The Department of Economic Development is encouraging local businesses to participate in the International Festival for Business, which is being held in Liverpool during June and July next year.
The Festival is set to attract 250,000 professionals from 125 countries and the Department is planning to showcase the Isle of Man’s diverse, successful economy.
Minister for Economic Development John Shimmin MHK commented:
‘In line with delivering the Government’s ‘Agenda for Change in Our Economy’ which sets out priorities for delivering economic growth we are committed to forging new sustainable relationships with other countries and business partners. The International Festival for Business will be a unique opportunity for the Isle of Man to showcase our status as an international business centre at a major global business event being held right on our doorstep.
‘In addition to our geographical and historical connections with the region, and with Liverpool in particular, the Isle of Man is a significant contributor to the North West’s economy.
‘My Department also continues to maintain a wide range of relationships with the North West, such as the Isle of Man Aerospace Cluster’s membership of the North West Aerospace Alliance and the Isle of Man Ship Registry’s membership of Mersey Maritime.’
The Festival will take place across Liverpool and the surrounding areas over 50 days next June and July and will feature events for professional and financial services, maritime, logistics and energy, manufacturing, science and technology, low carbon and renewables and creative and digital amongst others.
Over 100 separate events are being hosted, attracting 250,000 delegates from both developed and emerging markets such as China, India, United Arab Emirates, and the United States. The International Festival for Business also has the full backing of the UK Government, being publicly endorsed by Prime Minister David Cameron.
The Minister continued:
‘Given the range of sectors incorporated within the Festival it is highly appropriate for the Isle of Man to be involved. Many firms in the Island compete successfully against the very best in the world in their respective sectors so I would encourage them to consider engaging with the Festival.
‘We have developed a project team from within existing resources to manage our planned attendance at this event and they have started to engage with the business community in order to highlight the benefits of participation.’
Max Steinberg CBE, Chairman of the International Festival for Business 2014 and Chief Executive of Liverpool Vision has confirmed he will be visiting the Isle of Man for a second time in early November and will be making a presentation to the local business community.
Any interested parties such as businesses, local trade organisations or professional associations who want to know how to get involved with the International Festival for Business 2014 should email ifb@gov.im
