IOE&IT open new office to help support NI businesses trade internationally

The Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT) is pleased to announce the opening of their new office in Northern Ireland.  

Continuing the IOE&IT’s rapid expansion to support businesses and facilitate trade, the new office in Northern Ireland has opened in Bangor, in partnership with South Eastern Regional College (SERC).  

The IOE&IT, in partnership with SERC, will be providing vital training and support for companies to ensure they are able to trade effectively, sustainably, and competitively.  

Marco Forgione, director general of the IOE&IT said: “This is a landmark day for the IOE&IT and our members. We are delighted to be partnering with SERC to deliver the highest quality education and training. Northern Ireland is in a unique position, as part of the UK’s customs union and the EU’s single market. The IOE&IT has been working with businesses over the past two years to ensure NI is in a position to take advantage of these trading relationships.”  

He continued: “We have always had a strong presence in Northern Ireland with our chief examiner and director of the academy based here. We are so proud to have a physical office that can further expand our footprint to support businesses, our members and students.”  

Aimee Maltman MIEx (Grad) and director of the IOE&IT Academy said: “We are delighted to be partnering with SERC and with North West Regional College (NWRC) to deliver a suite of courses. We have had upwards of 140 students so far, proving that the demand is there for education around international trade.”  

She added: “This is an important next step in the work we will be doing in Northern Ireland, and we have plans to expand our offering to include more qualifications to enable those learners to progress their careers and encourage new people to enter international trade. As a graduate of the IOE&IT myself, I know how vital the education we offer is to help businesses and individuals navigate the international trade landscape.”     

Ken Webb, Principal and Chief Executive of SERC commented: “The Economic Recovery Action Plan for Northern Ireland prioritises working with businesses to help them adapt to new trading conditions, and ensuring SMEs are supported and guided to fully benefit from opportunities for cross-border growth. SERC and the IOE&IT have already been working together to fulfil these aims. Since 2021 we have provided many courses from level 2 to level 4, and we are looking forward to building on this firm foundation, to continue to deliver results for employers and the wider economy of Northern Ireland.”

In the picture Directors of the Institute of Export and International Trade are welcomed to the Institute’s new premises on the SERC Bangor campus by the college’s Principal and Head of Business Services.    (l-r): Elaine Flynn – SERC Head of Business Services Marco Forgione – IOE&IT Director General Ken Webb – SERC Principal Aimee Maltman – IOE&IT Director of Academy.