UK Unveils Global Growth Team To Boost Exports, Investment

The UK government has formed a new team of 32 Trade Envoys drawn across the political spectrum to lead an economic growth initiative.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds announced the initiative, which is part of the government’s “Plan for Change” and aims to significantly increase UK exports and attract more foreign investment.

The “global growth team,” which includes Members of Parliament and Lords, will target key markets on six continents, leveraging their experience and expertise to identify profitable trade and investment opportunities for British businesses.

Each Envoy has been assigned a specific region or country with high potential for UK trade expansion.

“Trade and investment are critical to delivering economic growth, which is the number one goal of this government,” Secretary Reynolds stated.

“This new team of Trade Envoys will open up new global markets for British businesses, attract investment to the UK, and ultimately drive economic growth.”

Flo Eshalomi MP has been appointed as the new UK Trade Envoy to Nigeria, one of several high-profile appointments.  Mark Smithson, Country Director of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) in Nigeria, welcomed the appointment, saying, “We are thrilled to welcome Florence Eshalomi MP and look forward to working with her to deliver on the commitments made under the UK Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership and unlock growth and opportunities for our two nations.”

The Envoys will collaborate closely with the DBT, leveraging their government-to-government experience to boost exports, attract investment, and break down trade barriers.

The announcement comes ahead of the release of a new Trade Strategy in Spring, which will prioritise strengthening ties with the EU while also exploring opportunities in new global markets.

The newly appointed Trade Envoys include a diverse range of parliamentarians with specific responsibilities spanning multiple regions and countries, including Afzal Khan MP (Türkiye), Alex Sobel MP (Ukraine), Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP (Ghana), and many others (see Note to Editors for a complete list).

This initiative represents the UK government’s significant commitment to revitalising its trade and investment landscape, emphasising the importance of international collaboration in meeting ambitious economic growth targets.

A complete list of the newly appointed Trade Envoys and their assigned markets is available on request.