The Secretary of State is pleased to announce the appointment of Ceri Morgan as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Europe, succeeding Chris Barton from 1 September.
Morgan brings a wealth of experience across multiple sectors to this critical role.
In her most recent position she led the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) on international trade, international food security, and heading the government’s overseas agri-food attaché network to tackle market access barriers for UK exports.
Prior to this, Morgan returned to the civil service to establish and lead the Global Trade Negotiations team at Defra after the EU referendum, spearheading the negotiation of agri-food aspects of trade deals.
In His Majesty the King’s first Birthday Honours, Morgan was made a Commander of the British Empire for her services to Capability and Inclusion in International Trade.
We wish her every success in this vital role for the UK.
Ceri Morgan, Director of EU and International Trade at Defra, said
I am delighted to have been appointed His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Europe and can’t wait to get to know the team later this year and work together to deliver this governments trade objectives in Europe.
These markets are crucial to the success of the newly launched trade, industrial, and small business strategies for HMG’s Growth agenda and I am thrilled to be leading our efforts.
Chris Barton, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Europe, said
It has been a great privilege to serve as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Europe. Working across government and our diplomatic network, we’ve made real progress in strengthening trade ties, opening doors for UK businesses, and attracting investment that supports jobs and growth at home.
I’d like to give particular praise to my delightful, talented, industrious, and collaborative team members, who work day in and day out to support British interests across the continent.
I’m delighted to hand over to Ceri Morgan, whose leadership and experience will be invaluable in driving this important work forward.
The HM Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Europe leads a team of over 300 staff in 34 countries across the continent, working to encourage a thriving trade and investment relationship between the UK and other European countries.
The Trade Commissioner has responsibility for all Department for Business and Trade (DBT) work in Europe including
- Improving market access for UK companies in Europe
- Attracting inward investment from European companies into UK
- Encouraging UK exports to Europe
- Influencing multilateral trade policy with Europe
- Delivering on the commitments made in the UK’s newly published Trade Strategy
The HMTC works closely with UK based government colleagues, UK ambassadors and the wider diplomatic network in Europe in delivering these goals.
Together they engage extensively with UK and European businesses, European governments and wider stakeholders.
