Introducing your local International Trade Advisers

About the Department for Business and Trade, North of England

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is an economic growth department. We ensure fair, competitive markets at home, secure access to new markets abroad and support businesses to invest, export and grow. Our priorities are the Industrial Strategy, Make Work Pay, the Trade Strategy and the Plan for Small Businesses.

The local DBT team operates across the North of England supporting businesses through tailored services such as International Trade Advisers, the Export Academy and strategic partnerships with other local business support providers. We have dedicated International Trade Advisers who have a wealth of commercial experience along with sector and market knowledge, who work with businesses of all sizes to help them accelerate their international growth ambitions through impartial and tailored advice. By working with the DBT team, you will also gain access to local events, trade missions and meet-the-buyer events.

Meet your local International Trade Advisers

Veronica Dawson and Sara Pomfret

Both Veronica and Sara are International Trade Advisers at DBT in the North West region and work in the Cheshire West and Chester area. They have both been with DBT for almost eight years and previously worked in the private sector as Export Managers in multiple sectors. Both are generalist ITAs, working across many sectors and with businesses of all sizes that are at different stages of their export journey. Veronica has specialist knowledge in Infrastructure, and is the DBT Lead for this sector across the North of England. Sara is the DBT Lead for the

Healthcare and Lifesciences sector and also works with many businesses in the Food and Drink sector throughout the region.

Sara says: “Businesses that export achieve stronger financial performance and are hence more likely to stay in business, have a higher profile, more credibility and produce and innovate more. Exporting really is an exciting and rewarding journey. As a past exporter myself, with over 30 years working in this field, I know first-hand how beneficial it can be for businesses to develop sales overseas. I am really looking forward to working closely with West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce and the businesses in the local area to support them on their export journey, whether starting to export for the first time or increasing their current activities. An exciting world is out there! “

Veronica says: “International Sales can bring UK businesses much more than increased revenue. Exposure to the opportunities of the world outside your home base may spark innovations, upgrades, and efficiencies for your existing products and services which can benefit your domestic clients. Having seen first-hand how exports can positively impact business growth, I believe that export strategy should be a critical part of every business plan. I am looking forward to working with businesses across the region to develop and realise their export potential”

Hayley Gray, International Trade Manager at West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce, added: “We are delighted to have a close relationship with Sara, Veronica and the wider team at DBT and it is brilliant to be able to highlight the amazing support they provide businesses in the region. Exporting poses a great opportunity for businesses in the region and by collaborating together, we are better positioned to ensure businesses receive the support and advice they need.”