Paul Abley

Trailblazer
DISC Type : DI

Director of Community, Events and Partnerships | FDEA at Food & Drink Exporters Association (FDEA)

Basingstoke, England, United Kingdom

Overview

Paul Abley is the Director of Community, Events and Partnerships at the Food & Drink Exporters Association (FDEA). A strategic thinker with extensive experience in international trade from his time at the Department for Business and Trade, he excels at opening new markets and building brand awareness. People he has worked with describe him as diligent, innovative, and creative.

He is part of a team with the ambitious mission to increase UK food and drink exports by £1 billion every year for the next decade.

Personality Overview

Assertive

Achievement-Oriented

Informal

They do not mind taking risks and can make hard decisions, if necessary.  They will fight for you if they come to believe in you. They are more likely to be open to unproven but exciting technologies.

Topics They Care About

UK Food Exports
He is central to FDEA's mission of boosting UK food and drink exports, aiming to add £1 billion in new overseas sales annually for the next 10 years.
Industry Community Building
His role focuses on creating a vibrant community by connecting members, partners, and international buyers through high-impact events and strategic programmes.
International Market Entry
Leveraging his government trade advisory background, he specializes in creating strategies for UK food and drink brands to successfully enter and grow in global markets.

Media Appearances

Paul has no verified media appearances

Work History

1-2026
Director of Community, Events and Partnerships | FDEA at Food & Drink Exporters Association (FDEA)
1-2026
Director of Community, Events & Partnerships at Future of Food Competition
4-2017 - 12-2025
International Innovation & Delivery Manager at Department for Business and Trade
11-2012 - 3-2017
Senior International Trade Adviser at Department for Business and Trade
5-2012 - 12-2012
Contract Position - Business Development Manager EMEA at YR Free Technologies

Education

Paul has no verified education history

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 14 Location : Basingstoke, England, United Kingdom Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Director of Community, Events and Partnerships | FDEA at Food & Drink Exporters Association (FDEA)
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Insights For Selling To Paul

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Use phrases like ‘your decision will’, ‘you will impact’ etc.
  • Ask them for a lunch or coffee once some rapport has been established
  • Keep your pitch focused on the impact but nurture the relationship too

DONT's

  • Don’t hesitate from asking them how they truly feel about your product
  • Don’t force involvement of other stakeholders unless it is critical
  • Don’t hesitate from asking questions or pushing them, but take a friendly approach

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Paul is

  • Relationship and product conviction matter equally, followed by a sense of achievement.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Paul

  • If they are not convinced, they will say no albeit in a friendly manner.


Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Paul move?

  • They can reach decisions quickly if they develop trust and confidence in the product.
  • Can Paul take some risk or not?

  • They can take risks if necessary.

You And Paul

Personality Compatibility


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