Plans for the International Festival for Business 2014 (IFB 2014), the 61-day expo of world-class events, bringing £100 million of inward investment to Britain, are to be unveiled today at a key UKTI export event in Liverpool.
Former CEO of Tesco, Sir Terry Leahy, Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson and Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, Sir Howard Bernstein are headlining the Business Briefing at the Hilton Hotel. (Monday, May 13, 2013)
Sir Howard Bernstein will address the crucial role that cities have to play in driving national economic growth. Sir Terry Leahy will then deliver a keynote address on turning Tesco into a world-beating business, and will give insight into his more recent investments in entrepreneurs.
Mayor Anderson and Max Steinberg, Chief Executive of Liverpool Vision, the organisation leading the delivery of IFB 2014 will set out the vision for next year’s Festival.
IFB 2014 will be a global showcase of great British industry, bringing the world of business to Liverpool in June and July 2014. Comprising hundreds of world-class events, the Festival is a key part of the government’s ambition to promote economic growth, rebalance the economy and double UK exports by 2020.
The Festival will also offer considerable opportunities for small and medium size businesses to make international connections, exchange new ideas, promote their products, create new partnerships and seek new sources of finance.
Speakers at the Business Briefing include:
Sir Terry Leahy, former CEO Tesco
Joe Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool
Sir Howard Bernstein, CEO, Manchester City Council
Max Steinberg, CEO Liverpool Vision
Steph McGovern, BBC Breakfast Business Correspondent
Deborah Leary, CEO, Forensic Pathways
Steve Toogood, Director, UK India Business Council
Ian McCarthy, Festival Director, IFB 2014
Mayor Anderson said:
“Liverpool has transformed its reputation on national and international stages and hosting the IFB 2014 next year for the nation is the next step in our development and another opportunity to make our own mark.
“Our reinvention as a city, in line with that of the UK’s need to evolve and redefine its own global standing in terms of business and trade, is not being lost on the scores of individuals and organisations who are already approaching us to participate next year.”
Sir Terry Leahy, former CEO of Tesco, said:
“Britain is a nation known around the world for brilliant brands and pioneering business ideas. The IFB in 2014 will provide the place for businesses around the world to meet, bringing 61-days of world-class events to Liverpool. I’m pleased to support Festival and Liverpool’s continuing drive to become as well known for its business as for its culture.”
Sir Howard Bernstein, Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, said:
“Cities and their regions play a crucial role in driving economic growth, providing much needed jobs for workers and operating as vibrant centres for trade. England’s major cities are economic power houses that are determined to play their part in boosting the UK’s prospects.
“Given Liverpool’s recent track record in hosting major events I am sure it will be an excellent host city for the International Festival for Business 2014.”
Max Steinberg, Chief Executive of Liverpool Vision, said:
“Liverpool hosting IFB 2014 is about forging ahead with our own forward-looking path and playing a significant part in the national effort to promote Britain at its best.
“Liverpool next summer will be the place to be for business and for culture and we are looking forward to hosting world beating events for hundreds of thousands of visitors in what is likely to be the most significant business event in the UK for a generation or more.”
For more information, please visit the website: http://www.ifb2014.com/