Southampton: Stage set for world trade summit

The Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT) is to host its first ever South of England World Trade Summit on Wednesday February 27. The event is free to attend and is now open for registration.

This event will explore the increasingly complex international trade environment, looking at the many opportunities and a few challenges currently facing those working in international trade, while providing valuable guidance to potential exporters considering their options in a post-Brexit commercial setting. It is a key part of the Institute’s commitment to build competence in British businesses.

Lesley Batchelor OBE, director general - IOE&IT, said: “Building on the successes of last year’s programme of world trade summit across the UK we are proud to be adding the South of England to our itinerary.  The need to understand international trade has never been stronger and we are the only professional body representing those who trade internationally who has a full suite of education and training programmes. We are committed to developing the much-needed skills to meet the new challenges as they become apparent. Our programmes are constantly updated and always contemporary in our approaches using digital and classroom techniques.”

She continued: “As the leading authority in best practice and competence for businesses trading globally we work with all sizes and sectors of business. Our strength lies in our ability to keep pace with the twists and turns of international trade and to interpret what those changes will mean for UK businesses who are seeking to trade abroad.”

Batchelor will be speaking at the event alongside other experts including: Stuart Stoter, senior export finance manager - UK Export Finance; Mark Baulch, head of policy & representation - Hampshire Chamber of Commerce; Yvonne Wedel-Andersen and Jim Davis - Bibby Financial Services; and Dominykas Broga, programme manager – TechUK.

Southampton Science Park will be hosting the event at its new conference centre, Axis.

CEO of Southampton Science Park, Peter Birkett, commented: “We have long played a role in putting the South Coast business community on the global trade map. To host the first South of England World Trade Summit here further supports our efforts in what will be an incredibly important year for UK tech companies hoping to launch into or expand on their international operations. We look forward to welcoming business representatives from across the region later this month.”

Birkett will also be chairing a panel discussion featuring companies who have actively exported their technology from Southampton Science Park.

www.export.org.uk/SouthWorldTradeSummit.