Scottish cheer: l-r Alan Bryce and Selena Burns of Edrington, Susan Beattie of Scottish Enterprise, Jon Boyce of UKEF, our Director General, Lesley Batchelor and Chairman, Ian Taylor and Trish Livingstone and Carol Kunderan of Edrington celebrated the IOE’s 80 years in Scotland at a Glasgow birthday luncheon.
Our second celebration of eight decades at the heart of international trade was held at Glasgow’s Millennium Hotel, on 30th October.
The three-course lunch, which followed a drinks reception and networking, featured speeches by our director general, Lesley Batchelor OBE, and UK Export Finance senior specialist export finance adviser, Jon Boyce and Scottish Enterprise international sector head for food and drink, Susan Beattie.
UKEF and Edrington sponsored the event. A major player in the Scottish economy, the international drinks giant has 60 per cent of its staff based overseas and served its distinctive Ginger Grouse at the reception.
Speakers presented on the IOE’s work in Scotland over the last 80 years in representing and supporting the interests of all businesses there who import, export and trade globally. Susan Beattie talked about exporting from a sector specific perspective, focussing on food and drink.
Over the past eight decades the Scottish economy has transformed itself from one centred on manufacturing to the emergence of the service sector and technology as key drivers – with knowledge and information now crucial commodities.
Jon Boyce said: “UK Export Finance congratulates the Institute of Export on celebrating 80 years of its work enhancing the UK’s export performance. With its education and training programmes and practical support, the institute is as relevant today as it has ever been. The government has ambitious targets for UK exports, so it’s heartening to hear the IOE declare: the sky’s the limit.”
Edrington customer service manager, Trish Livingston, commented: “As both corporate and individual members with the Institute of Export, we are delighted to support their 80th Birthday event. We regularly run in-house training courses using their facilitators and also attend IOE external training courses. During Edrington’s international development we have gained many benefits from access to the IOE and we look forward to carrying on our partnership.”
Susan Beattie added: “Encouraging and supporting higher levels of exporting activity is a priority for us and key to growing Scotland’s economy. The IOE is an important partner, which helps our staff develop the knowledge and practical tools to support companies internationally. This event marks an important milestone for the IOE and we’re delighted to have been invited to be a part of it.”
IOE Director General, Lesley Batchelor, concluded: “We have been proud to develop the team that supports Scotland’s international enterprise through guidance, education and formal qualifications during a period that has presented many challenges including a world war and several cycles of boom and bust.
Our Director General, Lesley Batchelor and Chairman, Ian Taylor
“Throughout, we have responded to the changing times and changing needs of members. Now, in an era that combines austerity, huge opportunities to capitalise on the upturn by exporting and dizzying tech advances, we are well-placed to promote and enable Scottish exporters through the next 80 exciting years.”
Visit our website for more information about the IOE’s training, qualifications and business membership, or contact us if you have any questions.
