Are you a UK company with global ambitions? What if I told you that government want to tell your story to the world, help you to sell overseas and introduce you to leading buyers and partners?
From May onwards, UKTI will be creating business opportunities for British firms at Milan Expo 2015, as the lead government department for UK participation at this six month event.
Milan Expo (1st May – 31st October) is the globe’s largest exposition, with an average of 20 million visitors. 145 countries are participating, with nations demonstrating their contribution to world issues in the form of pavilions.
Each pavilion will address the core theme of Milan Expo – ‘Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life.’ This global conversation will be the largest to happen between government, business owners and members of the public, and we want you to be a part of it.
So why is UKTI involved in Milan Expo 2015? Well, our job at UK Trade & Investment is to showcase UK capabilities to the world in two ways – by helping UK firms expand overseas, as well as attracting international companies to the UK. We have identified that Milan Expo is a pinnacle moment for UK talent to shine – to demonstrate your achievements, your experience, and how you are leading the way in subjects such as creativity, science, technology, innovation and sustainability. This message will be heard at the UK pavilion, by millions of visitors and at high profile business events with industry peers. And through our network, we will also amplify your message across the world.
Visitors to Milan Expo will range from VIPs and celebrities, multi-national corporations, government officials, consumers, investors and fellow small and medium-sized business owners. You have a chance to attract their attention, develop relationships and join them in being part of a global platform.
My job is to direct The Grown in Britain Global Business Programme, a series of business events in the UK, in Milan and overseas all catalysed by our involvement in Expo. I created this Business Programme as I saw the opportunity to tap into a key moment and make it advantageous to UK business owners and international investors alike.
Of the 150 events featured in The Grown in Britain Global Business Programme, there will be six trade missions called GREAT Weeks. GREAT Weeks usually occur in various key markets across the world. This year, every GREAT Week will be located in Milan, as this is where many of the world’s major buyers, distributors and key decision makers will be from May onwards. We have even set up a UK Business Club to provide further benefits to British companies enrolling on the Programme.
We hope you’ll join us and be inspired at the many events UKTI will host in close proximity to some of the city’s most iconic cultural landmarks - the magnificent Duomo and La Scala Theatre, the Galleria, which is the world’s oldest shopping centre, and Santa Maria delle Grazie, home of Leonardo Da Vinci’s the Last Supper. UK companies are also welcome to join us at Palazzo dei Giureconsulti, which for the duration of Milan Expo will be ‘UK House.’
International appetite for British products has never been stronger. Whatever sector you represent, whether it is technology, fashion, healthcare, food or luxury, consider that Milan could be where you make your next business deal, meet a lifelong contact, or receive an inspirational piece of content that will change the way you do business. My hope is that UKTI were part of this with you.