Globalization Offers Unlimited Opportunities for Those That Develop International Trade Skills.

In the 21st Century all organizations operate in a Global Business Environment whether or not they themselves trade across borders.  It is evolving in a fundamental way as a result of numerous forces shaping the nature of global commerce and it can be broadly viewed in the context of a shared and increasingly integrated economic environment which brings with it unlimited opportunities for growth through market expansion but also significant challenges and risks.

The globalization of trade is nothing new and has been with us for centuries, from the ancient empires to the age of discovery and then from the 19th Century it intensified as a result of the industrial revolution but in the last 70 years it has grown at a quite phenomenal rate as companies sought to exploit decades of a relatively stable economic and political climate coupled with the rapid advances in technologies associated with communications, production and logistics which could in turn provide them through geographical diversification with a sustainable competitive advantage.  As for those companies who choose not to internationalize then they can be certain of two things, that other companies from other countries will find their home market, establish themselves and then exploit it and that procurement of everything from raw materials to office equipment will inevitably involve an international aspect. 

The importance of the internationalisation of trade to us all is now unquestioned and the prize for those who successfully establish a global footprint will be to have gained prestige, an enhanced image and access to a trading environment that consists of over 8 billion people with annual trade estimated to be in excess of US$24.5 trillion but it is a business strategy that requires a long term commitment with significant investment, visionary leadership and a highly skilled workforce with a global and strategic mindset.  In addition, they will have to overcome significant economic, cultural and even political barriers such as trade blocs, legal, governance, ethical and environmental issues whilst also being able to design and implement strategies to determine their level of entry and to become proficient in the technicalities and logistics of international trade.  At the same time such companies will have to be mindful that it will not be easy and competition will be fierce as 19% of the world’s companies already control 87% of all global trade. 

My role and responsibility as the course leader of the “Certificate in International Trade Skills”, is quite simply to provide delegates with a clear understanding of what defines International Trade, the skills and development required and to introduce practical tools and techniques to internationalise an organisation and to make them more effective in their International Trade Management.

I originally designed the course for the UN as part of their business capacity building programmes to provide delegates with an opportunity to apply academic models to real life international trade issues and my aim has always been to enhance their learning by providing them with examples, tips, techniques and even experiences, I have acquired over a career of more than 40 years in international business working for and with multi-national corporations, small to medium sized companies and global development agencies on every continent.  In so doing this results in understanding for all course delegates of:

1. What defines International Trade Management
2. The technical terms and principles of International Trade Management
3. The importance of International Law, Governance, Ethical and Environmental issues
4. How to approach, design and develop International Trade Strategy
5. How to develop awareness of Cultural Dynamics which affect buyer and market behaviors and Cross-Cultural Management
6. The changing nature of the international trading environment
7. The processes and practices necessary in identifying and evaluating market opportunities
8. How to carry out market research in foreign markets and the issues involved in multi-country research

The course attracts middle to senior managers and board level executives from a variety of business sectors and organizational disciplines including Corporate Strategy, Marketing, Sales and Procurement professionals who wish to develop a wider knowledge of the issues and effects of Globalization and by enhancing their International Business and Trade skills in order to maximise the opportunities and meet the challenges their organisations are presented with.

It is vital in the modern business environment that organisations train their people in the skills that are needed to seize the opportunities that exist globally as International Trade Management is rapidly becoming the key to success for many of the world’s most successful companies.

Nigel H. Tomlinson.

Nigel is a Leoron PDI Board Member and Head of Practice for Leadership, Management & Administration.  He is also an Associate Lecturer for London School of Business & Finance, the University of Law Business School and the University of Hull and has a career that spans more than 40 years in international business and corporate international investment. Currently, he holds positions as a non-executive director/advisor and innovation specialist. Nigel has led many companies into success which won numerous awards on the UK, European and World stage and has also designed and delivered international capacity building projects for the United Nations and the World Bank.

Nigel will be speaking at our upcoming event: International Trade Management