Andy Wood, the chief executive of Southwold-based Adnams and former chairman of the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, has been appointed to a new international trade group created by British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

The BCC International Advisory Council is to be chaired by former Trade Minister Lord Green and will focus on boosting the UK’s trade performance and helping British businesses to achieve their full export potential.

Dr Wood was chairman of New Anglia, which covers Suffolk and Norfolk, from its formation in 2011 until the end of March this year.

He said: “British Chambers of Commerce is passionate about increasing UK exports and encouraging even more firms to have a go and take that first step towards trading internationally.

“This is crucial if we are to rebalance our economy and I look forward to being part of a group that can offer first-hand insight on current trading conditions for UK exporters.

“The council will provide valuable insights that will inform the BCC’s international trade strategy, and help the UK lead a step change on boosting exports.”

Other members of the council will include Ian Davis, chairman of Rolls Royce, Harriet Green, chief executive of Thomas, and Willie Walsh, chief executive of British Airways owner International Airlines Group, as well as BCC director general John Longworth and BCC president Nora Senior.

John Dugmore, chief executive of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is a very influential and very important collection of experienced UK business leaders. That is why we are delighted that Andy Wood has been appointed and why we are delighted that Suffolk and Norfolk will have a voice at the table.

“This council will help steer international trade support through the chamber movement, something that is at the forefront of Suffolk Chamber’s work as we continue to develop our service offer to our growing number of exporters.

“International trade is a fundamental component of the local and regional economy and this group will look at how firms can and should benefit more from global opportunities”