Brodies LLP is helping Scottish firms realise their global trade ambitions by becoming the Strategic International Legal Partner of the Scottish Council for Development & Industry (SCDI).

By entering into partnership with Scotland's leading economic development organisation Brodies will enhance the service it provides to Scottish businesses and organisations looking to expand their international business interests and to assist overseas firms wishing to invest in Scotland.

Brodies shares SCDI's ambition of driving the future growth of the Scottish economy by working in partnership with corporate and public sector organisations and the Scottish and UK governments to stimulate international trade.

As the firm with the biggest legal resource in Scotland, with offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen, Brodies is already serving clients with strong international operations across a wide range of sectors, including transport; aviation; defence and engineering; financial services; food & drink; education; energy and life sciences.

Brodies' leading sector specialists will accompany Scottish business and government representatives on SCDI trade visits. The firm will also sponsor Scotland's International Awards, which recognise the international achievements of Scottish companies. In addition, Brodies will join SCDI's Scottish Trade Group, which works to ensure that Scottish international activity is aligned with wider UK strategy and initiatives.

Bill Drummond, Managing Partner of Brodies, said: "As deputy chairman of SCDI I have seen first-hand the tremendous work that is being done to encourage Scottish firms to export their products and services and the significant contribution that this is making to the economic recovery and future prosperity of our country.

"Brodies shares SCDI's commitment to help innovative and dynamic Scottish firms realise their full potential in international markets and earn a justified reputation for excellence on the world stage. We look forward to working in close partnership with organisations across all sectors and with both the UK and Scottish governments to help our Scottish success stories achieve their international goals and help create valuable investment opportunities in Scotland for overseas organisations."

Dr Lesley Sawers, Chief Executive of SCDI, added: "We are delighted to be working with Brodies as a strategic partner on our international programme. Joint working and initiatives between both organisations will play a key part in delivering against our shared ambitions of promoting international excellence and ensuring sustainable economic prosperity for Scotland."