The Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT) hosted the annual Queen’s Award Winners Gala Dinner at the Fishmongers’ Hall in London in September. The showpiece event celebrates the achievements of winners in the International Trade category of The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise – the most prestigious accolade for businesses in the UK.
Reverend Richard Coles - the British reverend, radio presenter and speaker, who also had three top ten hits with pop group The Communards in the 1980s – returned as guest speaker having previously spoken at an IOE&IT Members Dinner. He regaled his intriguing career path from pop star to reverend, fondly recalling his hometown Northampton’s previous manufacturing might and amusing the audience with various anecdotes.
Terry Scuoler and Lord Green, the Chairman and President of the IOE&IT, also spoke, welcoming the award-winning businesses and praising them for leading the UK’s efforts to export more around the world. The winners are all an inspiration to fellow businesses looking at global trade for the first time and, with Brexit around the corner, their influence has never been more important.
The venue was truly befitting of the occasion. One of the Twelve Great Livery Companies of the City of London, and among the most ancient of the City Guilds, the Fishmongers’ Hall is situated in a magnificent riverside position next to London Bridge. The Hall provides one of London’s finest settings where decorative splendour is matched by a flair for contemporary cuisine.
Attending the dinner, Nick Ravenhall, Managing Director at Atom Brands, told us:
"As a British spirits distiller its not very often that you get to sit down and break bread with exporters from outside the industry. Therefore getting the time to take a moment to share an evening with fellow British traders was fantastic. Not only to celebrate each other's success but also to share conversation on the challenges that face us all today. A very special evening for all!"
Katie Doherty, CEO of the International Meat Trade Association, also said:
"All credit to the Institute of Export for organising a splendid evening at Fishmongers Hall for the Queens Award Dinner. In his speech Lord Green commented that the UK is not self-sufficient and therefore international trade is key, something that particularly rings true for the meat sector where two way trade is essential for consumers and producers."
The IOE&IT has long been proud to support The Queen’s Awards and we encourage our members to apply next year. The deadline to enter is usually early September and you can find more information about how you can apply at: https://www.gov.uk/queens-awards-for-enterprise/how-to-apply
You can view photos from the event at: https://www.export.org.uk/page/Photo_Gallery
