The Government has confirmed this week that it is reviving the Board of Trade, as part of wider efforts to boost exports and inward investment.
Ministers will be hoping that the advisory body will play a pivotal role in spreading the benefits of free trade, recognising that our departure from the European Union (EU) will present a number of new challenges for the country.
The first meeting will take place in Bristol today, with leading figures from both business and politics expected to attend the session.  It is anticipated that the Board will meet four times a year going forward.
International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox said: “There is a world of opportunity out there for UK businesses and the Board of Trade will help identify and unlock new export markets and encourage further inward investment.
“The advisers on the Board will act as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the modern businesses community to ensure the benefits of free trade are spread equally across the country.”
Dr Fox is already President of the Board of Trade, a title that has traditionally been bestowed on the most senior member of the cabinet with responsibility for business, industry or trade.
The role is steeped in history and in fact dates back to the 1700s. Previous political heavyweights to have held the position include Harold Wilson, Michael Heseltine and Peter Mandelson.
Among those to have been announced as advisors to the newest incarnation of the Board include former Trade Minister Brian Wilson and Heather Stevens, the chair of the Waterloo Foundation.