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The British Chambers of Commerce has announced the formation of an International Advisory Council, bringing together a group of senior business leaders representing British businesses from across the UK to advise the BCC on international trade issues and the export potential for the UK business community.

Chaired by Lord Green of Hurstpierpoint, former Minister of State for Trade and Investment, members include Ian Davis, Chairman of Rolls Royce, Willie Walsh, Chief Executive of International Airlines Group, Harriet Green OBE, Chief Executive of Thomas Cook and Dr Andy Harter, Chief Executive of RealVNC and Chairman of Cambridge Network.

Reacting to the news of Andy Harter’s appointment to the council, John Bridge OBE, Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “Andy’s appointment highlights his vast personal experience and detailed knowledge of the challenges impeding business growth overseas. It also reflects the significance of Cambridgeshire’s thriving export base where many companies are already successfully exporting in excess of £37million* worth of goods each month.

As a member of the council Andy will be in a position to provide valuable insight that will shape the BCC’s international trade strategy and inform leading figures who increasingly understand the importance of removing barriers to export growth.” Dr Andy Harter added: “I am delighted to have been asked to join the International Advisory Council and look forward to working with such a distinguished group under the Chairmanship of Lord Green.

International trade is crucial to the long-term health of the economy and the BCC has an important role to play.” * Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce processed over 1100 export documents in September 2014 with an export value of over £37million.