The managing director of Ulster Carpets Group, Nick Coburn, has been appointed as Northern Ireland's representative on the Department for International Trade's (DIT) strategic trade advisory group.
The group consists of 14 experts from the business world, civil society and unions, with the group meeting quarterly. Membership is reviewed each year. Among the other members are George Hollingbery, Minister for Trade; Liz Cameron, Scottish Chambers of Commerce; and Carolyn Fairbairn, Confederation of British Industry.
Mr Coburn is representing Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber), British Chambers of Commerce colleagues and exporters, and will advise DIT ministers and trade negotiators on future trade policy. His appointment was made by the Secretary of State for International Trade Liam Fox.
Mr Coburn said he was honoured to be appointed to the group. "It is extremely important that the UK government works closely with businesses during any trade negotiations once it leaves the European Union. It is also vital that any future trade policy works for all regions of the UK," he said.
“Therefore, as an exporter from Northern Ireland, I look forward to bringing practical business knowledge to the group along with an extensive local and international chamber network.”
