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Shortlist revealed!

Keen to celebrate UK trade, the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade is delighted to bring together the International Trade Awards within the Import Export Show again this year!

Our eight categories honour and recognise outstanding businesses and individuals that have demonstrated exceptional achievements and contributions to international trade.

View the shortlist below (listed in alphabetical order).

  1. Innovation in Trade Award (Sponsored by cargo-partner)
    • iCustoms iClassification
    • iCustoms’ Intelligent Document Processing Solution
    • Zeal Innovations in Payment Integration

  2. Investment in Trade Award (Sponsored by EORI (UK) Ltd)
    • EBS LTD
    • ETK Group Limited

  3. Micro Business of the Year Award
    • BRITEthink
    • Creative Nature - Helping those with allergies around the world
    • Swift Borders Ltd

  4. Rising International Trader
    • Terser Adamu, ETK Group Limited
    • Omar Ebeid, Zeal

  5. SME of the Year Award
    • Inciner8
    • Le Mark Group Ltd
    • Ramsden International

  6. Sustainable Trade Award
    • ETK Group Limited
    • HMM (Europe) Limited
    • Sylwia Nowak

  7. Trading for Good Award
    • ETK Group Limited
    • Foothold International Ltd. trading as Foothold America
    • NMS Infrastructure Working in Africa

  8. Young Trader of the Year Award (Sponsored by IOE Foundation)
    • Cameron McCall, Ramsden International
    • Rebecca Wells, Tudor International Freight

 

See you at the International Trade Awards, part of the Import Export Show

  • Hear from industry leaders
  • Connect with fellow trade professionals
  • Learn about key trade trends

Are you a Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade member? Enjoy discounted tickets.

Get tickets

Meet our judges

ADHIKARI, R Photo

Ratnakar Adhikari
Executive Director, EIF at WTO

Dr Ratnakar Adhikari has been serving the Executive Secretariat for the EIF at the WTO as its Executive Director since October 2013. Previously, he was the Chief Executive Director of South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment, a Kathmandu (Nepal)-based regional think-tank. Prior to that, he served as a Senior Adviser to the National Planning Commission, Government of Nepal; and as Trade Programme Specialist for UNDP, Asia Pacific Regional Centre in Colombo, Sri Lanka, among others.  

He has extensively published in the areas of international trade, investment, finance, digital transformation, competition policy and intellectual property rights from the perspective of the least developed countries.  

Dr Adhikari obtained his PhD from the University of Warwick, United Kingdom; a Masters of International Law and Economics from the World Trade Institute, Switzerland; and a Masters of Commerce from the University of Delhi, India. 

 

Photo Shemina Amarsy

Shemina Amarsy
Advisor on Sustainability Standards & Value Chains, ITC

Shemina Amarsy is a Senior Advisor on sustainability standards and value chains at ITC, the International Trade Centre.  

She previously worked as a sustainability coordinator in the retailing sector, then for Fairtrade International as a liaison officer in the Caribbean and Latin America. She also worked for GoodWeave International and for IDH as Recognition Leader on Living Wage. She studied at Neoma Business School in France, Fundacao Getulio Vargas in Brazil and holds a Masters in Philosophy. 

Jun Du 2018

Jun Du
Professor, economics, finance and entrepreneurship,
Centre for Business Prosperity, Aston University

Jun Du is a Professor of Economics at Aston Business School and the Founding Director of the Centre for Business Prosperity. She leads the Internationalisation research at the Enterprise Research Centre and is a recognised expert on UK trade, internationalisation, innovation, and productivity. Jun serves on the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Grant Assessment Panel and is a member of the Council of Experts for the Innovation and Research Caucus. She also holds advisory roles with the British Chamber of Commerce Global Britain Challenge Group, the Business Commission West Midlands Advisory Panel, and the Midlands Engine Observatory Program Board. 

Supported by prestigious bodies such as the ESRC, Leverhulme Foundation, and various UK government agencies, Jun's research has significantly influenced policy and practice. A sought-after public speaker and writer on UK trade and productivity, her work is frequently cited in major media outlets like the BBC, FT, CNN, and The Guardian. Jun collaborates closely with UK policymakers to enhance trade performance and economic resilience. 

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Anthony Kirkbride
International Trade Adviser, Business in Focus

With over 30 years business experience across a number of sectors, I have developed an understanding of key strategic and business methods to achieve successful outcomes. I am fascinated by how organisations and people work and can make a difference, and this has been a thread running throughout my career across various roles. I have been fortunate to work across international markets, working as part of organisations to manage change, advising businesses on their strategies, mapping out systems and processes, and engaging and working with stakeholders adding to the everyday methods of doing the practical day-job. The speed of change working into international markets helps to keep me on my toes and energises my personal development. Bringing together my experiences, motivates me to support and guide business every day through my current role as an International Trade Adviser working for Business Wales.  Supporting SME’s to develop and manage change, find solutions and building strong partnerships is both inspirational and rewarding. Having the opportunity to support the CIOE&IT with the International Trade awards will be a pleasure and privilege. 

JL Bio

John Lucy
Founder & CEO, JL Foundation

Former director of one the UK's first and largest Freeports, a serving board member of the World Free Zone Organisation based in Dubai, former head of International Transport & Customs at both the Road Haulage Association and Logistics UK, and a solid background in every aspect of international road transport. 

Worked extensively with UK Government departments on pre and post Brexit requirements from an industry perspective. 

Worked directly for UK Government to deliver one of the UK's largest freeports, a major infrastructure programme, designed to deliver £25m of public funds to the freeport area, focussed on regeneration and job creation, create innovation projects and establish freeports as national hubs for Global Trade. 

Designed and led global business and trade engagements bridging public and private sectors, aimed at C level audiences up to minister level. 

John created JL International to offer business development support and strategic consultancy for businesses in the domestic and international transport and logistics sector, specialising in facilitating the growth of businesses into new international markets and international logistics solutions, and delivering renewable power, energy security and onsite decarbonisation to the road transport sector. 

Roberto Napolitano

Roberto Napolitano
Director of marketing and communications, Innovate Finance UK

Roberto Napolitano is the CMO at Innovate Finance, the independent industry body that represents and advances the global FinTech community in the UK. 

He is a marketer and communicator with 20 years of experience in marketing and corporate communications in finance, technology and professional services, having worked for scaleups and large enterprises. 

Roberto holds an MBA from Manchester Business School, an MSc from the London School of Economics, an MA from the University of Bologna and an LLB from the University of London. 

 

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Charles Peter
International Business Development Manager, PG Paper

Charles Peter is an International Business Development Manager at PG Paper, a global paper and packaging company. With a strong focus on international business and trade, Charles leads business development across key markets, leveraging his expertise in sales and procurement. 

Specialising in international negotiations, exploring emerging markets and optimising the global flow of goods, Charles’s strengths in strategic planning, problem-solving and key account management drive his success in global trade. 

Passionate about sustainability, Charles actively works on sourcing and developing sustainable products, helping to reduce plastic waste. He is also committed to mentoring and guiding new sales team members, supporting their personal and professional growth. 

 

Tyler Townsend
CEO, J&T Customs Consulting Limited

Tyler Townsend is an accomplished entrepreneur and customs expert based in Dover, UK. He is the owner of J&T Customs Consulting Limited, TGT Customs Limited, Linces Softco Limited, and the Clearance Support Network. With a deep knowledge of international trade and customs regulations, Tyler helps businesses navigate the complexities of customs procedures, ensuring compliance and minimizing delays. 

His flagship company, J&T Customs Consulting Limited, provides expert advice and solutions for customs clearance and regulatory challenges. Tyler’s leadership in TGT Customs Limited and Linces Softco Limited extends his service offerings, addressing the growing demand for specialized customs support. Through the Clearance Support Network, he provides a vital resource for businesses facing clearance issues, offering tools and guidance to streamline their operations. 

Tyler’s expertise and commitment to excellence have made him a respected figure in the industry, helping businesses thrive in a rapidly evolving trade environment. Residing in Dover, he draws inspiration from the town’s strategic significance in global trade. 

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Matthew Wilson is the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Barbados to the United Nations,  World Trade Organisation and Other International Organisations in Geneva and Chair of the WTO Working Group on MSMEs. He has held various senior roles including Chief of Staff at the International Trade Centre; and Senior Adviser to the WTO Director General. He is an International Gender Champion and a supporter of diversity and inclusion. He has degrees in psychology/sociology, international relations, development studies and an MBA-essentials.  

Gabriela Alvarez

Gabriela Alvarez
Founder and Director, Latitude Consulting 

Gabriela has founded several interrelated ventures connecting people, chocolate, nature, and inclusive prosperity. Colcocoa partners with over 2200 smallholder cocoa producers to supply cacao to chocolate manufacturers.  Other ventures include Hacienda La Tentación, a cocoa farm, and Terra Impulsum, which supports rural economic development and transition to regenerative agriculture. Most recent initiatives include PlanT Ecopoints, a program to compensate smallholder farmers for contributions to nature such as carbon and biodiversity conservation. Gabriela frequently advises on topics related to trade and development, collaborating on development projects with organizations such as the International Trade Centre, IDH, USAID, and SECO. She is also a member of ITC’s Advisory Group of Trade for Sustainable Development.  

She holds a Doctorate in Management from the University of Cranfield (England), an MBA from The Wharton School, an MA in International Studies from the University of Pennsylvania (USA), and an Economics degree from the University of Buenos Aires.  

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Tom Campbell-Smart
Operations Director, Brand Organic

Following an earlier career in science and education, Tom moved into international trade almost a decade ago and has never looked back.  

Since joining Brand Organic as Operations Director in 2019 he has spearheaded the operational side of the company's rapid growth as an import agency; specialising primarily in the importation of organic FMCG products. 

This growth has been fuelled by innovation within the supply chain as well as considerable adaptability as the company pivoted to great success as a result of the post-Brexit trade landscape. This success was recognised at the inaugural International Trade Awards, where Brand Organic was shortlisted for Micro Business of the Year - an award for which they would no longer qualify due to their considerable scaling since. 

Emma Jones

Emma Jones
Founder, Enterprise Nation

Following a degree in Law and Japanese, Emma joined international accounting firm Arthur Andersen, where she worked in London, Leeds and Manchester offices and set up the firm's Inward Investment practice that attracted overseas companies to locate in the UK. In 2000, bitten by the dot.com bug, Emma left the firm to start her first business, Techlocate.

After 15 months, the company was successfully sold to Tenon plc when Emma was 27. The experience of starting, growing and selling a business from a home base gave Emma the idea for Enterprise Nation which was launched in 2005 to support the flourishing number of start-ups and SMEs.

The company has since expanded to become an active small business membership community, reaching more than 800,000 businesses each year with its powerful digital business support platform. Businesses benefit from free business building tools to start-up and support growth, legendary events and resources including the annual Start Up Show and daily Lunch and Learns. Its platform offers business owners in the UK, Ireland and across EU, the chance to connect with like-minded peers, professional business advisers and trained mentors. It links them to opportunities to expand through procurement sessions with Tier one suppliers. Enterprise Nation also presents a positive campaigning voice to governments and the media on behalf of its partners and members.

With Emma at the helm, Enterprise Nation now works with multiple global and government partners to deliver tailored business support programmes for a growing number of micro and small business owners. It also delivers regular data-led research to highlight and understand the important contribution SMEs make to the economy and to establish ‘what works’ when it comes to funded support programmes.

In 2021, Emma was awarded a CBE for services to small businesses and entrepreneurs and has held several key advisory roles at the heart of the UK government, making the case for small businesses in the corridors of power.

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Di Li
Associate Professor and Programme Director of MSc International Trade, Strategy and Operations (ITSO) at WMG

Dr. Di Li, BSc, MSc, PhD, SFHEA, is an Associate Professor and Programme Director of MSc International Trade, Strategy and Operations (ITSO) at WMG, the University of Warwick. She conducts research, teaching, and projects in the field of supply chain and operations management within the international trade context. Her primary research focus lies in digitalization-enabled sustainable operations and trade, supply chain resilience in Industry 4.0, global supply network design, reversed FDI, and business strategy analytics. Di is a Chair of the Academic Conduct Panel and is a member of the Academic Quality and Assurance Committee at WMG, ensuring high-quality teaching and learning activities. Meanwhile, Di serves as a review editor for world-leading journals, such as International Journal of Operations & Production Management (IJOPM), and the Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice (JUTLP). She is also a member of the EurOMA conference review committee. In addition, she plays the role of academic consultant for multiple companies and the governmental Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, while leading and/or participating in projects with accumulated funding generation up to £4.6 million.  

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Martin McTague OBE
National Chair, FSB 

Martin McTague was appointed as National Chair of FSB in March 2022. Prior to this, he was FSB National Vice Chair, Policy and Advocacy (from 2021) and FSB Policy and Advocacy Chair, a role he was elected to in March 2016.  

He was awarded an OBE for services to small businesses in the King’s New Year Honours List for 2024. 

Martin has served as a volunteer with FSB for more than 20 years, in a variety of roles including Chair of the Local Government Policy Unit. 

Martin started his own business 35 years ago and now currently owns and manage three businesses - offering public policy, engineering and IT consultancy services.  

Martin’s business experience is invaluable to him in his role as FSB National Chair. He believes that integrity and a cross-party approach are both vital preconditions for success. He is determined to protect and advance FSB’s current standing as the UK’s most influential business lobby – one that truly represents its grassroots members. Martin served on the Government’s Low Pay Commission from 2018 to 2024, and was appointed to the ACAS Council in August 2023 by the Secretary of State for Business and Trade. 

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Lucinda O’Reilly
Founder, The International Trade Consultancy

Lucinda O’Reilly is an international trade consultant with over 15 years’ experience of global imports and exports. As the Exports Director of a UK industrial flooring manufacturer, she grew exports to over 40 countries worldwide. Having successfully managed the transition through Brexit, Lucinda set up The International Trade Consultancy to provide practical, customized support to companies struggling to navigate the new regulatory landscape and supply chain challenges caused by the pandemic. 

Areas of expertise include tariff classification, duty relief schemes, reclaiming incorrect duty payments, restoration of seized goods, audits of import/export processes, complying with rules of origin, global customs compliance, achieving AEO status, global export strategy and supply chains. 

She is regularly invited to communicate the views of SME manufacturers in the media and to Members of Parliament. 

Keirra Smith

Keirra Smith
Deputy Director of English Regions in the Programme and Insight & Operations Teams at the UK Export Academy, DBT

Keirra is the Deputy Director leading UK-wide Services in the UK Trade Delivery directorate. She leads both ‘Programmes’ (the UK Export Academy and Export Champions) and ‘Insight & Operations’ teams (Performance, Best Practice and Digital Design). While Keirra is a long-term civil servant, this is her first gig working for the UK Government after coming to London nine years ago as the New South Wales (NSW) Trade and Investment Commissioner to the UK and Europe. 

Keirra has over 20 years of trade, investment, innovation and programme management experience working across multiple Governments and has recently gained her UK citizenship and made her home in North Yorkshire. She is also a strong advocate for women and supporter of inclusion and diversity. 

Enxhi Tresa

Enxhi Tresa
Trade economist, Trade and Agriculture Directorate

Enxhi Tresa is a trade economist in the Trade Policy Division at the Trade and Agriculture Directorate (TAD) of the OECD working on issues of trade and climate change, including trade in environmental goods and services, circular economy of plastics, etc.  She is co-author of several research papers and reports, on interlinks between trade and topics such as climate change, global value chains and trade policy.  

Prior to that, Enxhi worked as a research economist with the modelling team at the Research Division of the World Trade Organization (WTO), undertaking work on trade and climate change using computable general equilibrium modelling. She also had a short-term role at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), focusing on trade resilience during the COVID-19 downturn.  

She earned a PhD in Economics focused on global value chains, labor mobility, and services trade from Cergy Paris University, where she continues to be an associate member of THEMA (Théorie économique, modélisation et applications) laboratory. She holds a Master of Science from the Paris School of Economics and a Bachelor of Science from Toulouse School of Economics.