Customs & Trade Insight

In today’s rapidly evolving trade landscape, businesses are encountering greater challenges in maintaining compliance. To help you stay ahead, we've teamed up with customs and trade expert, Mike Alexander, to guide you through the complexities and keep you informed of the latest changes.

Who are our Experts?

Mike Alexander represents our umbrella body, the FSPA, at the Joint Customs Consultative Committee (JCCC), an HMRC-sponsored member forum which discusses proposed changes to customs. Jessica and John have partnered with us to give members a direct line into the Department of Business and Trade providing advice on any export queries and overseas markets. 

Free Benefits for Members 

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Member Webinars

As the geopolitical landscape continues to shift, Mike hosts regular, timely webinars that cover the latest customs and trade developments. These interactive sessions address topics suggested by members and focus on the key issues businesses should watch out for.

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Exclusive Insight

Mike’s regular updates, In Simple Terms, breaks down complex information into easy-to-understand insights. It highlights key changes that could impact your business and offers practical advice on how to prepare. In Simple Terms keeps you informed with regular updates throughout the year.

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Knowledge Hub

The Customs and Trade Hub is a dedicated platform offering expert guidance, key resources and the latest updates in customs and trade. Led by Mike, it provides tailored advice, discussions and event updates to help businesses smoothly navigate customs compliance and trade operations.

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UK Export Academy

The UK Export Academy can support your business to grow by giving you the confidence and know-how to land your first, or next overseas deal. It only takes a few moments to sign up and is completely free.

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UK Export Academy Events

Grow your export knowledge with our Essentials sessions or build on your existing skills with our Masterclasses, Sector and Market events. All events are provided free of charge.

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Export Advice

Members can arrange one-to-one discussions with a DBT expert to receive tailored export advice, sector-specific insights, and practical solutions to trade challenges—empowering your business to confidently explore new markets and unlock global growth opportunities.

Meet Your Customs Specialist

Our Customs and Trade Specialist offers expert guidance to help businesses navigate the complexities of cross-border trade, customs compliance, and international regulations. With extensive industry experience, they provide practical advice to streamline processes, reduce risk, and ensure your operations remain efficient and compliant. Whether you're managing routine declarations or planning for regulatory changes, connect directly or access resources through the Customs and Trade Hub.

Mike Alexander

Mike Alexander

Mike Alexander

Trade and Customs Specialist

Mike Alexander represents the FSPA at the JCCC.  Mike previously works for Mizuno in the customs team where he forged links with the FSPA and represented Mizuno at a number of FSPA/FESI events.  He later spent some time in consulting where he worked with clients with various aspects of customs compliance and optimisation, including planning for Brexit.  After leaving consultancy, Mike worked as the UK Customs Manager for Samsung, and is currently the European Customs Operations Manager for Primark.

Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
+44 7597 799 098

 

Jessica Zhang (DBT)

Jessica Zhang

Jessica Zhang

International Trade Adviser, Department of Business and Trade

Jessica Zhang joinged the Department for Business and Trade as an International Trade Adviser in Nov. 2022. Prior to this role, Jessica worked as the China Business Adviser at the China-Britain Business Council leading all activities in the Northwest region for both investment and trade.

She has over 15 years’ experience in advising, supporting UK SMEs from a wide range of industrial sectors to develop and implement their export strategies, with a focus on the Greater China market and wider international markets. Jessica is the Sports Economy sector lead in the DBT Northern team, her goal is to engage with all sports sector related companies to provide them practical support and services to expand their businesses into the overseas market. Please feel free to get in touch for an initial chat for any questions you have on exporting and setting up in overseas markets.

Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
+44 (0)7789 973675

 

John Baines (DBT)

John Baines

John Baines

Digital Trade Adviser, Department of Business and Trade

John is a Digital Trade Adviser who helps UK companies with their digital and e-commerce strategies to expand internationally and export their brand and products all over the world. John has a strong background in sports retail having previously been Head of Sports Marketing at JD Sports, leading creative content campaigns across two FIFA World Cups, two Olympic Games and an assortment of other big ticket events in cricket, boxing, UFC, Formula One and Rugby. John has a unique blend of commercial insight and digital expertise to help businesses scale and succeed in the global sports markets.
Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
07789 973675

 

 

 

Members can contact Mike directly

Whether through the open forum or direct contact, our partners are available to support members with expert answers to their customs and trade queries.

Enquire about membership