Frances joined DTI (now BEIS) as a fast-streamer in 2001, following a successful teaching career. At DTI she led on an EU Directive, wrote the Departments first Equality Impact Assessment and worked on the Business Support transformation programme, before joining UK Trade & Investment in 2004. Frances has a range of experience in different markets, including Iraq, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, South Africa and was the Director of Trade & Investment at the British Embassy Abu Dhabi for five years, before moving to Hong Kong, where she was Director of Trade & Investment for six years.  She is now Director Exports North America, based in Chicago.