Member Article

All-party Westminster push for IFB 2014

The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Trade & Investment has held a special event at Westminster, to raise awareness of the role next year’s International Festival of Business will play in promoting British industry overseas.

The reception provided an overview of how the 50-day series of events will help increase UK exports, drive economic growth and attract inward investment. The APPG helped to bolster domestic support for the Festival as well as drive increased international participation in what will be the biggest global business event of 2014.

IFB champions and ambassadors addressed an audience of more than 100 influential and international business leaders and parliamentarians, including embassy representations from more than 20 nations.

Sarah Wood, IFB Ambassador and co-founder and COO of the world’s largest social video marketing platform UNRULY, delivered an inspiring keynote address, providing an entrepreneur’s perspective of the benefits IFB will bring to UK businesses seeking to expand globally.

The government-backed Festival will take place in Liverpool in June and July next year and is expected to bring a minimum of £100m direct investment into the UK, as well as an increase in international business opportunities.

Comprised of more than 100 world-class events, IFB will incorporate all areas of commerce that are transforming the business landscape of Britain and beyond. Key sectors will include: manufacturing, science & technology; maritime, logistics & energy; knowledge, professional & financial services; higher & further education & research; low carbon & renewables; cities, enterprise & urban business; knowledge, creative & digital.

The APPG for Trade and Investment was formed to research and inform debate over how best to support British exporters, particularly SMEs, and encourage foreign direct investment into the UK. It promotes trade and enables links between parliamentarians, industry and government in the UK and abroad.

IFB Ambassador and co-founder of UNRULY, Sarah Wood said: “Next year’s Festival will provide a much-needed opportunity for global businesses and entrepreneurs to connect and collaborate with one another.

“We knew from day one that one day we wanted to be a global company, but we didn’t go as fast or as far at the speed we wanted. It’s wonderful to see support from government and such high-profile groups – instilling confidence and belief in SMEs is critical to performing on the international stage.

“The Festival will help businesses meet the right clients, suppliers, and advisers to build the strong international teams needed to successfully expand into different territories.”

Hosting the APPG, Margot James MP said: “A lot of people here have done great things to help push British exports, which the government hopes to double by 2020 – they are doing so much to help businesses that we don’t just expect to reach this target, but smash it.

“I am extremely excited about coming up to Liverpool and taking part in next year’s events.”

Ian McCarthy, Festival Director, IFB 2014 said: “IFB is about showing off the best of British and letting the world know that the UK is the home of international business.

“Next year’s festival will provide unrivalled networking opportunities. It will provide British businesses with access to new markets, helping them to develop products that can be supplied on an international level.

“IFB will deliver valuable, practical support for SMEs and will provide the space for them to make the step up.”

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