Maiden IFB sparked £250m investment
COMPANIES across the North West secured up to £250m of investment as a result of the International Festival for Business 2014 which took place in Liverpool.
A new evaluation of the IFB benefits are due to be published later this autumn and the impact study is expected to reveal significantly upgraded estimates on export sales secured through the festival.
The figures were revealed by IFB Chairman Max Steinberg to an audience of 200 stakeholders from a wide range of Liverpool organisations at an event to unveil further details of plans for next year’s festival, IFB 2016.
The amount of businesses expected to secure investment had been reassessed from 150 companies receiving an estimated £200m investment to 200 companies receiving an estimated £250m.
The number of companies expected to secure export sales over the next two years had also been upgraded, from 600 businesses securing £80m in exports to 750 businesses securing £100m in export sales.
Steinberg said that more than 50% of the companies estimated to have benefited from IFB2014 were from the North West.
He added: “This reassessment of the impact of IFB 2014 sends a very clear message about the tangible benefits which companies can expect if they attend and engage with IFB 2016.
“It is an opportunity to meet a global business network, to seek new customers and partners, and to exchange ideas and inspiration.”
The second International Festival for Business takes place in Liverpool in June next year, when thousands of businesses are expected to gather for three weeks of networking and deal-making.
The festival is supported by the UK government, main partner HSBC, global media partner Bloomberg and festival supporters DLA Piper, Heathrow, PwC, Siemens and Virgin Trains.
Some 200 representatives from a wide range of Liverpool City Region organisations were given an overview of plans for IFB2016 at an event at ACC Liverpool by festival Creative Director Jude Kelly.
A panel discussion also took place and members of the audience were invited to offer their ideas on how IFB2016 could be enhanced.
Kelly said: “The business landscape of this city is made up of an amazing mosaic of enterprises and people, an energetic fabric which is woven throughout the city.
“Liverpool is a place of absolute ambition and is blessed with wit and enterprise so we want to create a festival which matches that culture and a festival where people encounter the unexpected.”
Festival director Ian McCarthy added: “The backing of Government is of major importance, not just in terms of financial investment but in terms of political will. Both the Chancellor and Prime Minister are proactive and enthusiastic supporters and that is an important message as we continue to attract delegates from all over the world.
“Liverpool shaped IFB and seized the opportunity to create something in 2014 which gave us the confidence to build an even better festival in 2016.”
