The Agents and Distributors training session held on 1 July 2025 was expertly led to delegates on Skills Bootcamp by Mandy Lockett, International Business Director at East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce.

With over 32 years of international and commercial experience, Mandy has built a career that spans the globe – working directly with agents and distributors in diverse markets. Her extensive travels and hands-on involvement in international trade have given her a clear, practical understanding of the real-world challenges and opportunities businesses face when entering overseas markets.

In the session, Mandy provided a detailed and engaging overview of the main strategies for selling internationally, with a particular emphasis on leveraging agents and distributors. She broke down the key market entry methods and shared actionable steps on how businesses can research, evaluate, and prioritise export markets with confidence and clarity.

Today, Mandy’s mission is to support and empower British companies to start and scale up their international trade activities. Her role is dedicated to providing strategic advice, tailored consultancy, and practical tools to help UK businesses unlock their global potential.

Mandy Lockett, International Business Director said:

 “It was fantastic to work with such a proactive group of businesses. The appetite for international growth is stronger than ever, and it’s our job to make that journey clearer, more manageable, and ultimately more successful. Agents and distributors can open doors to new markets, but only with the right planning, structure, and relationships in place. I’m confident the knowledge gained today will help delegates take their next steps globally with confidence.”

The session began with an overview of the primary methods of entering overseas markets, followed by guidance on how to start researching and assessing those markets effectively. Key differences between agents and distributors were explored in detail, including their roles, responsibilities, and impact on international sales strategy.

Delegates learned how to identify, select, and establish relationships with the right partners, along with techniques to monitor performance and keep them motivated.

There was an in-depth look at the key components of agent and distributor agreements – what to include, what to avoid, and how to tailor them to specific markets.

Legal expert Daniel Fletcher from Forbes Solicitors provided valuable advice on the legal considerations and implications of these agreements, helping delegates understand their rights and obligations.

Delegates received tailored support based on their individual business needs and the session concluded with a recap and reinforcing key takeaways.

The Agents and Distributor course, originally designed as a stand-alone course, has recently achieved a significant milestone by becoming an accredited module within the Skills Bootcamp International Trade. This development recognises the course’s quality and practical value, enabling participants to gain formal accreditation while building essential skills for working effectively with overseas agents and distributors.

The integration into the Skills Bootcamp framework further strengthens the course’s reputation and broadens access for Lancashire businesses and professionals seeking to enhance their export strategies.

For further information contact Stef Heywood on 01254 356454 or email s.heywood@chamberelancs.co.uk.