UK-Slovenia Trade Conference

The 3rd UK-Slovenia Trade Conference will focus on the opportunities ahead for businesses looking to grow trade and investment between Slovenia and the United Kingdom.

With its large, high-value consumer market, strong demand for innovative products and services, established business environment, and dynamic economic centres across the country, the UK remains an attractive destination for Slovenian companies seeking international growth.

Bringing together political representatives, institutional leaders, and senior business executives, the conference will look at the current state of UK-Slovenia trade, the practical pathways for entering and expanding in the UK market, and the experience of companies already doing business successfully across the two countries.

Advance online registration is required by 10:00 on 9 October 2026. As places are limited, early registration is recommended. The conference will be held in Slovenian and English, with simultaneous interpretation available in both languages. Participation is free of charge.

Program

13:30 – 13:50 | Opening Remarks

Marko Lotrič, President of the National Council of the Republic of Slovenia
Luka Vesnaver, Chairman of the British-Slovenian Chamber of Commerce
Leon Korošec, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economy, Labour and Sports

13:50 – 14:05 | Keynote Speech & Presentation

Topic: The Current State of Play in AI – Cooperation between the UK and Slovenia

Domen Zadravec, EY-Parthenon Slovenia, Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe & Central Asia, Partner, EY-Parthenon and Consulting Leader

14:05 – 14:55 | Panel 1: Navigating Trade & Institutional Pathways to the UK

This session focuses on the macroeconomic environment, bilateral trade policies, infrastructure links, and regulatory navigation essential for businesses entering or expanding within the British market.

Jürgen Deischl, Managing Director, Fraport Slovenija
Dace Dimza-Jones, Dealmaker for UK Government’s Global Entrepreneur Programme, Department for Business & Trade
Jelena Ječmenić, Global Client Director, Public Sector, Endava
Richard Moir, International Trade Advisor, London Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Tamara Zajec Balažič, Managing Director, SPIRIT Slovenija (tbc)

14:55 – 15:45 | Panel 2: Commercial Success & Best Practices

A deep dive into cross-border industrial operations, examining localized success stories, logistics, innovation frameworks, and cross-market collaboration between enterprise-level organizations.

Janez Kunič, Chief Commercial Officer, Trimo
Barbara Perko Brvar, CEO, Adria Tehnika
Franja Ridzi, Founder & CEO, FledgeWorks
Matija Šinigoj, Member of the Management Board, Incom
AstraZeneca (tbc)

15:45 – 16:00 | Concluding Summary & Q&A Session

Audience questions, closing remarks, and key takeaways from the day's discussions.

The conference will be chaired and moderated by Matej Slapar, Vice-President of the National Council's Commission for Economy, Trade, Tourism and Finance, and Barbara Uranjek Kozina, CEO of the British-Slovenian Chamber of Commerce.