International Trade experts to headline new Chamber Trade Conference

The Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce has revealed an expert line up of speakers and panellists for its new International Trade Conference, due to be held Thursday 11 April at The John Smith’s Stadium, Huddersfield.

The inaugural conference aims to bring together some of the nation’s leading export and international trade experts for a special one-day event to provide insight into the export opportunities outside of the Brexit bubble.

Headlining the event, Lesley Batchelor OBE, director general at The Institute of Export and International Trade (IOE&IT), will discuss the various opportunities available to exporters in the current uncertain times, as well as providing expert advice on how to make exporting easier.

Since joining the IOE&IT, she has forged influential partnerships with many national and international associations, and is a champion of UK exporters, with a powerful track record in enhancing the performance of hundreds of businesses.

Other confirmed speakers include:

• Mark Robson of The Department for International Trade (DIT) – As Yorkshire and Humber regional director he is experienced in helping businesses in Yorkshire and the Humber grow through international business and will open the conference with an insightful Introduction to Export.

• Peter Dodd, Commercial Director, Welcome to Yorkshire- Peter will be outlining how the organisation has helped showcase the count to the world over the last decade, hugely changing perceptions and making it a number one destination for tourism and business.

• Paul Wrighting, British Chambers of Commerce Representative- As trade training manager, Paul provides updates on export documentation and the implications for the various Brexit outcomes for Certificates of Origin and Preference Documents (EUR1’s ATR’s etc) and how they will affect traders. He will be referencing the BCC Brexit checklist which highlights key areas of concern for business generally, and the steps the Government has taken to address them.

In addition, Jo Lavan of Connect China, Dave Lister of Viking Shipping, and David Reader of DKR Trade Training and Support, will form a specialist panel to run an open session surrounding routes to market.

Delegates can also expect to hear the inspiring export journeys of two local business leaders; David Masters of Wakefield-based OE Electrics and Richard Paxman of Huddersfield’s Paxman Coolers.

The event will be open to those based outside of the West Yorkshire region who are looking to enter new markets, gain insights into the current international trade opportunities, garner support, training and advice on export, as well as potential exporters looking for an introduction to international trade.

Rory Bourke, events and sponsorship coordinator at the Mid Yorkshire Chamber, said: “Companies know their future depends on the ability to quickly and cost-effectively adapt to any changes to international trading that happen as a result of Brexit, but many are struggling to identify the best strategy to do this.”

“By organising this conference, we are providing the opportunity for those businesses to speak to industry experts and obtain insight into the current international trade opportunities that exist outside of the Brexit bubble.”

“It supports the Chamber’s aim to listen to, and respond to the needs of the business community, further supporting their development and growth.”

To view the full agenda for the conference, or to book your ticket please visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/international-trade-conference-2019-tickets-56337651432.