Published 26 August 2020 from:

Department for International Trade and The Rt Hon Elizabeth Truss MP

International Trade Secretary Liz Truss has launched 11 new trade advisory groups (TAGs), as part of a major new business engagement drive designed to support the UK’s ambitious trade negotiations.

As trade talks with Japan, the US, Australia and New Zealand intensify, the Trade Secretary is stepping up engagement with key industries across Britain, including farming, manufacturing and automotive.

Their advice will be used to help inform the government’s negotiating position and deliver key industry asks that benefit the whole UK, including securing new market access on products like ceramics, cars, steel and beef, and agreeing cutting-edge digital trade rules.

The new groups are comprised of the best and brightest businesses people from all parts of Britain, from whisky distillers in Scotland to car manufacturers in the Midlands, as part of DIT’s efforts to ensure trade deals benefit all regions and devolved administrations.

Secretary of State for International Trade, Liz Truss said:

This is about bringing business closer to the negotiating table and using their expertise to help secure the best possible deals that deliver jobs and growth across Britain. Talks with Japan, the US, Australia and New Zealand are entering their crucial latter stages, so it is only right that we step up engagement with vital industries to utilise their technical and strategic expertise.

I want business in Britain to feel engaged and informed about the work we’re doing to build an independent trade policy and how it impacts them. As we recover from Coronavirus we want to strike deals that benefit every part of the country so we can build back better and deliver a fairer country for all.

Background

The Trade Advisory Groups (TAGs) were established in July 2020, in order to meet the requirements of the Department for International Trade’s (DIT) trade negotiations. Members have been selected to provide a breadth of knowledge and experience.

Role

The TAGs’ principal purpose is to provide the blend of strategic and technical expertise required to ensure the United Kingdom’s trade negotiations are able to progress at pace.

Structure

The TAGs will be chaired by the relevant DIT Director.

DIT will act as the Secretariat for the groups.

The groups will meet at least 3 times a year, or as required by developments in the free trade negotiations process.

Membership

The TAGs cover key sectors vital to the prosperity of the British economy including:

Members have been selected on the basis that they are able to provide the relevant understanding, insight and expertise necessary.

Automotive, aerospace and marine

The members are:

• Airbus UK - Katherine Bennett - Senior Vice President
• BMT Group - Sarah Kenny - Chief Executive Officer
• JCB - Philip Bouverat - Director
• MAKE UK - Stephen Phipson - Chief Executive Officer
• McLaren Automotive - Ruth Nic Aoidh - Executive Director, Commercial & Legal
• Nissan Europe - Kevin Fitzpatrick - Senior Vice President, Manufacturing, Purchasing and Supply Chain Management
• Princess Yachts - Antony Sheriff - Executive Chairman
• Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) - Mike Hawes - Chief Executive Officer