UK Export Finance’s export finance advisor for the South West has earned the Institute of Export’s flagship Diploma in International Trade.
Hugh Francis, who also achieved the highest overall score in the diploma’s Finance in International Trade module - joined eight other UK Export Finance (UKEF) staff at a graduation ceremony at Mansion House in London which was attended by high-profile figures from the world of international trade.
Speakers included Alderman, Sherriff Charles Bowman, IOE vice president Lord Empey OBE, Louis Taylor, chief executive of UK Export Finance, IOE chairman Ian Taylor, FIEx, IOE director general Lesley Batchelor OBE, FIEx (Grad) and IOE young president, Arne Mielken MIEx (Grad).
UKEF’s Export Finance Advisors work directly with businesses and intermediaries, guiding them to the wealth of export support available from the Government and from the private sector. The Diploma in International Trade awarded by the Institute of Export - the only professional body in the UK offering recognised, formal qualifications in international trade - reinforces the detailed understanding they need to help their customers realise the opportunities of the global marketplace.
Hugh commented: “I am delighted to receive my Diploma in International Trade from the Institute of Export. I look forward to using the knowledge and contacts I have gained through this course, and continuing to support exporters in the South West.”
Louis Taylor, chief executive of UK Export Finance, commented “I would like to offer my congratulations to all the students graduating this year with Institute of Export qualifications, and I am delighted to see so many UK Export Finance colleagues among them. Graduating from an Institute of Export programme is a huge personal achievement. It is also of great benefit to employers, and I am delighted that we are one of the many employers investing in their people by supporting them through these qualifications.”
IOE director general, Lesley Batchelor, said: “It’s tremendous that UK Export Finance is investing in equipping their employees with the skills to maximise the wealth of opportunities in international trade for their clients, and we wish our graduates continued success. The breadth of courses we offer reinforces our ongoing commitment to embed professionalism in international trade.”