Business West Hosts International Trade Roundtable at Leigh Court
Recently, Business West was pleased to host an insightful international trade roundtable at Leigh Court Business Centre, in partnership with South West Business Insider. This exclusive event brought together leaders from a diverse range of sectors—including manufacturing, food and drink, science and tech, e-commerce, TV and film, and engineering—to discuss the future of international trade.
The discussion identified several common challenges and opportunities shared across industries. Attendees voiced concerns about the impact of Brexit on trade, noting that while demand remains strong for goods made in Britain, government support is still needed to drive this forward effectively. Many participants expressed frustration with the complex barriers and delays introduced post-Brexit, with some companies even setting up EU-based offices to simplify trade with Europe. One business shared that they’ve increasingly shifted focus to markets like the USA, which they’re finding easier to navigate despite the lack of formal trade agreements.
Laura Ward, Chief Executive, EXEAT shared her thoughts:
“A really enlightening roundtable. Brexit was a hot topic however I was especially encouraged to hear the growth stories of businesses who had pragmatically re-focused their efforts on exciting ‘new for them’ markets like the USA, Australia and the Middle East. As incredibly challenging as Brexit has been, the world is bigger than the EU and change creates opportunity, especially with the exciting new trade deals we can take advantage of.”
The roundtable also highlighted challenges faced by importers regarding import duties, funding gaps, and compliance issues, with around half of the attendees utilising Free Trade Agreements to mitigate some of these barriers.
Simon Lane, CEO, HEL Performance, commented:
“My takeaway from the day was how positive and empowered local business was to export and grow their markets. Some great insights and information gained on how to deal with different issues that may come up and great connections made. Conversation around Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and how they will help get the UK to its goal of 1 trillion in Exports by 2030 invigorated the appetite to visit new export opportunities in those markets we currently don’t service.”
Ngaio Harding-Hill, Head of Attractions & Live Experiences, Aardman said:
"The discussion was a valuable insight into the export / import challenges and successes of a diverse range of businesses. It also provided the opportunity to understand in more detail the wide range of support Business West can offer businesses in the region in their export journey."
Catherine Stephens, Business West’s Head of International Trade Services, summed up the event by adding:
“It was very interesting to hear from such diverse sectors on the challenges and opportunities they’re facing with international trade, and the fact that, even though they are all so different, the challenges are similar. We were also pleased to share our expertise with attendees on FTAs, the importance of HS (Harmonised System/Commodity) Codes and getting them right, the critical role of compliance, and new regulations like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).”