Regional business leaders from across the UK are set to discuss how trade can address the country’s ongoing growth problems at a leading trade conference hosted by the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade next month (13 March).
The UK’s nations and regions have long lagged behind London and the South East in terms of economic productivity and trade.
Given the benefits of trading internationally, helping firms outside of this area sell their goods abroad could help their regions grow, experts at a MemberCon25 panel are expected to say.
Regional issues
A 2023 report, jointly produced by the Chartered Institute and Flint Global, found that services exports in particular were concentrated mostly in the South East of England, with areas like Cornwall, Lincolnshire and Cumbria among the lowest performing regions.
The growth gap between London and the rest of the UK is also expected to rise over the coming years, according to EY, with London and the South East predicted to outgrow the rest of the UK by 2% and 2.1%, respectively, between 2024 and 2027.
The Labour government has made addressing regional growth a cornerstone of its soon-to-be-published industrial strategy, and looks set to do the same with its long-awaited trade strategy.
Insight-led panel
At the Chartered Institute’s MemberCon event, regional leaders will discuss how traders can drive growth across the UK and highlight success stories from companies based outside of London.
There will also be a discussion of how trade can be used to benefit local economies, as well as advice on how local businesses can make the most of international opportunities, including government support schemes.
The panel will be chaired by Paul Brooks, head of UK nations and regions at the Chartered Institute.
He said: "The UK’s nations and regions have a lot of growth potential, but this hasn’t yet been fulfilled.
“I’m expecting a lively discussion on both the realities of the problem, as well as some real-life examples of how businesses have overcome this.
“We want every attendee to not only understand the scale of the problem, but also to go away with ideas on how they can expand their businesses via importing and exporting.”
Practical tips
Held at Aspire Leeds on 13 March, in the heart of the historic Yorkshire city, MemberCon will feature talks by leading industry figures. It will also host practical workshops and provide networking opportunities for anyone working in international trade.
The goal of this MemberCon is to provide every delegate with the “tools, tips and insights” that they can use in their day-to-day work, said Sophie Tothill, the Chartered Institute’s head of membership.
“MemberCon25 will also be a place for attendees to share their opinions on pressing political issues. This feedback will then be relayed directly back to key decision-makers,” Tothill added.
“We truly believe this is a one-of-a-kind event, which has been carefully designed with the unique needs of our profession at its core.”
Tickets, and the full agenda, are available here.
