THE director of a Bradford organisation which specialises in overseas trade has been recognised with a prestigious industry accolade.

Tim Bailey has led Chamber International, based at Devere House in Little Germany, for more than 15 years, taking it from a local export documentation office to a body that supports thousands of businesses with specialist international trade services to make exporting easier and more cost-effective.

The organisation also provides training to more than 500 people every year.

In honour of his services to export, Mr Bailey has now been made a Fellow of The Institute of Export & International Trade, one of only two fellowships announced this year.

He said: “The institute plays a hugely important role in setting and maintaining educational standards for professionals working in the export industry and is respected throughout the world.

“It is a real compliment to be recognised by them in this way.”

Fellowship of the institute, which is by invitation only, recognises outstanding achievement and commitment to the profession.

The award, which has to be supported by six full members of the institute and approved following a vote by the Board of Trustees, is also conferred on members who have, in the furtherance of the UK’s export performance, demonstrated outstanding achievement, or have reached a position of eminence in their international business career.

Mr Bailey was honoured by the director general of the Institute of Export & International Trade, Lesley Batchelor, at a celebratory graduation event attended by 200 invited guests including the institute’s president, Lord Stephen Green of Hurstpierpoint, vice-president Lord Reg Empey, chairman Ian Taylor, and the Rt Hon Mayor of London, Alderman Dr Andrew Parmley.

Ms Batchelor said: “We are delighted to welcome Tim as a fellow of the institute for being a tireless supporter and enthusiast of exporting, helping thousands of businesses across the country to grow and develop their exports from his base in Bradford.”