University News Last updated 21 April 2017
A pioneering new package of courses is aiming to equip business leaders and policy makers with the skills and knowledge to forge international trade deals following Britain’s vote to leave the European Union.
Birmingham City University has announced the new International Trade courses and masterclasses, which will be run by staff in its Centre for Brexit Studies and have been backed by Secretary of State for International Trade, Liam Fox.
The European Union is expected to confirm its Brexit negotiation position this weekend, which could place further importance on key officials and business leaders having the skills to negotiate trade deals outside of Europe.
The courses will be geared up to focus on the key skills and knowledge needed to negotiate trade deals across the globe, taking in the legal, business and economic factors through a combination of hands-on and theory work.
Sessions will be run on a flexible basis allowing key stakeholders, such as governmental policy advisors, business managers, export managers and local Chambers of Commerce to attend those which best suit their needs.
The courses and masterclasses have been developed to make sure Britain is well placed to take advantage of the opportunities presented by Brexit, and ensure businesses and government officials are prepared to begin trade negotiations with partners outside of the European Single Market.
Dr Liam Fox, Secretary of State for International Trade, said: “Britain is a great, global, trading nation and so I welcome Birmingham City University's plans to offer courses on international trade.
The Secretary of State was in Birmingham last month to welcome the biggest ever Qatar-UK delegation to showcase high-profile UK projects and investment opportunities in areas such as sport, cyber-security and healthcare.
Courses are aimed at those who already have some experience working in business and trade management or those who have studied a business related degree.
Among the topics lined up are international transportation, choosing the best target market, tax treaties, macro-economics, exhibitions and international fairs.
Professor Graham Upton, Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham City University, said: “We set up the Centre for Brexit Studies to take a proactive, solutions-based approach during this significant period.
“Trade deals with international partners are going to be more crucial than ever, so it is absolutely vital that we provide these kind of courses and opportunities to make sure people have the skills and knowledge needed to make Brexit a success.”