Unlocking global growth
Posted: Thu 19th Feb 2026
The UK continues to expand its network of free trade agreements (FTAs), creating new opportunities for businesses that know how to take advantage of them.
In this Lunch and Learn, David Johnstone from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) will explain what the UK's FTAs mean in practice for growing businesses, and how you can start using them more effectively.
With a particular focus on India, this session will explore the commercial opportunities the agreement will unlock when it comes into effect later this year, and how UK businesses can prepare now to benefit.
The webinar will also introduce DBT's export services, outlining the practical support available to help businesses enter new markets, reduce barriers to trade and scale internationally.
This session is ideal for businesses that are already exporting, as well as those considering international growth for the first time.
Topics covered in this session
The UK's free trade agreements and what they mean for your business
The India trade agreement and the opportunities it will create when it comes into effect this year
How DBT's export services can support your international growth
About the speaker
David leads DBT's work on making sure businesses are capitalising on the commercial advantages of the UK's new FTAs.
Most recently, he oversaw the department's campaign to promote the UK's accession to the CPTPP trading bloc, and his team are now working to raise awareness and understanding of the UK's recently signed FTA with India.
Previously, David was head of policy for Europe within DBT's Export Support Service, where he supported exporters in adapting to the new post-Brexit trading relationship with the EU.
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