The Future for International Trade conference held last week (March 12) was a resounding success, described by one delegate as “one of the best conferences I have attended.”
The event was organised jointly by BHETA, Gardenex and PetQuip and featured top-level speakers from parliamentary politics, international economic forecasting, international law and trade compliance, worldwide retail trends and digital platforms for export. There were also four insightful case studies.
BHETA Executive Director, Will Jones, who chairs BHETA’s Export Committee described “a very varied and stimulating agenda presented by excellent speakers to a lively gathering of delegates. “ He stated: “The event not only delivered its serious purpose to help develop and expand international sales but was also inspirational and thoroughly enjoyable.”
The conference began with a unique presentation on the current Brexit negotiations and state of play between the Westminster political parties from John Arnold from UK Government lobbying company, Northern Universal. John’s witty and revelatory insights set the tone for the event’s agenda.
A series of fascinating presentations provided uncomplicated assessments of the opportunities and pitfalls of international trade and were delivered with clarity and humour.
Speakers included Tim Hiscock of Strong & Herd (export procedures and compliance), Lord Ivo Darnley of Rathbones (the worldwide economic situation), Richard Tauwhare of Dechert Solicitors (the legalities of international trade) and Stefano Botter of Euromonitor International on retail megatrends.
The afternoon session comprised case studies and Q&A with experienced and successful exporters WHAM (WhatMore UK), Spear & Jackson, VegTrug and Group 55, followed by an inspirational introduction to digital marketing for export from Sarah Carroll of GrowGlobal.
Tony Grimshaw OBE of What More UK, who was part of the case study panelcommented, “Over the years, I have been to and been involved in a lot of these events and this was by far the best. Everyone I spoke with not only enjoyed the event but went away wiser and inspired.”
Director general of co-organisers Gardenex and PetQuip, Amanda Sizer Barrett said: “Our aim in organising the conference was to assure businesses that – regardless of the outcome of the protracted discussions on our country’s departure from the European Union – there is a raft of expert help and guidance available through our trade associations and associate service providers.”
The event was sponsored by Glee and took place at the Stratford Manor Hotel in Warwickshire, welcoming around 100 delegates including housewares suppliers.
For more information about BHETA and BHETA’s many events, contact the member services team on 0121 237 1130 or visit the website www.bheta.co.uk.
Top: The recent conference provided housewares suppliers with bountiful advice on export success.
