The IOE is hosting an inaugural World Trade Summit on October 5th aimed at businesses in the South West who are working in international trade.
Entitled ‘The Commonwealth & Beyond’, the Summit will examine the issues and opportunities in accessing new markets and the debate will help to shape the future of international trade.
Held in partnership with Plymouth University, the afternoon event is being held at the prestigious Castle Hotel in Taunton. It features a powerful line-up of export specialists and experts from organisations including the Russo-British Chamber of Commerce, the China Britain Business Council, the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council and The Council of British Chambers of Commerce in Europe (COBCOE).
In an ever changing business environment, the Institute is working to raise the skills of those involved in international trade by engaging with business and government to explore some of the opportunities that are available to South West business. The event focuses on ‘Where next?’ and will define the routes to new markets and relevant technological advances to improve and enhance trading relationships.
Bringing together a wealth of thought leadership, IOE Director General, Lesley Batchelor OBE, will open proceedings before introducing the first of a packed afternoon of 15-minute speeches – each tailored to the issues and opportunities international trade offers businesses in the region – followed by questions and answers.
Jonah Anthony, Director at the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, will talk on ‘A New World of Opportunity’ followed by Matt Proudman, Commercial Manager of the Russo-British Chamber of Commerce, who will present ‘Russia: in from the cold’.
Stephen Dilley, who leads Bond Dickinson’s commercial litigation team in the South West, will talk about ‘Big Bang or Smooth Sailing’ and Debbie Lamb, Deputy CEO of The Council of British Chambers of Commerce in Europe (COBCOE) will address delegates on ‘A European Point of View’.
John Rubidge, a business strategist, international trade development professional, coach and mentor, will present on ‘Exploring Global Growth Opportunities’. He is currently working with the Department for International Trade South West on an EU funded Internationalisation project aimed at boosting international trade development to assist UK-based SMEs to succeed in global markets.
Claire Urry, Executive Director from China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) – which helps UK companies grow from all sizes and sectors to develop their business with China – will focus on ‘Trading with China’.
A formative debate entitled, ‘South West: Investing in an International Future’, will be joined by the Chairman of Devon & Cornwall Business Council, Tim Jones.
The final speaker is Kate Doodson, Joint Chief Executive of Cosmic, an East Devon-based ethical IT business, which specialises in website development, IT training courses, business consultancy, tech support, digital marketing and search engine optimisation, who will present on ‘Modelling a Brave New World’.
Lesley Batchelor will give closing remarks before the Summit continues with a drinks reception and networking event from 5.30pm.
She said: “This is a new and interesting time for businesses working in international trade and our World Trade Summit promises a packed agenda with something of interest for all attendees.
“Bringing together a top-notch line-up of informed speakers who can offer their expertise and insight to the South West region’s exporters and those who are interested in growing through global commerce, we relish the opportunity of welcoming our members and the wider business community to this showcase forum.”
IOE members are also invited to join a members’ session from 1:30pm onwards to enjoy a coffee, croissant and catch up with fellow members until the main event starts at 2:00pm.
The Summit comes a week before the IOE hosts ‘The Commonwealth & Beyond’ exclusive World Trade Summit on October 12th at Gresham College, London, where keynote speaker is Lord Marland, Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council – and former government Trade Envoy.
If you would like more information on the IOE’s membership, training and qualifications, please visit our website or contact us if you have any questions.