The Future for International Trade Conference on March 17th 2022 – organised jointly by Gardenex, PetQuip and BHETA – is signing up growing numbers of delegates as export opportunities return in tune with the easing of Covid travel restrictions.  

“The post-Brexit challenges remain for UK suppliers, but the appetite for international business has really been renewed and it’s a case of finding out how best to negotiate new regulations as demand from export markets returns,” says Will Jones, Chief Operating Officer of the British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA).

The return of overseas buyers evidenced at Spring Fair has been a boost to export interest and the conference agenda is all about enabling DIY, garden, pet, housewares and gift suppliers to take full advantage of these export opportunities.

The conference, which is being held at the Stratford Manor Hotel in Stratford-Upon-Avon, is open to all UK suppliers and has as its keynote speaker Shelley Boyle, Head of Business Development at online retailer, ManoMano. Other presentations will be given by a UK government lobbyist as well as experts on international commercial law, world economics, post-Brexit procedures and international trade compliance.  

The conference delegates will also hear incisive case studies from some of the UK’s most successful exporters within the home and garden improvement and pet sectors. There will be many opportunities for Q&As with the speakers and delegates can obtain individually tailored advice from a selection of export experts including freight logistics and international trade show organisers among others.

Amanda Sizer Barrett, Director General of Gardenex and PetQuip, confirmed: “We are delighted to be partnering with BHETA again to deliver another top-level export conference, thanks to the quality of the content and the insights, inspiration and practical advice that the speakers will give to the delegates. Recent events have demonstrated an appetite in the industry for face-to-face networking and interaction again, and the conference will deliver this throughout the packed agenda.”

Will Jones agreed: “This will be a key occasion for all companies in our sectors who are interested in maximising their export opportunities. The Future for International Trade conference is always a lively and informative occasion focussing on retail trends in international markets, the practicalities of export logistics, compliance and the inspiring case studies by some of the UK’s leading exporters. It’s all about helping UK companies navigate their best routes to secure international sales, especially in a changed world post-Brexit and with the ongoing impact of the pandemic.” 

Places at the conference can be secured by contacting any of the organisers.  Contact Gardenex or PetQuip by emailing katie-mai@petquip.com; or visit www.gardenex.com.  Contact BHETA by emailing zm@bheta.co.uk or visit www.bheta.co.uk.   Members of Gardenex, PetQuip, CHA and BHETA benefit from a preferential delegate rate of £69 per person at the conference. The event is also open to non-members at £149 per person (both plus VAT).