Business West’s International Trade team have been nominated for Best Industry Champion alongside the likes of HSBC, Lloyds Bank and Standard Chartered, at the prestigious C4DTI (The Centre for Digital Trade and Innovation) Digital Trade Award 2024, which showcases and celebrates global best practice in trade digitalisation.

Our International Trade Services team consists of 21 highly qualified trade specialists, led by three enthusiastic leaders. This team is renowned for providing exceptional support, with a proven track record of quick response times, as highlighted in a recent customer survey.

Central to Business West's mission is our dedication to providing unparalleled support in international trade. Integral to this commitment is our leadership in embracing and implementing digital technologies, ensuring we remain at the forefront of innovation and excellence in global trade facilitation.

Business West’s notable achievements include processing the first European Certificate of Origin using Blockchain technology and transitioning our customer base from paper-based Certificates of Origin to electronic formats. Additionally, Business West marked a significant milestone by facilitating the world's first complete journey of a Digital Carnet. These initiatives are part of a strategic effort to drive the adoption of digital trade processes and establish Business West as a thought leader in this field, thereby offering enhanced services to its customers and members.

Catherine Stephens, Head of International Trade Services, Business West said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted in the category of Best Industry Champion. Our dedicated team of 21 trade experts is at the forefront of driving the adoption of digital technologies within International Trade. By embracing these innovations, we aim to revolutionise trade documentation and transactions, making them faster, more accurate, and secure. Our commitment is to foster a more interconnected and vibrant global trade ecosystem, benefiting all stakeholders.” 

James Monk, Commercial Services Director, Business West added: “Since 2018, our digitisation journey has set new benchmarks, beginning by being the first in Europe to process a Certificate of Origin using Blockchain technology. Our recent achievement of executing the world's first complete Digital ATA Carnet journey marks another milestone. Currently, our team is rolling out Genesis, an innovative digital verification system for Preference and Rules of Origin. This cutting-edge technology significantly minimises the risks associated with human error and fraud. As our government forges more free trade agreements, this platform is poised to enhance transparency and reliability within global supply chains, ensuring a future of clearer, more secure international trade."

The ICC (International Chambers of Commerce) and C4DTI awards ceremony is due to take place on 18 April 2024 at Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London.