International Business

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Navigate global markets with confidence

The International Business Guide provides practical guidance on business travel, logistics, trade events and international operations, helping organisations make informed decisions wherever business takes them.

Latest News
The Expert Trap: Why Capable People Stay Quiet in International Business 
Business Travel
The Expert Trap: Why Capable People Stay Quiet in International Business 
Business Travel

Written by Shilpa Maher

Even the most experienced professionals can struggle with self-doubt when navigating unfamiliar markets, cultures and high-stakes meetings, often allowing the pressure to appear knowledgeable to undermine their confidence and effectiveness.

Shilpa Maher explores how overcoming the need to be an expert can transform international business relationships and make business travel more rewarding.

Read more →
Business Travel
Travel 2030: The Future Is Personal 
Business Travel
Travel 2030: The Future Is Personal 
Business Travel

Written by Andrea Caulfield-Smith

By 2030, business travel could look very different, with artificial intelligence transforming how journeys are planned, booked and managed, while creating new opportunities for travel management companies and their customers.

Andrea Caulfield-Smith explores why human expertise, smarter technology and a more strategic approach will be essential to the future of corporate travel.

Read more →
Business Travel
Why international events go wrong before they even begin
Events & Exhibitions
Why international events go wrong before they even begin
Events & Exhibitions

Written by Pauline Caldaralo

International events can start going wrong long before the first delegate arrives, with overlooked details around venues, suppliers, budgets and local working practices creating problems before anyone travels.

For businesses managing international events alongside business travel, Pauline Caldaralo highlights seven common planning mistakes – and explains how to avoid them.

Read more →
Events & Exhibitions
From Belfast to the world: how CATAGEN is turning clean technology into an export opportunity
Business Travel
From Belfast to the world: how CATAGEN is turning clean technology into an export opportunity
Business Travel

Written by Mark Wilson

Belfast-based clean technology company CATAGEN is turning home-grown innovation into an international growth opportunity, with UK Government-backed finance helping it move towards commercial production.

Its story offers a useful lesson for other UK businesses: developing a great idea is one challenge; turning it into something the world will buy is another.

Read more →
Business Travel
China’s Export Surge: What It Means for UK Businesses Competing Overseas
Business Travel
China’s Export Surge: What It Means for UK Businesses Competing Overseas
Business Travel

Written by Mark Wilson

China is no longer competing internationally on price alone. Its rapid growth in high-tech exports, from semiconductors and electric vehicles to advanced machinery, means UK companies may increasingly encounter sophisticated Chinese competitors in markets far beyond China itself.

For British businesses with international ambitions, that changes how opportunities should be assessed. Discover why China’s export transformation could reshape where - and how - your business competes overseas.

Read more →
Business Travel
Gatwick runway ruling: what expansion could mean for UK business travel
Business Travel
Gatwick runway ruling: what expansion could mean for UK business travel
Business Travel

Written by Scott Pawley

Many SMEs track flights and hotel rates carefully, yet some of the biggest travel costs never appear in the initial booking. Lost productivity, disruption, unexpected fees and poorly planned itineraries can quietly undermine the return on every overseas trip. 

As international travel becomes more complex, successful businesses are shifting their focus from cheapest to smartest. Discover where hidden costs are emerging  and how better travel management can protect budgets while supporting growth. 

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Business Travel

BUSINESS TRAVEL

What's Shaping Business Travel

Stay informed with the latest developments, emerging trends and expert perspectives from across the global business travel sector. From airline and hotel developments to traveller behaviour, sustainability and corporate travel policy, explore the stories shaping how organisations manage travel in an increasingly connected world. 

Featured
The Expert Trap: Why Capable People Stay Quiet in International Business 
Business Travel
The Expert Trap: Why Capable People Stay Quiet in International Business 
Business Travel

Written by Shilpa Maher

Even the most experienced professionals can struggle with self-doubt when navigating unfamiliar markets, cultures and high-stakes meetings, often allowing the pressure to appear knowledgeable to undermine their confidence and effectiveness.

Shilpa Maher explores how overcoming the need to be an expert can transform international business relationships and make business travel more rewarding.

Read more →
Business Travel
Travel 2030: The Future Is Personal 
Business Travel
Travel 2030: The Future Is Personal 
Business Travel

Written by Andrea Caulfield-Smith

By 2030, business travel could look very different, with artificial intelligence transforming how journeys are planned, booked and managed, while creating new opportunities for travel management companies and their customers.

Andrea Caulfield-Smith explores why human expertise, smarter technology and a more strategic approach will be essential to the future of corporate travel.

Read more →
Business Travel
From Belfast to the world: how CATAGEN is turning clean technology into an export opportunity
Business Travel
From Belfast to the world: how CATAGEN is turning clean technology into an export opportunity
Business Travel

Written by Mark Wilson

Belfast-based clean technology company CATAGEN is turning home-grown innovation into an international growth opportunity, with UK Government-backed finance helping it move towards commercial production.

Its story offers a useful lesson for other UK businesses: developing a great idea is one challenge; turning it into something the world will buy is another.

Read more →
Business Travel
China’s Export Surge: What It Means for UK Businesses Competing Overseas
Business Travel
China’s Export Surge: What It Means for UK Businesses Competing Overseas
Business Travel

Written by Mark Wilson

China is no longer competing internationally on price alone. Its rapid growth in high-tech exports, from semiconductors and electric vehicles to advanced machinery, means UK companies may increasingly encounter sophisticated Chinese competitors in markets far beyond China itself.

For British businesses with international ambitions, that changes how opportunities should be assessed. Discover why China’s export transformation could reshape where - and how - your business competes overseas.

Read more →
Business Travel
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GLOBAL LOGISTICS & SUPPLY CHAIN

What's Shaping Global Logistics

Explore the trends, innovations and market developments influencing international freight and logistics. Covering supply chains, shipping, customs, infrastructure and global trade, this section provides insight into the factors affecting the movement of goods across international markets. 

Featured
Why pharmaceutical logistics is now critical to global healthcare resilience
Global Logistics & Supply Chain
Why pharmaceutical logistics is now critical to global healthcare resilience
Global Logistics & Supply Chain

Written by Neil Mason

For years, efficiency dominated supply chain strategy. Now, healthcare and logistics organisations around the world are investing heavily in something else: resilience. The reason lies in a growing vulnerability that few patients ever see.

From ultra-cold storage facilities to strategic stockpiling, pharmaceutical supply chains are being transformed by geopolitical risk, rising demand and stricter regulations. Discover why this shift matters - and what it reveals about the future of global trade, healthcare and business resilience.

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Global Logistics & Supply Chain
The return of cross-channel rail freight: how the Barking Euro hub deal reopens Europe for UK logistics
Global Logistics & Supply Chain
The return of cross-channel rail freight: how the Barking Euro hub deal reopens Europe for UK logistics
Global Logistics & Supply Chain

Written by Neil Mason

For years, road and sea freight have dominated UK–EU trade. Now, a major investment in cross-Channel rail infrastructure could reopen a route that many in the logistics sector had largely written off. 

The return of regular freight services through the Channel Tunnel signals a broader shift towards faster, more resilient and lower-carbon supply chains. Find out why businesses, exporters and logistics operators are watching this development so closely.

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Global Logistics & Supply Chain
What the proposed HS2 freight conversion means for logistics
Global Logistics & Supply Chain
What the proposed HS2 freight conversion means for logistics
Global Logistics & Supply Chain

Written by Neil Mason

Few infrastructure projects have generated as much controversy as HS2. Now, a proposal to transform the line into a dedicated freight corridor is challenging assumptions about what Britain's rail network should actually be designed to achieve. 

For supply chains, e-commerce operators and manufacturers, the potential benefits extend far beyond the rail sector. The emerging debate could reshape how businesses think about capacity, resilience and the future of freight movement in the UK.

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Global Logistics & Supply Chain
Top freight forwarders in the south east UK: an industry guide
Global Logistics & Supply Chain
Top freight forwarders in the south east UK: an industry guide
Global Logistics & Supply Chain

Written by Neil Mason

The south-east of England is the UK’s most demanding freight environment, combining major ports, airports, and logistics corridors in one region, with Heathrow airport being Europe’s largest airport (2024). This industry guide highlights leading freight forwarders operating across the south-east of England and explains what differentiates strong partners in 2026, helping logistics, procurement and operations leaders choose forwarders aligned to their risk and sector needs. 

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Global Logistics & Supply Chain
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EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS

What's Shaping Global Events  

Discover the latest news, trends and analysis from the world of exhibitions, conferences and trade shows. From major international events and venue developments to attendee engagement and event strategy, stay informed about the forces shaping business events worldwide. 

Featured
Why international events go wrong before they even begin
Events & Exhibitions
Why international events go wrong before they even begin
Events & Exhibitions

Written by Pauline Caldaralo

International events can start going wrong long before the first delegate arrives, with overlooked details around venues, suppliers, budgets and local working practices creating problems before anyone travels.

For businesses managing international events alongside business travel, Pauline Caldaralo highlights seven common planning mistakes – and explains how to avoid them.

Read more →
Events & Exhibitions
Event and exhibition logistics across borders: where things actually go wrong (and why it’s rarely the transport)
Events & Exhibitions
Event and exhibition logistics across borders: where things actually go wrong (and why it’s rarely the transport)
Events & Exhibitions

Written by Neil Mason

A delayed shipment is rarely what causes the biggest problems at international exhibitions. More often, it's a last-minute document change, an incorrect declaration or a planning assumption that nobody thought to challenge.

The most costly event logistics failures often begin weeks before freight starts moving. Discover why experienced exhibitors worry less about transport - and far more about what happens around it.

Read more →
Events & Exhibitions
Why location is important for an event organiser
Events & Exhibitions
Why location is important for an event organiser
Events & Exhibitions

Written by Neil Mason

Most event organisers focus on what happens inside the venue. Experienced professionals know that one decision made long before the event begins often has the greatest influence on attendance, logistics, costs and delegate satisfaction.

From accessibility and transport links to operational flexibility and event flow, location shapes outcomes in ways many businesses underestimate. Here's why venue selection is one of the most important strategic decisions in event planning.

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Events & Exhibitions
How Stirling City Park’s redevelopment will transform events logistics in Scotland 
Events & Exhibitions
How Stirling City Park’s redevelopment will transform events logistics in Scotland 
Events & Exhibitions

Written by Neil Mason

For years, event organisers have focused on attracting audiences. Increasingly, the bigger challenge is creating venues that can support the complex logistics behind modern live events without adding cost, risk or operational friction.

Stirling’s £750,000 redevelopment reflects a wider shift towards infrastructure-led event planning. See how permanent utilities, improved access and enhanced connectivity are helping venues compete for larger events - and creating new opportunities for suppliers, planners and local businesses. 

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Events & Exhibitions
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DESTINATION GUIDES

Featured
Country Guide: Kenya
Country Guide: Kenya

Kenya’s biggest advantage may not be its domestic market, but its growing role as East Africa’s command centre. From Nairobi, businesses can access multiple neighbouring economies, tap into one of Africa’s strongest technology ecosystems and connect to regional supply chains through Mombasa’s strategically important port. Discover why so many international firms are choosing Kenya as their East African base.

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Country Guide: South Africa
Country Guide: South Africa

South Africa’s role in Africa is changing. While it remains the continent’s most industrialised economy, its growing importance lies in its ability to connect international businesses with regional supply chains, investment opportunities and neighbouring markets. Combined with sophisticated financial systems and world-class infrastructure, it remains a critical launchpad for African expansion. Discover why many companies still see South Africa as their gateway to the continent.

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Country Guide: United States
Country Guide: United States

The United States remains one of the most significant global markets for UK businesses, underpinned by deep bilateral trade ties and strong investment flows.

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City Guide: Cairo
City Guide: Cairo

While many investors still view Cairo as Egypt’s traditional commercial centre, the real story may be unfolding 45 kilometres east. The rapid rise of the New Administrative Capital is reshaping where government, finance, technology and international organisations choose to locate, creating new opportunities for foreign firms. Discover how this ambitious smart-city project could influence your Egypt market strategy.

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