Think Europe, organised by Milton Keynes & North Bucks Chamber of Commerce, was held as part of the World Trade Center’s ‘Think International’ series of seminars.
The seminar focused on a number of important international trading areas such as currency trading, cash management, employment issues, VAT, and Customs & Excise. It took place at DeVere Harben in Newport Pagnell and was sponsored by Fortis Bank.
One of the most interesting and topical speakers was Ian Arrowsmith, corporate treasury risk adviser at Fortis Bank.
Given the current economic climate and the extremely volatile currency markets, Mr Arrowsmith (pictured) spoke on the benefits of businesses hedging currency to reduce exposure risk and to trade under a surer footing.
Angela Banks, also of Fortis, talked about the importance of good cash management using the different avenues available to businesses to make sure their cash is working for them and not against them.
Kosta Koteski, of Invest in Macedonia, spoke on the emerging market within this relatively new European region and gave an indication of the trading opportunities available to many types of business. The country is keen to build stronger trading and business relationships around the world.
After the event Chamber of Commerce chief executive Rita Spada said: “Events like Think Europe’ aim to clearly strengthen Milton Keynes’ position as a city able to trade within the global market place.
“Businesses in Milton Keynes want to expand and trade internationally. These types of seminars allow them to get the advice and help needed to make sure they trade successfully.â€
The Think International series will continue in 2009 with seminars covering the Middle East, North America and South America, Asia and the Far East, and the Nordic and Benelux regions.”
