In recent years, there has been a growing focus on ESG (environmental, social, and governance) considerations in the business world. Companies are increasingly expected to operate in a way that is environmentally sustainable, socially responsible, and governed in an ethical and transparent manner. This trend is being driven by several factors, including pressure from investors, customers, and regulators, as well as a growing awareness of the need to address global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and human rights abuses. One area where ESG considerations are becoming particularly ..read more

More detail of the upcoming SIITACE 9th June SUMMIT: The idea behind our summit is to explore and highlight some key issues around the UK Government Strategy to reach £1 trillion in exports by 2030. During the morning we will hear from a number of expert speakers outlining their views and opinions on the future of international trade. In the afternoon, we turn the tables and ask our attendees their views and opinions through an interactive OPENSPACE workshop. This will help to clarify our collective view of the challenges and opportunities we face within the uncertain and volatile internationa ..read more

Struggling with red tape. A couple of weeks ago we worked with the White Lies Tour organisers to make sure that the band had the right paperwork to clear their merchandise through customs and start their 14-gig tour in Paris. Some of you may have noticed an apology from the band as they missed their first gig due to Brexit Red Tape.  Despite having all the right paperwork and pre-clearing the merchandise, paying duties on stuff from China and all VAT to be sure they had done everything they could to ensure smooth running of the tour. The Brexit Red Tape Bucket  The apology explained ..read more

Aid-for-Trade: Can SMEs be part of the sustainability solution? Latest report from the Aid-for-trade initiative shows that international trade and investment remain the epicentre of the world economic crisis. Moving forward, with the obvious addition of the war in Ukraine which created a tornado of logistical issues, and moral dilemmas. The OECD report Aid for Trade at a Glance 2022, Empowering Connected Sustainable Trade goes on to explain, “Spikes in the price of energy and food caused by the war, combined with rapidly rising inflation, are posing serious food security risks in low-income co ..read more

Export Expert in Half a Day? There were 5.5 million small businesses at the start of 2021, this is a decrease of 6.5% from 2020. To grow we know these business need to look at international markets so here are just some of the Major Issues that UK Businesses Need to Overcome if they are to Export and Grow: What do SMEs do with Trade deals Signing all these trade deals is one thing, but what we do with them is another thing altogether. To use them need a coordinated approach from the support agencies and independent advisers. Most importantly, it’s time for our businesses to drop the silo appro ..read more

Is this the death of market research or lack of business confidence? Lack of ambition? It is generally accepted that if you are to make a good decision you need to understand what the question is that you are answering. To understand the question, you need to get to grips with the context in which it is being asked. This may require a search through files or reference books to find the information you need; this is what we called research. Research has however, changed. To some extent it is considered old fashioned with the advent of the internet and google (other search engines are available ..read more

Lesley Batchelor OBE has been elevated to a CBE in this year’s New Year’s Honours list in recognition of her work promoting International Trade and helping UK businesses navigate the trading environment and, much needed, export economic growth in readiness for the new post Brexit opportunities. The award follows on from her 2014 OBE, since which time she has continued to break new ground in professionalising international trade within the UK, supporting and mentoring a new generation of executives in the industry. Commenting on the award Lesley said, “Now, more than ever, it is important that ..read more

A weak pound means cheaper exports and more expensive imports. This provides an opportunity for everyone around the world to take advantage of this short term. However, unless you can build a strategy to support a price rise and manage your foreign exchange exposure, it will be exactly that a short-term fix. We’re going to look at how we can change a short-term fix into a new longer-term strategy. At Export-Angels.com we know that these strategies need careful thought, and an exit strategy to allow for a managed long-term growth. Each company is different but here are some basic concepts to st ..read more

Over my career I’ve acted as an ambassador for the world of international trade working on judging panels, most importantly, the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade Awards for 13 years. I’ve attended functions from Lancaster House and the Foreign Office to WTO and WCO. Running award ceremonies, honorary dinners, and trade summits around the UK and globally. I love to manage events as a Master of Ceremony, ensuring that everything runs to time, and that audience engages from start to the finish of the event. Indeed, Cheryl Hughes – Co-Founder of UKGoingGreen.com wrote this after o ..read more

Speaking on BBC News Channel regarding India UK Trade Deal this Thursday, 21st April, Lesley Batchelor OBE, international trade expert, explains: Great excitement as the Prime Minister is in India to emphasise the importance of Free Trade Agreements and of India in particular as a great producer of goods and services. With a population of 1.325 billion it is fair to say they have a huge internal market of their own. The UK with a mere 67 million population would appear to make this what is known as an asymmetric trade deal. These deals take a long time to facilitate, and agree, in terms of bot ..read more