Suffolk Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the appointment of an international trade specialist to help businesses across the eastern region play their part in a Government-backed drive to boost UK exports.

British Chambers of Commerce, of which Suffolk Chamber is an accredited member, has teamed up with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) to develop a global network of business-led organisations to provide support for UK exporters.

The aim of the Overseas Business Networks Programme is to offer businesses a seemless link from their local chamber of commerce to fully-accredited British Business Centres overseas.

Bradley Rowley, previously an international trade adviser with UKTI and vice-consul for trade and investment at the British Consulate General in Shanghai, has now been named as regional co-ordinator for the programme in the East of England. He will be based with Suffolk Chamber in Ipswich but will work alongside international trade advisers across the region.

Mr Rowley said: “Developing strong relationships between domestic and overseas networks is our first priority which will provide UK business with a powerful global business support network for the first time.”

John Dugmore, chief executive of Suffolk Chamber, said: “One thing that remains absolutely clear is the priority that must be attached to boosting our bilateral trade and investment and I am delighted to welcome Bradley, who brings impressive international trade experience.”

And he added: “Bradley will be developing a much needed integrated global business support network with chambers of commerce, UKTI and LEPs, focused on delivering quality services and maintaining high quality customer relations so that companies can see solid and sustained progress in their overseas markets.”