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Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber signs up for international development show

The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce is set to strengthen overseas links on behalf of its members ahead the UK’s exit from the EU.

The Chamber has signed up to attend the world’s biggest property development and investment show, MIPIM, to meet business leaders from around the globe and to find out how potential investors are viewing the city and the county with Brexit looming.

The Chamber, which is home to an International Trade Hub at its HQ on the Coventry University Technology Park, will be part of the Coventry and Warwickshire MIPIM Partnership heading to the annual show in March. Chief executive Louise Bennett said it was a crucial time to be talking to the rest of the world.

She said: “Through our Brexit Club, we have been very keen to ensure that we talk not only about the potential pitfalls of leaving the EU but also what practical steps businesses can take as March 2019 approaches.

“One crucial factor that we all have to remember is that this is a political process and companies will not be cut off from doing business in the EU and, on top of that, there are opportunities elsewhere in the world too.

“So while there are certain types of Brexit that business will want to see over others, the important thing is to keep talking to industry leaders around the world as the outcome is still far from certain.

“Brexit isn’t the only reason we are going to MIPIM but we feel this is the perfect opportunity to meet with other Chambers, business people and potential investors to gain insight into how they are viewing our region.

“We also believe that the message our region has is a hugely positive one and the potential, through being UK City of Culture in 2021 and the exciting plans for the whole area, means that there is an extremely strong story to tell to the world.

“Despite this being the digital age, people still do business with people and it’s always great to meet face-to-face with existing and potential contacts. That’s exactly how we are viewing this show and look forward to heading out there with the Coventry and Warwickshire MIPIM Partnership.”

Coventry and Warwickshire is represented at MIPIM by a partnership made up of around 20 private sector companies and organisations who help finance the area’s presence at the four-day event.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Matt Joyce .