Member Article

Institute of Export toasts graduates? success

The vibrant achievements of graduates who have completed the Institute of Export‘s (IOE) qualifications in international trade have been celebrated at a prestigious ceremony held at London’s Mansion House.

IOE President Jim Davis highlighted how this year has seen a 68% increase in the number of students embarking on IOE courses – and stressed the importance of developing well-trained exporters.

Key guests and speakers also included the Institute’s Vice Presidents, Sir Eric Peacock and Lord Empey of Shandon, Alderman and Sheriff Jeffrey Evans and BBC Breakfast business presenter Steph McGovern. The graduation was sponsored by Amber Road, the global trade management software company.

Special accolades were awarded across four categories. They included Nick Rowlands, who received a special accolade for achieving the top mark in his qualification. Based at Dairy Crest, Claygate, Surrey, Nick is responsible for developing brands within grocery multiple retailers. He was previously international sales manager, exporting Cathedral City cheese to western European markets including France, Spain and Scandinavia as well as launching in Russia and South Korea.

Nick commented: “The Institute of Export course is well-designed to cover all the different features of international trade, making it an informative and enjoyable programme, and I was grateful to have the opportunity to take part. I appreciated the option to choose my own subject area to study on the Diploma, international procurement, which allowed me to explore a new area. I am sure this well-recognised qualification will stand me in good stead for the future.

“Being involved in trade with an international dimension brings a series of challenges, not just the everyday realities of shipping regulations and customs taxes, but also the non-tangible cultural aspects and different ways of doing business that make this one of the most dynamic and exciting spheres to work in.”

Some of Nick’s fellow graduates included Sarah Jonathan, product manager from International Greetings Plc, Mid Glamorgan, Wales, Robert Marampa-Lartey, international trade expert from Trotylex, based in London and Rachel Stockton, buying office manager and the customs compliance manager from Sports Direct, Nottinghamshire.

Lesley Batchelor, director general of the Institute of Export said: “Our graduates are a great source of pride for the Institute. Their commitment and hard work is acknowledged by everyone and we will all watch their careers develop with interest.

“There is no doubt the skills and expertise they have acquired through their studies in international trade will be a huge asset to their own companies and to the British economy as a whole.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lesley Batchelor .