Businesses across the North West showcased their achievements last week at the UK Innovation Hub at the International Business Festival, supported by the Department for International Trade (DIT) and attended by HRH Prince William.
Taking place in Liverpool, the festival was an opportunity to meet 30,000 industry professionals and develop future trading and investment opportunities. It also educated visitors about how Britain’s businesses are adapting to the changing modern world, covering artificial intelligence, clean growth, the future of mobility and our ageing society.
North West businesses including Chill Buddy Food were selected to represent the UK at the event, demonstrating how new ideas can lead to significant business growth, and operations in oversea markets.
Chill Buddy Food manufacture special insulating products designed to prolong the life of perishables. The business has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with DIT who have worked to help the company make the most of overseas opportunities.
HRH Prince William also attended the event, spending time with the North West team to hear about the opportunities businesses in the region have already seized to maximise their growth potential.
Speaking at the Festival last week, the International Trade Secretary Dr. Liam Fox, said: “The largest gathering of its kind, this year’s International Business Festival has brought 150 delegations from 90 countries to the Northern Powerhouse, where I am proud to see that UK innovation has been centre stage.
“Research recently released by the Department for International Trade shows that UK firms are optimistic about the success of their businesses abroad and increasingly interested in exporting, after seeing growing international demand for British goods. Around half of British businesses believe that the value of UK exports will continue to grow – more than double who think the opposite.
“Through campaigns such as Exporting is GREAT, we have encouraged 130,000 companies to take the first steps to exporting. We provided £2.5bn in support of UK exports through UK’s credit agency, UK Export Finance, last year and businesses are profiting as the value of exports rose to more than £625bn.
“I know that British business is up to the challenge. Whether you are new to exporting or a seasoned international business, you have a partner in this government ready to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Paul Stowers, Head of Regions, North West for the Department for International Trade, said: “The demand for UK goods and services abroad is huge and something we want to continue supporting wherever possible. This event provided businesses a fantastic opportunity to network and learn from international renowned speakers.
“HRH Prince William also stopped by our Innovation Hub to hear about North West business’ exporting achievements, which was a great honour and surprise!
“On the ground in the North West, we have a team of International Trade Advisers ready to help firms discover how exporting could benefit their business. During the festival it was a pleasure to see and support such strong North West businesses and celebrate the outstanding work they are doing.”
Top UK figures who attended and presented at the Festival included CBI Director-General Carolyn Fairbairn, Director at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine Janet Hemingway and CEO of ARM Holdings Simon Segars.
