Evangelia (Vanessa) Vlotides

Senior Programme Manager, International Trade & Business Growth (2023 – 2026), International Trade Manager, Urban & Sustainability, Mayor’s International Business Programme (MIBP) (2022 – 2023) Programme Manager, Business Growth Programme (2021 – 2022)

Led innovation and business growth programmes across Net Zero, Circular Economy, Sustainable Fashion, Life Sciences/TechBio, MusicTech and international trade, developing programme strategy, stakeholder engagement frameworks and delivery models.

Developed partnerships and programmes supporting urban innovation, sustainability, CleanTech and ClimateTech businesses, helping companies scale through international collaboration, investment and market access.

Delivered publicly funded programmes in line with Greater London Authority (GLA), UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) governance, compliance and performance requirements.

Built strategic sector partnerships with corporates, investors, public sector organisations and delivery partners, generating cash in-kind support and creating new opportunities for collaboration and programme impact.

Supported high-growth businesses through the Mayor’s International Business Programme, delivering against ERDF and GVA targets and facilitating access to international markets, investors and strategic networks.

Planned and led international trade missions, stakeholder engagement activities and knowledge exchange events involving corporates, investors, innovation leaders and market influencers.

Advised London companies on international expansion, connecting them to global networks, investors and market opportunities.

Organised international events, including a flagship London–New York transatlantic innovation event during New York Tech Week, bringing together founders, investors, civic leaders and corporate innovators to strengthen UK-US partnerships.

Represented London & Partners at international events and industry forums, acting as programme ambassador and building relationships with senior stakeholders across business, government and innovation ecosystems.

Head of International Business (2012 – 2021)

Head of Business Advice (2012)

Led LCCI’s International strategy, commercial development, export services and publicly funded programmes, positioning international trade as a core strategic pillar of the Chamber.

Created and built LCCI’s International Business team, building a high-performing function responsible for the Chamber’s global activities and partnerships.

Led a team of nine, overseeing international programmes, stakeholder engagement, trade promotion and partnership development.

Planned and delivered an annual programme of international trade missions, inward and outward delegations, conferences, business forums and B2B engagement activities across global markets.

Built and managed relationships with government departments, embassies, high commissions, chambers of commerce, business support organisations, investors and multinational corporations.

Secured major European Commission, Innovate UK, UKTI and Greater London Authority funding through competitive bids and led the successful delivery of publicly funded programmes supporting innovation, internationalisation and business growth.

Led the delivery of Innovate UK-funded programmes, bringing together businesses, innovation partners, government stakeholders and international networks to support innovation, commercialisation and growth.

Developed strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives that expanded LCCI’s international reach, increased stakeholder engagement and created new opportunities for members.

Drove commercial growth by doubling departmental income through sponsorship, funded programmes and fee-based services.

Delivered large-scale international programmes across Europe, North America, Asia, North Africa and the Middle East, working closely with UKTI, Innovate UK and the GLA to support exporters and promote London’s competitiveness.

Represented LCCI at high-profile UK and international events, engaging with ministers, ambassadors, senior officials, investors and business leaders.

Increased departmental output by 50% through organisational redesign, securing funding acquisition, process improvement and strong stakeholder engagement.

Finance Administrator (Maternity Cover) for the European Agency of Competitiveness and Innovation (EACI) (2011 – 2012)

Financial oversight and programme administration for Enterprise Europe Networks across Europe.

Director of International Affairs

Directed the Federation’s international strategy, strengthening the global competitiveness and international engagement of Greek industry.

Developed and delivered cross-border initiatives enabling SMEs to access new markets, innovation opportunities, knowledge exchange activities and European partnerships.

Secured European funding through competitive proposals and managed programme delivery, financial reporting and compliance for multiple EU-funded initiatives.

Coordinated a 16-partner Enterprise Europe Network consortium, bringing together business support organisations, public sector stakeholders and international partners to support internationalisation and innovation.

Delivered international trade missions, brokerage events and stakeholder engagement activities across European and global markets.

Built strategic relationships with European institutions, industry bodies, business organisations and government agencies.

Hosted international delegations and represented Greek Industry at European Commission working groups, international forums and high-level stakeholder meetings.

Facilitated collaboration between businesses, public sector organisations and international partners to support innovation, investment and economic growth.

Sales Leadership roles

Managing Export sales, global client relationships and major commercial negotiations across Europe, Asia, North Africa and the Middle East.