Travelers Institute launches global symposium series in aid of SMEs

Firm is bringing its lecture series to Canada to educate more SMEs on sound business practice

Travelers Institute launches global symposium series in aid of SMEs

Insurance News

By Allie Sanchez

“There are many distractions for small business owners, and it is important for them to stay focused on the things they can control,” said Joan Woodward, president of the Travelers Institute and executive vice president of public policy at Travelers, in a company statement.

For this reason, the firm is bringing its symposium series to geographies outside the US. The first offshore event will kick off in London where professionals from the public and private sectors will discuss solutions to address small business challenges, including access to capital and business continuity planning – but Travelers will also bring the lectures, themed, “Small Business-Big Opportunity” to Canada this year.

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In a speech, World Trade Organization director general Roberto Azevedo said: “Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are responsible for the largest share of employment opportunities in most economies - over 90% in some countries… By enhancing SMEs opportunities in the global economy, we can help improve the lives of many individuals and communities.”

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Woodward added: “Having the appropriate plans in place to manage traditional and emerging business risks is vital to successfully navigating the current environment.”

The first leg of the offshore educational initiative will be held at the London Science Museum on January 24 and will focus on small business lending and its attendant risks. There will also be a panel discussion on increasing global competitiveness among SMEs to be moderated by London Chamber of Commerce and Industry deputy chief executive for international business Peter Bishop.

“If we are to ensure that the global trading system is truly inclusive for SMEs, we must look at the challenges that they face to join trading flows and look how we can tackle them,” Azevedo further noted in a speech he delivered during the 2016 launch of the World Trade Report on SMEs.


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