Scottish Business Network to Host Timely ‘Value of Diaspora’ Event In London This Month

Scottish Business Network will offer UK businesses a unique opportunity to learn from several world class international organisations in London next week at its newest event, The Value of Diaspora.

The network has partnered with seven international diaspora groups for the event, including The Irelands Funds, London Irish Business Society, NI Connections, Global Welsh, Global Scot, KEA New Zealand and Irish International Business. Collectively, this expertise will empower delegates with the understanding and tools they need to leverage their ‘Diaspora Capital’.

The Value of Diaspora, which will be hosted by Aberdeen Standard Investments at their offices in London’s Temple District, is an opportunity to discover how some of the world’s most prestigious businesses have contributed to their communities and grown their businesses by leveraging the power of international citizens.

The lunch and networking event will delve deep into the global diaspora phenomenon with a number of informative panel sessions hosted by key representatives from five diaspora partner groups. These include Walter May, Founder of Global Welsh, Catherina Casey, Board Member at The Ireland Funds, Tara McQuillan, Board Member at LIBS, Kate MacInnes, Manager of International Networks at GlobalScot, Anne Beggs, Head of Northern Ireland Connections, and Peter Gillingwater who acts at UK Chair and Global Board Member for KEA New Zealand; a growing network dedicated to connecting New Zealand businesses with NZ expats around the world.

“I am a strong advocate for the fantastic work that KEA New Zealand does,” says Sir Jerry Mateparae GNZM, QSO, KStj, High Commissioner of New Zealand to the United Kingdom. “KEA’s work reflects what we know to be true about our nation of nearly 5 million people; that it’s not what you know but who you know that really counts.

“Engaging with our diaspora, and understanding who they are, what they have done, and how they can help, has been a great way to create new opportunities and effectively manage the challenges so that New Zealanders, and New Zealand, can be successful in the global arena,” continues the High Commissioner. “I am very proud to see KEA New Zealand partner with Scottish Business Network to deliver this exciting event in London, which we hope will highlight the power of connectivity.”

More than 250 million people globally are thought to be living outside of their birth country and with an ever increasing focus on connectivity, communication, and community, a large proportion of these people are seeking new ways to stay connected to their home nation.

As technology advances and makes it easier for expats to live and work away from their country of origin, many businesses are also shifting their focus to incorporate greater aspects of diversity and become more closely integrated with other nations.

“Scotland has many international links, including our wide diaspora,” says Ivan McKee MSP, Minister for Trade, Investment, and Innovation. “Working with our diaspora to support Scotland’s businesses to increase trade and investment is a key part of A Trading Nation, our recently published plan to grow Scotland’s exports, and we look forward to working with Scottish Business Network and others to develop these links”.

Along with spokespeople from the five partner networks, The Value of Diaspora will also feature presentations by keynote speaker Kingsley Aikin of The Networking Institute, Michelle Thomson of Momentous Change, and Scottish Business Co-Founders Christine Esson and Russell Dalgleish.

The Value of Diaspora by the Scottish Business Network will take place at Aberdeen Standard Investments at Bow Bells House, 1 Bread Street, London EC4M 9HH on June 18th from 12:30pm – 3:00pm.

To find out more about and to register for the event, visit https://www.sbn.scot/the-value-of-diaspora