Fintech Provider and Chambers of Commerce to Debate Technology and Trade Finance

TradeRiver will co-host a discussion on the role of technology in transforming trade and trade finance, and what this means for UK businesses. With Brexit in mind, the event will examine the opportunities offered by digitisation, particularly in the financing of trade. Notably, the debate will focus on whether technology can enable the seamless management of tariffs, standards and documentation processes for UK importers and exporters post-Brexit. “With continued uncertainty over the future direction of UK trade, this event will allow northern businesses to examine opportunities in the trade landscape and directly engage with industry experts – particularly around how the challenges posed by Brexit can be managed through technology,” said Guy Willans, COO, TradeRiver. In addition, with the government’s proposal suggesting that the challenges faced by goods leaving or entering the UK can be managed through technology, businesses attending will have the opportunity to debate the extent to which this is likely to be the case with a UK government representative (TBC). The event, taking place on 28 November in Manchester, and jointly co-ordinated by TradeRiver, the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) UK, will address whether “digital” is the answer to modernising and streamlining trade and trade finance. Three morning discussions will examine:

• What trade and trade finance could look like in 2030
• Whether developments in Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence and Big Data will transform cross-border trade
• Whether technology is the answer to the challenges expected at UK ports post-Brexit

“It is no news that UK businesses need clarity in order to plan ahead. But trading companies, both here and overseas, need readily accessible trade finance in order to expand their businesses – be it domestically or internationally. It’s just as important for overseas companies to access trade finance as it is for UK businesses, considering that these are the very companies we need to trade with,” said Chris Southworth, Secretary General, ICC United Kingdom. Export-focused businesses are being invited to attend this free event, in what is expected to be a lively, insightful debate. Hosted at the GMCC, speakers will include the Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce UK, who will outline the ICC’s mission to redefine trade finance. Other speakers will include businesses from Manchester, and government representatives. “We’re pleased to be hosting this event along with TradeRiver and ICC. For businesses in Manchester, it’s a unique opportunity to learn about digitalisation in trade finance directly from those working in this dynamic sector. It is all the more important considering the significant obstacles that businesses could potentially face when exporting,” said Chris Fletcher, Marketing & Policy Director, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. The event will also reveal the results of a GMCC and local chamber survey into the challenges faced by businesses in Northern England of trading internationally. What is more, attendees will also have the opportunity to network with key figures from the trade finance industry and Manchester business community. Free registration is available here. For press enquiries, please contact Alexandra Abeyratne, Press & Communications, ICC United Kingdom, +44 (0) 20 7655 1711, aabeyratne@iccwbo.uk