Hitesh Patel, Export Finance Manager, UK Export Manager, UK Export Finance
Hitesh has more than 35 years’ experience in trade finance, having previously worked at Barclays and Lloyds Banks. There, his career focused on providing solutions to large corporates and MSBs in the manufacturing, tech and construction sectors. His skillset and passion to support UK exporters positions him well as an Export Finance Manager, where he covers London Central, North and West for the UK’s Export Credit Agency, UKEF.

Colin Hawes, Export Finance Manager, UK Export Finance
Colin joined the UK’s Export Credit Agency, UK Export Finance (UKEF), in August 2020, as Export Finance Manager, for London City and East, to support UKEF’s mission to ensure no viable UK export fails for lack of finance or insurance. Prior to joining UKEF, Colin spent 36 years working at Barclays Bank, Lloyds Bank and latterly HSBC. During this time, Colin gained an in-depth understanding of and experience in providing cash management, FX and, importantly, tailored Trade Finance solutions to meet companies’ varied trading needs. Given his background and experience Colin is well placed to support local UK exporters.

Alex Kourti, Funding Specialist, Dynamic Funding
Alex has worked at a high street bank as well as a number of fintech lenders, before setting up Dynamic Funding, which aims to help UK SMEs access alternative lending solutions outside of their main bank. He focuses on continually growing Dynamic Funding's lending panel, to give his clients access to the widest variety of potential funding products, helping them to improve their cashflow position and take advance of growth opportunities.

Simon Gray, Head of Business, ICAEW
Simon is an ICAEW Chartered Accountant, who qualified with KPMG in Nottingham. After many years of volunteering, including District Society President, Chair of the Business Committee and Council Member, he joined ICAEW as Head of Business in December 2021. His background is in the recruitment, careers, membership and inward investment sectors. Simon has started and run his own businesses and served as a Non-Executive Director.