Baroness Foster Reappointed as Chair of Intertrade UK
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, The Rt Hon Sir Chris Bryant MP, has announced the reappointment of The Rt Hon. the Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee DBE as Chair of Intertrade UK. Her continued leadership at this non-statutory advisory body is set to enhance efforts to promote trade and investment within the UK internal market.
In conjunction with Baroness Foster’s reappointment, four additional board members have also been confirmed to serve on Intertrade UK:
- Dr Esmond Birnie – Senior Economist at Ulster University
- Kirsty McManus – Northern Ireland Director of the Institute of Directors
- Suzanne Wylie – Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce
- Roger Pollen – Head of the Federation of Small Businesses in Northern Ireland
Understanding Intertrade UK’s Role
Intertrade UK was established by the UK government as a non-statutory advisory body, with the primary objective of advising on and promoting trade throughout the United Kingdom. The creation of Intertrade UK was highlighted in the Safeguarding the Union Command Paper, which was published in January 2024.
As outlined in the Safeguarding the Union Command Paper and the Terms of Reference for Intertrade UK, the organisation’s roles include:
- Providing advice and facilitation to assist businesses and traders across the UK in expanding their activities and trade.
- Promoting the full scope of the UK’s market to businesses and traders.
- Conducting and publishing research or initiatives aimed at advancing intra-UK trade by addressing tangible barriers and dispelling any misconceptions or confusion that businesses and traders in Great Britain may have regarding the provision of goods and services in Northern Ireland.
Future Initiatives and Research
The ongoing work of Intertrade UK aims to create a more cohesive trading environment within the UK. By advising businesses and fostering understanding among traders, the body seeks to ensure that all areas of the UK can benefit from enhanced trade relationships.
For those interested in further details regarding Intertrade UK’s initiatives and research efforts, additional information can be found on the official government website.