Talking Trade - Spring 2026
A practical, opportunity-focused morning for South West traders, combining trade updates, expert insight, and real-world guidance on how businesses can respond to change and identify growth opportunities.
In person tickets
Join Business West for an insightful, international trade-themed event, together with panel and networking on Thursday, 23rd April 2026.
A practical, opportunity-focused morning for South West traders, combining trade updates, expert insight, and real-world guidance on how businesses can respond to change and identify growth opportunities.
Agenda
keyboard_arrow_down
Agenda
Arrival, coffee and networking
Welcome and opening remarks
Catherine Stephens, Head of International Trade Services, Business West
Trade and policy update: global trade landscape, policy updates, opportunities & risks
William Bain, Head of Trade Policy, British Chambers of Commerce
The UK’s FTA landscape. A deep dive into the practical commercial opportunities under the UK–India FTA, drawing on his experience working directly on the agreement and on engagement with UK and Indian businesses.
John Austin Sheridan, Free Trade Agreement Utilisation, Department for Business and Trade
Using FTAs in practice: Business West support and case study
Megan Childs, Assistant Manager, International Trade Services, Business West
Membership opportunities for traders
Dan Hooper, Membership Manager, Business West
Refreshment break and networking
International opportunities, new markets and trade support
Fireside chat: James Monk, Commercial Services Director, Business West with Steven Lynch MBE, Director International Trade, British Chambers of Commerce
Customs, compliance and current developments
Neil Bird, Managing Director, Brightfinch
Closing remarks and final audience questions
Catherine Stephens, Head of International Trade Services, Business West
Event close
About Business West International Trade Services
This event is brought to you by the award-winning Business West International Trade Services team — one of the most experienced and trusted providers of export support in the UK.
With a 23-strong team of international trade experts, we support businesses with everything from trade documentation to training and consultancy.
- Over 18,000 trade documents processed annually
- Supporting 800+ international trade customers
- 99% of customers would recommend our services
- Winner of Best Industry Champion for Digital Trade innovation
Whether you want to understand Free Trade Agreements, navigate customs procedures, or improve your export processes, our team is here to help you trade confidently.
Who Should Attend?
- If you are an exporter and/or manufacturer looking to reduce risk and grow international sales
- Freight forwarders and logistics providers
- Any business curious about using FTAs or digitising trade processes
Spaces are limited – book now to secure your spot. We look forward to seeing you there!
We take your data very seriously and are committed to the privacy and security of it. Our Privacy Notice explains the types of personal data we may collect about you and how we’ll store and handle that data, and keep it safe.
Where you provide personal data to us, it is essential that you have the right to give us that personal data, and to allow us to use it as anticipated by the arrangements between us. This includes where the personal data that you are providing relates to people other than yourself. We will rely on you to make sure that you do have those rights. Both we and you will comply with our obligations under all relevant laws and rules on data protection and privacy.
Location
Leigh Court Business Centre, Abbots Leigh, Bristol, BS8 3RA, United Kingdom