Experts added to global trade line-up

More high-profile experts have been added to the line-up for the Chambers of Commerce 's much anticipated rearranged Global Trade Conference in mid-February.

The Conference has been rescheduled following the postponement in September after the death of the Queen and will now take place at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire on 15 February between 12 noon and 6pm.

Newly signed up for the afternoon session 2022 Economic Update: An Analysis of the Global Economy are Simon Hart, lead international partner at accountancy group RSM - who will chair the presentation - and Tom Pugh (pictured), UK chief economist with RSM.

Meanwhile, Dr Tariq Ali, deputy pro vice-chancellor (Strategic Partnerships) at the University of Birmingham, has been added to the afternoon session Around the World in 45 Minutes, which will provide an update on trade agreements.

Mandy Haque, international director of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “We are delighted that the event is attracting speakers of the calibre of Simon Hart, Tom Pugh and Dr Tariq Ali, who join an already formidable line-up of speakers.

“These latest additions are all experts in their own field and I am sure the audience will be keen to hear their contributions. ”

Speakers already confirmed for February include Amanda Brooks CBE, Director-General of Trade Negotiations at the Department for International Trade, Taran Singh, Founder and CEO of Taran 3D, Elisabeth Lewis Jones, CEO of Liquid PR, Shaun Adams, Managing Director of Birmingham Case Makers and Andy Dawson, director and co-founder of Curium Solutions.

Delegates will be welcomed by Chambers chief executive Henrietta Brealey while Mandy Haque will chair the opening International Trade Index Launch based on a report collated by the Chambers Policy Team on International Trade in the West Midlands.

Other speakers include the Chambers head of policy and strategic relationships Raj Kandola and Dr Steve McCabe, Associate Professor at Birmingham City University.

Also in the pipeline for the afternoon is a Business Masterclass, an introduction to Entering International Markets. The final session will focus on Investment Opportunities in the West Midlands.

Mandy added: “The last in-person Transatlantic event was in June 2019 and it has been virtual since then. Since the pandemic we decided we would make it more of a global conference event. The day is a great chance for members and non-members alike to gain real insights into global trading opportunities and markets. ”