Trading overseas with confidence in turbulent times: Export finance & trade support
Date: Thursday 16 April 2026
Time: 09:00 - 11:00
Venue: Freeths Sheffield office, Fifth Floor, 3 St Paul’s Place, 129 Norfolk Street, Sheffield, S1 2JE
Join us for a practical breakfast briefing designed to support businesses looking to trade overseas or expand their international reach.
This event will feature presentations from UK Export Finance and the Sheffield International Trade Centre, offering insight into how businesses can access export finance and navigate the challenges of international trade. Attendees will learn about the financial support available to manage risk, improve cash flow and secure overseas contracts, alongside the specialist advice, training and services available locally to support exporting success.
Whether you are new to exporting or already trading internationally, this session will provide practical guidance, real world support, and the opportunity to connect with organisations dedicated to helping businesses grow globally.
Breakfast and networking will give attendees the chance to ask questions and make valuable connections in an informal setting.
Agenda
- 9:00am – Breakfast & networking
- 9:30am – Sheffield International Trade Centre presentation (Nick Patrick)
- 10:00am – UK Export Finance presentation (Manuel Fantin)
- 10:30am – Q&A
- 11:00am – Event close
Speakers
- Nick Patrick - Director of Sheffield International Trade Centre
- Manuel Fantin - Export Finance Manager
We want everyone to feel welcome and take part in our event. If you have any special accessibility requirements, please get in touch.
Find out more about our speakers
Nick Patrick has worked in the international trade environment for 42 years. Having spent many years in the chemical sector and international trade in general, his knowledge and experience is outstanding. He focuses on practical solutions to opportunities, problems and international business development in all aspects of export / import-based issues,
Most of his working life he has spent a good proportion of time visiting factories, agents and distributers all over the world to improve production techniques, commercial contracts and agent/distributer management. He has managed businesses in the UK, South Africa, Iran, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Portugal.
Nick has a passion to ensure companies understand their responsibilities as importers/exporters of record and consequences of non-compliance, especially in the post Brexit era and the continually increasing regulatory demands and the digital linking of global customs authorities.
In 2024 he qualified as a Carbon Border Adjustment (CBAM) specialist.
In recent years he has focused on helping companies develop efficient, cost effective and compliant import /export procedures designed to make the process easier and a lot more lucid.
Nick is well connected and uses the Global business network to help SME’s develop trade internationally. He is able to offer comprehensive advice and assistance.
Manuel Fantin is an Export Finance Manager for UK Export Finance, covering the areas of South Yorkshire, East Yorkshire and Humberside where he helps businesses to export, trade safely, and get paid. Before joining UKEF in March 2023, Manuel worked for the Department for Business and Trade as an International Trade Adviser, supporting UK companies to expand internationally for five years.
His knowledge and passion for the International Trade sector gave him the opportunity to lead trade missions in several countries, such as the UAE, India and France. A firm believer in the benefits that exporting can generate for the growth of the national economy, Manuel is very keen to support UK exporters and ensure that no viable UK export fails due to a lack of finance or insurance from the private sector.
Event details
Date: Thursday 16 April 2026
Time: 09:00 - 11:00
Venue: Freeths' Sheffield office, Fifth Floor, 3 St Paul’s Place, 129 Norfolk Street, Sheffield, S1 2JE
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