OUR TEAM
Lesley Batchelor CBE
Lesley Batchelor CBE is a champion of UK exporters and a recognised authority on international trade strategy, with a proven track record of enhancing the global performance of hundreds of businesses. Known as a force of nature in the industry, she blends practical exporting experience with strategic insight to help companies navigate complex markets, compliance demands and supply chains. She is currently studying an MBA in AI at the University of East London, focusing on how SMEs can safely harness AI in world trade in line with emerging ICC standards.
She is Chair of The Paddy Ashdown Policy Research Forum and advises Make UK and multiple trade associations on building globally sustainable and resilient businesses. Drawing on deep expertise in compliance, free trade agreements and Rules of Origin, she works with policymakers and business leaders to shape trade policy and support ambitious exporters. Her work bridges boardrooms, government and international institutions to ensure UK SMEs can compete and thrive in global markets.
Previously, Lesley spent 12 years as Director General of the Institute of Export, where she championed professionalism in international trade and led the expansion of qualifications and support for businesses through the Brexit vote and transition. Earlier in her career she held blue-chip roles at CibaGeigy Pharmaceuticals, CocaCola Europe and Fujitsu, gaining first-hand experience of manufacturing, international operations and complex trade environments. She has served as CoChair of the Bribery Act 2010 Scrutiny DFID (now FCDO) expert panel, advised APPG panels and Select Committees on trade and manufacturing, contributed to ICC/WTO MSME trade negotiations, and is active in the City of London Livery, including as a Court Assistant at the Worshipful Company of World Traders and a Freeman of the City of London; she was awarded an OBE in the 2014 Queen’s Birthday Honours and promoted to CBE in the New Year Honours by King Charles III.
Rachel Stockton
Rachel Stockton is an expert in customs compliance and international trade procedures, specialising in importing and exporting regulations that keep businesses operating legally and efficiently. With more than 25 years’ experience, she designs and embeds robust internal and external infrastructures that withstand complex and frequently changing border and customs requirements. Her work enables companies to minimise risk, maintain continuity of supply and protect their reputations in tightly regulated global markets.
She is the Founder of CIE Services, where she supports organisations to build fit for purpose – hands on customs, compliance and trade functions from the ground up. In addition, she serves as Director of Special Projects at the Institute of Export & International Trade, working with UK businesses to prepare for regulatory change and to use customs special procedures to reduce fiscal exposure. Across these roles, she partners with leadership teams to align operational practice with strategic growth ambitions in international trade.
Previously, Rachel was Head of Imports, Customs and Compliance for Frasers Group, a FTSE 100 business, where she established the company’s import, export and customs department and created systems and processes to ensure consistent compliance. She worked closely with subsidiaries and partner businesses to deliver a unified working and reporting approach across the group. She also led the consolidation of all trade operations across the UK, Europe, the Republic of Ireland and the rest of the world, giving her handson experience of managing large, complex global trade flows.
Jane Cullen
With over 20 years of expertise in import and export, Jane is a prominent advocate for the SME sector. Her deep understanding of trade requirements makes her a trusted advisor to key organisations, including HMRC, the ICC, and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), where her insights directly influence national trade improvements and policy.
As Managing Director of Jointine Products, Jane champions the practical application of digital trade. Her work is featured by the UK TradeTech Sector and the ASEAN-UK Economic Integration Programme, where she is currently developing AI-driven solutions designed to remove complexity and modernise operations for small businesses globally.
Jane’s leadership is backed by an MSc in Governance and a degree in International Trade, alongside two decades of prior experience in senior leadership at the Department for Work and Pensions. A respected public speaker, she frequently shares her expertise at major UK industry events.
Sarah Carroll
Sarah is a globally recognised authority on international digital trade and cross-border e-commerce. An UN International E-commerce Expert and author of ‘Grow Fast, Grow Global: 6 Steps to Unstoppable International Growth in the Digital Age’, she has advised and propelled more than 12,000 companies across 20 countries to scale internationally, with many achieving up to 10x growth through her structured digital expansion frameworks.
She is the Founder of Grow Global and Deserve Digital, advising governments, economic development agencies and export-ready ambitious businesses on how to compete and win in global markets using structured digital and AI-powered growth systems.
Previously, Sarah worked with Deloitte and Accenture on large-scale global programmes, specialising in programme management, process re-engineering and complex IT platform builds across international markets.
