IFB2016 heads to Downing Street
A DOWNING Street reception has been held to celebrate the upcoming International Festival for Business 2016.
The event, hosted by IFB2016 and Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, welcomed business, government and diplomatic representatives from more than 50 of the UK’s most important trading nations and marked the government’s recognition of the festival as a major global platform for international trade and investment.
International government figures attended the gathering at 11 Downing Street, representing nations that will take part in this year’s festival – with more than 100 overseas delegations expected over the three weeks.
Max Steinberg CBE, chair of IFB2016, said: “Bringing together the London international diplomatic and business community is a powerful demonstration of the reach and impact that IFB2016 will have.
“I am delighted with this very positive response from the representatives of many countries who are very keen to participate in the festival. With more than 100 overseas delegations expected, it will be a global marketplace where connections are made and deals are done.”
IFB2016 also used the occasion to unveil communications giant BT as a major headline partner for this year’s festival, having previously supported the inaugural festival in 2014.
Graham Sutherland, chief executive of BT Business, said: “The event provides the perfect opportunity for businesses of all sizes to network, learn and explore how they can grow their business at home and abroad.
“Relationships are at the heart of doing business and communications technology enables business to build quicker and more effective relationships, as well as maximize potential opportunities beyond the UK.”
BT joins HSBC as a festival partner and festival supporters Arup, DLA Piper, Dong Energy, Heathrow, PwC, Siemens and Virgin Trains.
The three week business festival commences on 13 June 2016 and will focus on three key sectors that are transforming the business landscape of Britain and beyond: manufacturing; creative & digital; and energy and environment.
