Join this online session on 15 July 2025 to hear real examples, insights and practical advice on exporting to the US and Canada.
Made in Britain invites UK companies to hear from and connect with:
- Two UK manufacturing companies that successfully exporting to the US and Canada, including Button-fix Limited
- The UK Department for Business and Trade – offering guidance on routes to market and government support for exporters
- UK Export Academy - a free training programme from the Department for Business and Trade for UK businesses looking to grow their international sales.
This session is open to all UK exporters and will include reflections on the significant changes in trading with the United States following the recent UK–US economic agreement announced by Prime Minister Starmer and President Trump, as well as Prime Minister Carney’s election in Canada. These developments, alongside extensive media coverage, underscore the importance of understanding current market dynamics and how UK companies can position themselves effectively.
Why attend?
The United States remains the UK’s largest export market for goods and services, and the world’s largest economy. In the four quarters to the end of Q3 2024, UK exports to the US totalled £182.6 billion. With a shared language and relatively low regulatory barriers, the US presents significant opportunities for UK businesses. However, as a federal system, each state operates with its own commercial rules and procurement practices, requiring exporters to navigate a diverse and decentralised landscape. The recent return of President Trump to the White House in January 2025 has brought renewed attention to domestic industry, trade policy, and economic security.
Canada, while a smaller market, is the UK’s 12th largest export destination, with £16.4 billion in UK exports over the same period. Its close proximity to the US, demand for UK-made products, and openness to high-quality, sustainable manufacturing make it a valuable and strategic market for British exporters looking to expand across North America.
The session will explore real-world examples from the speakers, covering the challenges and successes of entering or growing in these markets, from regulatory requirements and logistics to market engagement and scaling exports.
This is the latest in Made in Britain’s ongoing programme of export activity.
Who is this session for?
Made in Britain recognises the value of businesses talking with their peers, and this session will facilitate that for UK exporters wanting to hear real, practical examples, direct from the exporters themselves.
This session is designed for any UK business with an interest in exporting to the US or Canada, including:
• Exporters already active in these markets
• Businesses exploring expansion
• Manufacturers looking for practical, peer-led insights
Made in Britain knows that the US and Canada is of high interest to UK manufacturing companies, as indicated via Made in Britain’s 2023 exports survey.
The session will be opened by John Pearce, Chief Executive of Made in Britain, and chaired by George Middleton, Advisor to Made in Britain. Scroll down to see the roles and details of who will speak for each entity. There will be short contributions from each speaker, followed by a generous Q&A session where attendees can ask practical questions relevant to their business.
If you have a specific question you would like covered, or would like more information, please contact: trade@madeinbritain.org
Date & time: Tuesday 15th July 2025, midday - 13:00
Speakers
Julie Freedman | Head of Sales and Marketing | Button-fix Limited
With over 30 years of sales and marketing experience, the last ten focused on exports and sales promotion in the US, Julie shares her experiences and insights on Button-fix's US exports. Her top recommendations are to listen, engage, be helpful and, where possible, visit.
Department for Business and Trade
Hoda Shahzadeh | Programme Manager | International Markets Hub
Hoda Shahzadeh excels in her role as Programme Manager for DBT’s International Markets Hub, where she leads a team of specialised experts. Her primary focus is on the development and execution of comprehensive export strategies, a key factor in empowering UK companies to not only penetrate but also thrive in the North American market. Prior to joining the team, Hoda worked extensively with public and private firms worldwide, enhancing export potential by facilitating connections with buyers from Southeast Asia, North America and Europe.
Caroline Turkanis | Project Manager | International Markets Hub
Caroline Turkanis serves as the Project Manager for the International Markets Hub, operating from Virginia, US. With a four-year track record, she has been instrumental in aiding UK exporters to penetrate the North American market. Her expertise encompasses developing market entry strategies, conducting thorough market research, ensuring preparedness, and focusing on sector analysis, lead generation, and buyer engagement. Prior to this role, Caroline contributed significantly to helping US exporters establish their presence in international markets, with a strong emphasis on market and sector analysis, strategic market selection, and tailoring bespoke market entry routes.
Export Academy
Nigel Barker | Deputy Head | Design and Delivery
Nigel has been helping UK businesses become global brands since 2016, when he joined (what was then) the Department for International Trade (DIT) as a Digital Trade Adviser, before joining the UK Export Academy in 2023. A former systems architect, he has been fortunate to work in many countries and has been involved with the World Wide Web since its infancy. Nigel believes that technology has always had the power to break down barriers and bring people together, and loves seeing businesses evolve, grow and do amazing things.
Facilitator
George Middleton | Advisor to Made in Britain and Director | MAP UK & International
George Middleton is an international trade and supply chains specialist. He has extensive professional experience in public, private and not-for-profit sectors, in the UK and internationally. He is the Director of MAP UK & International and an Advisor to Made in Britain.
Current appointments also include long-term roles with a UK plc and an executive agency of the UK government.
George lived and worked overseas between 2011 and 2018, for the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and then Department for International Trade. Before that, he managed Community Relations and Regeneration programmes, for the London 2012 Olympic Delivery Authority (2008-11) and Tribal Group plc [later Capita] (2005-08).