By Daniel Hunter
Leading business figures continue to pledge their support for the International Festival for Business 2014, joining the illustrious list of business champions and prominent entrepreneurs who have already backed Britain’s ambitions for growth.
New IFB Ambassadors announced today include:
• Ed Bussey: Three-time entrepreneur and Founder of pioneering content creation platform Quill
• John Cridland CBE: Director General, Confederation of British Industry, the UK’s top business lobbying organisation
• Sara Murray OBE: Serial entrepreneur and Founder of Confused.com and Buddi
• Terry Scuoler: Chief Executive, EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation
• Sarah Wood: Co-founder and COO, UNRULY, the world's largest social video marketing platform
• Ed Wray: Co-founder of Betfair, the world’s largest internet betting exchange
These names join other business titans including former Tesco CEO Sir Terry Leahy and FSB National Chairman John Allan. The new Ambassadors will play an important role in championing British industry and encouraging growth in their sectors.
IFB will be a global showcase for great British industries and sectors, connecting UK businesses to new markets, new products and new partners.
Taking place in June & July 2014, the Festival will comprise over 100 world-class events and will form a central part of the UK government’s goal of rebalancing the economy and doubling British exports by 2020.
IFB will focus on key areas of commerce that are transforming the business landscape of Britain and beyond, including: manufacturing, science & technology; maritime, logistics & energy; knowledge, professional & financial services; higher & further education & research; low carbon & renewables; cities, enterprise & urban business; knowledge, creative & digital.
Previously announced IFB Ambassadors include:
• John Allan: National Chairman, Federation of Small Businesses
• Sir Howard Bernstein: Chief Executive, Manchester City Council
• Lord Derby: Owner, Knowsley estate and Safari Park
• Sir Bob Kerslake: Head of Home Civil Service and Permanent Secretary at the Department for Communities and Local Government
• Sir Terry Leahy: Former CEO, Tesco
• Phil Orford MBE: Chief Executive, Forum of Private Business
• Russ Shaw: Founder, Tech London Advocates
• Paul Lindley: CEO, Ella’s Kitchen®
• Henrietta Lovell: Founder, the Rare Tea Company
• Julie Deane: Founder, Cambridge Satchel Company
Max Steinberg CBE, Chair of IFB, said:
“I’m delighted that the IFB continues to receive the backing of the great and the good from Britain’s business world. These Ambassadors are fantastic role models to represent the IFB and its ambition to make the UK a global marketplace for business.”
Sara Murray OBE, Founder of Confused.com & Buddi
“The International Festival for Business offers fantastic opportunities for businesses of all sizes and from all sectors. For ambitious SME’s, exporting their products and services is the key to real growth, and this is exactly what the Festival is championing. Opening up new markets globally to British companies is vital for the future health of our economy.”
John Cridland CBE, Director General, Confederation of British Industry, said:
“In order to accelerate the strength of key sectors, we must give our businesses the support they need to grow. IFB will play an important role in highlighting those businesses that are transforming their sectors and that’s why I’m backing the campaign. It is an honor to support the businesses that are playing a vital role in making the UK the No.1 destination for business.”
Terry Scuoler, Chief Executive of EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation said:
“Britain’s industries and manufacturers are in a global race and we have the potential to secure strong growth if we build on our significant strengths. The IFB will be a real boost to manufacturers who are looking to diversify and target new markets across the world.”
