The University of Liverpool Management School and the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade (CIOE&IT) are delighted to host a panel event together, on the fringes of Labour Party Conference, exploring how to revitalise the UK-EU trading partnership.
This session will explore the various levers at the UK’s disposal to deepen the trading relationship with the EU, particularly the European Partnership Bill. We will also explore what the relationship looks like under new leadership in government.
It will delve into how the UK can reignite the benefits of a closer partnership to the European Commission and Member States, with recent disruption in the Middle East reasserting the reality that UK and EU supply chains are deeply interlinked.
2026 marks the year of the UK-EU TCA Review and a unique opportunity for constructive dialogue amidst a challenging geopolitical environment. The panel will explore the border frictions present since the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) came into force in 2020 and the need for constructive dialogue to alleviate paperwork and compliance pressures faced by industry, but particularly SMEs.
This dialogue will examine how the UK can move beyond the piecemeal negotiations on SPS and ETS, to a more comprehensive set of trading arrangements which will provide a smoother flow goods between the UK and EU markets.
The session will be chaired by Alderman Gary Millar and confirmed panellists include:
- Marco Forgione – Director General, Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade
- Dr Balazs Murakozy, Senior Lecturer in Economics, University of Liverpool Management School
- Rachael Baker, Managing Director, JJ Smith
The Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade is the foremost association of exporters and importers in the UK, established in 1935 with a mission to empower global trade. We are trusted by governments, businesses, and trade professionals around the world as the leading experts in international trade and are committed to professionalising trade through education and training.
The University of Liverpool Management School is a research-led institution with expertise in economics and international trade, delivering insight into economic trends, trade and business behaviour at both the macro and micro level.
Agenda
10.00am – Arrivals and networking, refreshments
10.30am – Introductions by Panel Chair (brief overview of ULMS and CIEIT, introductions to panel members)
Panel session
11:00am – Interactive Q&A session with audience
11:30am – Session concludes
Please note, the session will start promptly at 10:30am and conclude at 11:30am.