The packed agenda – from 8.45am through to 2pm – includes a keynote speech from Rhys Herbert, the chief economist at Lloyds Bank, insights from Coventry University’s Dr Paul Noon OBE and an update from Shehzad Chaudhary, the Midlands Director for International Trade & Investment at the Department for Business & Trade (DBT). 

The event, which will aim to break down the barriers to trading overseas to help firms expand their global reach, will be opened by Chamber chief executive Corin Crane and will also include contributions from David Hooper, of Independent Freight; Andy Demetriades, of Rational FX; and Will Bain, of the British Chambers of Commerce. 

It will be closed by a panel discussion before an opportunity to network over lunch. 

Topics will include Global Trade Insights to ensure businesses are equipped for success on the global stage. 

The event will also hear how the Midlands is spearheading innovation in international trade, leveraging its strategic location and expertise to drive forward the nation's trade agenda. 

Firms will be shown how to discover strategies for expanding their worldwide reach, tapping into international markets with the British Chamber of Commerce Global Network.  

There will also be information and insight on how to unravel the complexities of tariffs, customs duties, and Free Trade Agreements as well as exploring the cutting-edge revolution of artificial intelligence and uncovering how data-driven strategies can revolutionise firms’ approaches to global business. 

Businesses will also hear about exchange rate fluctuations and explore innovative ways to minimise risks and maximise returns in international trade ventures. 

Corin Crane, chief executive of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “International trade is absolutely key to growing our regional economy. The more firms that export, the better it is for Coventry and Warwickshire, but it also gives those individual businesses a much stronger chance of survival and growth. 

“Over recent years, there has been a huge amount of noise about overseas trade – whether it has been through conversations around Brexit or signing Free Trade Agreements with other nations or blocs. 

“This summit will cut through that noise and hear from international trade experts who can give up-to-the-minute, practical advice and information to businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire. 

“For any business that wants to trade overseas – or expand what they are already doing – this is an event that cannot be missed.” 

Lloyds Bank is the headline sponsor of the event, with Rational FX as supporting sponsor and Independent Freight is the breakfast sponsor. 

For more information or to book a place at the International Trade Summit go to https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/international-trade-summit/