International Trade Expert | Speaker | Trainer | Founder of RISA (UK) Limited and Hutchinson International Trade Limited
Meet our owner and founder Sara Hutchinson a recognised expert in international trade with over 38 years of hands-on experience in global logistics.
For nearly four decades, I’ve been helping businesses move goods across borders efficiently, safely, and profitably.
My journey began in export sales for manufacturing companies, where I was responsible for shipments of all kinds — including complex exports of military-grade explosives to the Middle East. Those early experiences gave me a deep understanding of how critical accuracy, compliance, and clear communication are in international trade. They also sparked a lifelong interest with how goods move around the world and how small errors can have big consequences.
From freight forwarding to founding my own award-winning company
That early interest led me into the freight forwarding industry, where I worked closely with clients and partners across continents. Over the years, I’ve built lasting relationships, navigated countless regulatory changes, and gained a unique perspective from all sides of the supply chain — as exporter, importer and forwarder.
In 2001, I founded RISA (UK) Limited, a freight forwarding company that’s proudly grown into a multi-award-winning business. Through RISA, my team and I have helped hundreds of clients move their goods smoothly worldwide. But time and again, I noticed the same pattern: so many businesses were making avoidable mistakes that cost them money, time, and customer trust.
Why Hutchinson International Trade was born
I realised that with the right guidance, many of these problems could be prevented altogether. That’s why I founded Hutchinson International Trade Limited — a consultancy and training company designed to help businesses trading internationally avoid the pitfalls I see every day.
Through consultancy, workshops, and training programmes, I now work with businesses of all sizes to simplify international trade, improve compliance, and build their confidence to trade successfully in global markets. Whether it’s understanding customs documentation, planning a smooth export process, or getting ready to enter new markets, my aim is to make international trade clear, manageable, and profitable.
Speaking, training, and supporting UK businesses
As a trainer and speaker, I deliver workshops across the UK for business support organisations, trade bodies, and government initiatives. Whether it’s a one-to-one consultancy session or a room full of delegates, my goal is always the same: to make international trade clear, manageable, and profitable.
What drives me
I believe every UK business trading internationally deserves the tools and knowledge to succeed — without unnecessary stress or risk.
Through my work with Hutchinson International Trade, I’m here to help you prevent problems, protect profits, and retain your customers.