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Join us for the first 2025 Borders, Ports & Logistics Special Interest Group (SIG)

This group has been created with our members in mind, providing you with expert insights, peer-to-peer guidance, and support. Our first meeting will feature brief updates from industry experts, followed by interactive breakout sessions where you'll have the opportunity to discuss the key challenges and opportunities you're experiencing.

This event offers a unique chance to connect with industry leaders, expand your professional network, and gain a deeper understanding of current trends in Borders, Ports & Logistics.

Come prepared to engage, share, and collaborate as we build a strong community of professionals dedicated to advancing this vital sector.

When: 10am -10:45am GMT, Tuesday 28th January 2025

Where: Microsoft Teams | Interactive event

Opening from Head of Membership Sophie Tothill 

Introduction from Technical Expert Ilona Kawka

  • NCTS5 updates & NCTS6 roadmap: What you need to know

Breakout rooms

  • Were you affected by the chances? If yes, how were you affected by the chances - positive or negative? If NCTS5 changes did not affect you, what was the recent change to the regulations that has affected your goods movement and how?

Feedback (facilitated by Expert)

Close from Head of Membership 

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.

Ilona Kawka

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.