LIVERPOOL’S hosting of the International Festival of Business in 2014 is making such a “phenomenal” impact that even its great rival Manchester is set to take part.
On Monday, business and civic leaders from Liverpool travelled to London to officially launch the event, billed as Britain’s biggest global showcase since last year’s Olympics.
More than 400 leading business people from the capital gathered at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in Westminster to attend the launch.
They heard Liverpool Vision chief executive Max Steinberg pledging to “create something special and unique for business, for Britain and for the world”.
And it was revealed that organisers are in discussions with Manchester which is keen to have a presence at the event which will take place in June 2014.
Also speaking at the launch was the Liverpool-born former chief executive of Tesco, Sir Terry Leahy, UK Trade and Investment minister, Lord Green, and Liverpool’s elected Mayor, Joe Anderson.
Mr Steinberg told the audience: “The support behind the International Festival of Business is already phenomenal.
“From business to government, from nations to corporations, we are building a world class team and a team for the world.
“In Liverpool we are also building a powerful coalition of partners led by the office of the Mayor.
“From Liverpool City Council to the Liverpool city region to the British Chambers of Commerce, the full strength of the city has sprung into action.”
And on Manchester’s presence, he added: “We have met with their leadership and they will be taking part and having a place in the festival.”
A number of events have already been confirmed for the festival including a Global Mayors Summit, and international trade awards, and entrepreneurs festival and a cultural festival.
