The minutes from the Institute of Export & International Trade’s 84th Annual General Meeting are now available and can be downloaded or read here.
The AGM, which took place on 21st November 2019, reflected on the Institute’s successes in 2018.
The Chairman, Terry Scuoler CBE, spoke about several successful undertakings in the period, including the launch of ‘World Trade Matters’, the successful ten-month training contract for the Saudi Arabian Government and the ‘Open to Export International Business Awards’ project which culminated in the Institute being awarded the title of ‘WTO-ICC Small Business Champion’.
He said:
“January 2018 saw the launch of the now much acclaimed 'World Trade Matters' Journal with the inaugural issue carrying a foreword from the Trade Minister, Baroness Fairhead. Subsequent key contributors include: The Secretary of State, Dr Liam Fox; WTO Director General, Roberto Azevedo; Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London; and many from Government, opposition and industry. This has helped raise awareness of the work of the Institute and brought key issues to the attention of members and stakeholders.
“Going from strength to strength the year began with the award, and successful delivery, of a major ten-month contract for the Saudi Arabian Government to train their employees to effectively engage in international trade. This has demonstrated our ability to reach out, not just to the U.K, but also to overseas customers and partners.
“Working with UK Export Finance in the highly competitive world of global banking to develop and deliver an Award in Trade Finance across FCO delegates from 38 countries was yet another example of the considerable progress during a busy and eventful year.
“Open to Export brought its Export Action planning competition to the world stage with the WTO at their Public Forum in October, bringing it acclaim and recognition as a Small Business Champion in 2018, alongside CBI Brazil and eBay USA.
“Events continue to be a major networking opportunity for members and an excellent way to raise the profile of the Institute. One of the highlights of the year was the annual Queen’s Awards Winners' Gala Dinner held at the Inner Temple in September with a record number of attendees taking part.”
Reflecting on measures taken to ensure the Institute has solid financial grounding for the years ahead, he also said:
“Investment and restructuring undertaken in 2017 has proved to be successful and has ensured that the Institute is now in a strong financial position and, as a result, is now better able to serve and support its members in their endeavours to grow their businesses and acquire the skills to do so.”
