Mayor promises ‘phenomenal’ International Festival for Business
LIVERPOOL’S Mayor Joe Anderson has pledged that 2014’s International Festival for Business, to be held in the city next summer, will be a “phenomenal” event for the city, the wider region, and the UK.
Speaking at an preview event in the city on Monday, where he enlisted the support of Manchester, which he described as “our closest and dearest neighbour” and former Tesco chief executive Sir Terry Leahy, Mayor Anderson called for businesses to engage with the organisers of the event, so they can take part in the 61-day business showcase.
He said: “There will be a fantastic programme of cultural events alongside the International Festival for Business, it’s going to be phenomenal and a festival to remember, where deals are done and contacts are made.
“It will be the place to meet your global market, and will be a fantastic showcase of British excellence, enterprise and entrepreneurship.”
Festival director Ian McCarthy of Liverpool Vision revealed that the Government had committed £5m towards the cost of the event, which in total will cost £15m to put on.
Sir Terry Leahy, one of five IFB ambassadors, said he wished such an event had taken place during the early days of his tenure at Tesco, arguing it would have helped build relationships with contacts, customers and suppliers.
“The IFB is a wonderful opportunity – in my experience connections, networks and partnerships are vital in developing a successful international business.
“It’s a very big world out there, and being able to call on people who know that little bit more [than you] is very imporant.”
He said he was backing the event in the city of his birth because: “it is a sign that Liverpool is becoming more confident and is engaging with the future.”
The North West, he said can become a “second engine for UK growth” alongside London and the South East if businesses can become more confident in their own abilities to compete globally.
“If we lack anything I think we lack self belief – we have the talent and the skills, we just need to change the attitude.”
Sir Howard Bernstein, chief executive of Manchester City Council, said the event would benefit the whole North West, and was a sign of the important role northern cities have to play in rebalancing the economy.
“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 and chair of IFB2014, added: “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.”
