Michael has been an International Trade Adviser and food and drink sector specialist, at the Department for Business and Trade, for five years. He manages a portfolio of approximately 150 private sector clients, developing and implementing effective export and market access strategies. His expertise lies in Asia Pacific, though he has extensive experience working in over 50 countries across six continents. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Michael also worked as an Innovation and Growth Specialist, helping businesses stabilise their operations and position themselves for growth, as markets recovered. Prior to his public sector career, Michael founded and ran a specialty food distribution business in Hampshire, successfully exporting to over 35 markets.