Northern Ireland Secretary of State Announces Key Reappointments to Intertrade UK

The Rt Hon Sir Chris Bryant MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, has officially announced the reappointment of The Rt Hon. the Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee DBE as Chair of Intertrade UK. With this reappointment, Baroness Foster will continue her leadership of the non-statutory advisory body, which was created to enhance trade and investment within the internal market of the United Kingdom.

Alongside Baroness Foster’s reappointment, the Secretary of State has also confirmed the continuation of four additional board members at Intertrade UK:

• Dr Esmond Birnie – Senior Economist, Ulster University
• Kirsty McManus – Northern Ireland Director, Institute of Directors
• Suzanne Wylie – Chief Executive Officer, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce
• Roger Pollen – Head of the Federation of Small Businesses in Northern Ireland

Understanding Intertrade UK’s Role

Intertrade UK serves as a non-statutory advisory body, established by the UK government to provide guidance on and promote trade within the United Kingdom. The establishment of Intertrade UK was outlined in the Safeguarding the Union Command Paper, which was published in January 2024.

The role of Intertrade UK, as detailed in the Safeguarding the Union Command Paper and its Terms of Reference, encompasses several key functions:

• To offer advice and facilitation that enables businesses and traders throughout the UK to broaden their activities and engage in trade across the country;
• To promote the full potential of the UK’s market to both businesses and traders;
• To conduct and publish research or undertake other initiatives aimed at advancing intra-UK trade by addressing real barriers to trade 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.

Further Resources and Information

For those seeking more information about the work and initiatives of Intertrade UK, comprehensive details can be found on the official government website. This resource outlines the body’s strategic objectives and ongoing projects aimed at fostering trade relationships across the United Kingdom.

As Intertrade UK continues its mission under the guidance of its reappointed Chair and board members, it aims to play a pivotal role in strengthening the economic ties that bind the UK together, ensuring that all regions can contribute to and benefit from a vibrant internal market.