2024 has been an exceptional year for the International Business team at London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). From hosting events and training courses to welcoming delegations from around the world, we’ve been busy fostering international connections. Let’s take a moment to revisit some of our most memorable highlights from the year.

Delegation from the Government of Nigeria

At the start of the year, we hosted a delegation from the Government of Nigeria. The meeting discussed digitalisation, cybersecurity, access to finance, bilateral trade, and student exchange programmes. The group also looked at establishing policies and procedures for data quality.

Arizona Commerce Authority

In May, we held a roundtable with representatives of the Arizona Commerce Authority. The delegation discussed wide topics ranging from AI and advancements in the automotive industry to new energy providers, as well as the exciting Formula E Championships that took place in Phoenix. The Arizona Commerce Authority has recently set up an office in London, helping to boost trade efforts and bilateral trade relationships between the UK and Arizona.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s International Development team

In June, LCCI hosted a breakfast briefing in partnership with our member Littus, soft landing experts from Philadelphia. The event explored opportunities for bilateral relations between Pennsylvania and London and how businesses can achieve market entry effectively and efficiently. The event delved deeper into the US market and case studies from UK businesses that have expanded into the U.S. Delegates heard from Littus, as well as leading members of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s International Development team, and US companies visiting London. We welcomed guests from different sectors and contacts from both the UK and the U.S. enjoyed networking over breakfast. The union of LCCI and Littus made for an insightful event.

 Monaco Economic Board

On the occasion of Monaco Economic Board’s trade mission to London in June, we were delighted to invite LCCI members to a special drinks reception to meet their high-level business delegation at Savills HQ. The event joined our members with business leaders from Monaco and helped forge new business relationships in the following sectors: Banking, Business Consulting, Financial Services, ICT, Insurance, HR and Training, Legal, Logistics and Transport, Property, and Retail (art, clothing, and design). We received great feedback from all on the conversations had and the business connections made!  

International Trade Centre 

In August, representatives from the International Trade Centre (a joint agency of the World Trade Organisation and the UN), along with delegates from the FCDO, visited the team at LCCI. During the meeting, we explored opportunities for deeper collaboration. A key focus was on expanding LCCI and ITC’s outreach, including plans for future trade missions. This productive exchange helped to identify potential collaboration and synergy between ITC and LCCI to connect exporting companies from developing countries with potential partnering companies from London.

Jeju Technopark

In September, we had the pleasure of hosting delegates from Jeju Technopark, a publicly managed organisation under the metropolitan government of Jeju Island, South Korea. The meeting provided an invaluable opportunity for both sides to exchange experiences and explore prospects for cooperation, as well as learn how the technology park can help UK companies do business with South Korea, specifically Jeju Island. The sectors the meeting focused on included Cosmetics, Energy, Food and Tourism.  Representatives from Jeju Technopark’s Corporate Growth Support Team expressed a strong interest in learning about LCCI’s approach to supporting London’s business needs. This exchange of knowledge and strategies highlighted the mutual benefits of closer ties between the UK and South Korea.  

De-Globalisation or Re-Globalisation, What Does It Mean For Business? event

In November, we were joined by a panel of expert commentators and an audience of senior business leaders for our event: Deglobalisation or Globalisation, what does it mean for Business?  The discussion explored how recent geopolitical shifts might reshape global trade and relationships, and in turn what implications they could have for businesses in London and further afield. Hosted by LCCI Board Member and International Strategic Advisor, Richard Moir, our incredible lineup included James Landale, Diplomatic Correspondent, BBC, Peter Foster, Public Policy Editor, Financial Times, and Olivia O'Sullivan, Director, UK in The World Programme, Chatham House. The three panellists kicked off the discussion by exploring the implications of the US elections and what "Trump Era 2.0" could mean for trade and the UK's business relationship with the US.

James Landale, Diplomatic Correspondent, BBC,  Olivia O'Sullivan, Director, UK in The World Programme, Chatham House and Peter Foster, Public Policy Editor, Financial Times

India: a High Growth Market Opportunity event

At the end of November, our seminar captivated the audience with valuable insights, intelligence, and expertise on India—a dynamic, high-growth market. The event was held in collaboration with our International Programme Partners, HSBC and UPS. India has become one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, and with the UK Government’s announcement of the re-opening of negotiations for the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in the new year, the timing for this meeting of minds couldn’t have been better. With Rob Lewtas, Department for Business and Trade, expertly chairing the session, we heard from Pratik Dattani, Managing Director, EPG Economic and Strategy Consulting, Sarah Bell, Public Affairs Director at UPS, Elizabeth Martins, Senior Economist at HSBC, and  Rob Lewtas, Department for Business and Trade. Our expert speakers discussed the strength of the British brand, the rise in exports of UK services, the significant opportunities for British entrepreneurs in India, the importance of building relationships, and the huge growth in eCommerce, which is predicted to be worth $350 billion by 2030.  

Pratik Dattani, Managing Director, EPG Economic and Strategy Consulting, Sarah Bell, Public Affairs Director at UPS, Elizabeth Martins, Senior Economist at HSBC, and  Rob Lewtas, Department for Business and Trade

International Trade Training Courses

In 2024, LCCI, with the help of our trusted advisers and trainers at International Trade Matters we were able to successfully deliver 46 training courses, covering a wide range of topics such as working with overseas agents, import procedures, preference rules of origin, and understanding commodity codes. The feedback we received has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are committed to using it to further enhance the services we provide. Here are some highlights from the feedback we received:

“The course was great and trainers very knowledgeable and informative. As someone relatively new to customs and import / export, it felt very overwhelming from the volume of information available online. The course however has helped break the information down into manageable and digestible pieces which now make much more sense. I have already put much of my learnings into practise to improve our customs processes and ensure compliance.” Pippa Craven, Senior Flexonics.

Our standout achievement this year was the success of our new ATA Carnet course. Elizabeth Skewes Castañeda, Trade Services and Business Development Manager, and Karen Pitfield, Carnet Supervisor – Export Documents, led four ATA Carnet courses earning exceptional feedback from participants:

“Hand on heart, I had no idea I would learn as much as I did on the course. The depth of knowledge from a snippet of time to learn really was invaluable. I work with colleagues over twice my age, and I was able to advise them of things from the course that they had no idea about and have worked with carnets for over 40 years. The communication, humour and learning aids were spot on to keep me engaged. It’s been a while since I was in education, but I must say that I felt continually drawn into the course.” Robert Berning, DHL Entertainment Logistics – WAM Department.

As 2025 approaches, the International Business team is filled with enthusiasm and optimism for what’s to come!