UK prime minister Boris Johnson has announced ten new trade envoys in a bid to boost British businesses in nations it considers to be dynamic markets.

These include Australia, Brazil and Canada, where the likes of Lord Botham, David Mundell MP and Conor Burns MP will put their skills, knowledge and experience to good use.

It’s hoped this will facilitate UK businesses in finding new export markets, as well as investment opportunities, to boost trade.

The latest individuals to become trade envoys will join a group already present in more than 60 nations across the world.

Working with the Department for International Trade’s global network, they will reinforce relations with key trading countries and break down barriers.

Liz Truss, international trade secretary, said: “By boosting exports, promoting inward investment and creating high-value, high-paying jobs, our trade envoys will help us build back better from Covid-19, ensuring every part of the UK benefits from our trade strategy.”

Trade envoys are unpaid and voluntary positions and despite being appointed by the prime minister, come from across the political spectrum.

Their activities see them work in close proximity with the joint No.10-DIT Office for Investment.

Greg Hands, minister of state for trade policy, welcomed the appointment of new trade envoys, highlighting their role in increasing UK trade with “dynamic markets”.

He added that they will showcase all that the UK has to offer as a great place to invest.

More than £16 billion of UK exports were supported by trade envoys working as part of DIT’s export promotion activity in the 2020/21 financial year.

Since exports are at the heart of the government’s plans to level-up the UK and build back better, it’s not surprising more trade envoys have been appointed.

The newest trade envoys see Baroness Hoey appointed to Ghana, Lord Walney to Tanzania and Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP taking responsibility for Cameroon, in addition to his role as trade envoy to Egypt.

Stephen Timms MP is to manage Switzerland and Liechtenstein, while Felicity Buchan MP has been appointed to Iceland and Norway.

Meanwhile, Lord Botham, David Mundell MP, Mark Eastwood MP, Marco Longhi MP and Conor Burns MP will take on Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Brazil and Canada respectively.