Member Article

American opportunities in spotlight at IFB 2014

Conquering the USA represents the ultimate ambition for many businesses – but when a market consists of 50 different states, uses 9 different time zones and has 35 million people who speak Spanish as their first language – a key issue is how to get your message across.

As part of the International Festival of Business (IFB), UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is hosting a free event to help companies build their brand in the USA.

The event, taking place at the IFB Hub in Liverpool from 9.00am, Thursday 26 June, will include expert speakers, panel discussions and case studies of companies who have found success in the USA – as well as plenty of networking opportunities.

Speakers will include Michelle Davies of international digital marketing company Bright Blue Day, who will examine cultural and commercial differences in the US ; Phil Carroll from LPW Technology, which has recently established a subsidiary in America, and Spencer Mahoney and David Booth, who will outline the help and support UKTI can offer to companies looking to establish a foothold in the USA.

Also speaking at the event is Paul Grover of Arup, one of the most recognisable names in architecture, will be showing how Arup maintain brand identity across 37 different countries.

Clive Drinkwater, Regional Director, UKTI North West said: “America is the biggest export market for the North West, yet many companies can find it difficult to know where to start.

“The USA is the world’s largest market and, while presenting great opportunities, this can also lead to unique challenges, including different approaches and attitudes between the 50 market states and strong competition.

“Just because we have a common language it does not mean that we have the same approach to business.

“The USA can be an expensive market to trade in initially, and it is essential that businesses make sure they are fully prepared and carry out thorough research into their own sectors to find out exactly where there products or services will fit.

“UKTI is able to help with research, tailored one to one advice and trade visits, and I would urge businesses to come to the USA day this week to find out more. “

In the afternoon there will also be the opportunity to see the finalists of the Living Cities challenge present their creative visions.

The Challenge is a unique opportunity for architects in the UK and USA to showcase their capabilities, presenting their ideas to the foremost experts in their field. Leading architects will explain their innovative ideas on four inner city problem areas, and their presentations will be discussed by live audiences in Liverpool, Bristol and Chicago.

The IFB is the UK’s largest business event in the UK during 2014, and will highlight the benefits of exporting for businesses large and small with over 200 events running back-to-back.

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