Countdown to world's biggest business event in Liverpool

British business leaders gathered, 17 May, to mark the 30-day countdown to the International Festival for Business 2016 at a showcase at London’s BT Tower. The event featured an exhibition of innovative British businesses. IFB2016 chair Max Steinberg (pictured) gave an update on the plans for the world’s biggest business event. He said: “IFB2016 is a central part of Britain’s ambition to promote economic growth, rebalance the UK economy, and hit our ambitious exports targets. “IFB2016 will shed light on the industries that are fuelling the UK in the 21^st Century, the businesses that are driving these sectors, and the future stars of British enterprise across Energy and Environment, Creative and Digital and Manufacturing. “These are businesses that are thriving across the country – firms with the ambition and creativity that embody the spirit of Brand Britain that resonates around the globe. It’s this spirit that will be on full display in Liverpool in just 30 days time.” Dr Catherine Raines, CEO of UK Trade & Investment, set out the role she hoped IFB2016 would play in the government’s efforts to boost UK exports and encourage inward investment. She said: “IFB2016 will be the premier event of the business calendar this year and I am proud UK Trade & Investment is partnering with BT and Liverpool Vision on this opportunity.” She added the UKTI programme would will bring together UK companies of all sizes, experienced exporters and first timers with buyers and international investors. “From UK Food and drink businesses who want to build their e-commerce capabilities to global investors looking for oil and gas opportunities here in the UK – I am calling on all companies to attend by registering for the IFB2016 Business Club today.” Backed by HM Government, IFB2016 will open on 13 June and run for three weeks. Hub venue for the festival is ACC Liverpool. BT, Google and HSBC are the lead sponsors of IFB2016, with the Festival’s commercial partners including ARUP, DLA Piper, DONG Energy, Heathrow, PwC, Siemens and Virgin Trains.