Join the British Chambers of Commerce for the third annual Driving International Trade Conference on Thursday 18 March 2027.
Under the theme ‘Local Growth, Global Opportunity’, the conference will bring together business leaders, policymakers and international trade experts to explore how the UK can unlock new opportunities in global markets and turn regional strengths into international success.
The conference is free to attend for exporters, offering businesses a valuable opportunity to gain expert insight, make new connections and explore opportunities for international growth.
Why attend?
Against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, changing trade relationships and evolving supply chains, the conference will examine the challenges and opportunities shaping international trade. From the growing importance of regional economies and devolution to emerging opportunities in Europe, ASEAN and China, delegates will hear from experts and decision-makers on what it takes to navigate change, build resilience and grow internationally.
Whether you are looking to expand into new markets, strengthen your international strategy or support businesses to trade globally, the conference will provide valuable insight, connections and practical takeaways.
explore the programme
The full agenda and timings will be announced in due course. The conference will explore key issues shaping the future of international trade, including:
- Local growth, global opportunity: Turning the strengths of the UK’s regions into international success. How local businesses, regional leaders and the Chamber network can connect sector expertise and regional ambition with overseas demand, export growth and inward investment.
- Team UK: turning ambition into delivery. Bringing business, government, finance and the UK and international Chamber network together to help companies succeed overseas. What effective collaboration looks like in practice, where support needs to improve and how businesses can access the right expertise and connections.
- International markets: where next for your business? Exploring opportunities across Europe, ASEAN, China and beyond. Understanding where demand is growing, how to choose the right market and what businesses need to consider when exporting, finding partners or establishing a local presence.
- Building resilience in a changing world: Making sense of geopolitical uncertainty, shifting trade relationships and supply-chain disruption. Practical approaches to diversifying markets and suppliers, protecting margins and making confident investment decisions when the outlook is uncertain.
- Breaking down barriers to exporting: Tackling the obstacles that prevent businesses from starting, sustaining or expanding international trade. From finance and regulation to customs and market access, identifying practical solutions and the changes businesses need from government and trade partners.
- Business growth in practice: Candid lessons from founders and business leaders who have built and expanded internationally. What worked, what went wrong and what they wish they had known, with practical insights for businesses moving from their first overseas sale to sustained international growth.
2026 highlights
Agenda
The following agenda is subject to change.
In Conversation: The Rt Hon. Rachel Reeves MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, with Sophy Ridge
The Chancellor will discuss what the Government is doing to unlock economic growth.
Sky News’s lead politics presenter, and our host for today, will welcome delegates to conference.
The Director General will set out what the BCC wants to see from Government to Deliver Growth and how the Chamber Network is helping British businesses grow across the UK and oversees.
Robert Begbie, CEO Commercial & Institutional, NatWest in conversation with Michael Hayman MBE DL, Chair, British Chambers of Commerce
The BCC’s new President will use his first Global Annual Conference speech to set out his economic vision for the UK.
Keynote: The Rt Hon. Sir Mel Stride MP, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, Conservative Party
Followed by Q&A with Sophy Ridge
The Shadow Chancellor will set out how the Conservative Party would deliver growth.
Panel Discussion: Business Delivering Growth.
Moderator: Sophy Ridge
Panellists:
- Nigel Milton, Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer, Heathrow
- Nikki Flanders, Managing Director, SSE Energy Customer Solutions
- Stephen Whittingham, Chief Operating Officer – Freight – Europe, DP World
- Sheetal Rajani, HR Director, Tata Consultancy Services UK & Ireland
Moderator: Sophy Ridge
Panellists:
- Ben Marson, Director of Fundraising & Marketing, The King’s Trust
- Hayley Tatum MBE, Chief People Officer, M&S
- Brandon Tattersall, Junior Data Analyst, BAE Systems
- Deborah Babalola-Davis, Youth Ambassador, The King’s Trust
Keynote: The Rt Hon. Sir Ed Davey MP, Leader, Liberal Democrats
Followed by Q&A with Sophy Ridge
The Leader of the Liberal Democrats will set out how his party would deliver growth.
Breakout 1: Delivering Growth through AI Adoption
This session will explore how businesses can harness artificial intelligence as a driver of productivity and growth. The discussion will focus on how we can accelerate AI adoption across sectors, particularly among SMEs.
- Louisa Harrison-Walker OBE, Chief Executive, Sheffield Chamber of Commerce (Moderator)
- Lord Ranger of Northwood, Member, House of Lords Science and Technology Committee, Vice Chair, All-Party Parliamentary Group on Artificial Intelligence; Chair, British-Serbian Chamber of Commerce
- James Kuht MBE, Founder and CEO, PAIR
- Michael Kennedy, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Intuit
- Daniel Bumby, Managing Director, Simoda
Breakout 2: Delivering Growth through Trade
This session will focus on unlocking the UK’s export potential and strengthening its position in global markets. It will examine how reducing trade friction, modernising agreements, and improving export support, particularly for SMEs, can drive growth. There will be an update on the Government’s EU reset.
- Paul Britton, Chief Executive, Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce (Moderator)
- The Rt Hon Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office (Minister for the Constitution and European Union Relations), Cabinet Office
- Ceri Morgan CBE, HM Trade Commissioner for Europe
- Soren Nikolajsen, Managing Director, Government & Industry Engagement: Defence and Trade, NatWest
- Mike Bagshaw, Founder, I.T.S. (International Taste Solutions Ltd)
Breakout 3: Delivering Growth through Supply Chains
This session will explore the critical role of supply chains in underpinning growth, resilience and investment. It will consider the opportunity to strengthen domestic supply networks and the role Chambers can place in facilitating this. Discussions will centre on improving procurement practices, enhancing collaboration between large firms and SMEs.
- Ashley Shorey-Mills, Supply Chain Director, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce (Moderator)
- Jack Abbott MP, Member of Parliament for Ipswich
- Sam Ulyatt, Chief Executive, Crown Commercial Agency
- Paul Doherty, Procurement Director, Heathrow
- Mark Dolman, Managing Director, Portable Space
Breakout 4: Delivering Growth through Skills
This session will examine how the UK can build a modern, responsive skills system to support business growth and productivity.
The discussion will focus on addressing persistent skills shortages, reforming apprenticeships, and better aligning education with employer needs. It will also explore how businesses can invest in their workforce to unlock productivity gains, alongside the role of local skills planning and collaboration between industry and government.
- Corin Crane, Group Chief Executive, Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce (Moderator)
- Helen Whatley MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
- Petra Wilton, Director of Policy and External Affairs, Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
- Paul Nowak, General Secretary, TUC
- David Roberts, Executive Chairman, Evtec Group Holdings Ltd.
Breakout 5: Delivering Growth through Infrastructure Investment
This session will explore how investment in infrastructure can act as a catalyst for long-term growth. It will focus on the need to accelerate the delivery of major projects, modernise planning processes, and unlock greater private and public investment.
- John McCabe DL, Chief Executive, North East Chamber of Commerce (Moderator)
- Lord Stockwood, Minister for Investment, Department for Business and Trade and HM Treasury,
- Joanna Averley, Chief Planner, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government,
- Tamsin Lishman, Customer Asset Director, SSE Energy Solutions
- John Sayers, Managing Director, Hodgson Sayers.
Breakout 6: The Growth Britain Is Ready For – The 2030s Prosperity Alliance
The British public is more prepared for serious reform than Westminster assumes. The 2030 Prosperity Alliance is an apolitical coalition of business and civic leaders which brings new polling, new evidence and a frank conversation about the choices any future government will have to make. A strategic session for delegates who want to know not just what growth looks like, but how Britain summons the political will to deliver it.
- Shevaun Haviland CBE, Director General, British Chambers of Commerce (Moderator)
- Rick Haythornthwaite, Chair, NatWest.
- Lord Leong CBE, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business and Trade
- Rachel Wolf, Founding Partner, Public First
- Steve Smith, Group Chief Strategy and UK External Affairs Officer, National Grid
Keynote: The Rt Hon. Robert Jenrick MP, Treasury Spokesperson, Reform UK
Followed by Q&A with Sophy Ridge
Reform UK’s Treasury Spokesperson will set out how his party would deliver growth.
Panel Discussion: Delivering Growth through Chambers
- Sophy Ridge (Moderator),
- Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce
- Katy Keenan, Chief Executive, British Chamber of Commerce, Dubai
- Douglas Ure, Chief Executive, Business West
- Suzanne Wylie OBE, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce.
Keynote: Zack Polanski AM, Leader, Green Party of England and Wales
Followed by Q&A with Sophy Ridge
The Leader of the Green Party will set out how his party would deliver growth.
Keynote: Zack Polanski AM, Leader, Green Party of England and Wales, followed by Q&A with Sophy Ridge
who should attend?
The conference is designed for anyone involved in supporting, delivering or driving international trade and growth, including:
- CEOs, managing directors, founders and senior business leaders.
- Export directors and managers, and heads of international trade.
- Business leaders responsible for international expansion, investment and growth.
- Representatives from local and regional government, policymakers and trade organisations.
- UK and international Chamber of Commerce representatives.
- Professionals working in trade support, export services, customs, compliance and international business development.
tickets and registration
LOCATION
Our Global Annual Conference 2027 will take place at the QEII Centre, London.
