24 January 2008
Minister leads push for UK companies to move into global sports
sector
The Minister of State for Trade & Investment Lord Digby
Jones has called on British businesses to leverage off the
international prominence of the London 2012 Games and move into the
global sports sector.
“While the London Olympics are still four years away, major
sporting events for 2014 – 2020 are being decided around the
world. This represents billions of pounds worth of potential
export contracts and I am determined to ensure that British
companies are best placed to win these contracts,” the Minister
said.
The Minister made the comments ahead of UK Trade &
Investment’s Winning Beyond 2012 Conference to be held in
Manchester on 1 - 2 April. The conference will feature many of the
leading figures in the global sports events industry.
“It is crucial that British businesses realise the unique
opportunity presented by London 2012. We must maintain momentum and
use our Games to showcase to the rest of the world our expertise in
staging world class sporting events. The “UK plc” profile has never
been higher in this sector and now is the right time to plan for
new international business and success beyond 2012.”
CEO of Sochi 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Dmitry
Chernyshenko, a guest speaker at the event said significant
business opportunities will arise from the Russian Black Sea
resort’s preparation for the Games. Chernyshenko will use the event
to outline the business opportunities for British companies that
will come from the Russian Federal government’s massive $13billion
plan to regenerate the Krasnodar region of Russia.
Commenting on his role in this conference, Chernyshenko
said:
“I am delighted to take part in this prestigious event. Sochi
2014 will be looking at suppliers from all over the world but there
is no doubt that the UK is one of the leading nations in the sports
sector and I feel that it is important to use this conference to
explain fully just what is involved”.
Peter Mearns, Executive Director of Marketing at the Northwest
Regional Development Agency (NWDA), said the Agency was
delighted to work with UK Trade & Investment to bring this
major sports conference to Manchester.
He said: “Since the Commonwealth Games in 2002, the NWDA has
played a pivotal role in attracting major sports events to
England's Northwest, such as the FINA World Swimming Championships
which are taking place in Manchester in April. The region recently
hosted the UK launch of the London 2012 Business Network, which
will help Northwest businesses capitalise on the opportunities
presented by London 2012, and this year six world-class sporting
events will be held in Manchester.”
Other conference speakers confirmed to date include Etienne
Thobois (CEO of France 2007 Rugby World Cup Organising Committee)
and Jens Holm (COO of the World Masters Games). Other speakers will
soon be confirmed from London 2012, the British Olympic Association
as well as prominent speakers from within the sports world in
Africa, Asia and South America.
The first day will comprise a series of key note speeches, panel
discussions and debates. The second day will comprise a workshop
delivered by industry experts that will focus on helping British
companies develop practical and strategic approaches to the
immediate global new business opportunities in the sports
sector.
For more information on the conference please visit: http://www.winningbeyond2012.com/
Companies can register at the early bird rate of £215 +VAT,
available until 01 March 2008.
For event enquiries please call +44 (0) 20 7945 3511 or email:
winningbeyond2012@innovision.eu
Press Contact
For more information please contact Susan Grieve in the UKTI press
office on 0207 215 4644 or email: susan.grieve@uktradeinvest.gov.uk
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
1. UK Trade & Investment is the UK Government's
international business development organisation, supporting
businesses seeking to establish in the UK and helping UK companies
grow internationally. The services offered by UK Trade &
Investment bring together a network of business sector specialists
and support teams in British embassies and Foreign and Commonwealth
Office (FCO) posts all around the world, as well as key experts in
government departments across the UK. UK Trade & Investment
works with a wide range of partner organisations in the UK,
including Regional Development Agencies and the Devolved
Administrations, Business Links, Chambers of Commerce and trade
associations. For more information, visit the web site at:
http://www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk/
2. NWDA
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) leads the economic
development and regeneration of England's Northwest and is
responsible for:
• Supporting business growth and encouraging investment
• Matching skills provision to employer needs
• Creating the conditions for economic growth
• Connecting the region through effective transport and
communication infrastructure
• Promoting the region’s outstanding quality of life
For further information visit: http://www.nwda.co.uk/, http://www.englandsnorthwest.com/