Marquee move for YIBC
THE Yorkshire International Business Convention is set to be hosted in a series of purpose built marquees at MEPC’s Wellington Place site in Leeds in 2012.
Mike Firth, founder of the annual event, also believes the move will enable a business and arts festival to be launched over the weekend of YIBC, which is set to take place on June 15.
The change in venue from the Harrogate International Centre follows Mr Firth admitting there was a lack of atmosphere at this year’s event.
He has promised to bring the ‘wow factor’ back to the event and is keen to mirror the success of YIBC’s sister convention in Bridlington which has continued to prove popular and will remain in the seaside town.
In a letter sent to more than 50 business leaders from across the region, Mr Firth said the move would present “a bigger opportunity” to promote Leeds.
“Tom Riordan (chief executive of Leeds City Council) is highly supportive of the move and sees it as an opportunity for Leeds and our county to celebrate all that we have to offer, both economically and culturally,” Mr Firth said in the letter.
Speaking to TheBusinessDesk.com, Mr Firth said: “I think it’s the right time for a change. Sometimes when you’ve been doing something for a while you need to get it wrong to get it right again.
“There’s now a great opportunity to rethink the whole thing. Leeds is pretty spiritual for us anyway as that’s where our customers are.”
Wellington Place is set to be home to a number of office units which are planned to be constructed when economic conditions improve.
During the downturn, MEPC has utilised the space by creating a five-a-side football pitch, allotments and public seating on the site.
Mr Firth is to hold a meeting in September with senior business figures to discuss the plans further.
