable skills.

As Managing Director of Stagecoach South Scotland, she now leads one of the country's largest public transport networks, helping connect millions of people to work, education and opportunity each year.

At our next Inspiring Women in Business Lunch, Fiona will share the experiences, decisions and lessons that have shaped her leadership journey.

Book here: https://www.edinburghchamber.co.uk/events/inspiring-women-in-business-lunch-with-fiona-doherty-managing-director-stagecoach-south-scotland?eid=D35B770B-6549-4E4E-AE7C-90EC6E047DB7&type=Event

More than half of Scottish organisations rate their AI and data skills as moderate to low.

Yet AI tools are already sitting inside many of the platforms we use every day.

The challenge for most businesses isn't access to AI. It's knowing how to use it effectively.

That's why we're working with the British Chambers of Commerce to bring the BCC AI Academy to businesses across Edinburgh.

Designed for non-technical professionals, the programme provides practical, role-relevant training to help teams use tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot with confidence, improve productivity, and identify opportunities to work smarter.

No jargon. No theory-heavy learning. Just practical skills that can be applied immediately.

Find out more: https://www.edinburghchamber.co.uk/bcc-ai-academy/

A new Prime Minister. A returning Scottish Parliament. A crucial moment for business.

Over the coming months, decisions will be made on growth, investment, skills and the cost of doing business.

Before those decisions are made, we want to hear directly from Scotland's businesses.

Our latest Quarterly Economic Survey is now open and takes just two minutes to complete.

Take part here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Eu-IfhA7wEKRztWU5sy-tXDtYjNSg15Kthr-K73JuwFUQTRVTzlONDlEVVZYQkE5UEZNM1BEQ1lYWC4u

Yesterday, we brought together representatives from some of Scotland’s biggest parties to hear about their plans for business and the economy over the next five years.

In partnership with The Scotsman and Edinburgh Evening News we gave Edinburgh business leaders the opportunity to quiz our prospective MSPs on their plans for the next parliamentary term - from growth and skills to business rates, regional economic devolution, and international competitiveness - and to explore how our capital city can help drive future prosperity across Scotland.

A huge thanks to CMS UK for hosting, and to our candidates for coming along and sharing their visions for the next government.

On Thursday we hosted our 15th Annual Business Awards - and it was our biggest yet.

With 610 attendees and more than 160 companies represented, the room was full of energy, ambition and incredible Edinburgh talent.

Huge congratulations to all finalists and winners. The quality this year was outstanding and a real reflection of the strength of our business community.

We were proud to hear from our President Pamela Smyth, Sarah Howard MBE, Chair of the British Chambers of Commerce, and Teddy Lee, Founder of Maki & Ramen, who shared powerful insights on resilience and growth.

Thank you to our headline sponsor Henderson Loggie and to Jaslin Bhagrath for taking to the stage, plus Kevin Havelock for hosting, Cameron Events for production, our category sponsors and gifting partners Fortnum & Mason, Edinburgh Gin and Dishoom.

A night full of big cheers and even bigger celebrations

The shortlist has been revealed, and it is time to celebrate.

Shortlisted across 16 categories, this year’s businesses showcase the ambition, creativity and impact driving Edinburgh’s business community forward. Being shortlisted is a significant achievement and one to be proud of.

With thanks to our headline sponsor, , for supporting the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Awards. Huge congratulations to everyone shortlisted.

January is the perfect time to invest in yourself and your team, and our training courses are designed to help you start the year with fresh skills and new ideas.

Whether you want to strengthen your leadership with Essential Management Skills, gain confidence in international trade with Understanding Export and Export Documentation or Methods of Credit and Letters of payment, or explore the future of selling through AI-Powered Digital Sales Excellence, there’s something to help you grow.

We’re also launching the Rising Stars Development Programme alongside The Universirt of Edinburgh to nurture emerging talent through a six part series.

Upskilling yourself and your team not only improves performance but also builds confidence and resilience for the challenges ahead. Start 2026 strong and give your business the advantage of a skilled, motivated team.

Find the full training calendar here: https://www.edinburghchamber.co.uk/events/?type=Training&utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=training

January is packed with opportunities to learn, connect and get inspired with the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.

We are kicking off the year with an incredible range of events including a behind-the-scenes tour at the Port of Leith Distillery, our Developing Edinburgh Annual Address with City of Edinburgh Council, and networking opportunities across the city at Dishoom, Holiday Inn and Tattu.

We will also host a focused 90 Really Useful Minutes session exploring the Employment Rights Bill and what it means for your business.

Spaces across these events always fill quickly. If you want to start 2026 with fresh insight and new connections, book your places now