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Our Food and Drink Special Interest Group (SIG) supports members in navigating the complexities of the food and drink industry, offering access to critical updates, education, and a collaborative forum for sharing insights and solutions.

The upcoming meeting will feature Anna Doherty, Senior Trade and Customs Specialist, and Matt Vick, Academy Trade and Customs Specialist, who will lead the discussion.

Anna and Matt will reflect on the first year since the implementation of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), providing a review of:

  • The state of play and progress made.
  • Outstanding changes and their implications for the sector.

Breakout room questions: 

  • One year post BTOM implementation, what have been your biggest challenges?
  • What sort of improvements would you want to see to border processes for SPS goods?

The session will also include a facilitated discussion, allowing members to raise concerns, share insights, and explore solutions to address evolving challenges in the food and drink industry.

When: 2pm-2:45pm GMT, Tuesday 25th February 2025

Where: Microsoft Teams | Interactive event

Welcome and Opening Remarks
Delivered by the Head of Membership Sophie Tothill.

Presentation
Insights and updates from Matt Vick & Anna Doherty.

Breakout Discussions
Group conversations followed by facilitated feedback.

Closing Remarks
Summary and next steps.

Meet the team

Sophie Tothill Geotag3

Sophie has built a successful career within international professional membership bodies and senior roles in the public sector. With experience at ICAEW and CIPD, she has a proven ability to drive membership growth and engagement through strong value propositions and strategic relationships. A former HR professional and Police Officer, Sophie is a passionate advocate for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) and is committed to advancing organisational success through strategic leadership and collaboration.

N Lancaster Image (002)

With vast years of experience in membership and media sales, Nicola is the sector lead for Retail, food & Drink at the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, where she oversees and build relationships with new and existing customers. I am passionate about connecting clients with their audiences through relevant platforms, engaging them with the Chartered Institute's mission and values, and delivering effective outcomes that meet their needs and objectives.

Working across the large portfolio of products and services that the Chartered Institute offers to the import and export industry. I have contributed to developing and implementing strategies to achieve agreed annual targets, working with internal and external stakeholders to ensure a consistent and collaborative approach across our community. I have also been involved in some innovative and creative projects to reach and develop internal teams for a large online retailer, using targeted training and analytics. I enjoy learning new industries and clients and applying my skills in marketing communications, client communication, and new business development to deliver high-quality solutions on budget and on time.

Matt Vick

Matt Vick handles the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade delivery of public training courses, customs and SPS consultancy, and tutor for individuals at Level 3.

He has extensive international trade experience, stemming from a background in freight forwarding & customs services, culminating in special recognition at the British International Freight Association Awards in 2022.

He was a team leader at Good Logistics for the Brexit taskforce & customs Team, later moving on to the deep sea forwarding department.

Anna Doherty

A qualified and accredited customs professional, Anna is a leading international trade and customs specialist and commentator, having worked as a practitioner before joining the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade in April 2023.

She represents the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade at industry and government forums while advising public and private sector clients on trade compliance and customs facilitations.

A regular speaker at UK and European events and at government working groups, Anna is industry chair of HMRC’s Joint Customs Consultative Committee, its forum for consulting with key trade stakeholders on customs procedures and regulations.

With expertise in interpreting UK and EU regulations and their impact on business, Anna’s current focus is on the UK’s Border Target Operating Model, the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) as well as EU customs reform.

Before joining the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, Anna was customs lead at a major UK manufacturing retailer, developing its customs compliance policy and processes for post-Brexit trading.