University News Last updated 16 October 2020
The government has named Professor Julian Beer as the academic representative on its newly revised and extended Strategic Trade Advisory Group (STAG).
Professor Beer, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Birmingham City University, has been appointed to the role in a personal capacity due to his business and trade expertise, and track-record of designing and delivering flagship programmes that deliver economic growth.
STAG brings together a cross-section of representatives from across the country to put forward the views of business, civil society, consumers and academia.
Members of the Group are selected to provide a breadth of knowledge and expertise to help advise the government on trade policy issues.
Professor Beer also currently serves as the President of the Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce (Midlands), a role which was renewed last month, and has strong expertise in facilitating transatlantic trade. He also has wider international experience and serves in a number of international roles on boards and advisory groups - the most notable recently in India.
Speaking on being appointed to STAG, Professor Julian Beer said: “It is an honour to have been appointed as the UK’s academic representative on the government’s new Strategic Trade Advisory Group, and comes at a very important time for our country.
“As we withdraw from the European Union the trade deals we do with our partners and friends across the globe become even more important in making sure we get the deals that deliver jobs, skills and growth for the UK. Education and particularly, Higher Education, can act as what I term a ‘Trade Bridge’ not just for soft power but, in accessing markets globally.
“As the academic representative on the Group I will champion the importance of research and collaborations, and the important role academia can play in leveraging relationships for international trade.
“To have been appointed alongside such esteemed company from leading organisations across the UK is fantastic and I look forward to working alongside them all in the near future.”
STAG has been expanded to include a greater number of ‘nationwide’ business representatives from across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
It has also been expanded to include a dedicated representative for the Environment and Climate. Members have been selected to provide a breadth of knowledge and experience and held their first meeting in the new format today.