The inaugural Import Export Show in London is only a few days away and the Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT) is delighted to be delivering a programme packed with keynote speakers, thought-provoking panel discussions, networking opportunities and celebrations.
Additionally, delegates will be able to pre-book 10-minute surgeries with our team of customs and trade experts on a range of issues, including the Border Target Operating Model, the upcoming move to CDS for exporters, and essential customs topics such as rules of origin, customs valuation and commodity codes. Places are very limited and must be pre-booked by contacting events@export.org.uk.
With just 10 days to go before the show, the IOE&IT Daily Update spoke to key members of the team at IOE&IT behind the event and asked what they are most excited about.
‘Landmark event for the trade industry’
Sarah Greenwood, strategic events manager at IOE&IT, says she is excited to be bringing the trade industry together at a “spectacular venue”.
“The Import Export Show is set to be a landmark event for the trade industry and we’re really excited to be bringing a world class line-up of trade experts, political leaders and leading business representatives.
“It’s at a spectacular venue in the Leonardo Royal, London City, and we’re really excited to meet and network with all the delegates, exhibitors and speakers due to attend”.
Important timing
Will Barns-Graham, the executive editor at IOE&IT, said the event comes at an “important time”, with UK traders preparing for a wide range of new rules in 2024, as well as facing various changes in the business environment due to technological advancements, the climate crisis and elections that are due in several countries next year.
“Traders have faced various disruptions and changes over the last few years due to Brexit, the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. The Import Export Show will undoubtedly reflect on these changes, particularly in the panel on the ‘UK’s place in a changing trade world’.
“But the programme has also been designed to look ahead to the changes coming in 2024 and comes at an important time. I’m looking forward to hearing from Cabinet Office minister Baroness Neville-Rolfe about the changes coming in under the Border Target Operating Model, as well as to panels on the future of trade finance and how trade digitalisation intersects with sustainability.”
Government speakers
Grace Thompson, the IOE&IT’s UK public affairs lead, is also looking forward to hearing from Baroness Neville-Rolfe, as well as the other political speakers that are due to address the show.
“There’s a lot going on in UK trade next year, including regulatory changes and new customs IT systems. These changes are happening against the backdrop of an upcoming general election.
“It’ll be good to hear further insights from government about these changes, including from minister Kevin Hollinrake MP and Baroness Neville-Rolfe.”
The other aspect of the programme I’m excited about relates to e-commerce. Earlier this year, we launched the E-Commerce Trade Commission, which seeks to support businesses looking to start their e-commerce exporting journey. I’m looking forward to the interview between the Commission Secretariat Lead, Susan Roe, and entrepreneur Barry Tong, who has used e-commerce to grow his business from £10 to £10m in 10 years. That’s the power of e-commerce.”
Inspiring businesses
Richard Cree, content director at IOE&IT, said that he was looking forward to hearing from businesses that are due to speak.
“I often find the most inspiring insights come from businesses talking firsthand about how they’ve managed to navigate the challenges they’ve faced to become successful in trade.
“The Import Export Show features several people and businesses with stories that will inspire delegates, whether that’s drinks company Fever-Tree, grooming products manufacturer Captain Fawcett or e-commerce guru Barry Tong from Stevensons Online.”
Award winners
Helen Hastie, membership development manager at IOE&IT is looking forward to meeting members at the show and is particularly excited to meet all those shortlisted for the inaugural International Trade Awards, which are being handed out during the conference.
“As with any trade-related event, I’m keen to meeting existing and potential future members of IOE&IT. It’s always interesting to hear about the challenges businesses are facing in trade and to discuss how we can support them. The value of businesses coming together to celebrate their achievements and learn from each other has been a focus of our events and the stories shared are inspirational and insightful.
“I’m also excited to see who’s going to win the International Trade Awards and to celebrate their fantastic achievements.”
How to attend
There is still time to buy tickets for the Import Export Show, which is due to take place on Wednesday 15 November at Leonardo Royal, London City Hotel, London.
Sales for tickets close on Friday 10 November.
For more information about how to sign up, visit: https://www.importexportshow.co.uk/