Businesses have a new opportunity to build confidence and capability across their international trade teams through the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade’s new-look Business Membership.
The enhanced membership package has been designed to help organisations manage risk, stay compliant and make informed decisions in a global trade environment marked by uncertainty.
It offers them the resources to improve customs knowledge and application among their trade teams, plus the chance to become part of a supportive community of trade professionals navigating similar challenges.
You can explore this opportunity further here.
Build confidence and capability
The new-look offer aims to help businesses develop confident, capable trade teams that can respond effectively to change.
Business members can access a wide range of support and resources, including the Expert Connect Trade Helpdesk, member-exclusive webinars, Special Interest Groups, networking events and linked memberships for employees across the organisation.
Teams can draw on trusted guidance when they have compliance questions, while developing the practical knowledge they need to keep goods moving and avoid costly mistakes.
Hayley Zeff, head of membership at the Chartered Institute, said she believes the new offer is well calibrated to help businesses meet the current environment, while also building competence among their trade professionals.
“We’ve heard from our members and we know that businesses are operating in a more challenging trade environment than many have ever encountered before, and that the cost of getting compliance wrong has never been higher.
“Business Membership gives teams access to expert guidance, practical learning and a professional community, helping them build the confidence and expertise needed to make the best possible decisions and trade successfully.”
Support amid change
International traders continue to face a fast-moving regulatory environment, from EU customs reform and US tariffs to competing sanctions regimes and stricter government enforcement. This means that falling behind the curve can incur significant costs – financial and reputational.
Leanne Parkin, operations director at Ramsden International, said the training and webinar programme was valuable for teams working in sectors with substantial regulations that are subject to change.
“Having access to relevant, practical training and regular updates helps our teams stay informed and build their knowledge across a wide range of export topics,” she said. “The teams find the sessions engaging and relevant to the work we are doing.”
By giving whole teams access to professional member benefits, Business Membership can help share knowledge across a company, strengthening it in the long run by protecting it from compliance risks.
For those seeking greater compliance support, Business Premium Membership also includes an annual mini trade compliance Health Check, helping organisations identify potential issues earlier and improve compliance before there’s a breach.
Practical applications
Those already part of the Chartered Institute’s Business Membership community say its value lies in the confidence it gives their teams to apply knowledge in their everyday work.
Beyond simply providing knowledge about customs rules and trade practices, the variety of content and community-building opportunities available are all geared towards placing that knowledge in a business context – helping professionals use what they’ve learned to support their business.
Tomi Olujide, compliance officer at TW Metals, said the organisation’s Business Membership has been “instrumental” to her international trade career, supporting her as she grows in the role.
“The webinars, member-exclusive resources and annual conference have all contributed to my learning and given me greater confidence in my day-to-day work,” she said.
Become part of a community
Alongside practical support and professional development, Business Membership connects organisations with a wider community of trade leaders and customs professionals.
Member forums facilitate peer meetings while gaining access to leading trade experts. Regularly scheduled events like Special Interest Groups also offer targeted networking opportunities relevant to your team’s sector.
Village Bakery Wrexham touts that combination of insight and community as having helped the business navigate international trade with greater confidence.
Glen Marriott, commercial controller at the food and drink manufacturer, said that business membership “gives us the knowledge, insights and support we need to navigate the global trade landscape with confidence.
“The Global Trade Today newsletter, webinars and networking events help us stay informed, compliant and ahead of regulatory changes.”
Explore business membership
This updated membership package is designed to support businesses as they grow and face fresh challenges amid new levels of global trade uncertainty.
The combination of expert advice, structured learning and access to a professional community means Business Membership equips teams with the tools they need to thrive, whatever the global trading environment trade.
Learn more about business membership and what it can offer your trade teams.
