Fintech provider and Chambers of Commerce to debate technology and trade finance at Manchester event

October 25, 2017

Press release: London, 25 October 2017 

TradeRiver, an alternative lender focused on cross-border trade, 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. 

Press Enquiries
Chelsy Shipman
Press & Communications
ICC United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 7655 1711
Email: press@iccwbo.uk 

 

About TradeRiver 
TradeRiver is changing the way trade is financed. TradeRiver is a simple alternative to conventional bank trade facilities and provides a source of unsecured working capital, allowing companies to grow faster. TradeRiver provides UK businesses with unsecured revolving credit facilities to quickly fund their suppliers both worldwide and in the UK. Facilities range from £100,000 up to £5,000,000 plus. All transactions are paperless, managed online via TradeRiver’s own platform. 

TradeRiver has facilitated over 1,600 international trade transactions for businesses in the UK with suppliers from over 26 different countries across the world. TradeRiver operates in the UK and in the USA as TradeRiver USA. 

www.traderiverfinance.com 


About Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce

  • Greater Manchester Chamber is the largest Chamber of Commerce in the UK.
  • We provide first-class business support through a range of tailored services and networking opportunities and use our influence with local and central government to lobby on behalf of our members as the voice of the Greater Manchester business community.
  • The Chamber is an independent, not-for-profit private company, working to create a better business environment for its members.
  • The Chamber covers Manchester, Salford, Wigan, Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Oldham, Trafford, Tameside and Stockport.
  • We are an accredited member of the British Chambers of Commerce – one of only 53 chambers across the UK.
  • Greater Manchester Chamber was founded in 2004, but traces its roots back to 1794. 

www.gmchamber.co.uk 


About ICC United Kingdom 
ICC United Kingdom is the UK office of ICC – the world business organisation, whose mission is to promote open trade and investment, shape the rules that govern international business and help business meet the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly integrated world economy.  ICC United Kingdom represents the voice and priorities of UK companies on a global level –through an active policy programme and engagement with the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the G20 and other intergovernmental forums. 





Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.