From Global to Local - What does the changing global trading environment mean for businesses in Essex?

Join HSBC and Thames Freeport for a morning of networking, insight and discussion at the beautiful Stock Brook Manor, bringing together Essex businesses for an informative breakfast briefing.

Hear from Shanella Rajanayagam, Senior Trade Economist at HSBC, who will provide an overview of where global trade stands today and what the current landscape could mean for the wider macroeconomic and trade outlook. The presentation will explore key themes shaping global markets, including ongoing shipping disruptions, the impact of US tariffs, and how the rapid development of AI is beginning to influence trade flows, competitiveness and the way businesses operate internationally.

Thames Freeport will build on HSBC’s look at today’s global trade landscape by exploring what this means closer to home and how Essex businesses and communities can connect to global growth. Hear about the scale of investment across its three anchor sites – DP World London Gateway, Port of Tilbury and Ford Dagenham - with £2.2bn of private investment committed and 1,400 jobs already delivered. The session will also highlight the Freeport incentives driving this growth and how Essex businesses can plug directly into emerging opportunities, from supply chains to Innovation Labs and skills programmes.

Alongside the presentations, there will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions and gain further insights during the session, as well as connecting with fellow Chamber members, building new relationships and exchanging ideas in the elegant surroundings of Stock Brook Manor.

Whether you trade internationally, are looking to expand your business, or simply want to understand the wider forces shaping the economy, this is a great opportunity to gain valuable insight, make connections and start your day informed and inspired. 

Agenda - Subject to change

  8.00am – Registration, refreshments and networking
  8.45am – Welcome from Essex Chambers
  8.50am – Presentation from HSBC
  9.10am – Presentation from Thames Freeport
  9.20am – Networking
 10.00am – Event ends

Shanella Rajanayagam, Senior Trade Economist at HSBC: Shanella joined HSBC in August 2018 and is a Senior Trade Economist based in London. Her work focuses on shipping disruption, trade policy developments, and longer-term trade trends including supply chain relocation. Before joining HSBC she worked on Brexit trade policy at HM Treasury in London. Prior to that, she was an economist at the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and an analyst at Statistics New Zealand. Shanella holds two bachelor’s degrees in economics and international relations, as well as a master’s degree in economics, from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. 

Thames Freeport is a major growth zone spanning 38km along the Thames east of London, connecting global trade and investment with local businesses and communities. Bringing together DP World London Gateway, Port of Tilbury and Ford Dagenham, it combines world-class connectivity, business incentives, innovation and skills programmes to support investment, create jobs and drive sustainable economic growth across the region.