Welcome to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Driving International Trade Conference 2026.

Participants are invited to connect and engage with peers.

Setting the tone for the day, the new President outlines an outward-looking vision for Britain’s role in global trade, one that matches ambition with action.

Amid shifting geopolitics, he will introduce the BCC Trade Accelerator Programme, linking 72 international and 50 UK Chambers with growth-ready exporters to drive a new era of economic diplomacy and business-led trade.  

As the UK continues to diversify its trading relationships, Lord Stockwood will share his insights on: 

• How the UK can win the race for global investment
• Where the country’s strategic advantages lie in how global value is created
• How Government is creating the conditions for sustainable economic growth both here and abroad.  

From US–China rivalry to the rise of new regional blocs, this flagship panel brings together senior government leaders, leading geopolitical thinkers, and globally active businesses to examine how the UK can navigate strategic competition and convert geopolitical complexity into real commercial opportunity. 

Our panellists:

• Lizzy Burden – Anchor, Bloomberg TV
• Sir Crawford Falconer KCMG – Senior Advisor, Bradshaw Advisory
• Rachana Shanbhogue – Business Affairs Editor, The Economist
• Professor Jun Du – Professor of Economics, Aston Business School
• Trever Charsley – Market Strategist, Corpay

This session explores how the Diplomatic Advisory Hub — a joint initiative between the British Chambers of Commerce and the FCDO — has delivered real-time geopolitical insight and practical support to UK businesses navigating an increasingly complex global trading environment. Minister Falconer will reflect on the Hub’s impact to date, share lessons learned, and discuss how closer collaboration between government and business can unlock new international opportunities, while managing global risk. 

It’s time for a break!

The Networking Zone is an opportunity for delegates to meet existing and new contacts. Join us for informal networking during this time and use the event App to connect.

Discover how to turn global ambition into real-world outcomes with this dynamic conversation between Navigator Global CEO, John Carroll, and BCC Director General, Shevaun Haviland CBE.  
 
Perfect for export leaders looking for practical, next step guidance on entering and expanding into international markets. You’ll hear how the Navigator Global platform’s action-planning tools, in-market insights, and on-the-ground support can give you the confidence and clarity needed to access and thrive in new markets. 

It’s time for lunch! Join us for informal networking during this time and use the event App to connect.

A Chamber Customs-led practical workshop.  

If your business exports to or imports from the EU, or operates in energy-intensive sectors such as manufacturing, chemicals, or metals, you need to understand CBAM (the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) and what it means for your future competitiveness.

This hands-on, one-hour workshop will demystify green trade compliance and help you take practical steps to get ahead of new reporting and pricing rules.

Led by ChamberCustoms experts, you’ll leave with a clear action plan for how to prepare your business, mitigate costs, and turn compliance into a commercial advantage. In just 60 minutes, you’ll be in a stronger, more informed position to trade confidently in the new green economy.  

Option 1: India Turning the FTA into Growth 

How UK businesses translate the UK–India FTA into real commercial outcomes in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets. 

Participants include:

• Rashmi Singh – Representative for Europe Region, FICCI
• Iain Walker – Industry Engagement Director, GS1 UK
• HE Vikram Doraiswami – High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom
• Aileen Keyes – Director of International Tax & Trade, Diageo

Option 2: Southeast Asia Southeast Asia: The UK’s Indo-Pacific Growth Engine 

Where British firms can win across ASEAN and CPTPP — from innovation and digital trade to infrastructure and green growth. 

Participants include:

• David Kelly – Executive Director, BritCham Singapore
• George Freeman MP – UK Trade Envoy to Malaysia, Phillipines, Singapore and Brunai
• Winnie Seow – Ecosystem Development Director, Navigator Global
• Dario Acconci – Head of Middle East and Asia, Hawksford
• Nagma Ebanks Beni MBE – Co-CEO, Prima Cheese

Option 3: The US Outlook: Tariffs, Trump & the ‘Special Relationship’ 

As the United States enters a new political cycle and tariff rhetoric resurfaces, UK businesses face a more volatile but still deeply opportunity-rich market.

This session examines how firms can navigate shifting trade policy, regulatory divergence and sector-specific tariff risks, while capitalising on the world’s most valuable bilateral investment relationship.

Featuring British Consul General to New York and HM Trade Commissioner for North America Oliver Christian and CEO of BritishAmerican Business Duncan Edwards, the discussion will explore practical strategies for growth across key sectors including life sciences, clean energy, defence, digital and advanced manufacturing, with a focus on state-level opportunities, commercial diplomacy and on-the-ground engagement.

In a more transactional Washington, success will require agility, smart partnerships and strategic adaptation, turning uncertainty into competitive advantage.

Participants include:

• Lizzy Burden – Anchor, Bloomberg TV
• Oliver Christian – HM Trade Commissioner for North America
• Paul Lindley OBE – Founder, Ella’s Kitchen
• Duncan Edwards – Chief Executive, BritishAmerican Business

Option 1: ‘Why Hong Kong? Gateway Opportunities for Global Business & Investment’ 

Exploring Hong Kong’s unique value proposition as a gateway to China, the Greater Bay Area and ASEAN, key market opportunities, and the government support and enablers available for successful market entry. 

Participants include:

• Daisy Ip – Head of Investment, InvestHK London
• Jeremy Sheldon – Chair, British Chambers of Commerce in Hong Kong
• Will Butler Adams – Chair, Brompton Bikes
• Georgina Stevens – Head of Sales and Market Intelligence, Woodland Group

Option 2: Europe Rewired: Trading with the EU Again 

What the UK–EU reset really means for exporters, cutting friction, rebuilding confidence and navigating regulatory change. 

Slovenia Showcase: Join this session to also hear a presentation from Tamara Zajec Balažič, Director of SPIRIT Slovenia Business Development Agency, highlighting investment and partnership opportunities in the market. 

Participants include:

• William Bain – Head of Trade Policy, British Chambers of Commerce
• HE Ambassador Emma Aparici Vazquez de Parga – Ambassador of Spain to the United Kingdom
• Christian Doktor – Deputy Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United Kingdom
• Ceri Morgan – His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Europe

Option 3: Nigeria: Gateway to West Africa 

Nigeria’s doors are open to business from the UK, with strong government-to-government collaboration that actively encourages trade, investment, and partnerships. 

This openness is reinforced by the UK–Nigeria Economic, Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), which provides a framework to deepen market access, and support UK companies investing and operating in Nigeria.  

Nigeria’s fintech and tech sectors are among the most vibrant in Africa, driven by a young, mobile-first population and widespread adoption of digital payments and online services. 
Together, they are powering financial inclusion, startup innovation, and regional expansion, with Nigerian tech firms increasingly competing on a global stage 

This session will offer: 

• An overview of the Nigerian economy and what the market offers in international businesses 

• Nigeria’s thriving tech and fintech sector and how it will grow internationally 

Participants include:

• Prince Abimbola Olashore, President & Chairman of Council NBCC
• Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce
• Bolaji Sofoluwe, ETK Group Managing Director
• Mr. Rotimi Akinde- Executive Director, Corporate Finance, Sustainability & Investment
• Babatunde Akin-Moses, Co-Founder and CEO of Sycamore Group
• Zulumoke Oyibo, Nigerian film producer, director, media executive and co-founder of Inkblot Productions 

How diplomacy, trade and business networks are being integrated to unlock growth, manage risk, and deliver commercial outcomes for UK companies overseas.

Hear from a globally recognised business entrepreneur, Simon Woodroffe OBE, Founder of Yo! Sushi.

An honest, inspiring account of what really works when growing internationally and just as importantly, what to avoid.

Practical lessons, real mistakes, and the confidence to think bigger about going global. A must-see keynote for any business serious about growth. 

Key takeaways and clear next steps, focused on turning today’s insights into practical action, mobilising Chambers, Trade Accelerators and government partnerships to deliver real outcomes for UK businesses.