International Trade team news: From the Wye Valley to Sweden!

It's been another busy few months for our International Trade team, both in and out of the office! From supporting local communities through volunteering to sharing our trade expertise with Chambers overseas, here's a quick round-up of what everyone's been up to.

Giving back to our communities

At Business West, colleagues are encouraged to make use of their two volunteering days each year, supporting causes and projects that matter to them. Several members of our International Trade team have been making the most of this opportunity recently.

Wildlife reserve management

Patrick Shean spent a day volunteering with Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust's Wye Valley Volunteering Group at a nature reserve near Chepstow.

Armed with saws and cutting tools, Patrick and the other volunteers helped clear scrub and trees to manage the habitat and create space for wildlife. Despite the less-than-ideal weather, a roaring bonfire kept everyone warm, and there was even a visit from three rather friendly Highland cattle!

Patrick thoroughly enjoyed the experience and recommends it to anyone interested in getting involved.

Find out more about volunteering with Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.

Making a splash on the River Avon

Bethan Rice, Megan Childs and Faith Batten swapped their desks for paddleboards, joining a River Avon clean-up with Planet Patrol and UK Active Outdoors.

As well as enjoying some time out on the water, the team helped collect litter from the river, doing their bit to protect the local environment. A great example of volunteering that's both rewarding and fun!

Read more about their paddleboarding adventure.

Back to school!

Hilary Rossborough used one of her volunteering days to accompany her daughter's school trip to PK Porthcurno in Cornwall, joining 60 enthusiastic eight and nine-year-olds to learn about the history of communications.

For Hilary, it was a lovely opportunity to relive her own school trip memories and see the experience through her daughter's eyes.

The return coach journey was apparently a little less magical, with tired children, tears and a few upset tummies!

As Hilary put it, "I really appreciate the volunteering days that BW extend to us as it allows us to feel connected and useful within the community."

Sharing our expertise

Catherine and Megan head to Sweden

Catherine Stephens and Megan Childs recently travelled to Stockholm to deliver two days of training to colleagues from Swedish Chambers of Commerce.

The sessions included rules of origin, Free Trade Agreements and ATA Carnets, providing a great opportunity to share Business West's international trade expertise while exchanging ideas and best practice with our Swedish counterparts.

Read more about their visit to Sweden.

Congratulations to Megan!

We're also incredibly proud that Megan Childs, our Development Manager, was nominated for the British Chambers of Commerce Rising Star Award! The nomination recognises Megan's fantastic contribution to our International Trade Services, from developing our Free Trade Agreement advisory offering and supporting the rollout of Digital ATA Carnets to delivering training and mentoring colleagues. A thoroughly deserved recognition of her hard work, enthusiasm and commitment.

Connecting with Chambers in Liverpool

Four members of our International Trade team also attended the British Chambers of Commerce Trade Facilitation Forum in Liverpool.

The event brought together Chambers from across the network to discuss the future of international trade services, share experiences and explore opportunities for collaboration.

Our Commercial Director, James Monk, also joined a panel discussion on Chamber collaboration and the future of trade services.

Read our Trade Facilitation Forum round-up.

It's great to see the team getting involved in so many different activities, whether that's making a difference locally or representing Business West further afield!