As Liverpool welcomes International Business Festival, let’s also remember the power of independents

06/06/18

The International Business Festival returns to Liverpool next week and it’s great to have the city back in the global commercial spotlight.

We know from previous years that lucrative deals and important connections are made at the festival that benefit the regional and national economy in many ways. Festivals in 2014 and 2016 are said to have generated an estimated £600m of extra business for UK firms and festival organisers have set a £400m target for this year to take that figure past £1bn. It’s also a great opportunity to showcase the city to international delegates and we can be confident that many of those people will return as visitors in the future.

The world will always be welcome in Liverpool.

Among the fanfare that IBF brings, it’s crucial that we also continue to acknowledge the vital work of the region’s independent business community. Their efforts are the lifeblood of the local economy and, as we wait for additional inward investment to arrive in the city region from the UK and abroad, their contribution continues to underpin our economic fortunes.

That’s why the Merseyside Independent Business (MIB) Awards exists; to shine a light on our homegrown entrepreneurs and SMEs and celebrate their dedication, ingenuity and success.