LIVERPOOL, England, July 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The world's biggest international business festival hosted in Liverpool has facilitated £250 million worth of business deals, according to new research.

The economic windfall has been provided thanks to the biennial International Business Festival, staged in 2014 and 2016, which has attracted 31,000 visitors from 98 countries, with large delegations from India, the US and China.

In 2016 the festival welcomed over 25,000 delegates from around the world, putting on a schedule of inspiring events.

The festival is aimed at small and medium-sized companies, particularly those eyeing overseas trade, with 30 per cent of previous delegates reporting that they were actively exporting or exploring the opportunity of exporting to new international markets.

A total of 103 international delegations made up of 639 unique delegates visited the 2016 festival, with 9% of these coming from India.  

Figures were revealed in an independent analysis published with a year to go before Liverpool hosts the 2018 International Business Festival.

Next year's event is already in full swing and organisers predict that the total value of deals over the three festivals will reach £1bn, boosted by the trade and investment from the 2018 event.

The upbeat forecast came as they unveiled details of the 2018 festival, which will be held over nine days in June next year at the international conference centre.

Organisers are promising a stellar line-up of inspirational speakers, including heads of government, royalty and business leaders to be announced in the coming months. Lead sponsor HSBC, have already committed to supporting the 2018 Festival.

Each day will focus on a different high-growth business sector, including global economics, future transport, creative industries, manufacturing and life sciences.

A new innovation hub will showcase the latest business trends; a "festival incubator" will offer expert advice to expanding firms and there will be a wide range of cutting-edge conferences. Taking to the "blueskies stage" will be world-renowned industry experts, influencers and innovators.

Max Steinberg, chair of the 2018 International Business Festival, said: "The Indian business community is a critical audience for the 2018 International Business Festival. As close trade partners, the Indian and UK business communities have a long histbory of collaboration. Our festival will provide a strong opportunity for start-ups, SMEs and larger corporations to develop import/export partnerships and generate new business. In 2016, nine percent of companies participating were headquartered in India; many saw great value in their attendance."

Amanda Murphy, Head of Commercial Banking for HSBC UK, said: "SMEs are the lifeblood of the UK economy and for many there is an appetite to grow their business through

exporting.  For those worrying about having a lack of exporting experience the International Business Festival brings SMEs together with experts to explore opportunities.  We're looking forward to joining the UK's most exciting young businesses eager to discover the international markets available to them."

Richard Heald OBE, CEO of the UK India British Business Council, said: "The 2014 and 2016 Festivals were tremendous in raising the profile of the UK India Business Council and, critically, in connecting us to new clients and partners. The quality of the events, exhibitions, and networking were fantastic, and we learned a huge amount about the international business drivers of companies from all across the world. The Festival continues to innovate and respond to business needs, and we are really looking forward to being part of the 2018 Festival which is shaping up to be the best yet."

Businesses have testified to the export gains achieved by attending the festival.

Brian Wilkins of Abbey Group said: "We secured a £20m boost through the Festival and significantly advanced our global profile"

Michelle Billington of Foot in the door films said: "We estimate deals agreed at the festival will bring investment of between £2 to £30m over the next 3 - 5 years."

The festival will be held between 12-18 June. For further information please visit www.internationalbusinessfestival.com

Notes to Editors 

About International Business Festival 

The International Business Festival is the world's biggest business event. Hosted every two years in its home city of Liverpool, the festival captures the dynamism and diversity of the global marketplace. The goal is to give businesses the space, support and expertise they need to make connections, do deals and realise their potential. The International Business Festival is co-funded by the City of Liverpool and the UK government through the Liverpool City Region combined authority single investment fund.

internationalbusinessfestival.com | @thebusinessfest

Independent research analysis conducted by SG Lingard.

For more information about the 2018 International Business Festival please visit http://internationalbusinessfestival.com/

SOURCE 2018 International Business Festival