Cranswick's Adam Couch appointed to Government trade advisory body

International Trade Secretary Liz Truss has appointed Cranswick chief executive Adam Couch as an advisor to the Government on its future trading arrangements. 

Ms Truss has today 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.

The Agri-Food Group includes Mr Couch, along with another familiar industry and NPA name, James Black, of Blacks of Bacton.

The group also includes representatives of the UK farming unions, and organisations and businesses representing all sectors of farming, food and drink, as well as retail, hospitality, meat processing and manufacturing. 

Ms Truss said that, as trade talks with Japan, the US, Australia and New Zealand intensify, she was stepping up engagement with key industries across Britain, including farming, manufacturing and automotive.

She said 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 meat, as well as ceramics, cars and steel, and agreeing 'cutting-edge digital trade rules'.

The new groups are comprised of the 'best and brightest businesses people from all parts of Britain', as part of DIT’s efforts to ensure trade deals benefit all regions and devolved administrations, she added.

"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," she said.

Cranswick is a major exporter of pigmeat, particularly to the Far East and Mr Couch said he was 'delighted' to be able to work with the Department for International Trade on the advisory group.

“There are so many opportunities that we can explore as part of the programme to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of global agricultural standards to maintain our competitive position as we seek to negotiate future trade agreements,” he said.

 The 11 Trade Advisory Groups: 

• Agri-Food
• Automotive, Aerospace and Marine
• British Manufacturing and Consumer Goods
• Investment
• Life Sciences
• Tech and Telecoms
• Chemicals
• Financial Services
• Professional Advisory Services
• Transport Services
• Creative Industries.