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UK ‘Open For Business Like Never Before’, International Trade Secretary. UK Trade Deficit Widens as Exports Slump EU-Canada Trade Deal in Doubt UK Export Aid ‘Misguided’ First Rise in Global Bankruptcy Rate for Seven Years Predicted Integrated Tariff Available Online For Free The IOE World Trade Summit 2016 - The Commonwealth & Beyond Countdown underway to enrol on our ground-breaking Foundation Degree Exporters invited to take part in IOE Brexit survey to help shape future of International trade Is compliance really that important? Gerald Ratner the ‘jewel in the crown’ of our Queen’s Awards gala dinner Encouraging ‘commercial Thais’ with our new export guide Members’ Dinner promises to be a big hit as Richard Coles is confirmed as speaker

UK ‘Open For Business Like Never Before’, …...drinks reception and networking event from 5pm. Said IOE Director General, Lesley atchelor OE: “In an ever changing business environment

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Page 1: UK ‘Open For Business Like Never Before’, …...drinks reception and networking event from 5pm. Said IOE Director General, Lesley atchelor OE: “In an ever changing business environment

UK ‘Open For Business Like Never Before’, International Trade

Secretary.

UK Trade Deficit Widens as Exports Slump

EU-Canada Trade Deal in Doubt

UK Export Aid ‘Misguided’

First Rise in Global Bankruptcy Rate for Seven Years Predicted

Integrated Tariff Available Online For Free

The IOE World Trade Summit 2016 - The Commonwealth &

Beyond

Countdown underway to enrol on our ground-breaking

Foundation Degree

Exporters invited to take part in IOE Brexit survey to help shape

future of International trade

Is compliance really that important?

Gerald Ratner the ‘jewel in the crown’ of our Queen’s Awards

gala dinner

Encouraging ‘commercial Thais’ with our new export guide

Members’ Dinner promises to be a big hit as Richard Coles is

confirmed as speaker

Page 2: UK ‘Open For Business Like Never Before’, …...drinks reception and networking event from 5pm. Said IOE Director General, Lesley atchelor OE: “In an ever changing business environment

Foreword The IOE is hosting an exclusive World Trade Summit 2016 entitled The Commonwealth & Beyond which will take place at Gresham College on October 12. By providing informed debate and ensuring that exporters’ voices - large or small - are heard, the Summit will focus on where next - and on the great things that are already happening. Commencing at 10.30am with an opening speech from Lord Empey OBE entitled: ‘So where are we now?’, the Summit presents a powerful line-up of top speakers from organisations including Canada Chamber, Albion Overseas, a business consultancy supporting exporters who trade with Russia, global trade management software specialist, Amber Road, The British Library and the Economist. Panos Koutrakos, a Professor of European Union Law will present ‘From a European point of view’, Lord Marland from the Commonwealth Society will speak on ‘A New World of Opportunity’ while Nicholas Niggli, from the WTO / Embassy of Switzerland in the UK will give an insight into trading with Switzerland. IOE Director General, Lesley Batchelor OBE and Louis Taylor, Chief Executive of UK Export Finance, will give closing remarks before the Summit continues with a drinks reception and networking event from 5pm. Said IOE Director General, Lesley Batchelor OBE: “In an ever changing business environment the Institute is endeavouring to bring the skills agenda to the fore by engaging with business and government in shaping the future of international trade.

“This exclusive Summit promises a packed agenda with something of interest to all attendees – there will be no overruns and no death from PowerPoint overload and we look forward to seeing both our members and the wider community of businesses who are working in international trade.” IOE members are invited to join a members’ session from 8:00am onwards to enjoy a coffee, croissant and catch up with fellow members until the main event starts at 10:30am. Book at www.export.org.uk/shop/events/wts2016 to attend the event which is free of charge for members, or call us on 01733 404400. In other formative developments, we are pleased to have received extremely positive feedback from the first of our Post Brexit Planning Workshops designed to help you look at the possible immediate and long-term impact on your existing exports and imports – and help you to plan how to spread your risks. The agenda for the workshops covers the following areas - Managing existing business, Looking beyond the EU, Managing future risks – and Is your supply chain secure? Priced at £260 for members and £360 for non-members, the next workshops will take place on 31st August in Birmingham, 21st September in Manchester, 25th October in London and 24th November in Manchester. To book a place, visit http://www.export.org.uk/shop/brexit-workshop This workshop can also be delivered in-house at your company’s own premises. Contact us on 01733 404400 for details.

The countdown is underway for the 21st September enrolment of the Institute of Export’s Foundation Degree in Professional Practice in International Trade - the ideal opportunity to boost your career and maximise the wealth of opportunities in international trade. Spearheaded in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), the two-year online course equips students with the professional and academic skills to succeed in international business. Accredited by ARU, and supported by international trade experts and tutors, the course is suitable for professionals working in export, import or trade, regardless of industry or sector, with students learning alongside others from all areas of global trade practice. They also benefit from a growing academic and business network as they progress. Designed to fit around full-time employment, the degree underpins current industry knowledge with academic theory and skills and is taught through a mixture of online tutorials, podcasts and work-based assignments. It is intended to bridge the gap between the Institute’s NVQ qualification range and degree courses – offering significant benefits to both employees and employers . Lynsey Townsend, international logistics operations manager, Mothercare, said: “Having worked in international trade for a number of years, I wanted to further my knowledge and build a career in this sector. The Institute of Export Foundation Degree was exactly what I was looking for. The course was very beneficial in helping me to relate to everyday circumstances both within my company and the wider global marketplace. This sector is forever changing, but the knowledge and skills that I have gained means that I am in a good

Page 3: UK ‘Open For Business Like Never Before’, …...drinks reception and networking event from 5pm. Said IOE Director General, Lesley atchelor OE: “In an ever changing business environment

position to be able to respond effectively.” To apply now visit www.export.org.uk/foundation-degree-application-request, call +44 (0) 1733 404 400 or email [email protected]. The deadline of September 2nd is also drawing close for businesses to enter the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise. In a milestone development, this year saw five of the IOE’s corporate and business members receive a coveted Queen’s Award in International Trade for their innovation, vision and trailblazing achievements. Now in its 50th year, the Queen’s Award for Enterprise is arguably the top honour for any UK business. You still have time to book to hear legendary businessman and exporter, Gerald Ratner, who will be guest speaker at this year’s IOE-hosted Queen’s Awards gala dinner which takes place at One Great George Street, Westminster, London on 28th September. Tickets can be secured online at www.export.org.uk/shop/queens-award-dinner-2016 , while sponsorship opportunities are still available please by calling 01733 404400 or by emailing [email protected] . And finally, another date for your diary is our Members’ Dinner on November 16th when The Reverend Richard Coles – the former instrumentalist half of The Communards who hit the top spot with Don’t Leave Me This Way – is our after dinner speaker. To book your place, visit www.export.org.uk/shop/events/members-dinner-2016 For more information on the IOE’s business membership, training and qualifications, please visit our

website or contact us if you have any questions.

Page 4: UK ‘Open For Business Like Never Before’, …...drinks reception and networking event from 5pm. Said IOE Director General, Lesley atchelor OE: “In an ever changing business environment

Editorial

UK ‘Open For Business Like Never Before’, International Trade Secretary.

Liam Fox, the newly appointed International Trade Secretary in Prime Minister Theresa May’s first cabinet, has uses his first visit to the United States in his new position to call for closer trade ties. “The UK is open for business like never before,” he said. Speaking at the Sage Summit in Chicago, he said: “A vote to leave the European Union and a change in government means we now have a golden opportunity to make Britain a truly global trading nation: a nation that businesses around the world want to do business from and with.” But a United States spokesman subsequently snubbed Dr. Fox’s call for talks on a trade agreement. Mike Froman, the US Trade Representative, said that meaningful trade talks were impossible until Brexit was completed.

UK Trade Deficit Widens as Exports Slump

Monthly export statistics for May continued to disappoint, as the trade deficit widened to £2.3 Bn. Exports to the EU fell by 2.5% while sales to the rest of the world dropped sharply by 13%. Howard Archer, Chief UK and European Economist at IHG commented that the fall in the value of Sterling since the result of the EU referendum in June might lead to an improvement in export performance. “However, there is no guarantee that the markedly weaker pound will lead to a major boost in exports. The decision to leave the EU will likely hamper UK Exports.”

EU-Canada Trade Deal in Doubt

The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with Canada, which was due to be signed in August, has been thrown into doubt following legal protests in Germany. The objections relate in particular to the proposed arbitration court that would enable investors to sue states and other bodies who act against their interests.

UK Export Aid ‘Misguided’ An economic think tank has criticised the British government’s focus on increasing the number of smaller firms who export. The Legatum Institute’s paper Trading Up: New Ideas for UK Exports claims that almost half of new exporters stop exporting within six years, and that a government target of finding 100,000 new exporters by 2020 is therefore misplaced. Author Emily Redding says, “Merely helping companies, in particular SMEs, to start exporting does not lead to a huge change, or improvement, in the eventual numbers of exporters. Where UKTI could really add value is through moving towards a more sustainable, long-term approach to helping smaller companies export, and aiming to build customer relationships with SMEs predicated on years rather than months.”

First Rise in Global Bankruptcy Rate for Seven Years Predicted Euler Hermes has predicted the first increase in global bankruptcies since 2009, suggesting an overall increase of 2%. The report predicts a 3% rise in the United States, 1% in the UK, but much higher figures in major emerging markets such as China and Brazil.

Integrated Tariff Available Online For Free All three volumes of HMRC’s Integrated Tariff can now be viewed online without charge. The information can be found at www.gov.uk/government/collections/integrated-tariff-of-the-united-kingdom

Page 5: UK ‘Open For Business Like Never Before’, …...drinks reception and networking event from 5pm. Said IOE Director General, Lesley atchelor OE: “In an ever changing business environment

International Trade Events Our roundup of what’s on in the coming months.

GTR Asia Trade & Treasury Week 2016 - 6th September 2016 - Singapore

European Export Controls 27-28 September - Brussels

Queens Awards Gala Dinner 2016 - 28 September - London

IOE World Trade Summit 2016 - The Commonwealth & Beyond - 12 October - London

European Export Controls 27-28 September - Brussels We are proud to be partnering C5 Communications on their upcoming 'Euro Export Controls' conference. To receive IOE's exclusive 15% discount, please quote the booking code IOEDC17 at registration. Find out more at http://bit.ly/29wznwJ Once again for 2016, this programme will navigate the ins and outs of export control compliance from longstanding EU members and non-EU countries, as well as providing crucial sanction updates. Alongside the elite panel of government speakers, senior industry professionals will deliberate on their current ongoing challenges with topics including: Cyber Security, Encryption, Cloud Technology, Screening, Self-Disclosure, US and Iran Sanctions, Product Classification, and much more! Benchmark and network with an updated speaker faculty bringing together government officials, industry professionals, leading lawyers and consultants involved in export compliance, allowing you to detect and prevent export control violations. New for 2016: Live Polling and Anonymous Questions Four Selected Industry Break-Out Streams Cyber Security and Export Controls Encryption Classification US and EU Iran Sanctions

Page 6: UK ‘Open For Business Like Never Before’, …...drinks reception and networking event from 5pm. Said IOE Director General, Lesley atchelor OE: “In an ever changing business environment

The IOE World Trade Summit 2016 - The Commonwealth & Beyond In an ever changing business environment the Institute is endeavouring to bring the skills agenda to the fore by engaging with business and government in shaping the future of international trade. By providing informed debate and ensuring that exporters voices are heard, large or small, we intend to produce an exclusive World Trade Summit that focuses on where next and the great things that are already happening. The day will follow a format of 15 minute speeches followed by questions and answers. No overruns and no death from PowerPoint overload. We have a packed agenda with something to interest all – do come and join us at the end of the day for a drinks reception and networking event. IOE members can join us from 8:00am onwards to enjoy a coffee, croissant and catch up with fellow members until the main event starts at 10:30

Cost: Members - FREE Non-members - £50.00 (+VAT)

Book now at www.export.org.uk/shop/events/wts2016

Gresham College Author: Jamesfranklingresham; Source:WikiMedia

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

AGENDA TOPIC

08:30 Breakfast Member only Session - The Institute of

Export and International Trade The way forward, Chartered Status, Special Interest groups, ISO and Apprenticeships

10:30 Coffee and registration - the rest of the delegates join the day

11:00 Opening speech - Lord Empey OBE So where are we now?

11:20 Canada Chamber Trading with Canada

11:40 David Cant, Albion Overseas Russia: In from the cold

12:00 Arne Mielken, Amber Rroad Big Bang or Smooth Sailing

12:30 Panos Koutrakos - Professor of European Union Law

From a European point of view

12:50 Lunch

13:30 Isabel Oswell, The British Library Exploring Global Growth Opportunities (at the British Library)

13:50 Nicholas Niggli, WTO / Embassy of Switzerland in the UK

Trading with Switzerland

14:15 Debate - Bank of England, RBS, UKEF Impact on Financial Services

15:00 Tea Break

15:30 Lord Marland, Commonwealth Society A New World of Opportunity

16:00 Economist Modelling a Brave New World

16:30 Closing remarks from the Director General and Louis Taylor, UKEF

17:00 Drinks reception

Page 7: UK ‘Open For Business Like Never Before’, …...drinks reception and networking event from 5pm. Said IOE Director General, Lesley atchelor OE: “In an ever changing business environment

Forthcoming Training Courses No matter what level you are at, our courses will give you the skills and expertise you need to gain a competitive advantage in the challenging and complex world of international trade. 25/08/2016 Letters of Credit - London 30/08/2016 International Documentation & Customs Compliance - Manchester 31/08/2016 An Introduction to Exporting - Physical Goods - Peterborough 31/08/2016 Post Brexit Planning Workshop - Birmingham 07/09/2016 Effective Incoterms® - London 08/09/2016 UK & US Export Controls: A Basic Understanding - London 13/09/2016 An Introduction to Exporting - Physical Goods - London 13/09/2016 International Documentation & Customs Compliance - London 20/09/2016 International Documentation & Customs Compliance - Birmingham 20/09/2016 UK & US Export Controls: A Basic Understanding - Birmingham 21/09/2016 An Introduction to Importing - London 21/09/2016 Post Brexit Planning Workshop - Manchester 22/09/2016 An Introduction to Exporting - Physical Goods - Birmingham 22/09/2016 Letters of Credit - Birmingham 28/09/2016 International Business Essentials 2 days - London 29/09/2016 Letters of Credit - Manchester 04/10/2016 An Introduction to Exporting - Physical Goods - Peterborough 06/10/2016 Letters of Credit - Birmingham 21/10/2016 International Customer Service – London 25/10/2016 Post Brexit Planning Workshop - London 26/10/2016 International Documentation & Customs Compliance - Manchester 27/10/2016 An Introduction to Exporting - Physical Goods – Manchester 03/11/2016 Letters of Credit - London 15/11/2016 An Introduction to Exporting - Physical Goods - London 22/11/2016 International Documentation & Customs Compliance - London 23/11/2016 Effective Incoterms® - London 24/11/2016 Post Brexit Planning Workshop - Manchester 29/11/2016 International Documentation & Customs Compliance - Birmingham 30/11/2016 An Introduction to Exporting - Physical Goods - Birmingham Benefits of training:

Enhancing trading performance Raising standards of professionalism in international trade Creating competitive advantages One of the top providers of International Trade Training. Courses start from only £260 (for members).

Page 8: UK ‘Open For Business Like Never Before’, …...drinks reception and networking event from 5pm. Said IOE Director General, Lesley atchelor OE: “In an ever changing business environment

IOE News

Countdown underway to enrol on our ground-breaking Foundation Degree

For those of you who are looking for the ideal opportunity to boost your career and maximise the wealth of opportunities in international trade, there’s still time to enrol on the Institute of Export’s Foundation Degree Course starting in September. Spearheaded in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University, the two-year online Foundation Degree in Professional Practice in International Trade equips students with the professional and academic skills to succeed in international business. Taught by Anglia Ruskin University tutors and international trade experts, the course is suitable for professionals working in export, import or trade, regardless of industry or sector, with students learning alongside others from all areas of global trade practice. They also benefit from a growing academic and business network as they progress. Designed to fit around full-time employment, the degree underpins current industry knowledge with academic theory and skills and is taught through a mixture of online tutorials, podcasts and work-based

assignments. It is intended to bridge the gap between the Institute’s NVQ qualification range and degree courses – offering significant benefits to both employees and employers. Chairman of the Rail Freight Group, Lord Berkeley, said: “Britain’s future is as a trading nation, with a thriving export sector and businesses with global connections. This qualification offers students a potent combination of expertise built up by those on the front-line of international trade with the academic rigor of a university course – something I am sure many others will seek to replicate in different fields.” Tony Howard, Head of Higher Skills @ Work at Anglia Ruskin University, said; “These qualifications fit the University’s strategic mission to engage closely with employers, professional organisations and practitioners to create programmes that blend academic learning with practical, sector based knowledge. “Given the sector expertise of the Institute of Export and Anglia Ruskin’s experience in delivering work related learning, we hope that in time these awards will define the industry’s learning benchmark” Lesley Batchelor OBE, Director General of the IOE, said: “In a rapidly changing global economy, we face a skills crisis as businesses find staff increasingly lacking the practical knowledge needed in international trade. This Foundation Degree is designed to equip graduates for real-life situations, with assignments and tutors focused on the situations faced every day in the workplace.

“The course enables flexible learning at a pace appropriate to each individual, while ensuring graduates are equipped to tackle the challenges of modern business and equally ensure their careers develop as fully as possible.” The Foundation Degree is one of a number of recognised, formal qualifications provided by the IOE, whose aim is to professionalise international trade. To apply now visit http://www.export.org.uk/foundation-degree-application-request, call +44 (0) 1733 404 400 or email [email protected]

Exporters invited to take part in IOE Brexit survey to help shape future of International trade The Institute of Export is inviting businesses involved in international trade to take part in an IOE Brexit survey and have their say on what they want to see in the UK’s exit strategy. The United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union will almost certainly see the need for new trade and compliance procedures – some of which the IOE will be able to influence. Having canvassed views from IOE members, the Institute is opening the survey to the UK’s wider community of exporters and importers before reporting back on the results, which will inform

Page 9: UK ‘Open For Business Like Never Before’, …...drinks reception and networking event from 5pm. Said IOE Director General, Lesley atchelor OE: “In an ever changing business environment

and influence government and civil servants. The survey asks established exporters a wide range of questions spanning various technical aspects of doing international trade – which could be affected by the deal the UK negotiates with the EU – and by subsequent deals with other countries. Giving exporters and importers an opportunity to propose changes pertinent to their business needs, the questionnaire includes questions which centre on international customs and security procedures, export licenses and controls – and which markets the UK should prioritise making new trade deals with. Said IOE Director General, Lesley Batchelor, OBE: “As the only professional body representing the UK’s international trade, the IOE is keen to ensure that the government listens to British exporters when negotiating with the EU over the terms of its exit. “Following Brexit we must now start to unravel the 40 years of marriage and build a new life. This is a formative time for small and medium sized businesses to get organized and think about what they really want and need to run their businesses. Our survey enables them to help shape how future trading should work.” Take the survey now to propose your views to the IOE and the government about how Brexit should happen https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/surveybrexit

Page 10: UK ‘Open For Business Like Never Before’, …...drinks reception and networking event from 5pm. Said IOE Director General, Lesley atchelor OE: “In an ever changing business environment

Is compliance really that important? Why RS Components is putting compliance at the top of its agenda Charlie Jenkinson, VP Operational Excellence, RS Components – IOE Corporate Member

There are numerous trade, product and transport laws and regulations that companies must observe when doing business both locally and internationally. Did you know, for example, that it is illegal to export dual-use goods – commercially available goods that could be used for military purposes – to certain countries without a licence? Or that some electronic devices cannot be sold if they use a material that has been deemed hazardous? For a global distribution company like RS Components, it is vital that we have a robust level of compliance controls in place to ensure we are trading legally and responsibly around the world. This is all the more important because our customers and suppliers are demanding ever-increasing information about compliance in order for them to do business with us. Our suppliers want to make sure that we are legally compliant and will sell their products compliantly around the world before signing up to a new contract. When a new product is added to our range, our customers need to know if they can purchase it in the country that

they reside, despite the relative ease of trading worldwide through eCommerce. Therefore, we need to have the capability to manage compliance globally in order to remain competitive. At RS, compliance is one of the key enablers in the management of our global inventory in every market. This supports our delivery service objective to our customers and, ultimately, enables us to grow sales worldwide. We are continuously improving our ability to cover trade, transport and product compliance across our global supply chain. A system from Amber Road automates trade compliance across both RS and our Allied Electronics business in North America. This includes restricted party screening, product classification, licence determination and management, and addresses supply chain and import/export documentation to speed the process. By eliminating manual, error-prone cross-border trade processes, it improves supply chain performance and shortens order cycles. This is of particular importance in the emerging markets, where the trade environment tends to be highly complex. For transport compliance, we’ve upgraded our internal systems to be able to deal with labelling and hazardous material more effectively throughout our transport network, while for product compliance we’re making sure that our product and category managers around the world have a comprehensive knowledge of where their products can be sold legally. Finally, we have an initiative to improve the compliance culture across the company. This involves providing relevant training, development and organisational

change to make sure we are set up to operate compliantly as we grow the business. This has already shown to be a significant endeavour in raising the awareness of compliance among our workforce. We joined the IOE because of this commitment to education and training on not just the complex issue of compliance but all aspects of exporting globally. The IOE offer renowned training and expertise in international trade and were the perfect fit for RS and our objectives. For us, compliance is everyone’s responsibility, and by instilling this mind-set it becomes a true enabler for the business.

Gerald Ratner the ‘jewel in the crown’ of our Queen’s Awards gala dinner

Legendary businessman and exporter, Gerald Ratner, will be guest speaker at the IOE-hosted gala dinner to celebrate the achievements of the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise 2016 international trade winners, at One Great George Street, Westminster, London 28th September. Now in its 50th year, the Queen’s Award for Enterprise is arguably the top honour for any UK business – with our glittering annual evening event for those who scoop the international trade category getting bigger and better each year. And, after 2015’s

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hugely successful function, we are confident that the story of our fascinating and controversial top-flight speaker will grip everyone who attends. Gerald Ratner knows all about riding the wave of commercial success to giddy heights – only to experience the sickening downward lurch of one of the biggest, high-profile and sudden falls from grace, as plunging fortunes lost him everything almost overnight.

After building up the family jewellery business from 130 stores with annual sales of £13 million into a public company with 2,500 outlets worldwide posting turnover of more than £1.2 billion, a public gaffe where he described a product as ‘total crap’ forced him out of the business. Against the odds, he bounced back – clawing his way to the top again with first a highly profitable health club, then an online jewellery export company, GeraldOnline , which today turns over £25 million and is preparing to go to market. Every Queen’s Award international trade winner has to show that they are not only committed to trading overseas, but that it is an integral part of their business strategy. Their companies have to meet strict criteria in three key areas – overseas earnings’ growth, commercial success and strategy – in a tough selection process that

sees them pitted against top international businesses. Institute director general, Lesley Batchelor OBE, said: “Winners’ achievements will doubtless inspire others to explore international trade – as will our keynote speaker. Gerald Ratner is a British export phenomenon; he oversaw an operation that once boasted 1,000 outlets in the US alone yet knows the bitter taste of business failure. “Despite that, he has built an exciting new export force and is a fine example to those who might be considering launching or growing overseas trading operations how anyone with determination, market knowledge and the right support can tap into the huge opportunities presented by global commerce.” Everyone is invited to join us at our landmark celebration of British export activity. Tickets can be secured online, while sponsorship opportunities are still available by calling 01733 404400 or by emailing [email protected]. And entries are open for next year’s awards until 6th September

Encouraging ‘commercial Thais’ with our new export guide

The IOE’s Doing Business Guides team, which is currently compiling a new ‘Doing Business in Thailand Guide’, attended a launch event

for the Thai-UK Business Leadership Council, this week, at Lancaster House, London. There, the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Thailand, Mark Garnier MP, and the Thai Prime Minister’s Special Envoy, Mr Virasakdi Futrakul, announced that they had invited senior business leaders from Thai and British companies to work together as the Council. The function was attended by Thai Deputy Minister for Commerce, Suwit Maesincee, and senior executives from leading Thai and British companies. Given that Mr Garnier and Mr Virasakdi reported a very positive response from businesses in both countries already, our upcoming Guide should be of great use to a wide sweep of British exporters seeking a foothold, or wanting to strengthen their position, in this vibrant market.

The internationally-recognised ‘Doing Business Guide’ series is a vital companion for UK companies on their export journey, being designed to advise and assist them when looking to trade with and invest in specific high-potential overseas markets. Available in three formats – a glossy brochure and PDF, a fully-interactive and updatable multi-media website and free smartphone/table app – they focus on the market in question, how to approach it and the help and support available when doing so. They include comprehensive market overviews, plus details of business opportunities, listings

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with website links to British and foreign government support services and essential private sector service-provider profiles. IOE director general, Lesley Batchelor OBE, said: “The 26 guides published to date cover countries as diverse as with Kazakhstan, Germany, India and Angola – and they have been universally praised by UK exporters operating in these markets. “Thailand is an opportunity-rich territory and I am certain that the upcoming guide will prove as useful to those committed to building long-term partnerships there and in South-East Asia generally as its predecessors have been around the world. Look out for updates and further details of our Thailand guide, which will be published in Q4 of this year.

Members’ Dinner promises to be a big hit as Richard Coles is confirmed as speaker

The Reverend Richard Coles – the only vicar in the UK to have had a No 1 hit – has been confirmed as our after dinner speaker at our Members’ Dinner on November 16th. The controversial former pop star was the instrumentalist half of pop band The Communards, together with Jimmy Somerville – and hit the top spot with Don’t Leave Me This Way. The band split in 1988 and after a period of soul searching and later study, Richard went back to his roots and became a vicar in the same village that two of his ancestors preached: Finedon, Northamptonshire. Many of you will have heard him on Radio 4 on Saturday mornings and will know how warm and funny he can be. He will share a wealth of fascinating insights into his colourful and varied career at our special event in the sumptuous surroundings of The Royal Horseguards Hotel in London. A classically trained pianist, Reverend Richard Coles is also an opera reviewer, the regular host of BBC 4’s Saturday Live programme – and can often be seen on celebrity panel shows such as ‘Have I Got News For You.

Our Members’ Dinner, a key event in the IOE’s 2016 calendar, will celebrate the Institute’s formative developments and achievements across this year. IOE director general, Lesley Batchelor OBE, said: “If anyone tells you ‘it ain’t necessarily so’ they’re talking about the song, not how funny Reverend Richard Coles is! He is guaranteed to strike the right chord as he regales our members and guests with extraordinary and humorous tales of his journey from popstar to priest. “Our Members’ Dinner is both a celebration and a way to recognise our valued members’ dedication to professionalism in international trade and we are very much looking forward to it.” To book your place at the event, visit http://www.export.org.uk/shop/events/members-dinner-2016

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And finally Fun Facts! Did you know.......?

A monkey was once tried and convicted for smoking a cigarette in South Bend, Indiana

The Tonle Sap River in Cambodia flows north for almost half the year and then south for the rest of the year

Vampire bat saliva has been responsible for many advances in research into stroke recovery

The slowest growing finger nail is on the thumb nail and the fastest growing is the finger nail on the middle finger

In 1929, the Coca-Cola slogan was "The Pause That Refreshes."

In Belgium, there is a museum that is just for strawberries

More Next Month! ....

Doing Business Guides

The IOE 'Doing Business Guides' are designed to advise and assist UK companies when looking to trade with and invest in opportunity-rich overseas markets. Download the FREE Mobile-App!

Simply search 'Doing Business Guides' to download!

Available on the iTunes App Store and Google play