An international, cross-industry career that has moved from corporate management to extensive research, advisory and capability development services to public, private and third sector organisations. Tim has lived and worked in the UK, France (3 years) and United States (20 years), building an impressive research and entrepreneurial record, with demonstrated commitment to delivering social benefit.

As Founder and President, World Commerce & Contracting (formerly International Association for Contract & Commercial Management), Tim has built a 72,000 member worldwide non-profit association which increasingly influences commercial policies and contracting practices in major corporations and governments. In September 2019, he was presented with the Financial Times ‘Market Shaper of the Year’ Award.

Tim was until recently Professor and Chair, International Commercial & Contract Management, University of Leeds, School of Law, where he taught and led development of inter-disciplinary commercial programs.

Prior to founding World Commerce & Contracting, Tim was on the Chairman’s staff at IBM Corporation and led the development of worldwide commercial processes and skills. His early career included management roles in banking, automotive and aerospace industries, where he led negotiations up to $1.5 billion in value. He has served in advisory roles for government departments in various countries, including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and Japan.

Mitch Perks is Deputy Director of Trade Services at the British Chambers of Commerce, where he leads ChamberCustoms and the BCC’s national trade services offer. He specialises in customs compliance, consultancy and training, supporting UK businesses to navigate complex international trade requirements with confidence.

Mitch plays a key role in shaping operational and policy-led discussions across customs, including CBAM, and represents the Chamber Network at HMRC’s Joint Customs Consultative Committee. With a background in leadership, consultancy and facilitation, he works closely with businesses, government and industry to turn regulatory change into practical, commercially workable solutions.