Global Trade Live: AI in customs and supply chains

Will Barns-Graham is the executive editor at the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade and the organisation’s lead for editorial content.

Since joining the charity in 2017, he has created the industry’s leading webinar programme, hosting several hundred sessions on all aspects of international trade. He has also been the lead writer and editor on the Chartered Institute's Daily Update news bulletin, lead editor on its World Trade Matters journal, and has produced and hosted multiple of its events.

Will has also been the lead content contributor on several collaborative projects with governments and business organisations in the UK and overseas. This includes the Open to Export International Business Awards which he managed in 2018, which resulted in the charity being named a Small Business Champion by the World Trade Organization and the International Chamber of Commerce.

He is a NCTJ-qualified journalist, having gained a distinction on the Press Association’s Level 3 Diploma. He has also gained an MA in Social Anthropology from SOAS and a BA in Philosophy and Theology from the University of Oxford. 

Ilona is an expert in international trade compliance with over eight years of experience, specialising in import operations. As the lead for the Imports Advisory Practice, she excels in managing complex import processes, conducting customs and broker invoice audits, and developing policies that streamline cross-border trade while ensuring strict adherence to global regulations. Her expertise spans customs requirements in the MENAT and EMEA regions, where she has successfully mitigated risks and optimised compliance strategies for various organisations. 

Ilona has an in-depth understanding of international customs regulations, staying ahead of legislative changes to proactively address challenges and assess their impact on business operations. Her strong focus on import compliance and her analytical approach to auditing have been pivotal in achieving seamless and compliant import operations across multiple markets. 

Currently, as a digital trade and customs specialist within Academy Strategic Projects, Ilona leads key initiatives around cross-border movements and the UK 2025 Border Strategy. She spearheads projects that leverage disruptive technologies to optimise import processes and enhance global trade facilitation. Her expertise aims to ensure that businesses remain competitive and compliant in the rapidly evolving landscape of international trade and drive innovation and efficiency in cross-border operations.