Businesses have been warned that international trade skills and knowledge will be more important in 2025 than ever before by one of the industry’s leading experts.
This is because of the looming threats of rising tariffs with Donald Trump about to enter the White House, as well as an ongoing increase in supply chain disruption caused by international conflicts and the rising impact of climate change.
Daniela Turiccki, the director of the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade’s training academy, said that those in charge of learning and development (L&D) and recruitment departments within businesses need to prioritise trade skills this year to navigate this uncertainty.
Avoiding trade disruption
“Trade is more uncertain than ever before with Trump’s return and crises like in the Red Sea last year,” Turiccki told the Daily Update. In addition, she said, “cross-border trade regulations are changing rapidly and are in many cases becoming more complex”.
“The risk of falling foul of supply chain disruptions or non-compliance with new rules and systems could result in businesses’ goods not reaching customers on time, the wrong taxes being paid or even, in some cases, fines, penalties and reputational damage.
“It is therefore vital that firms have the right skills in place – whether through training or recruitment – to be able to navigate this uncertainty and ensure compliant, timely and profitable trade.”
Upskill now to thrive
Turiccki will be speaking on a free LinkedIn Live event, hosted by the Chartered Institute, next week, at which she will be outlining to HR and L&D managers how they can go about getting these skills within their businesses.
This includes a range of educational support in the market, from short virtual classroom training courses and e-learning modules to higher education qualifications.
“Businesses that invest in upskilling their teams with trade compliance and supply chain skills will be able to navigate the changes and challenges that are about to come.
“Those that do not will put their businesses at risk of disrupted supply chains and fines or penalties as a result of non-compliance.
“That’s why I would definitely recommend those responsible for their business’ skillsets to attend this free LinkedIn Live event next week. We’ll share information and practical tips about how you can quickly get the skills you need to succeed in global trade this year and beyond.”
Turiccki will be joined at the event by the Chartered Institute’s Imports Advisory Practice lead, Ilona Kawka, and a recent graduate from one of the charity’s qualifications, Gavin Wenborn, group transport manager at The Compleat Food Group.
It is taking place at 2pm on LinkedIn on Wednesday 15 January 2025.
