Kash Ahmad, Bibby Financial Services’ (BFS) specialist director, has been appointed to the board of the Institute of Export and International Trade (IOE&IT).

Established in 1935, the IOE&IT is the professional membership body representing and supporting the interests of those involved in importing, exporting and international trade.

Ahmad (pictured) joined BFS in December 2017, following a range of senior executive positions throughout UK, the Middle East and Asia, supporting SMEs, mid-market and global corporate businesses.

He said: “Amid the backdrop of Brexit, it is more important than ever that businesses can access the support they need to trade internationally with confidence. The IOE&IT provides a wide range of resources and training for importers and exporters so I’m delighted to join and add our support to such an important resource for SMEs.”

Lesley Batchelor, director general of the IOE&IT, said: “We are delighted to welcome Kash to the Board of the IOE&IT. Through its Trade Finance and Export Finance support, BFS has a rich history of supporting SMEs that trade overseas, and Kash’s experience of working with thousands of internationally trading businesses will be a huge advantage to us.”

BFS is a global financial services partner to more than 10,500 SMEs. Formed in Liverpool in 1982, today the business has more than 40 offices throughout Asia, North America and Europe.

Ahmad added: “A no-deal scenario threatens the very survival of many businesses that import and export goods and services within the EU. It is now critical that businesses look to plan ahead for Brexit and beyond and the IOE&IT can provide the support SMEs require.”