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