A former Dragon, a fashion designer and the founder of a high-profile beer brand are among the first ambassadors announced for the 2016 International Festival for Business (IFB) in Liverpool.
They will join a host of business organisations that have already partnered with the festival including HSBC, DLA Piper, Heathrow, Siemens, PwC and Virgin Trains.
The first wave of ambassadors are:
- Kelly Hoppen, interior designer and formerly of BBC's Dragons' Den- Wayne Hemingway, co-founder, Red or Dead and Hemingway Design- Lord Bilimoria, founder, Cobra Beer- Will Butler-Adams, chief executive, Brompton Bicycle- Professor Sir Keith Burnett, vice chancellor, University of Sheffield- Manish Madhvani, co-founder and managing partner, GP Bullhound- Claire Braithwaite, head of Tech North
Backed by the government, IFB 2016 is the world's biggest business festival. It will bring together thousands of global businesses, providing a platform for companies to connect and conduct international commerce.
Its predecessor IFB 2014 was a global showcase for British business. The 50-day festival in Liverpool attracted 68,600 business attendees from 92 countries at 415 events.
The next festival will start on 13 June 2016. It will focus on three key sectors, namely manufacturing, creative and digital, and energy and environment.
Max Steinberg (pictured), chairman of IFB 2016, said: "With the backing of UK government and support of such reputable business leaders, the International Festival for Business 2016 will undoubtedly be the greatest global business showcase of next year.
"The UK's hidden business gems will come together to define the future of international business – showcasing the best Britain has to offer and forging long lasting global business relationships. Our ambassadors will play a crucial role in ensuring the legacy and impact of IFB 2016."
Also taking place at the event will be Insider's flagship Made in the UK 2016, which crowns the UK's top manufacturing businesses.
Read more at www.insidermedia.com