LONDON — FleishmanHillard UK has boosted its international trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) offer with the appointment of Tim Harding, who joins from the UK Department for International Trade.

Harding joins as an associate director in FleishmanHillard UK's international affairs unit, working with senior partner and head of international affairs Michael Hartt, and the agency’s public affairs and corporate practices.

In his previous role, Harding was a specialist in foreign trade, investment and economic development into the UK, with a focus on Asian markets. He led the UK’s outreach with Japanese and Korean investors and provided counsel to Downing Street, DIT Ministers, trade policy teams and government departments on corporate engagement.

He also has private sector experience of running trade logistics and operations between Europe and Asia in the global shipping and logistics sector.

Harding will be a key part of FleishmanHillard’s FDI campaigns for governments positioning themselves for greater trade and investment, overseas business expansion and international collaboration.

The hire comes as FleishmanHillard UK expands its international trade capabilities in response to increased demand after the UK’s departure from the EU, ongoing supply chain challenges, and bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements under consideration.

Hartt said: “Our clients are facing a convergence of issues, from the push to sign post-Brexit trade deals, to unlocking COVID-19 recovery, to geopolitical challenges around trade. Tim’s counsel and campaign leadership will help clients communicate to business and political stakeholders as they pursue economic growth and address the future of globalisation.” 

Harding added: “As the UK and other nations realign their focus to the Indo-pacific region, I look forward to harnessing my experience of economic relationships between Europe and Asia to provide meaningful and impactful advice to our multinational clients on the opportunities and challenges that new bilateral trade deals, multilateral agreements and changing FDI flows present.”