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 institute can offer to help.
In-person events
Our next upcoming event is a Regional Roundtable that we’ll be hosting in Bristol this Thursday (10 October). This will be a fantastic opportunity to meet with Paul Brooks, the Chartered Institute’s head of UK nations and regions, and join a lively discussion on regional developments in international and digital trade. Members can enjoy breakfast and extended networking.
This event is free to attend. If you would like to join us and have your voice heard by the Chartered Institute, register here.
Connect online
Later in the month we’ll host our first Devolved Nations Forum for Wales. These forums have been developed in response to member feedback, and are an exclusive opportunity for members of the international trade community in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to network and share their experience.
Brooks, who will be attending the first forum for Wales on 21 October, described the events as a chance to “build community” and support members to tackle the current challenges they face together.
The virtual meetings will foster “wide-ranging discussions” between attendees, introduce guest expert speakers and present networking opportunities.
Looking ahead to the Wales devolved nations forum, Brooks said he was excited to hear from the breadth of different attendees already signed up.
“It’s going to be interesting for us to get everyone together in one forum, we’re going to get so many different points of view.
“We’re expecting representatives from Welsh government, organisations engaging in trade, academics, and representatives from ports.”
Learning opportunities
We have been reflecting on how we can support professionals early in their career and have developed a new initiative called the Student Learning Series – our first session is next month where we will host a panel discussion exploring what it’s like to work in different industry sectors.
Members will get the opportunity to hear from business leaders in key sectors, ask questions and receive career advice.
Trade tools
We’re pleased to introduce the new Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) Compliance Toolkit, a member-driven initiative designed to help you navigate the changing landscape of BTOM regulations.
Developed with direct input from members, the toolkit addresses practical challenges such as Safety and Security Declarations, how to use IPAFFS and the importation of composite products from the EU to the UK.
It offers easy-to-use checklists, workflows and tools that simplify the complex compliance processes, ensuring that you and your teams can keep up with the latest regulations.
This resource has been created exclusively for our members, featuring six practical tools alongside valuable content like a white paper, video guides and a timeline of key BTOM deadlines.
All content has been carefully curated based on feedback from members, with the toolkit tested and refined through direct member engagement. We’re excited to provide you with this comprehensive hub, which reflects your input and aims to provide the practical support needed to manage compliance challenges effectively.
On your minds
This month, members have shared their insights on the support and resources they need to advance their careers and grow their businesses. Many have highlighted the importance of better understanding compliance issues and making more effective use of Management Support System (MSS) data reports.
There is a strong demand for sector-specific educational resources, particularly in manufacturing, along with case studies on best practices. Networking and collaboration opportunities are also key, with members seeking more chances to connect with companies requiring relevant services and discuss industry challenges in regular forums. Staying updated on regulatory changes remains a priority, with requests for more platforms to facilitate this.
Members also shared feedback on Brexit-related logistical hurdles, especially around shipping and exports, which continue to be a concern, alongside government and regulatory issues such as DEFRA mandates and HMRC communication. Mentorship and networking opportunities remain important areas for development, with members eager for more ways to connect and collaborate within the industry.
In the past week
We hosted the first meetings of our steering groups for the Wales and Northern Ireland Member Forums.
This was a brilliant opportunity to meet with local members in these devolved nations and hear their ideas for how we can shape the forums to best support them.
If you would like to join a steering group and are based in, or operate from, Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland, please get in touch.
