International Festival for Business 2016 (IFB2016)
UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) have partnered with IFB2016 as part of the Exporting is GREAT campaign to create 3 weeks of events, networking and deal-making.
Prime Minister David Cameron opening the IFB in 2014
IFB2016 is a global marketplace, bringing together thousands of delegates from around the world to create connections, share ideas and do business. It takes place from 13 June to 1 July 2016 at the purpose built Exhibition Centre Liverpool.
The first International Festival in 2014 saw 70,000 people attend events and created an estimated £300 million worth of investment and export sales. Building on this success, IFB2016 will be the biggest event of its kind next year.
The festival will provide significant opportunities to promote the UK around the world. It will enhance the competitiveness of British companies through overseas trade and investment.
What’s happening?
There are over 70 high quality events planned, focussing on 3 important sectors:
- manufacturing
- energy and environment
- digital and creative
There will be a business services area where businesses can access free professional advice from experts in international trade, logistics, legal, banking, finance and more.
It will have the world’s biggest meet the buyer event with over 7,500 appointments available with buyers, advisers and investors from around the world.
The GREAT British Showcase will be there - a major exhibition curated by Number 10, featuring the UK’s most advanced innovations, products and technology.
There will be an investment hub, showcasing the best of British opportunities and a digital matching service to introduce businesses to potential customers.
Catherine Raines, Chief Executive of UKTI, announced:
IFB is a huge opportunity to promote the UK as an unrivalled international business hub and to enhance the competitiveness of British companies competing on the world stage.
The UK’s largest business festival will bring together decision makers, forge new business relationships and deliver real business results that drive UK exports and secure new inward investment.
Why attend?
IFB2016 offers an unrivalled platform for companies to explore new export opportunities and grow their global network.
Over 35,000 UK and International delegates are expected to attend, giving UK Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) access to thousands of meetings and potential deals.
UKTI’s delivery network in 144 countries will work with IFB2016 to attract the world’s smartest business leaders and thousands of top international delegates.
A dedicated trading floor at the festival will see experts from across the world come together to support new trade and investment.
Who’s supporting IFB2016?
IFB2016 is backed by funding from HM Treasury and was announced in 2014 by Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne.
Current ambassadors include:
- Wayne Hemingway MBE, Co-founder of Red or Dead
- Lord Bilamoria CBE, Chairman of Cobra Beer
- Judy Kelly OBE, Artistic Director of Southbank Centre
- Will Butler-Adams OBE, CEO of Brompton Bicycle
- Claire Braithwaite, CEO of Tech North
How can you get involved?
Register now for the IFB2016 Business Club. This is your free ticket into the festival and also provides access to exclusive benefits during the run-up to the festival – including a range of free business support services that will be launched soon.
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