The event was spearheaded by Amber Road – a leading provider of global trade management software which enables goods to flow unimpeded across international borders. It equipped exporters from small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and larger organisations with insights and knowledge on how to turn export controls into practice – and how to harness experts’ knowledge to maximise global trade operations and opportunities.
Guest speakers joining Lesley on the platform were Claire Harrison from the Department for Business Innovation and Skills who gave an overview of the export control system, Gary Adams, a senior specialist prosecutor from the Crown Prosecution Service who explained the relevant laws and how they are implemented and Sandra Strong managing partner of Strong & Herd LLP – an IOE member – who spoke on planning and implementing an Export control compliance program.
Amber Road’s Director of Business Solutions, Nick Boland, examined the importance of understanding the export transaction process and of having good technology while David Lowrie, Export Control Manager at Rakon UK Ltd, concluded with the importance of the private sector’s role in compliance.
Lesley Batchelor also presented the findings of this year’s International Trade Survey, commissioned by The Institute of Export (IOE) and conducted by Trade and Export Finance Ltd (TAEFL). The results highlighted a growing divide between corporates and smaller UK businesses in the drive to enter overseas markets. They also revealed that a lack of experience, finance and government support, as well as ambivalence about Europe, are constraining factors for micro, small and medium sized businesses to trade internationally.
Martijn van Gils, Marketing Director Europe at Amber Road, said: “The aim of these seminars, attended by representatives of both product and service based industries, is to enhance understanding and knowledge of this critical area – as well as emphasising the meticulous planning required to meet all the requirements of trade compliance and export controls.
“The contributions from Lesley and our expert speakers are invaluable for giving businesses the bigger picture of the various elements involved in launching and implementing their compliance programmes.”
Lesley commented: “It was a pleasure to add value to the seminar and to emphasise how training and qualifications are instrumental in helping exporters to trade more effectively. As the only professional body in the UK offering recognised and formal qualifications in international trade, the IOE supports the interests of everyone involved in trading globally, importing and exporting.
“A champion of embedding professionalism in international trade into our everyday business decisions, the IOE is committed to equipping small businesses with the skills to trade effectively. Our comprehensive offering includes business membership, providing access to training, services and expert advice.”
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