A better future looks like a world where small businesses and new entrepreneurs, wherever they are, can compete on a level playing field. Where brilliant ideas get fair access to trade, capital, and global markets. We need economies that work for everyone. Because inclusive growth makes for a stronger society.
How Jamila Saidi left their lane.
Jamila Saidi moved from financial-services marketing into international trade – and now helps global brands build growth through culture.
“Jamila Saidi started her career marketing businesses where trust matters.
Across Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management, Lloyds Bank Private Banking and Grant Thornton, she worked in B2B and B2C marketing with entrepreneurs, investors, high-net-worth individuals and large organisations. Over time, that gave her experience of growth at a very individual scale – understanding what makes people choose where to place their money, their business and their confidence.
Then the scale changed.
Saidi joined the UK’s trade organisation and spent more than a decade across UK Trade & Investment, the Department for International Trade and the Department for Business and Trade. By the end of that chapter, she was leading Digital Commerce, Culture & Lifestyle – helping British businesses enter international markets while also encouraging overseas companies to grow and invest in the UK.
Digital trade became a particular focus.
She led the government’s Digital Exporting Programme, connecting businesses with international marketplaces, specialist advice and the tools required to sell across borders. The programme was designed especially to lower some of the barriers facing smaller businesses trying to reach customers overseas.
In 2026, after 10 years and 327 days in government, Saidi stepped into a new chapter.
She is now Chief Growth Officer at Culture3, where she leads commercial strategy and partnership development for a business built around helping global brands turn their priorities into cultural conversations. Alongside it, she is developing a wider portfolio across the creative, luxury, retail, digital and technology economies. Culture3
She also serves on the World Media Group’s Brand Advisory Board, continuing a career spent moving between businesses, sectors and the communities they need to understand.
Saidi spent a decade helping British businesses enter new markets.
Now she is helping brands enter the conversations that shape them.”
Previously with <Jamila Saidi>
Flagship Event 2026
Two days of bold ideas, unexpected connections and conversations that challenged how we think about tomorrow. The event may be over, but the ideas and collaborations are just getting started.
