Member Article

Marine, logistics and energy events revealed for IFB 2014

Business leaders from the global maritime, logistics and energy (MLE) sectors will descend on Liverpool during the International Festival for Business for 10 days of events in June next year.

More than 30 events, including a gala dinner, will take place during a themed fortnight devoted to the MLE sectors.

Highlights include a sailing race, when eight tall ships crewed by apprentices will race up and down the west coast of England, and a major maritime and logistics conference to be held at the city’s Hilton Hotel.

The events come from a range of organisations and are being co-ordinated by the IFB MLE thematic group via Mersey Maritime, the representative body for the maritime sector on Merseyside. International accountancy, finance and legal companies are also staging events.

The programme, which takes place the week commencing June 9, is likely to see thousands of delegates attend events across the city.

The MLE sectors are regarded as a key part of Liverpool and the UK’s economy and are responsible for tens of thousands of jobs.

Jim Teasdale, chief executive of Mersey Maritime Group and chairman of the MLE thematic group, said: “The schedule forms the basis of a considered and already very comprehensive programme that aims to showcase our sector in all its breadth and rich diversity, and mark the start of new and increased trade opportunities for the UK.

“Liverpool and its surrounding city region has a rich maritime mercantile history, with longstanding and deeply forged connections to a global market. It is, I believe, a perfect host city for IFB 2014.

“Our members and partners have risen magnificently - with an enthusiasm that seems to be hard-wired into the DNA of Liverpool people - to the challenge of working with us to create a compelling programme that will draw in visiting delegates from every corner of the world.

“Although this has already been many months in the planning, we still expect this to be the tip of the iceberg as UK businesses become increasingly aware of the opportunities of getting involved. The good news is that there is still time and we anticipate adding significantly to our programme over the coming months.”

Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson added: “These are sectors critical to the city region’s future growth and the breadth and depth of the MLE programme for IFB demonstrates just how quickly these sectors are changing.

“New technology and innovation, combined with entrepreneurialism and the city’s track record in these sectors, gives us cause to be extremely optimistic about the long-term impact this programme can have on the city’s prospects.”

IFB will focus on key areas of commerce that are transforming the business landscape of Britain and beyond. Apart from maritime, logistics & energy, they include: manufacturing, science & technology; knowledge, professional & financial services; higher & further education & research; low carbon & renewables; cities, enterprise & urban business; knowledge, creative & digital.

Events confirmed so far include:

LOOKING AHEAD - IT’S ALL ABOUT MARITIME

June 9

VENUE: Kathleen & May, Albert Dock, Liverpool

FORMAT: A special breakfast event for up to 60 invited guests on board the magnificent three

masted tall ship Kathleen & May. Hosted by Mersey Maritime Group CEO Jim Teasdale, the event

will provide a snapshot of the fortnight ahead.

MLE CHAMPAGNE LAUNCH

June 9

VENUE: Royal Liver Building, Pier Head, Liverpool

FORMAT: An early evening Champagne reception for 100 guests in the atrium of Liverpool’s magnificent Royal Liver Building. Hosted jointly by Mersey Maritime, Brabners and Grant Thornton with special guest speaker Sir Michael Bibby, managing director of Bibby Line Group.

UK INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT POLICY FORUM

June 13

VENUE: Malmaison Hotel, Liverpool

FORMAT: An opportunity to participate in a round table discussion with Louise Ellman MP, Chair of the Transport Select Committee and Member of Parliament for Liverpool Riverside.

MLE GRAND GALA DINNER

June 13

VENUE: Rum Warehouse, Stanley Dock, Liverpool

FORMAT: A glittering black tie dinner for 400 guests in celebration of the Maritime, Logistics and Energy sectors on a global stage. Hosted by Mersey Maritime in the grand surroundings of the newly refurbished Rum Warehouse within the Stanley Dock complex.

THE APPRENTICE SHIP CUP

16-28 June

ORGANISER: MAST

FORMAT: The Apprentice Ship Cup is an exciting new sailing competition in which eight traditional tall ships crewed by over 150 young Apprentices aged 16 – 25 will take part in a race along the

UK west coast organised by the Merseyside Adventure Sailing Trust (MAST) to coincide with IFB 2014 and the Mersey River Festival. Includes an awards dinner on June 28, 2014 at Liverpool Hope University. Companies already committed to taking part include Cammell Laird, Peel Ports, Sellafield Ltd, Svitzer Tugs, Regenda and United Utilities.

THE WISTA GRAND DEBATE

16 June

ORGANISER: WISTA UK

Organised by WISTA UK (Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association) in conjunction with Hugh Baird College, Liverpool. The WISTA annual debate will see key figures from the maritime industry, government and the media engaged in lively discussions on some of shipping’s hottest topics. The debate is open to all, members and non-members, women and men and will be followed by a networking reception. www.wista-uk.net

MARITIME & LOGISTICS CONFERENCE

June 17/18