International trade experts to join business debate

The managing director of one of the most successful export companies in Lancashire will be sharing his knowledge about international trade at the next Meet Eat Debate event.

Laurie Thomas of textile manufacturer Vision Support Services in Blackburn will be one of the panellists at Meet Eat Debate event on Thursday 15 June at St Mary’s Chambers in Rawtenstall.

Meet Eat Debate is hosted by East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Cassons chartered accountants and Viva PR. Established in 2012 as Meet And Eat, the quarterly events in Rossendale have helped to highlight and celebrate Lancashire’s entrepreneurs – our creators, innovators, movers and shakers.

Les Nutter, managing partner at Cassons who will be chairing the debate, explained: “To mark our fifth birthday, we are shaking things up with a new format. We’re introducing a panel discussion for Meet Eat Debate and each event will take on a different topic that affects business, commerce and industry in East Lancashire.

“We were keen to focus on international trade for the first event as it is becoming relevant for increasing numbers of businesses in the area, especially with Brexit negotiations looming.”

Vision Support Services is a supplier and distributor of luxury, performance and specialist textiles to the key players in the global hospitality industry, with 6,500 customers in 84 countries, including half the world’s 10 biggest hotel chains.

Laurie will be sharing his knowledge, experience and trading tips for successful import and export, especially pertinent as their export success has been achieved in only eight years.

Morgan Rothwell, director of D&M Creative Limited in Burnley, who works with clients in Norway, Australia, USA, France, Spain, Cyprus, will also be joining the panel. D&M provides a broad range of creatively driven projects including; corporate identity, website design, branding, literature, advertising, packaging and promotions.

They will be joined by Mandy Lockett, international business director at the East Lancs Chamber, who, with her team, has given a wealth of guidance to Lancashire's international traders over the years. Les added: “We are delighted to welcome Laurie, Mandy and Morgan as panellists. Our guests will have the opportunity to join the debate, ask questions and network with like-minded business people over breakfast.”

Tickets cost £15 and can be booked online at www.chambers-meet-and-eat.co.uk