Traceall Ltd.

Traceall

Using network expertise to expand into the US market

Traceall Limited is a leading international provider of tracking and traceability solutions, based in Glasgow. It is headed up by Alan Steele and Jim Comerford, both recognised experts in the track trace field and specialist advisors to the Transport and Logistics industry, British Government and EU Administration.

The company works with an international blue chip client base, protecting at risk goods and products. It covers a wide spread of industries including food and perishables, drinks, oil and gas and consumer electronics. In 2008, Traceall opened offices in Pittsburgh (PA), Cape Town and Melbourne.

Alan Steele attributes the success of the company’s American operation to Dr Tom MacMurray, an active and enthusiastic member of the GlobalScot Network As a former Vice President of Global Research and Development for Heinz, Tom has built up a formidable network of friends and influential contacts all over the States and had used this to help a number of Scottish companies in the food and drinks industry.

"The concept of using the network of Scots around the world, people who can bring in other contacts and expand a company’s network, makes sound business sense. I’ve been surprised myself just how many people I’ve managed to bring in who in turn bring in other people."



Scottish Enterprise identified Tom as the most ideal GlobalScot contact to help Traceall and introduced him to Alan Steele in 2007. Over the next few months, they kept in regular contact over Skype and built up a strong relationship of trust and mutual respect. Alan found his input immensely helpful. When the two finally met face-to-face on a trip back to Scotland, Alan asked Tom to run the Traceall operation in America. Tom is now President of Traceall USA.

"Tom has accessed his network of friends and contacts in Pittsburgh, in Florida and on the West Coast so we’ve got coverage over the whole of the United States. These are all people who have worked at his level."



Tom and Alan are now working closely together to develop and expand Traceall’s US business. When Alan travels to the US, he can depend on Tom to make sure that his time is used effectively and efficiently, with a smooth schedule of meetings, relevant attendees and a tight agenda. As a company with a small workforce but a big global market, he finds this an ideal arrangement.

"What the GlobalScot Network has done for us has been fantastic. I cannot recommend it highly enough and I’d be very happy to speak with anyone about this. I’ve reached the stage when I want to put something back into the Network. I’ve taken as much as I need."