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The Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade’s head of membership, Sophie Tothill, previews the week ahead for members, including events, webinars, recent news affecting traders and the exclusive resources the Chartered Institute can offer to help.

Connect online

We kicked off the month with our Export Control Special Interest Group today (5 November), where members in the export control industry gained priority access to the latest updates, policy insights and a network of professionals facing similar challenges in their sector. 

Following this, the Northern Ireland Member Forum launches on 12 November, creating a dedicated platform for Northern Irish professionals to connect, discuss local issues and shape the future of their industry.

This forum is open to all members living and/or operating in Northern Ireland. You can sign up for that session here.

Learning opportunities

In celebration of National Mentoring Day, join us on 14 November for a session on Career Advancement Through Mentoring. Featuring insights from experienced mentors and mentees, this event highlights the transformative power of mentorship for professional growth.

Additionally, our Director General’s Update on 2 December invites both new and long-standing members to engage directly with the Chartered Institute's leadership, gain insights into the latest trends in international trade and contribute to the future direction of our community. This event can be signed up for here.

From the headlines

In today’s complex trade environment, compliance with export regulations is more critical than ever. Just yesterday (4 November) HMRC issued a settlement of over £58,000 to a UK exporter for breaching the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 and fined three other companies £1.9m for breaching other export control rules.

Since February 2022, there have been six such settlements totaling over £1.3m for breaches of the Russian sanctions regime alone. These figures highlight the serious financial risks of non-compliance.

Membership with the Chartered Institute offers essential resources to help you stay compliant and avoid costly fines. Through our specialised training and consultancy services, we provide expert guidance on navigating complex regulatory requirements, ensuring you and your business operate within legal bounds.

Soon, we’ll be launching our Export Controls Advisory Practice, a dedicated service designed to support members in understanding and applying export controls effectively.

By joining the Chartered Institute, you gain access to a wealth of knowledge, training, and advisory support, equipping you with the tools needed to stay compliant, mitigate risks, and safeguard your business from potential penalties.