Speakers - Brexit and the Plastics Industry

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Lesley Batchelor, Institute of Export

Lesley is director general of the Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT), an education foundation providing qualifications and support for business for over 8 years.  Active on the APPG Advisory Panel on Trade & Investment, the APP Manufacturing Group and provides evidence to the House of Lords Select Committee on Government support for SMEs. A director of International Business & Diplomatic Exchange and of the International Association of Trade Training Organisations Lesley is often a leading light in thought leadership issues connected with international trade.

After 15 years working with blue-chip giants including Fujitsu Europe, Canon, Ciba-Geigy and Coca-Cola, Lesley set up CMC Marketing in 1992 to develop inspirational overseas strategies and international training programmes for SMEs. In 2007 she joined the Institute of Export where she has forged influential partnerships with many national and international associations. Lesley was awarded in the OBE in the 2014 Birthday Honours List.

Justin Benson, KPMG
 

Justin Benson is a director at KPMG LLP and specialises in the Industrial Manufacturing sector. He is an engineer by background, originally designing and manufacturing tools and equipment for the oil and gas industry, and prior to joining KPMG he ran a UK division of an engineering services business for a US inward investment company. Over the last 15 years at KPMG, he has led the account teams on some of our largest clients in the engineering, manufacturing and technology sectors, ensuring they receive successful outcomes that achieve business growth and improved profitability. More recently Justin has been appointed as the Brexit representative at KPMG for Industrial Manufacturing, working with clients on the potential implications and opportunities it offers.

Linda Naylor, ICIS

Linda Naylor has been reporting on polymer prices for ICIS for over 20 years. She studied French at London University before moving to Paris, where ICIS editorial was based, and lived in France for many years. She now helps with the mentoring of new editors and speaks regularly at conferences throughout Europe.

David Samuels, Bird and Bird

David is a Senior Employment Solicitor with substantial experience in helping companies and employees both in the UK and internationally to navigate all aspects of employment, HR and business immigration law, both contentious and non-contentious. As well as supporting companies with day-to-day employment law enquiries, David frequently represents clients in disputes in the Employment Tribunal and High Court and has particular expertise in legal proceedings relating to employee competition and restrictive covenants.