Reflections on our year of International Trade - December 2025

As we reach the end of another whirlwind year in international trade, I’ve found myself reflecting on just how much our team and our businesses have achieved together.

If there’s one thing 2025 has proved, it’s that international trade is always changing. Tariffs fluctuate, rules develop, systems upgrade, and new opportunities appear in unexpected places. Throughout it all, our purpose remains the same: to help businesses trade confidently and compliantly. 

 

And what a year it’s been. 

 

Supporting businesses through global changes 

One of the standout moments this year was helping exporters navigate the ongoing changes to US tariffs. This reminds me why our work matters. When policy moves quickly, businesses need practical, grounded advice fast — and I’m proud that our team stepped in with guidance that helped firms keep trading with certainty. 

We’ve also seen a steady rise in questions around Rules of Origin and Free Trade Agreement utilisation, so launching our new FTA Utilisation Service has been a particularly meaningful milestone. Combined with our preferential origin verification tool, Genesis, we’re giving exporters the clarity they need to take full advantage of the UK’s global trade agreements. It’s been brilliant to see this work gaining traction. Well done to Assistant Manager, Megan Childs, for driving this project forward.

And of course, we’ve been helping customers prepare for the move towards Digital ATA Carnets by running webinars, working closely with trade organisations, and ensuring temporary exporters feel ready for the changes ahead.

Bringing traders together 

Our trade events have become a real highlight in the Business West calendar and we held our Talking Trade Summer BBQ in July. Whether we’re discussing exporting to growth markets, digitalisation, or sector-specific barriers, the energy in the room is always fantastic. 

I especially value that these events feel like proper conversations, exporters talking honestly with each other, sharing experiences, asking tough questions, and finding new connections. And of course, the Leigh Court events team always deliver on quality food and hospitality!   

Alongside our Talking Trade events, we’ve continued to deliver a packed programme of international trade training webinars and educational events — some of which are run jointly with the Department for Business & Trade. This year alone, more than 350 people joined our sessions to build their knowledge on exporting, importing, customs procedures, and market opportunities. It’s been brilliant to see businesses investing in their capability and confidence, and we’re proud to play our part in supporting their growth.

Showcasing our expertise on the global stage 

It was a pleasure to join the panel with colleagues in Australia earlier this year, bringing a UK perspective to the global conversation on trade facilitation and highlighting how we have adapted our procedures and processes to enable exporters to take full advantage of preference rules. 

A particularly proud moment was being a finalist in the Best Chamber Innovation category, a testament to the brilliant work happening across our team, especially around ATA Carnet innovation and trade digitisation.

Celebrating our people 

No end-of-year reflection would be complete without recognising the people who make everything happen. We are now a 22-strong team, and every single person plays a crucial part in helping exporters succeed. 

This year, we temporarily said goodbye to Hilary Rossborough, our Compliance and ATA Carnet Manager, as she went on maternity leave. We’ve missed her expertise and energy, and we look forward to welcoming her back next year. 

We also recently welcomed two new starters into our international trade family, Hannah and Karen, who have already made a fantastic impact. Their enthusiasm and commitment to getting things right have strengthened our service even further. 

Championing compliant, efficient trade for our customers 

From ATA Carnets and Certificates of Origin to Letters of Credit and customs support, our work this year has touched thousands of businesses across the South West and beyond. 

Some standout impacts include: 

• Fast, accurate, and compliant trade documentation, day in, day out, with around 14,000 documents processed this year 
• Support for temporary exporters using ATA Carnets, especially in the film, music, live events, equine, and manufacturing sectors – nearly 4000 issued this year 
• Guidance through new and evolving customs rules, including our new Customs Health Check service 
• Practical help with origin, valuation, classification, and our new FTA Utilisation service
• And, of course, continuing our leadership in digital trade adoption, helping customers prepare for Digital ATA Carnets and smarter ways of working 

Looking Ahead 

As we move into 2026, there is so much to look forward to: 

• The rollout of Digital ATA Carnets – watch the webinar that we recently gave to temporary exporters  
• More support for Rules of Origin and FTA utilisation 
• Continued work on Genesis 
• More Talking Trade events 
• The return of Hilary (and other members of the team who have been on maternity leave) and no doubt more team achievements to celebrate! 
• And, as always, working side-by-side with businesses as they grow internationally

Thank you to every trader, partner, colleague, and member of our brilliant team for making this year one of growth and collaboration. 

Wishing you all a successful, restful festive season, and an optimistic start to 2026.