The International Business Festival will open its doors to thousands of delegates from across the world tomorrow, as the world’s biggest business festival returns to the UK.
The event aims to inspire delegates, boost their skills and help them grow their business. Industry experts will be on hand to offer practical advice on Leadership & Skills, Access to Finance and Market Opportunities from the event’s Knowledge Hub.
An estimated 150 international delegations – including 25 from China – are expected in Liverpool between June 12 and 28, all eager to connect with British businesses.
A host of new speakers and sessions have recently been added to the programme, which aims to map out the future of nine high-growth sectors: Global Economics, Urbanisation & Cities, Sustainable Energy, Future Transport, Manufacturing, Global Logistics & Shipping, Health & Life Sciences, Creative Industries, Sports, Culture & Travel.
Newly announced speakers include London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Northern Powerhouse exports and investment lead Marian Sudbury and Institute of Directors infrastructure expert Dan Lewis.
They join figures including Simon Segars, CEO of processor giant ARM Holdings, Gina Miller – the woman whose campaign forced the government to consult Parliament over Brexit – and new UK Chief Scientific Adviser Dr Patrick Vallance on the line-up.
- The Festival opens with a day dedicated to Global Economics (June 12), hosted by BBC business presenter Tanya Beckett. Speakers include CBI director-general Carolyn Fairbairn and IB-Watson’s Anthony Behan. Practical sessions cover finance for export and innovation, guidance on trading with China and India and a showcase of Shanghai
- Day two focuses on Urbanisation & Cities, with all seven English regional metro mayors on the bill, with Khan, Siemens CEO Juergen Maier and Andrew Carter of the Centre for Cities. Practical Knowledge Hub workshops cover growing your business in Europe, motivating your workforce to increase productivity, blockchain in real estate and sustainable cities
- Sustainable Energy Day rounds off Week One. Hosted by sustainability guru Mark Shayler, it features Ørsted MD Matthew Wright, Faraday Challenge director Jacqui Murray and Iceland Foods sustainability head Hil Berg. Practical sessions focus on renewables in Africa, nuclear opportunities in north-west England and distributed power generation.
More than 35 companies will be featured in the UK Innovation Hub, which showcases the best of British technology, while an international marketplace will feature up to 100 exhibitors each day.
As a Chamber Member you can get 20% off tickets, email membership@sthelenschamber.com for your discount code.