The achievements of almost 200 students graduating from the Institute of Export have been celebrated at a vibrant awards ceremony held at Mansion House, London.
High-profile figures from trade and industry sectors and the world of international trade acknowledged the students’ success at the Lord Mayor of London’s residence where attendees included representatives of Amber Road, Kuehne + Nagel, Norsk Global, Invest NI and Belfast Metropolitan College.
Speakers included Alderman, Sheriff Charles Bowman, IOE vice president Lord Empey OBE, Louis Taylor, chief executive of UK Export Finance, IOE chairman Ian Taylor, FIEx, IOE director general Lesley Batchelor OBE, FIEx (Grad) and IOE young president, Arne Mielken MIEx (Grad).
Special prizes for highest overall scores
The students that received the highest overall score in each qualification were also awarded prizes for their dedication and commitment to their studies. Special congratulations to Emma Foley from Conex Universal Ltd on her Level 3 Certificate in International Trade; Aileen Lamberton from Scottish Enterprise who graduated with a Level 4 Diploma in International Trade and Michael Alexander from Grant Thornton LLP who achieved a Level 5 Diploma in World Customs Compliance & Regulations.
Michael, executive (customs and international Trade) at Grant Thornton LLP, commented: “The qualification has really expanded my understanding of customs and international trade. The diploma has given me the confidence to understand issues, and recommend solutions which can provide real benefit to clients.
The course gave me an understanding that the legislation is key: although often helpful, guidance cannot be relied on, and the legislation is key to understanding the law.”
Also achieving top marks were Vineeta Manchanda from IBMDS for a Level 5 Diploma in International Trade; Nicholas Clark from Royal Bank of Scotland for his Certificate for International Trade Advisors qualification – and Jane Smith from Jontine Products (Lincoln) Ltd who achieved the highest score in the Foundation Degree (FdA) Professional Practice in International Trade.
Jane said: “I wanted to ensure that I understood the requirements of trade and export from both a legal and good practice perspective. The course was distance learning over two years, allowing me flexibility to study alongside running the business.
“I was able to implement change and improvement from within a supported learning environment. The course content proved to be entirely pertinent to my business and I cannot hesitate in recommending it.”
Nicholas Clark, regional head of Trade & International, North Region RBS/NatWest commented: “International companies need to be cognisant of a wide range of factors to be successful in trading internationally. It is important in my role to have a good knowledge of these areas to provide customers with appropriate support and solutions; the course syllabus covers the breadth of the disciplines required.
The flexibility of study, allied with my organisation’s commitments to personal development, enabled me to tailor my learning to maximise access to the course content and develop my understanding and knowledge of the diverse topics covered in a way which worked for me.”
UK Export Finance marks milestone achievement
UK Export Finance, the UK’s export credit agency, is marking a milestone with nine of its export finance advisors graduating with the Institute’s Level 5 Diploma in International Trade.
Louis Taylor, chief executive of UK Export Finance, commented: “I would like to offer my congratulations to all the students graduating this year with Institute of Export qualifications, and I am delighted to see so many UK Export Finance colleagues among them. Graduating from an Institute of Export programme is a huge personal achievement. It is also of great benefit to employers, and I am delighted that UK Export Finance is one of the many employers investing in their people by supporting them through these qualifications.”
Qualifications bring wide-ranging benefits
The continued success of both the practical and academic qualifications offered by the IOE is attributable to its continued commitment to quality, variety, and accessibility – providing theoretical knowledge and useful practical guidance for those just starting out in international trade along with seasoned exporters and exporters taking on a new challenge. The Institute’s programmes include a foundation degree in Professional Practice in International Trade, developed in collaboration with Anglia Ruskin University; a BSc (Hons) in Management Practice – International Trade, delivered with Plymouth University, and an MSc in International Trade, Strategy and Operations, offered in conjunction with Warwick University.
Vineeta Manchanda of IBMDS explained: “The IOE’s Diploma in International Trade has helped me to transition from a career in international finance to setting up an online fashion business, selling internationally. I developed my business case through the assignments set and considered issues that may have otherwise been overlooked. A systematic study of international e-commerce was helpful.
“With no prior direct experience of international trade, the course allowed me to focus my case studies on areas of particular relevance. In studying logistics I was fascinated to look at Zara as a case study – I have even been known to talk about Zara’s logistics at dinner parties!”
IOE director general, Lesley Batchelor, said: “It’s tremendous that so many businesses are investing in equipping their employees with the skills to maximise the wealth of opportunities in international trade and we wish our graduates continued success. The breadth of courses we offer reinforces our ongoing commitment to embed professionalism in international trade.”
Experience and professional guidance
The IOE’s education team was highly praised for the support they provided throughout the academic year, with Anand Harrilall, a graduate of the Level 5 Diploma in International Trade, singling out director of education Kevin Shakespeare for his guidance.
Anand said: “I’d like to express my gratitude for the timely support and guidance you provided throughout the Diploma. You have been very patient, insightful and extremely responsive. Having very little time to complete the programme, I’d only expected to achieve a pass (though I’d hoped for at least a credit). I never expected a Distinction – this feat would not have been possible without your timely feedback and guidance.”
Supporters of the event included Strong & Herd LLP, CITA World, Felixstowe Trading and Enterprise College, International Market Advisor Ltd, Bibby Financial Services and the Worshipful Company of World Traders.
