Leading European provider of global trade and supply chain management solutions AEB (International) is inviting supply chain professionals to the upcoming conference: Supply chain risks and compliance: does AEO give you an edge? Organised in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, CILT (UK), the event takes place on Thursday 3 April 2014 at the Mallory Court Hotel in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire. Managing supply chain risk remains a complex topic, which – if taken seriously – impacts the supply chain in its entirety. The introduction of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) in 2007 by the WCO (World Customs Organisation) focused on securing the supply chain and on being able to demonstrate such security to customs authorities and business partners. Companies holding AEO status were to benefit from faster movement of goods across borders and from mutually recognised programmes including C-TPAT from the US. However, the perceived lack of benefits and the high cost of implementation resulted in a slow uptake in the UK but should holding an AEO certification be viewed as a fundamental part of managing supply chain risks and does it give companies a competitive edge by demonstrating their commitment to managing risks? Further to this, does the introduction of the new Union Customs Code (UCC) mean that the trend for AEO certification in the UK is set to change? The UCC) which came into force on 1 November 2013 represents a major modernisation of the European Customs legislation which dates back to 1992. Expected key amendments include changes to the areas of centralised clearance, self-assessment, penalties, decisions relating to binding information and valuation. One of the fundamental changes is the introduction of mandatory guarantees for customs procedures which could increase operating costs and significantly impact cash flows. Businesses with AEO status will be in the position to obtain guarantee waivers or guarantee reductions. So does the UCC present another opportunity for companies to gain a competitive advantage by being AEO certified? This conference will shed light on today’s understood as well as hidden risks in global supply chains and introduce methods and solutions to mitigate them. The programme includes official information on latest regulatory changes as part of the UCC and how it will affect businesses; an introduction to AEO in light of risk mitigation and which benefits and challenges it entails; the financial impacts of risk mitigation strategies; and case studies on successful risk management programmes with business benefits. Participants will learn more about securing their supply chains while reducing costs. The following speakers have been confirmed: Nick Wildgoose, global supply chain product manager, Zurich Corporate Insurance Group; Effie Marinos, sustainability manager, SGS UK; Mark Corby, senior global customs manager, Marks & Spencer; Ian Worth, head of customs, Grant Thornton UK LLP; Julian Ogden, indirect tax controller, United Biscuits (UK ); Richard Bright, international trade development liaison officer, HM Revenue & Customs; and Phil Lavin, sales manager, AEB (International). Beverages, snacks and lunch will be provided. Attendance is free for CILT members and non-members will be charged a £20 administration fee. Bookings can be made via the CILT (UK) membership services, tel: +44 (0)1536 740 104 or by sending an email to membership@ciltuk.org.uk, mentioning CILT(UK) event code COR0311.