Social Share
Share this post on
UK200group Update banner

UK200Group International Forum Enjoys Excellent Attendance

Led by David Stevens, Chair of the International Panel, the Forum was held on the 13th November, 2019. Read on for an update on our latest event… David Stevens

On the 13th November, we held our annual International Forum. With record numbers of attendees, we started the day with a warm welcome from our International Panel Chair, David Stevens (Ellacotts). 

Harry Enver and Paul Radford were on hand to update us on the product offering from Currency Solutions. Next, we were joined by Gerry Myton, who updated us on the impact of Brexit on International Trade with a focus on Indirect Tax and Supply Chain Fraud. Gerry balanced his thoroughly technical presentation with a good dose of humour - and managed to keep a very complex topic engaging and practical. Gerry asked us; where will supply chain fraud hit us? By leaning on our experience in Know Your Client, and applying it to Suppliers, we can help combat supply chain fraud. Gerry gave us a huge variety of take-aways in his presentation, ranging from checklists, charts and of course, video. 

Next up, we were very fortunate to be joined by the renowned John McGrane, of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce. John gave us a comprehensive brief on the work of the Chamber – including details of a meeting being held the following day, which was aimed at bringing together 28 companies which were carefully selected to nurture relationships and build new business relationships. With the British Irish Chambers opening a new office in Manchester, and a new location in the North of England in 2020, the Chamber is growing at an exponential rate. John introduced us to Kmend, which is a new tool developed by the Chamber. It introduces trusted suppliers to businesses, with reviews and ways to contact suppliers. John left us with an uplifting message; “there is no business problem that cannot be solved”.

IAPA’s CEO, Ozgur Demirdoven, and David Stevens, Chair of the UK200Group International Panel, then joined forces to deliver the final session of the day. Ozgur provided a comprehensive update on IAPA International; their goals, values and focus. To quote Ozgur’s presentation, IAPA’s focus is to “profoundly change the way in which the business world works, we want to help organizations create cultures in which trust and cooperation are the norm rather than the exception.”

David focussed on the results that Ellacotts has enjoyed through collaborating with UK200Group International Associates, and IAPA. Through a series of case studies, David explained the impact that collaboration has had on the business – and shared his top tips for maximising international connections. 

Lastly, the forum enjoyed a series of facilitated discussions. Delegates shared examples of working within international firms – and the spirit of collaboration, delegates shared ideas on how UK200Group and IAPA can help facilitate international connections. 

Our International Panel Chair, David Stevens, was on hand to comment: “It was excellent to see so many delegates at the International Forum, including many international attendees from countries including the US, Malta, France and Ireland.  We had a really great line up of speakers ranging from the Department of International Trade, the British Irish Chamber of Commerce, a customs expert and the CEO of IAPA.   Attending the forum helps delegates add value to their existing clients who trade internationally, and also to help provide services to new clients.” If you would like any further information or would like to join the International Panel, please do get in touch with Jo Hemson at the Centre. Jo can be contacted on 01252 350733, or via email jhemson@uk200group.co.uk

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube