ITC Business Council Highlights: Daniel Evans

Daniel Evans – Deputy Chairperson of the Business Council for Foreign and Direct Investment (FDI).

Meet Daniel Evans, a dynamic business leader and Chief Executive Officer of Birmingham Enterprise Community (BEC), who serves as a Deputy Chairperson of the Business Council for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) within the International Trade Council. With a wealth of experience and expertise in international trade, Daniel is a prominent figure in the field of business services and support.

Birmingham Enterprise Community (BEC), an award-winning business support organization and a Department for Business and Trade approved Local Enterprise Agency, is at the heart of Daniel’s professional journey. BEC is known for its comprehensive range of business support services, including business creation and growth programs, bespoke consultancy services, and strategic development assistance. What sets BEC apart is its team of entrepreneurs, sector-specialist advisors, and strategic partners, enabling them to address a wide spectrum of business challenges.

Daniel’s foray into this industry was born out of his own challenges and frustrations in starting a business. This personal experience ignited the creation of BEC, and over nearly five years, it has grown to become one of the UK’s leading enterprise support organizations, with a particular focus on international market entry and sustainability.

His educational background, including an MSc in Entrepreneurship, a BA (Hons) in Business Management, and a Professional Certificate in Accounting (PCA), has provided him with a strong foundation for success in his career.

Throughout his career, Daniel has been involved in key projects and initiatives, collaborating with organizations such as the West Midlands Combined Authority, Aston University, the UK Government’s Department of Business & Trade, ProChile, The High Commission of Canada in the UK, and many others. These collaborations have contributed significantly to his professional accomplishments, with his proudest achievement being the support provided to over 2,000 entrepreneurs from 20 different countries, resulting in a diverse range of innovations and solutions to address various challenges.

Reflecting on industry evolution, Daniel acknowledges that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about substantial shifts in work and business practices. As for future challenges, he believes the industry must prioritize addressing the climate crisis and explore new economic principles to shape the economies of the future.

When asked about the industry’s future in the next 5-10 years, Daniel remains open to various possibilities, recognizing that much depends on significant decisions yet to be made.

In terms of exciting trends and technologies, he highlights the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in shaping decision-making processes in the realm of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and trade.

For aspiring professionals entering the industry, Daniel’s advice is simple yet powerful: network extensively. Building and nurturing relationships with the right individuals can be instrumental in advancing one’s career.

When confronted with setbacks and challenges, Daniel’s resilience shines through. He emphasizes the importance of persistence, seeking advice from mentors, and adopting a long-term perspective to overcome obstacles.

As for his role models and inspirations in the field, Daniel has a multitude, a testament to the rich tapestry of experiences and insights he has encountered throughout his career.

Beyond his professional life, Daniel’s interests span the world of sports, including football, rugby, and Formula 1. He’s an avid runner and a theatre enthusiast, demonstrating a passion for a diverse range of activities that enrich his life outside of the business world.