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IOE Foundation

Empowering young minds in international trade

Supporting the new generation with entering the world of global trade

The IOE Foundation (the “Foundation”) was registered with the Charity Commission on 5 July 2022 as a CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation). The IOE Foundation was formed as a separate entity but works alongside the global trade specialists, The Institute of Export and International Trade.

The IOE Foundation is here to support young individuals aged 16-25 towards a successful career in international trade. We will provide you with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to excel in export and international trade.

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Grants

We offer financial support for education programs and initiatives in the educational sector. Our grants can help open doors.
Mentoring

Mentorship

Achieve invaluable insights from experienced professionals. Our mentorship program connects you with industry leaders who can guide and inspire you in the complexities of global trade.
Resources

Resources

From articles and e-learning courses to webinars, the IOE Foundation will provide you with a platform to help with your understanding of international trade practices, regulations, and trends.
Networking

Networking

Connect with industry experts through exclusive networking events. You’ll have the chance to create meaningful connections that can propel your career forward.
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The IOE Foundation's charitable objectives are: "The advancement of education of young people in export and international trade within the ages of 16-25 years in the UK by the provision of financial grants which support education initiatives at schools, colleges, and universities."

Our recent activity

11th May 2023 Award Ceremony

With trade digitalisation gathering steam and new regulations being introduced, we have created a consultancy service that supports businesses to to trade successfully in a new era.

Read more
Ioe Foundation March 2023 Awards
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Meet the faces behind the IOE Foundation

 

Marcel Landau FIEx

Vice Chair
IOE&IT

An IOE&IT member since 1965, and awarded IOE&IT Fellowship in 2006, Marcel serves as Vice Chair for the second time. Marcel gained his expertise in international trade at firms including Rimmel and Ben Sherman and in 1971 founded packaging manufacturer Marland Ltd. After its sale in 2006, Marcel started LSM Consumer & Office Products. Marcel has served as a NED of Business Link Lincolnshire and Rutland and had a long association with Cranfield School of Management. A Freeman of the City of London through his membership of The Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers, Marcel sits on the Manufacturers Forum within the BOSS Federation.

Gary Wattley

Finance Director
IOE&IT

Gary has over 30 years’ experience as a finance professional (including more than 15 years at board level) in start-ups through to FTSE 100-listed businesses.

Across a range of sectors, including fintech, retail, FMCG and airlines, Gary has specialised in leading and supporting businesses through growth, transformation and turnarounds – as well as building finance departments from scratch.

Gary has managed diverse teams around the world including in North America, India, Hong Kong, Australia, across Europe. He has worked with Paysafe Group, John Lewis Partnership, Dixons Stores Group, easyJet, bmi, Lufthansa and Aviva.

Joining the IOE&IT at the start of 2021 as finance director, Gary is responsible for finance, projects, events and governance.

Catherine Rustomji

Head of Charities Practice
Shakespeare Martineau LLPr

Catherine Rustomji is a specialist charities solicitor and Head of the Charities Practice at Shakespeare Martineau LLP. Catherine has over 20 years’ experience of advising charities, social enterprises and not for profit organisations, particularly in relation to legal structures and the duties and responsibilities of charity trustees/board members. Catherine has been involved in the Foundation from its inception and also has experience of being a charity trustee of other charities.

Vera McWilliams

National Vice Chair
IOE&IT

National Vice-Chair of the Institute of Export. Board Member representing Northern Ireland Branch. Assisted in organising a very successful Branch Secretaries Conference in Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Branch held its own “Exporter of the Year Award”-known as the Harold Aves Trophy – which I organised with whoever was the Chair. In 2005 I became a Fellow of the Institute and two years later was presented with a Trophy “In appreciation of a Lifetime committed to International Trade-Institute of Export.

I worked in Manufacturing for over 20 years, ending up as Export Manager before I retired in 2000 and became a full-time Councillor for Newtownabbey Council-now Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. I have served as Mayor and Deputy Mayor and represented the Council abroad, visiting our Twin Towns of Dorsten in Germany, Rybnik in Poland and our Sister Cities Partner in Gilbert Arizona. More recently, in 2019 I visited China as part of a Council delegation. All promoting International Trade between our Towns and Student Exchanges. I also attend Schools Career events, promoting Languages and International as an alternative form of employment.

Follow our mission

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Get in touch

Call us:

+44 1733 404400