Law firm Shoosmiths advises Manchester-based FutureEverything on new Asian festival

The Manchester office of Shoosmiths, the national law firm, has advised innovation lab FutureEverything on its £500k commision from the Singaporean government to host a digital culture festival in the country later this year.

Laura Harper, a partner and head of creative industries at Shoosmiths, led a team that offered advice to FutureEverything and negotiated contract terms with the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA), which is the joint host of the event.

Laura said: ‘We have very much enjoyed working with FutureEverything again and advising on this international project, which will not only boost Manchester’s international reputation as a creative and innovative city but also help to boost the city’s economy and give exposure to FutureEverything in the Far East.“

The event, which is Manchester-based FutureEverything’s first Asian festival, will form part of the SG50 celebrations held to mark 50 years since Singapore was founded. The festival will feature an innovation lab, conference and art installations across the the city-state.

Over 30k Singaporeans, in addition to artists and tourists from the UK and elsewhere, are expected to attend.

FutureEverything’s founder and creative director, Drew Hemment, commented: “Laura Harper and the creative industries team at Shoosmiths did a great job for us on the contract. Their work enabled us to negotiate a complex partnership deal.

“Singapore is a city of the future and so an ideal home for the FutureEverything festival. Our ambition is to open the debate around the future and emerging technology to more voices with art and innovation centre stage.”

He added: “As we celebrate our own landmark 20th year, we’re thrilled to be part of the celebrations for Singapore’s 50th anniversary.”

FutureEverything’s commision from the Singaporean government was highlighted during PM David Cameron’s recent Northern Powerhouse trade mission to Southeast Asia, with representatives from the company joining the prime minister on the trip.

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