The start of September saw business leaders, diplomats, and innovators gather at the Going Global: Trade & Opportunities event, hosted at the University of Cambridge’s Institute for Manufacturing (IfM). Organised by Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce and sponsored by Anglia Translations Ltd, the event brought delegates together for a morning of knowledge sharing, cross-border networking, and future-focused trade insights.
Designed to equip businesses with practical guidance on navigating global markets, the event featured a high-level panel of international speakers representing government, commerce, law, and technology. Discussions focused on both established and emerging trade opportunities across Vietnam, Malaysia, Portugal, Peru, Brazil, the wider Arab region, and the fast-evolving tech sector.
In 2024, the UK’s exports of goods and services reached £873.5 billion – up 0.7 per cent year-on-year – with services exports climbing 7.7 per cent (GOV UK).This modest growth underlines both the resilience and challenges of global trade in a competitive post-pandemic environment, and sets the context for why events like Going Global are vital.
Highlights included:
- Mr Le Ba – Vietnamese Trade Councillor to the Court of St James’s, who provided timely insights on Vietnam’s expanding role in the global economy under the UK–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and the UK’s recent accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
- Honourable Datuk (Sir) SK. Lingam, President of the ASEAN-UK Business Forum (AUBF), who underscored Southeast Asia’s growing importance as a hub for UK exporters.
- Abdeslam El-Idrissi, Deputy CEO & Secretary General, Arab-British Chambers of Commerce, who highlighted practical strategies for strengthening UK–Arab trade partnerships.
- Sofia Lobão, Investment Attaché at AICEP Portugal Global, who shared updates on Portugal’s thriving investment landscape.
- Amir Hakim Mohd Yusof, Deputy Director of MIDA London, who outlined Malaysia’s ambition to lead in manufacturing, services, and the digital economy.
- Susana Ojeda Huerta, Head of Economic Affairs, Embassy of Peru in the UK, who spoke on Latin America’s emerging opportunities for UK businesses.
- Marcelo Ulhoa, Partner at RUCR Law, who addressed the legal frameworks essential for cross-border trade with Brazil.
- Emre Isik, Co-founder & CEO of SpaceFlow AI, who brought a forward-looking perspective on artificial intelligence and its influence on international commerce.
- Bob Sawers, Managing Director of Audere Group, who offered practical advice on building resilience in global operations.
The event was hosted by Chamber Board member, Katy Davies, whose facilitation kept discussions engaging and accessible for both seasoned exporters and those considering overseas markets for the first time.
A Platform for Connections
Beyond the panel discussions, attendees benefitted from networking opportunities over breakfast and lunch, creating new partnerships across sectors and geographical locations. Many businesses cited the event as a valuable springboard for exploring markets previously unfamiliar to them.
The day was supported by Anglia Translations Ltd, who for more than 30 years have enabled businesses to communicate confidently with international clients. Their Managing Director, Mary Gilbey, emphasised that “speaking your customers’ language is key to success in overseas markets.”
The choice of venue – the Institute for Manufacturing (IfM) at the University of Cambridge – further reinforced the theme of innovation and global reach, providing an inspiring setting for dialogue on trade and investment.
Looking Ahead
This forum is part of a wider programme of international trade events delivered by Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce to support UK businesses in expanding globally. Delegates were encouraged to continue the conversation at the upcoming Business Roundtable with Dubai Airport Freezone, taking place on Thursday 18 September.
Slides from the event are available on request via internationaltrade@cambscci.co.uk, and the full panel discussion can be viewed online here.
A Step Toward Going Global
International Trade and Economic Development Manager at Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, Dr Ilona Karpanos, commented:
“This event highlighted the diversity of opportunities available to UK businesses. From Southeast Asia to Latin America and the Arab world, and from legal frameworks to AI innovation, the discussions offered practical insights to help companies thrive and grow with confidence.”
The success of this September’s Going Global: Trade & Opportunities forum underscores the importance of collaboration, expertise, and innovation in ensuring UK businesses remain competitive in a rapidly evolving world economy.