Pictured above: Steve Barton, new Operations Manager at UK Trade & Investment East Midlands

UK Trade & Investment East Midlands has appointed a new Operations Manager to help boost exports from the region.

Steve Barton, from Crich, Derbyshire, fought off stiff competition from more than 100 candidates and has already taken up his new post, encouraging medium to large sized organisations across the region to take advantage of worldwide business opportunities.  

Prior to his new position, Steve spent three years as an Area Manager and a further seven years as an International Trade Advisor with UKTI, working extensively in the UAE, Qatar and Oman as champion for the Gulf States.  

As an International Trade Manager, Steve helped to establish an Asian sales base for RHP Bearings, Newark (now NSK) in Singapore between 1994 and 1998 which enabled him to travel the world from Sri Lanka and India to Japan and Australia - even though he doesn't like flying!

Commenting on his new job, Steve said: "It's true, I really don't like flying but it's something I've learnt to live with. 

"As the only internal candidate, the whole process had its pros and cons and was quite a challenge but I'm really pleased that I can use my previous experience that I've gained at UKTI in this new role. I'll even be helping to appoint somebody into my old position which will secure the right person for the job.

"Just before the interview, I'd completed an Institute of Leadership and Management course which provided a great basis for my interview as I was able to talk about the latest management practice and leading teams to achieve results.

"My top tip for a successful export business is research, research, research. The investment will always pay dividends.

"UKTI helps to support a range of companies from the very smallest to much larger organisations but our focus is always to help individual companies to maximise their international trade potential and boost the economy in the East Midlands. 

"The potential for trading overseas is booming and there are fantastic opportunities for UK companies over the next 10 years." 

International Trade Director Peter Hogarth, said:  "I welcome Steve's appointment.  He brings with him considerable experience of practical private sector exporting as well as an understanding of how UK Trade & Investment support works.  Given the government's emphasis on exporting as a major engine of growth having the right people to ensure help is given to our local businesses is very important and I am sure Steve will make a huge contribution."