About

Linda Middleton-Jones

LLB (Hons), FCIEx(Grad), mBIT, NLP Pract

International Marketing Strategy, Export Coach & Mentor

Linda has more than 25 years’ experience in international commerce across manufacturing, nuclear and aviation sectors from her base in South West England.

She is an accomplished professional with extensive overseas know-how. A graduate of the University of Plymouth and Universidad de Barcelona (LLB{Hons}) and a Member of the Institute of Export (MIEx(Grad)), she also has qualifications gained from both CMI & MIT Sloan in Leadership and Team building.

Most recently, she has pioneered the creation of the highly successful Global Blueprint Programme which is specifically designed for businesses preparing to begin their exporting journey or develop global markets though a unique blend of holistic business analysis and planning tools.

Linda has organised, led and participated in successful missions and welcomed delegations to the South West by facilitating introductions and networking opportunities. She has been responsible for promoting specific sector developments in Europe, Russia, the Mediterranean and Central America.

Her expertise has allows her to guide her clients towards exporting strategies covering routes to market through market research, smart procurement and contract compliance. Adept at recognising and guiding sustainable international growth she introduces continual improvement tools through the Export House methodology she developed.

As an active member of the Institute of Export Linda took the role as Chairman of the Academic Board in 2018 a role that required governance of delivery and awards for qualifications in International Trade. She is also the Export Expert for Innovate UK in the South West and is a founder member of SIITACE – the Society for Independent International Trade and Customs Experts.

David Peña

MCIEx (Grad)

Born in sunny Barcelona, David studied business management at the University of Barcelona, took French and English official exams to add them to his natives Spanish and Catalan.

He believes that being able to do business in the language of the counterpart is a key aspect that secures success.

His professional career has mainly progressed within the retail sector: from stores to business development, from wholesale to licensing but always with an international taste: opening new markets for companies in all continents, setting up stores in Peru, Brazil, US or Japan or attending trade shows in Azerbaijan or Germany.

David has a long experience in working with culturally different companies and opening new markets in not familiar countries for European companies.

Within the licensing industry, David has worked on both sides of the table, as a licensor and also as a licensee, which gives him a full understanding of the sector. He has dealt with partners like The Smurfs, Ministry of Defence (UK), Royal British Legion or Asmodee.

David holds a Level 5 Diploma in International Trade from the Institute of Export where he is a full member and was awarded twice in his graduation ceremony including the Prize for Academic Excellence from the Worshipful Company of World Traders.

Douglas Mackay

Douglas has spent his career at the intersection of customs, regulation, and international business.

Over four decades, he has worked on every side of the customs landscape – beginning as a customs official, moving into brokerage and Big Four consulting, and later leading Customs and VAT strategy for a major US multinational in China for more than 14 years.

His experience stretches across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the United States, giving him a global perspective that few in the field can match. As a representative to the WCO’s valuation and Harmonized System committees, Douglas has contributed to the international standards that shape today’s customs environment.

Today, based in Portugal, he offers strategic support to SMEs, fast-growth companies, and multinationals looking to strengthen their trade compliance, optimise supply chains, or prepare for audit and regulatory scrutiny.

He specialises in customs valuation, post-clearance and audit strategies, trade risk management, regulatory interpretation, and transforming complex customs requirements into clear, practical solutions for business. He also delivers bespoke customs and trade training, designed around each client’s operational realities.

Douglas combines deep technical knowledge with hands-on, commercially focused experience – helping organisations navigate global trade with confidence.

Elena Rogers

International market entry specialist, strategic advisor, government relations expert 

Elena Rogers is an experienced international market developer with over 20 years experience in oil and gas, mineral fertiliser,  electricity and build environment asset management industries. 

 She dedicated her career to strengthening international partnerships that link economic ambition with community and environmental wellbeing.Her work has focused on creating frameworks for sustainable growth through collaboration between governments, businesses and civil society. She brings a global perspective shaped by experience in Eastern Europe, Eurasia and the CIS, and a record of building trusted partnerships that translate sustainability goals into measurable, long-term outcomes. 

Through understanding the complexities of the geopolitical environment, cultural and industrial specifics, she managed to facilitate long standing contractual relationships for her customers. 

Elena has created a substantial network of major decision makers in various regions and has trusting relationships with industries’ champions. 

Multilingual, Elena has presented at a number of international industrial forums. 

Frances Fawcett

Frances has worked both within, and with, large global corporations and small businesses and frequently internationally.

After almost two decades with IT companies including Canon (UK), Borland International and Microsoft Corporation, she spent a number of years providing marketing consultancy and global programme management to a variety of small and large companies.  This included global management of a licensing programme for Microsoft Corporation.

In 2007 she became the co-owner of a small manufacturing business in Somerset that, for almost 10 years, designed and produced products sold all over the world. Having always had a keen interest in personal development, Frances is now providing coaching, training and support services to owners and managers in her areas of expertise.  These include general business management, exporting, importing, licensing, marketing, project and programme management.

Frances’ recent experience in helping businesses with international trade activities has included manufacturers, eCommerce sellers and importers from a variety of sectors ranging from micro businesses to departments in global organisations turning over billions per annum.

Professionally Frances has held membership of the Institute of Leadership and Management, membership of the Institute of Export and was a fellow of the Institute of Training and Occupational Learning. Her areas of expertise and interest spill over into her personal life where she is a volunteer Scout Leader holding district and county roles including that of County Leadership and Management Trainer.

Lesley Batchelor CBE

Lesley Batchelor OBE is a champion of UK exporters, with a powerful track record in enhancing the international performance of hundreds of businesses.

Known as a force of nature within the industry she has changed many businesses fortunes in terms of exporting and helped to promote the need for to professionalise the approach we take to trading globally.

From a blue-chip background, she worked as director general of the Institute of Export (IOE) for 12 years promoting professionalism and the need for qualifications and support for businesses. Co-Chair of the Bribery Act 2010 Scrutiny expert panel working with DFID and the Gov. Anti-corruption Champion; advising on APPG Advisory Panels on Trade & Investment and Manufacturing and Select Committees supporting SMEs. ICC/WTO MSME trade negotiation. WTO Alliance & Trade & Investment Committee.

With invaluable expertise in intellectual property, global licensing and marketing Lesley has been awarded CBI Real Business First Woman in Business Services and CEO of the year from Trade Association Congress in 2015.

Lesley is often sought out for comment on Brexit and international trade issues writing thought leadership pieces for many journals, TV and radio stations.

Mike Court

MCIEx

Mike provides International Trade Compliance expertise, having worked for 20 years with two US based multinationals.

Prior to working in the private sector, he served in the Royal Navy for 22 years as a logistics expert.

He holds a degree in International Development and a certificate in advanced customs compliance. He is a full member of the Institute of Export, has a Green belt in Continued Process Improvements and is a Committee member of the Devon International Trade Forum.

Mike has completed many varied projects over this time in the International trade area and his expertise covers the following:-

• Export licensing for both ITAR and EAR products
• FCPA and UK bribery legislation
• AE & AEO certification
• Air freight security
• Incoterms 2010
• Import and Export documentation
• U.K., EU and US customs procedures
• Tariff code investigation
• Country of Origin declarations
• Anti-Dumping, Warehouse and Stock Management

Mike offers extensive experience of designing successful procedures for daily operation of International trade staff, and implementation of International trade audit procedures for companies.  He also provides face to face staff training on International Trade matters.
Mike believes that with some robust procedures in place covering both International Imports and Exports, companies will be able to demonstrate a vigorous yet flexible trade compliance program to withstand any outside agency audit of their records and procedures

Qing Lin

Qing Lin is a seasoned advisor specialising in global expansion and relations, with nearly 20 years of experience across sectors such as engineering, manufacturing, FMCG, and life sciences. Known for her expertise in navigating high-pressure environments, she bridges diverse cultural and professional contexts to deliver desired outcomes for clients.

Drawing on her extensive international experience and high-level networks across Southeast Asia, Qing facilitates collaboration and alignment in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. Her ability to manage nuanced dynamics and foster mutual understanding enables her to guide global businesses through negotiations, expansions, and partnerships with precision and confidence.

A regular on BBC and Bloomberg, Qing is recognised for her insights into international trade and cross-cultural communication. Her multi-linguistic capabilities and broad sectoral knowledge equip her to adapt seamlessly to varied industries and global markets.

As an expert on the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Qing initiated the country’s first “CPTPP Club” with support from embassies, UK government departments, and leading organisations. She advises businesses on navigating the agreement’s opportunities and challenges. Combined with her strategic insight and refined understanding of cultural and contextual subtleties, Qing provides comprehensive support for businesses aiming to grow and succeed on the international stage.

Sander ten Veldhuijs

Sander earned his degree in bioengineering in the Netherlands and began his career in Northern Italy, designing medical devices for fracture fixation and deformity correction.

After completing an MBA in Manchester, he moved to Switzerland for a global marketing role, travelling extensively and conducting business across numerous countries. In this position, he opened new markets, appointed and managed distributors, and built strong, long-term partnerships. Living and working in multiple countries has given him deep insight into cultural differences and regulatory environments. 

As a business advisor for Innovate UK, he helped companies develop expansion strategies and identify growth opportunities across a variety of international markets, gaining valuable experience beyond the medical sector. 

With 25 years of international experience, he is well-positioned to help organisations identify and pursue their next opportunity.