International Trade team news – July 2026
New arrival
The Carnet team continues to go from strength to strength and, with demand remaining high, we're delighted to welcome a new member to help support our ever-growing workload.
Samantha Gardiner joined the Carnet team in June, although she hasn't had to travel very far! Samantha previously worked downstairs at Leigh Court as part of the Business West Workspace Reception team, returning to work after taking an extended career break to raise her family.
Before joining Business West, Samantha enjoyed a successful career as an Executive PA in the Chief Executive's Office at Bristol NHS Trust. When she's not busy learning all about ATA Carnets, Samantha enjoys keeping active with Pilates, mountain biking and paddleboarding, as well as spending time outdoors on woodland walks with her family and their dog, Luna.
Welcome back!
We're also delighted to welcome back two familiar faces to the Export Documentation and Carnet team.
Hilary Rossborough and Emily Mintern have both returned from maternity leave and are already back supporting customers. It's fantastic to have them back with the team - and, we're told, they're both enjoying the novelty of finishing a full cup of tea without interruption!
Welcome back, Hilary and Emily. We missed you!
Volunteer spotlight
Business West encourages colleagues to give back to their local communities by offering two paid volunteering days each year to support a charity or community organisation of their choice.
In June, Patrick Shean spent one of his volunteering days with Avon Needs Trees, helping establish new woodland at Lower Chew Forest near Keynsham.
Here's what Patrick had to say about the experience:
"I spent my volunteering day doing some mulching at Lower Chew Forest in Compton Dando, near Keynsham, with Avon Needs Trees.
We were provided with everything we needed - including sheep's wool, pegs, hammers and scissors - to mulch around the young trees and give them the best chance to thrive.
It was a really fun day doing the work but also learning about what is needed to let trees and hedges grow to create new woodland.
The weather held for most of the time. There was a small shower that quickly went by, but it failed to dampen what was a fun, productive and interesting day.”
Find out more about the fantastic work Avon Needs Trees does.