Recruitment to the IOE’s degree qualification, developed in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University, coincides with a new survey revealing high levels of student dissatisfaction with UK universities. Following substantial increases in fees to as much as £9k a year, one in three undergraduates are saying their courses do not represent value for money.

The IOE’s Director General Lesley Batchelor says: “Students are understandably seeking value for money, particularly given the tough jobs’ market.  We are proud of the student satisfaction rates for our Foundation Degree – on some modules they are as high as 100 per cent.

“We have specifically designed the qualification to meet the needs of businesses and their employees trading in a competitive global market.  It has never been more critical for British companies to match the level of commitment to professionalism in international trade, training and education made by their European and worldwide counterparts.

“Students and their employers know that we are not simply ‘number crunching’ when they sign up for our degree – we are providing long term support to help them to develop and grow their expertise in exporting.  Our students praise the pastoral care we give along with the flexibility of the qualification that enables them to fit their studies around work and family lives.

“The cost of our Foundation Degree is £6,600 and can be paid in stages across the two years, although we know that companies begin to see the benefit of the knowledge and enhanced skills within months of starting the course, this offers exceptional value for money for a high quality university programme.”

The pioneering Foundation Degree offers a practical vocational approach to all aspects of trading internationally, helping graduates to be both efficient and profitable.

Students will be prepared for real-life situations and the course includes the legal aspects of trading internationally as well as ways of mitigating risks. Other areas the programme addresses are finance, market research, marketing in new cultures, logistics and compliance issues. A key feature of the qualification is that it enables students to harness prior applied learning, gained in employment, to underpin the formal recognition of their skills and knowledge.

Applications to the two-year IOE Foundation Degree are open until the middle of June and entry is available to anyone over 16 who meets the entrance requirements.

Deciding what you want to make is not as important as understanding what customers want to buy – and at what price and in what location.

All markets want a slightly different thing at a different time and at a different price. It is great that John Meredith has launched Project Bulldog to help British exporters get their goods to market but should the boat with your goods turn left or right when it exits the docks?

In many cases the best potential for export is in the least likely location. For instance, how many firms involved in the manufacture of dry-cleaning machinery and products thought that Somalia – a land perceived as more famous for ‘pirates’ than ‘pin-stripes’ – could be a prime business location?

Yet Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, was crying out for local dry-cleaning businesses. So much so, that many residents were willing to fly dirty laundry to Nairobi in neighbouring Kenya for a thorough cleaning.

The internet has enabled us all to access information easier and quicker than ever before and at PathfinderBuzz we have covered the need for cleantech energy technology in Djibouti, high-end fashion, electronic and home goods in India, car components in the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad.

The tea clipper made the world of exports a smaller, faster place. The jet plane increased that exponentially.

The internet has shrunk it to pocket-size and we can now engage with a foreign market in milliseconds rather than the months it took the original global traders.

An entrepreneur in Mogadishu or Manchester (no similarities implied) can – through the internet and digital – understand opportunities and the products required to fill it.

A budding exporter is going to have to look further a-field faster in order to scoop the competition.

We hope British exporters take up Mr Meredith’s offer of support to head out into the world but my memory of the playground game of ‘British Bulldog’ left me with many bruises.

To avoid the same in the business world I hope you also spend time working out where you are heading before you start.

For information on the opportunities that the world now presents – registration is currently available at no charge via www.pathfinderbuzz.com – if you are based in Mogadishu, Madras – or Manchester.

Championing export success (L to R) IOE Vice President Lord Empey of Shandon, IOE President Jim Davis, BBC Breakfast business presenter Steph McGovern, IOE Director General Lesley Batchelor, IOE Vice President Sir Eric Peacock and IOE Chair Doug Tweddle

The high achievements of graduates who completed the Institute of Export’s (IOE) qualifications in international trade have been celebrated at a prestigious ceremony held at London’s Mansion House.

The Institute’s Diploma in International Trade was awarded to four graduates who successfully completed their studies over three years alongside demanding roles in the dairy foods, gift packaging, global trading and sportswear sectors.

The graduates are: Sarah Jonathan, product manager from International Greetings Plc, Mid Glamorgan, Wales, Robert Marampa-Lartey, international trade expert from Trotylex, based in London, Rachel Stockton, buying office manager and the customs compliance manager from Sports Direct, Nottinghamshire and Nick Rowlands, customer marketing manager from Dairy Crest, Hertfordshire.

IOE President Jim Davis highlighted how graduates are the future of the country and emphasized the importance of developing well-trained exporters, and the Institute’s Vice Presidents, Lord Empey of Shandon and Sir Eric Peacock, were also present at the ceremony. Sir Eric stressed how exporting is the key to business growth and that the Institute’s graduates are putting themselves on the ladder to success by embarking on the IOE’s programmes.

Guest keynote speaker, BBC Breakfast business presenter Steph McGovern, warmly congratulated the students on their achievements in international trade. The presenter shared with attendees how much she enjoyed seeing at first hand the success stories of businesses across the UK who are succeeding in exports against the depressed economic climate.

Lesley Batchelor, director general of the Institute of Export said: “Our graduates are a great source of pride for the Institute. Their commitment and hard work is recognized by everyone and we will all watch their careers develop with interest.

“There is no doubt the skills and expertise they have acquired through their studies in international trade will be a huge asset to their own companies and to the British economy a as whole.”

The graduates were all delighted with their achievements and shared some of their experiences:

‘Whilst studying business management at university provided me with good insight into business, however it lacked details on international trade. The IOE has increased my knowledge significantly in finance and logistics activities, enabling me to understand and make more informed decisions in my current role whilst enhancing my university degree in business management and marketing.

“I am responsible for managing the specifications of the product with design, the account manager and the customer helping to build their range along with sourcing appropriate manufacturers obtaining competitive pricing across all greetings products we distribute to Canada and the USA.”

Sarah Jonathan, International Greetings, Mid Glamorgan

“Graduation from the IOE has given me the necessary skills, knowledge and expertise in international trade and the supply chain. The course fosters professionalism amongst staff and stakeholders.”

Robert Marampa-Lartey, Trotylex, London

“International trade is a wide and diverse subject. Studying with the IOE for the Diploma has improved my knowledge of import and export procedures and my understanding of the subject, on a day to day basis, in relation to my work. It has greatly increased my confidence and I now feel I can offer a professional and authoritative point of view when working on projects and attending meetings at work. I also believe it will help in the advancement of my career in the future.”

Rachel Stockton, Sports Direct, Nottinghamshire

“The Institute of Export course is well-designed to cover all the different features of international trade, making it an informative and enjoyable programme, and I was grateful to have the opportunity to take part. I appreciated the option to choose my own subject area to study on the Diploma, which allowed me to explore a new area. I am sure this well-recognised qualification will stand me in good stead for the future.

“Being involved in trade with an international dimension brings a series of challenges, not just the everyday realities of shipping regulations and customs taxes, but also the non-tangible cultural aspects and different ways of doing business that make this one of the most dynamic and exciting spheres to work in.”

Nick Rowlands, Dairy Crest, St Albans

IOE graduates: (L-R) Nick Rowlands, Rachel Stockton and Robert Marampa-Lartey

Also attending the graduation were winners of the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise – businesses who have won the UK’s highest accolade for international trade and the graduation was sponsored by Amber Road, the global trade management software company.

This week Institute of Export Director General Lesley Batchelor and Joanna Hill, Head of Enterprise Education & Culture at Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) heard presentations from year 10 on their plans to act as export agents for local food, drink, surf equipment and jewellery manufacturers.

The 15-year olds had identified the manufacturers as having a strong product to maximise in international markets. They are working with their French teacher to take these products to the region of Brittany – in particular Plymouth’s twinned town of Brest.

The students had planned thoroughly and invested in time and research to develop the initial proposition to the Brest companies. Food and drink is one of the areas with very low export activity so these young people had unearthed what is a key challenge across the UK.

A decision was made to export flavoured crisps to France – on the premise that they are not widely sold in French shops. The youngsters will next test their market proposition on their business trip planned for June.

Says Lesley: “The creativity and business savvy of the students set me wondering how powerful it would be if small companies across the UK sought out opportunities in towns across the world which are twinned with places where they live?

“Each of these joint international endeavours has amassed a wealth of local intelligence and insider knowledge of market potential which they can transport into the world of exporting and international trade.

“We wish year 10 every well-deserved success with this vibrant venture – and with their potential as Young International Traders!”

Businesses and advisors across Birmingham, Liverpool and London considered five key questions.

1. Does EU membership benefit our exporters? Not at all, a little, somewhat, a lot?

The consensus in Birmingham was that EU membership is good for our exporters, especially SME businesses that benefit from the relative simplicity of trading and shipping. Trading with the EU as an outsider would require customs clearance at export and import, adding costs that would negatively impact on small transactions and particularly SMEs.

Attendees in Liverpool felt exporters had considerable bargaining power internationally by being part of EU as against the much smaller UK. It was also felt that if the UK left the EU many EU- based buyers would be more likely to turn other EU suppliers rather than the UK.

2. Is the current uncertainty about EU membership impacting on UK exporters?

On the whole participants felt the current uncertainty about EU membership was not a significant factor for the majority of smaller UK exporters who operate on a shorter time frame, and without the need for decision-making around long term investment.

Uncertainty was more likely to impact on those businesses that need to invest or make decisions in plant or production over a longer term. It was also noted that UK exporters in the automotive, aerospace, banking and financial sectors could feel the impact if uncertainty caused overseas investors to rethink their investment priorities.

3. Does experience of trading with the EU help exporters to go on to trade with the global market?

The relative simplicity of trading with the EU provides UK companies with valuable training prospects and the confidence to develop a strategic approach to new global markets, though the belief is that many struggle to know who to turn to for help in harnessing these opportunities.

Attendees in Birmingham pointed out that those SMEs that do establish successful trading relationships with expanding EU companies often benefit in the longer term from being an integral part of a tried and tested supply chain.

4. Which is the thing you would most like to see changed about EU membership?

Desirable changes to EU membership ranged from a reduction in ‘red tape’ that hampered businesses to reforming the Common Agricultural Policy and removing control over financial decision making from countries with vested interests.

Many also called for changes in the way regulations could be adapted by different member states to create a state of unfairness that should not exist in a unified trading block.

Many taking part also agreed that more information in the public domain on the practicalities and benefits of international trade would help businesses seeking to sift facts from negative perceptions about EU membership.

Whilst attendees in London expressed concern that Government and financial institutions were still not doing enough to support UK businesses to develop an export market, they also noted that businesses needed better platforms to debate and share ‘best practice’ information to reduce the risks associated with a ‘passive’ approach to export.

5. In, out or renegotiation?

All expressed the view that, although it would not be realistic for the UK to renegotiate the terms of EU membership, of the EU, the issue of renegotiation should be part of a wider reforming agenda.

Said the Institute of Export’s Director General Lesley Batchelor: “We received a wealth of positive responses from those who attended and benefited from this second and expanded series of debates.

“Attendees’ reactions reinforce the importance of providing a platform such as PIT STOP to enable exporters at grass roots level to share common issues along with calls to action on key issues impacting on their ability to trade internationally. Many thanks to all participants and for the invaluable feedback.”

Do you need help with an export project, or identifying new markets? Start off with a chat.

Through engagement with business leaders via the Guardian’s web-based Women in Leadership section, Lesley will underline the pressing need to create more diversity at the top of large organisations.

Her appointment comes as the latest report from the Cranfield International Centre for Women Leaders highlights how the drive to recruit more women to the boardroom is going in the wrong direction.

Over the last six months the percentage of female directors appointed to FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 boards has slipped to 26% and 29% respectively.

The report found that whilst women hold more than one in five (21.8%) of non-executive FTSE 100 posts they still only account for little over one in 17 (5.8%) executive roles. That means there are just 18 women executive directors in Britain’s top boardrooms, against 292 men.

Lesley commented: “Businesses that will lead the economic recovery and expand our export and international trade drive need to recognise and harness the female talent in their organisations. These figures show that many women need encouragement and confidence to explore different styles of leadership along with advice on how to better promote themselves.

“It is vital that more women believe they can aspire to the top jobs in UK businesses. It’s great that there are these new non-executive roles on the board; however we need more full board members. I wholeheartedly champion and encourage more capable women to take up leadership roles and hope my involvement in this leadership community will result in some positive changes in the international sector too.”

Harriet Minter, head of the Guardian Professional’s Women in Leadership said that support from Founding Executive Members will help make a strong case for change and provide inspiration for women currently climbing the career ladder.

At the end of last year the IOE spearheaded quarterly PIT STOP debates to take the pulse of exporters at grassroots level as part of the Institute’s drive to promote Professionalism in International Trade (PIT).

On April 17 delegates will gather at venues in Birmingham, Canterbury, Cardiff, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Manchester and Nottingham to have their say about the critical matters affecting IOE members and UK exporters. The PIT STOP review will include delegates’ responses on key issues which will reflect the concerns of business, their successes and challenges in different markets – and what support they require going forward.

PIT STOP was launched last December in Birmingham, London and Manchester where businesses and advisors debated the impact of the Chancellor’s autumn statement.  Key feedback from the debates included a call for the Government to consider incentives such as tax breaks or holidays to help offset the major investment required to penetrate new markets.  Delegates felt that the Government is asking the business community to invest a huge amount in terms of human resource and capital to establish a new market and this is not reflected in the tax regime.

The review also revealed that exporters are seeking a greater understanding of the financial implications of international trade within the advisor groups as well as business.

Says Lesley Batchelor: “These reviews give the institute and our members a powerful and united voice to lobby government about the issues and concerns of UK exporters.  By extending the debate to 10 UK cities we are opening up the opportunities for even more businesses to be heard – and listened to.

“PIT STOP is building on the IOE’s evidence already presented to the Select Committee of the House of Lords.”

More information and to register on line

Do you need help with an export project, or identifying new markets? Start off with a chat.

For the second year running Lesley presented awards to successful Scottish Enterprise graduates, including a special award to top student Colette Brady.  Our congratulations go to the other graduates: Anke Heggie, Daniel Crow, Joanna Gourlay, Morag Nelson, Bill McMillan, Elaine Hovey, Lee Ann McLeish, Zoe Kemp, Insa Buehrmann and Megan Donnachie.The celebratory lunch hosted by Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International recognised the achievements of staff in graduating with prestigious qualifications from both the Institute of Export and the University of Strathclyde. Scottish Enterprise has encouraged and supported employees in studying for the IOE’s advanced certificate for the last three years.

Lesley says: “I was delighted to see the talent, enthusiasm and energy of the graduates.  It is encouraging to see that Scottish Enterprise recognises the importance of putting international trade into context.  This is exactly what our qualifications encourage students to do and I must applaud Scottish Enterprise encouraging their staff to undertake the ACIT with its wealth of benefits.  Our qualification enables students to demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the principles and procedures involved in international trade.”

The Advanced Certificate in International Trade is part of a suite of qualifications the IOE offers as part of our drive to improve training and skills in export and international trade. The qualification focuses on four modules: the business environment, finance of international trade, international marketing and international physical distribution. Successful students can apply for Associate Membership of the IOE. You can find further information on the ACIT, including entry qualifications, how to apply and a detailed breakdown of modules on our website: Advanced Certificate in International Trade.

So how is Easter celebrated in other parts of the world?

Italy
In Rome, the Pope washes the feet of a dozen men during a service commemorating Christ’s gesture of humility to his apostles. On Good Friday, he takes part in the traditional night-time Stations of the Cross procession at the Colosseum and tens of thousands of people will gather in St Peter’s Square for Mass on Easter Sunday.

Greece
Easter is the most important religious holiday in the Greek Orthodox calendar. Shops decorate their windows with brightly coloured-wrappings for Easter candles and chocolate eggs. Greek families sit down to a meal of whole roasted lamb on Easter Sunday.

Philippines
In the Philippines, Holy Week is commemorated with street processions, during these events, some devotees walk barefoot in sweltering heat, while local residents recite passages from the bible reciting Jesus Christ’s suffering.

Germany
The Easter Tree or ‘Osterbaum’ is popular in Germany, it involves Easter eggs being hung from trees or large branches. Decorated eggs are popular in Germany and the ‘egg dance’ is often played where eggs are laid on the ground and people dance around them.

Sweden
In Sweden, children dress up as Easter hags or witches, they paint their faces, carry a broom and go knock on neighbours doors for treats, rather like Halloween. They decorate their houses with willow or birch twigs and eat a smörgåsbord, a buffet-style meal that includes herring, salmon, potatoes, eggs, meatballs and sausages.

America
In America, the Easter Bunny delivers Easter eggs and has become a legend in American culture. The annual Easter Egg Roll will be held at the White House on Easter Monday, the tradition involves children rolling eggs across the White House lawn with long-handled spoons.

Spain
Easter is celebrated in dramatic ways throughout Spain, with hundreds of processions involving participants in white robes taking place during Holy Week. The Dance de la Muerta (Dance of Death) takes place in Gerona and involves five people dressed as skeletons and scaring people in their path.

Columbia
Rather than tucking into chocolate eggs, Columbians like to eat turtle egg omelettes, iguana soup, cayman stew, fried yucca and capybara, the world’s largest rodent for their traditional Easter dinner.

However you chose to celebrate, the team at the IOE would like to wish all our members and friends a very happy Easter weekend!

With creative industries accounting for around £1 in every £10 of the UK’s exports and worth more than £36 billion a year to the national economy, Lesley is urging them to take part so their significant contribution can be recognised.

As a judge in The Queen’s Awards’ International Trade category, Lesley wants to see greater representation from creative companies: “The UK’s creative sectors generate £70,000 every minute for the British economy and it’s vital their success is reflected in the awards, which are the UK’s highest accolade for global business success.

“These awards are the gold standard for businesses across all sectors and an acknowledged mark of excellence. The UK’s heritage fashion brands, cutting edge young designers, film visual effect companies and gaming technology sector are world leaders so let’s celebrate their powerful success stories. The timing is perfect as we mark a global resurgence of all things Britannia – driven partly by the legacy of the successful London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

High end fashion brands such as Mulberry and Burberry as well as emerging new labels are enjoying international success with many fashion manufactures saying that exports make up a quarter of their business, according to a report in The Huffington Post last year.  The UK’s film industry contributed over £4.6 billion to the UK economy in 2011 and its visual effects industry, centred around London, is a leading player in global blockbusters such as Skyfall and the Harry Potter films.

Britain’s game development sector is the third largest in the world. On average, 45 per cent of a UK games business’s turnover is generated from the export of games.

Linda Stephens, The Secretary of The Queen’s Awards, adds: “The Queen’s Awards are only granted to the very best UK companies so to win one is a fantastic recognition of corporate success.  The benefits of winning are great, from enhancing a business’ profile to increasing its sales, from a wealth of PR opportunities to boosting staff morale.  Only a select few businesses are successful, which make The Queen’s Awards very sought-after accolades indeed”.

Established in 1935, The Institute of Export is the only professional body in the UK offering recognised, formal qualifications in international trade.

Entries to this year’s Queen’s Awards for Enterprise open on 21 April and close on 30 September Representatives of winning firms are invited to a reception with HM The Queen at Buckingham Palace. For more information go to: www.queensawards.org.uk.