The event aims to bring together businesses from various sectors engaged in, or looking to start, international trading.
We are pleased to confirm that the next International Trade Round Table Discussion will take place on Thursday 10th April at Astral Towers. We are returning to this venue due to its central location, ample parking, and excellent public transport links.
This event provides a valuable opportunity to connect with key industry experts.
Rachel Spiegelhalter from the FTA Utilisation Team will be in attendance. The FTA Utilisation team bridges the gap between complex trade policy and real commercial opportunities, by ensuring businesses are aware of our Free Trade Agreements and how they shape commercial opportunities. Do not miss the chance to engage with Rachel and gain a deeper understanding of FTA utilisation.
We are also delighted to welcome:
Alex Veitch, Director of Policy and Insights at the British Chamber of Commerce
Lisa Maddison Brown, UK Export Finance
Matt Turner, DBT Export Champion from Creative Pod
Estelle Dingley, Department for Business and Trade
These roundtable discussions bring together businesses across various sectors, whether they are already trading internationally or looking to start. Attendees consistently find these sessions invaluable for networking, sharing concerns, and celebrating successes in global trade.
Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be served.



UK Export Finance Manager for Kent, East Sussex and West Sussex, UK Export Finance

Deputy Utilisation Lead, Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership



CEO, Sussex Chamber of Commerce
Ana Christie is the Chief Executive Officer of the Sussex Chamber of Commerce, leading the organisation’s mission to champion, connect and support businesses across Sussex. Working closely with members, stakeholders and policymakers, Ana is a passionate advocate for the region’s business community, driving initiatives that stimulate economic growth, improve business performance and create opportunities for organisations of all sizes.
With a diverse international business background spanning aviation, hospitality, hotel development, recruitment and pharmaceuticals, Ana brings a wealth of commercial experience to her role. Her career has seen her manage the London Aquarium, serve as Executive Vice President of an HR recruitment consultancy in the Philippines, work with the British Deputy High Commission in India, and oversee the project management of global clinical trials for a pharmaceutical company.
Since joining Sussex Chamber of Commerce in 2014, Ana has played a pivotal role in strengthening and expanding the organisation, ensuring members have access to the knowledge, connections and support they need to grow and succeed. Under her leadership, the Chamber has continued to develop innovative services, strategic partnerships and influential programmes that help businesses navigate challenges, seize opportunities and thrive in an evolving economy.
As a strong voice for Sussex businesses, Ana works closely with the British Chambers of Commerce network to influence national policy and ensure the needs of local businesses are represented at the highest levels of government.
Outside of her professional commitments, Ana is an accomplished martial artist and qualified Karate instructor, bringing the same discipline, determination and leadership to her personal pursuits as she does to supporting business growth across Sussex.

Department of Business and Trade
Experienced in setting up and growing various export sales departments across sectors, I focus on export strategy and bring the tools to implement.
Many factors can hold businesses of all sizes back from exporting or growing their export trade. But I believe that every business, with the right advice and strategy, can trade successfully across borders. Working with SMEs, from start-up to more experienced, I will help define, implement and monitor your export strategy, including your digital presence.
:
https://www.great.gov.uk/
:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/estelledingley/

UK Export Finance Manager for Kent, East Sussex and West Sussex, UK Export Finance
Lisa joined UK Export Finance over 5 years ago following a 30-year career in the Banking sector. During this time, she spent 10 years as an International Trade Manager supporting SME sized businesses. She specialises in helping companies realise their export opportunities and having worked and lived in the area for over 35 years has a strong understanding of the region’s businesses and their needs.

Deputy Utilisation Lead, Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership
Rachel leads the Free Trade Agreement Utilisation (FTAU) team’s work on utilising the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) trade deal at the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). She works to prepare the business community and teams across the Department both in the UK and overseas to make the most of new opportunities presented by the UK joining CPTPP.
Rachel previously worked in the Government Legal Department, where she provided legal support on the UK's accession to the CPTPP.

CEO, Creative Group (Creative Pod)
Matt Turner, founder and CEO of Creative Pod, started his agency in 2006 and has since developed his business portfolio into The Creative Group, which is comprised of Creative Pod, ECHO, The PrintShop, 427, Spacelink, and Whitespace. While a serial entrepreneur, Matt is also passionate about philanthropy and is an Export Champion who is dedicated to sharing his expertise in international trade.
As a previous co owner of Crawley Town Football Club for three years, he is also named among the South East’s 42 under 42 in the class of 2023 and won the MD Hub Leaders awards at the Managing Directors Hub. He strives to give clients creative marketing with a Michelin-star service to shout about.

Director of Policy and Public Affairs, British Chambers of Commerce
Alex joined the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) as Director of Policy and Insight in March 2022. In this role he is responsible for the policy positions adopted by the Chambers network and for the BCC’s extensive business insight programme. Before joining BCC Alex worked for over 20 years in various roles across the environment, transport, logistics and trade sectors, in the UK and overseas. Alex is a Chartered Member of the CILT, IEMA and CMI.
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