This article was published before we became the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade on 10 July 2024, and this is reflected in references to our old brand and name. For more information about us becoming Chartered, visit our dedicated webpage on the change here.

summer drinks boat party

On June 26th the Institute hosted its first Summer Drinks Reception for members and the wider trade community on a river cruise down the Thames.

Departing from Festival Pier, we took in London’s finest sights whilst enjoying canapes and drinks.

It was a fabulous occasion at which we kicked back, relaxed and celebrated the great achievements and hard work over the first half of 2019.

You can view photos from the event at: https://www.export.org.uk/page/Photo_Gallery

A midsummer evening with old friends and new acquaintances

George Baker, Chairman of George Baker Shipping, said after the event:

“A midsummer evening on the Thames enjoying a drink with old friends and new acquaintances - more fun than social media I think! The event was clearly a great success. Sincere thanks and congratulations to Lesley and the team. A very well organised, relaxed and sociable occasion. We met and chatted with some very interesting people.” 

Deepesh Patel, Director of Partnerships and Marketing at Trade Finance Global, said:

‘A fun evening for Trade Finance Global, hearing about some of the latest developments coming out of the Institute, catching up with many of our partners and financiers, as well as meeting many UK exporters and hearing their inspirational stories. Not to mention another great cocktail session thanks to Atom Brands!’

John Lucy, Manager - International Transport & Trade Procedures at the Freight Transport Association, also said:

“I think it had the right mix of people for the right length of time. I met a lot of new contacts and found it thoroughly enjoyable.”