At the Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT)’s first in-person annual general meeting (AGM) in two years, held today, attendees heard about the organisation’s growth in the past 12 months.
Chairman of the IOE&IT, Terry Scuoler CBE MIEx, said the post-pandemic return to physical AGM meetings was "welcome". He used the occasion to present 2020 results and those for this year so far, while outlining plans for the future.
Major achievements he highlighted included:
- IOE&IT membership numbers increasing by 50% on 2020’s figure to 5,000
- Delegate numbers attending IOE&IT training courses up 25% year-on-year
Chartered status
Scuoler also hailed the Institute’s intention to apply for Royal Chartered status as “a major opportunity to take the organisation forward”.
The AGM, held at the Belfry hotel and resort in Sutton Coldfield near Birmingham, had nearly 100 attendees in person and online.
The event was chaired by Honorary President Lord Stephen Green, who was also re-elected to his position and pledged to continue serving the IOE&IT in this role.
Staff growth
The Institute’s staff has grown significantly under the leadership of director general Marco Forgione, who joined the IOE&IT in January 2020, just before the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
From less than 20 at the start of last year, staff numbers have risen to more than 115 today - with most new hires having years of customs and trade experience as demand for the IOE&IT's expertise has grown post-Brexit.
Regional offices
Scuoler also pledged that the IOE&IT will continue to support businesses across the country and is looking to establish regional hubs to achieve this. A new London base was opened in early September located in the heart of Westminster, with plans underway to open further offices across the UK in the coming months.
After the AGM, Forgione said that it was “hugely important to be able to welcome our members in person once again. We have been working incredibly hard to support UK businesses and have grown as an organisation to meet these demands.
“We are looking to the future with great optimism and will ensure UK traders have the support and education they need to thrive in the future.”