Going Global – Panel Discussion & Exhibition

Join us at this exciting event where we’ll be inspiring businesses to start/grow their exports, featuring a panel discussion, clinics and a mini exhibition.

We’ll also be showcasing the Chamber’s international trade capabilities and provide a platform for members who provide services in this space.

Register your attendance here > https://afx.one/c195a758

Interested in exhibiting throughout the event? Book your spot here.

Agenda

8.00am – Arrival with a networking breakfast

8.30-9.30am – Panel and Q&A

9.30-10.30am – Mini exhibition and clinics

Speakers

Panel host: Stuart Searle – First Mailing

Stuart Gibbons – Le Mark Group

Stuart Gibbons OBE has led a diverse and expansive career path since forming Le Mark Group Ltd in 1983. Le Mark is an SME operating primarily as a consumable product manufacturer and provider within the global arts and entertainment industry. As the company’s Managing Director, Stuart has been instrumental in the development of several award-winning self-adhesive and problem-solving products, including BlackTak® – a high heat-resisting black aluminium tape used in the theatre and motion picture sectors.

The company has expanded into four diverse but interconnected business units operating from its 5-acre manufacturing and warehousing facilities in St Ives, Cambridgeshire. International trade and the need for more SMEs to become exporters have long been a passion of Stuart’s. He remains a committed Export Champion for the Department for Business and Trade’s Southern region.

Stuart was honoured with an OBE in the 2021 Queen’s New Year’s Honours list for Services to International Trade. He is the founder of the Huntingdonshire Manufacturing Association, which he chaired for seven years.

Stuart became the inaugural chairman of the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Business Advisory Panel (B.A.P.), a ‘coal face ’-focused steering group advising the GCGP Business Board. He continues to be the chairman of the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, supporting and encouraging students and companies to engage with and explore the role of modern apprenticeships.

Karolina Wlodarczyk – Le Mark Group

Karolina is a dynamic Export Manager at Le Mark Group. Originally from Raciborz, Poland, she is a proud alumna of Opole University.

Since joining Le Mark Group in 2015, Karolina has risen through the ranks, starting in the administration team and eventually becoming the Head of Export. Her deep understanding of international trade is a blend of solid academic knowledge and extensive practical experience. In recognition of her expertise, the Department of Business & Trade (DBT) honoured her in 2020 by inviting her to become an Export Champion for the Southern region.

Karolina specialises in B2B trade show development and distributor management, successfully developing clients across diverse regions, from Las Vegas and Hollywood, California, to Eurasia and many European countries.

Currently leading a multilingual international team, Karolina manages clients in over 70 countries. Her experience has evolved to navigate the ever-changing political and commercial landscapes. She upholds the belief that “people buy from people” and emphasises the importance of developing human resources within any SME for business growth.

Passionate about her heritage, Karolina actively promotes Polish culture and celebrates her roots, fostering a greater appreciation for Poland and its people.

Ash Vohra – GM Freight

With over 25 years of extensive experience in the international freight and logistics industry, Ash Vohra brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the stage. Specializing in air freight, sea freight, road freight, customs clearance, and compliance, as well as on-board and express courier services, Ash has successfully navigated the complexities of global supply chains.

Throughout his distinguished career, Ash has collaborated with renowned global companies such as GE Aviation, GE Healthcare, Boeing, Tyco Electronics, De La Rue, OSG Ship Management, Netflix, and Groupe SEB. He has played a pivotal role in optimizing logistics strategies, ensuring compliance with international regulations, and delivering seamless freight solutions.

Join us as Ash shares invaluable insights and practical strategies drawn from decades of experience, providing a deep dive into the intricacies of international logistics and the keys to achieving operational excellence in this dynamic field.

Al Kingsley – Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) Chair & CEO of Ed Tech – Local Export Champion

Al Kingsley has served as a Board member of CPCA since January 2020 and was appointed chair in August 2023.

Al is the group CEO of NetSupport, an award-winning technology company which develops software for both the education and corporate markets. NetSupport has grown to support over 20 million users in 110 countries around the world.

Passionate about education being the key to unlocking personal and economic growth, Al is chair of Hampton Academies Trust in Peterborough as well as the independent chair of the region’s SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Board. Al also sits on the Regional Schools Directors Advisory Board for the East of England supporting Academies across the region. He also received a civic award in 2020 from Peterborough City council.

Alongside authoring numerous books, Al writes and speaks internationally on the effective use of digital and educational technology, growth, governance and leadership. He is a Forbes Technology Council Member and was awarded the 2023 EduFuturist of the year. Al also mentors technology start-ups entering the education sector.

Al has almost always lived in the region, having grown up and been educated in Cambridge, then moved to Huntingdon, and after a few years of working overseas, returned with his family to settle in Peterborough in 2002.

Hollie Jackson – Domino Printing

Dr Ilona Karpanos – Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce

Ilona is an experienced project manager and consultant in international business development with almost 20 years of wealth of experience in international trade including research on specific markets and market activities and working both with SME and large companies across different industries.

With this extensive expertise and practical knowledge in international business coupled with her PhD academic background in political science and international relations, she is putting her skills and experience to use to support SMEs to effectively tapping into the resources the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce offers.

How to book

Book an exhibition stand here.

Free to attend, limited spaces available, register your place to attend here.

Address

Urban & Civic - Alconbury Weald The Club, The Boulevard Huntingdon PE28 4XA