Member Article

Extra attractions for IFB 2014

The International Festival for Business (IFB) 2014 is adding new events to its programme, to enhance its position as the UK’s most significant event for export and entrepreneurship.

IFB will bring together representatives from almost every industry. New events announced cover a diverse range of sectors, from photography to education and construction to regeneration, all of which will complement the festival’s rich programme of trade events in Liverpool next June and July. IFB is expected to bring 250,000 visitors to the city region, and £100m of new inward investment to Britain.

The second wave of events further strengthen the IFB programme, which features events such as the Global Leaders’ Summit, Accelerate 2014 and Made in the UK.

The newly confirmed events are:

The Sony World Photographic Exhibition: The world’s largest photography awards and exhibition dedicated to supporting and cultivating photographic culture

The International Trade Expo: The UK’s only business awards targeting importers and exporters, helping them to reach high growth and emerging markets

All Our Futures: The unique event that unites Head Teachers around the world to provide high quality, exclusive insights into teaching and learning

The UK Business Angel Awards: This prestigious event brings together leading players in the angel and early stage investment community to recognise and reward inspiring achievements

TAF British Coatings Federation: The event which unites nationwide decision makers in the construction industry

TAF NAPIT: An event set to attract over 400 trade installers to discuss the future advancements of their industries

Regen Europe: A key event that explores the challenges faced by European towns and cities

The International Festival for Business is a 50-day, government backed festival that will be taking place between June and July 2014. It will connect UK businesses to new markets, new products and partners and will be a global showcase of great British industry.

The festival has received backing from some of the UK’s leading business organisations, including the Federation of Small Businesses, British Chambers of Commerce and UKTI. It forms a key part of the government’s ambition to promote economic growth, rebalance the economy and double UK exports by 2020.

British business champions and prominent entrepreneurs have also pledged their support for the festival, with IFB Ambassadors including former Tesco CEO Sir Terry Leahy, National Chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses John Allan and award-winning entrepreneurs and Ella’s Kitchen founder Paul Lindley.

Max Steinberg CBE, Chair of IFB, said:“These latest events highlight the breadth of business audiences that the festival will bring together next summer, from large corporates to emerging start-ups, and across all sectors and industries.

“The City of Liverpool is proud to be hosting the most important business event in 2014, and it is a privilege to be at the forefront of ensuring Britain remains a leader on the global business map.”

John Allan, National Chairman, Federation of Small Businesses and IFB Ambassador, said:“It’s vital that Britain’s small businesses receive the encouragement they need to start operating internationally. We are delighted to be taking part in the festival, which will play an important role in selling Great Britain and its businesses to the world.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .