As the dust settles following the referendum vote, Lesley Batchelor OBE – director general of the Institute of Export (IOE), who has shaped policy and decision making at the highest levels – can offer expert comment on what it will mean for British SMEs and what they must do to prepare for exporting post-Brexit:
She says: “While our relationship with the EU won’t change overnight, many EU clients have profound fears and will need reassuring.
“Meanwhile, a number of other immediate uncertainties could bring benefits or extra costs – for example, short-term currency fluctuations.
“Businesses must know about all of these so they can resolve problems quickly and capitalise on opportunities. They should also use all available routes to make themselves heard by opinion formers and decision makers; telling them what they need to trade with EU countries – and what regulations and possible Brexit fallout could prevent them from doing so.”
Awarded an OBE for services to business, the director general, who is a member of the Advisory Panel and an active member of both the All Party Parliamentary Group on Trade & Investment and the All Party Manufacturing Group, gives evidence to the House of Lords Select Committees on various issues affecting international trade and Government support for SMEs.
The only professional body in the UK offering recognised, formal qualifications in International Trade, the Institute of Export (IOE) boosts the UK’s export performance by setting and raising professional standards in international trade and exporting practice via education and training programmes.
IOE Director General Lesley Batchelor OBE, has helped hundreds of small businesses to maximise their involvement in international markets.
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