The high achievements of graduates who completed the Institute of Export’s (IOE) qualifications in international trade have been celebrated at a prestigious ceremony held at London’s Mansion House.
The Institute’s Diploma in International Trade was awarded to four graduates who successfully completed their studies over three years alongside demanding roles in the dairy foods, gift packaging, global trading and sportswear sectors.
The graduates are: Sarah Jonathan, product manager from International Greetings Plc, Mid Glamorgan, Wales, Robert Marampa-Lartey, international trade expert from Trotylex, based in London, Rachel Stockton, buying office manager and the customs compliance manager from Sports Direct, Nottinghamshire and Nick Rowlands, customer marketing manager from Dairy Crest, Hertfordshire.
IOE President Jim Davis highlighted how graduates are the future of the country and emphasized the importance of developing well-trained exporters, and the Institute’s Vice Presidents, Lord Empey of Shandon and Sir Eric Peacock, were also present at the ceremony. Sir Eric stressed how exporting is the key to business growth and that the Institute’s graduates are putting themselves on the ladder to success by embarking on the IOE’s programmes.
Guest keynote speaker, BBC Breakfast business presenter Steph McGovern, warmly congratulated the students on their achievements in international trade. The presenter shared with attendees how much she enjoyed seeing at first hand the success stories of businesses across the UK who are succeeding in exports against the depressed economic climate.
Lesley Batchelor, director general of the Institute of Export said: “Our graduates are a great source of pride for the Institute. Their commitment and hard work is recognized by everyone and we will all watch their careers develop with interest.
“There is no doubt the skills and expertise they have acquired through their studies in international trade will be a huge asset to their own companies and to the British economy a as whole.”
The graduates were all delighted with their achievements and shared some of their experiences:
‘Whilst studying business management at university provided me with good insight into business, however it lacked details on international trade. The IOE has increased my knowledge significantly in finance and logistics activities, enabling me to understand and make more informed decisions in my current role whilst enhancing my university degree in business management and marketing.
“I am responsible for managing the specifications of the product with design, the account manager and the customer helping to build their range along with sourcing appropriate manufacturers obtaining competitive pricing across all greetings products we distribute to Canada and the USA.”
Sarah Jonathan, International Greetings, Mid Glamorgan
“Graduation from the IOE has given me the necessary skills, knowledge and expertise in international trade and the supply chain. The course fosters professionalism amongst staff and stakeholders.”
Robert Marampa-Lartey, Trotylex, London
“International trade is a wide and diverse subject. Studying with the IOE for the Diploma has improved my knowledge of import and export procedures and my understanding of the subject, on a day to day basis, in relation to my work. It has greatly increased my confidence and I now feel I can offer a professional and authoritative point of view when working on projects and attending meetings at work. I also believe it will help in the advancement of my career in the future.”
Rachel Stockton, Sports Direct, Nottinghamshire
“The Institute of Export course is well-designed to cover all the different features of international trade, making it an informative and enjoyable programme, and I was grateful to have the opportunity to take part. I appreciated the option to choose my own subject area to study on the Diploma, which allowed me to explore a new area. I am sure this well-recognised qualification will stand me in good stead for the future.
“Being involved in trade with an international dimension brings a series of challenges, not just the everyday realities of shipping regulations and customs taxes, but also the non-tangible cultural aspects and different ways of doing business that make this one of the most dynamic and exciting spheres to work in.”
Nick Rowlands, Dairy Crest, St Albans
Also attending the graduation were winners of the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise – businesses who have won the UK’s highest accolade for international trade and the graduation was sponsored by Amber Road, the global trade management software company.
