A South West specialist international trade organisation is forging links with businesses in the Mediterranean island of Malta in a bid to boost imports and exports.

International Trade Matters’ (ITM) award-winning team of independent UK experts will be working with, and for, Maltese businesses looking at access to the British marketplace post-Brexit.

Linda Middleton-Jones, ITM managing director, said: “Following the UK’s exit from the European Union and with global commerce still slowly recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, we are looking to build on the mutual heritage and trade between our two countries.

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“The South West of England and Malta have a special relationship that goes back over generations, and we are keen to develop that friendship and open-up new business opportunities with our colleagues at The Malta Chamber of Commerce.”

Devon-based ITM offers advice and support on a range of strategic and tactical issues relating to entering and succeeding in overseas markets. It organised and participated in trade missions to Russia before the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Our specialist team organises trade shows and specific sector events, and work with clients across sector related industries including agri-tech, food and drink, tourism, education, marine, creative services, media and marketing,” said Miss Middleton-Jones, who is also a director of Devon and Plymouth Chamber of Commerce.



Linda Middleton-Jones, managing director of Devon-based International Trade Matters

She said ITM can assist with AEO (Authorised Economic Operator) certificates issued by EU customs administrations and provide digital or face-to-face training on international trade document requirements.

“The relationship between the South West region/UK and Malta is unique, and companies we speak to in the UK are interested in business and collaboration opportunities, and especially in forging new and existing trading partnerships,” said Miss Middleton-Jones.

“In this volatile and uncertain world we are keen to act as an intermediary in Malta/UK by offering training, introductions, working with government and local agencies, and offering trade clarity, advice, and support.”

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Miss Middleton-Jones has more than 25 years’ experience in international commerce across manufacturing, nuclear and aviation sectors. A graduate of the University of Plymouth and Universidad de Barcelona and a member of the Institute of Export she has also studied for a professional qualification with the Project Management Institute.

She has represented the economic interests of South West Companies globally and promoted specific sector developments in Europe, Russia, the Mediterranean and Central America. For many years she was the first point of contact for more than a thousand South West companies providing international business support, export awareness and regulatory advice. Miss Middleton-Jones has organised, led and participated in successful missions and welcomed delegations to the South West.