Online event
Thriving in a changing world: Harnessing digital trade tools for greater profitability
Thursday 12 February at 11:00AM
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Take part in our session to explore the real benefits of trade digitalisation tools, helping your business reduce costs and boost its competitive edge.
What you’ll learn
- Understand the opportunities and practical benefits of trade digitalisation
- Learn from real-world examples and peer experiences
- Leave with a practical ‘Get Started Toolkit’ to implement digital trade solutions in their organisations
Description
Recent UK government and industry guidance stresses that digitalisation is a key enabler for businesses to remain resilient and agile in an uncertain world
This interactive training session will empower business leaders to adopt cutting-edge digital tools that enhance liquidity, profitability, and operational efficiency, while reducing risk and cost. By embracing electronic trade documents and digital transaction platforms, companies can accelerate deal cycles, cut costs, and streamline cross-border operations—unlocking benefits such as improved working capital, faster transactions, and significant reductions in administrative and shipping expenses.
You will receive a concise overview of the transition from traditional, paper-based trade and finance processes to advanced, data-driven models that define 21st-century commerce.
We will examine real-world examples illustrating how digital transaction tools are revolutionising trade—making processes quicker, more straightforward, and environmentally friendly.
We will provide step-by-step guidance on how to begin your digital trade journey, including access to pilot opportunities and peer insights from companies already leading the way.
Speakers
Chris Southworth
Secretary General, International Chamber of Commerce UK
Chris is Secretary General at the International Chamber of Commerce UK and a regular voice for business in the international media speaking on a wide range of business issues including trade, sustainability, international priorities and government policy.
He is Co-Chair of Commonwealth Legal Reform and Digitalisation programme launched by Commonwealth Trade Ministers in June 2023, a member of the Legal Reform Advisory Board at the ICC Digital Standards Initiative and co-founder of the UK Centre for Digital Trade and Innovation.
Chris is also a member of the ICC World Council as well as the International Advisory Board of the Queen Mary-UNIDROIT Institute of Transnational Commercial Law.
Jane Cullen
MD, Jointine Products (Lincoln) Ltd
Jane Cullen is Managing Director of Jointine Products (Lincoln) Ltd and a strong advocate for SMEs. Her manufacturing and exporting business provides a real‑world perspective on the challenges of international trade. She campaigns for a more streamlined regulatory environment to help SMEs compete globally without unnecessary bureaucracy or cost.
Professor David Hughes
Associate Dean for Research & Innovation, Teesside University
Professor David Hughes leads the Digital Trade Testbed at Teesside University. An expert in digital trade and the circular economy, he also works part‑time in industry, applying AI‑driven solutions to support sustainable, low‑carbon trade.