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Inspiring speakers at IBN
The International Business Network (IBN) proved to be as popular as ever when it made a welcome return to the region on 6 March.
The hugely successful networking event took place at Harewood House, near Leeds and as usual featured event veteran Sir Digby Jones.
Sir Digby took delegates on a verbal ‘tour of the world’, providing his views on the opportunities he feels countries across the world will offer to UK businesses in the coming years.
One of the main points he highlighted was the important part that Asia will play in international trade this century.
“The 19th century belonged to Britain and we had a 20th century that belonged to the USA,” Sir Digby said. “But the 21st century belongs to Asia.”
He explained that India offers huge potential for businesses, particularly because of the way the country is evolving. India will be more populated than China by 2012 and has just invested £300billion in its infrastructure and road network.
“If that doesn’t create enough work for everyone in this room we are not the traders we thought we were,” said Sir Digby.
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Watch clips of Sir Digby's speech
Joining Sir Digby at the IBN was another popular speaker, Dennis Turner, chief economist of HSBC Bank plc in the city. Mr Turner offered his forthright and characteristic views on the economy and the future for businesses as he sees it.
As usual, the IBN’s popular poet in residence, Yorkshire’s own Ian MacMillan was on hand to introduce the speakers, who he referred to as “two of the most inspiring speakers I have ever heard.” He introduced both speakers in verse, with a poem specially written for each of them.
The IBN also provided the perfect platform for business people from across the region to network with likeminded individuals and share expertise and ideas. The event began with a networking lunch and ended with afternoon tea and cakes.
Lorraine Ellison, who manages the IBN on behalf of UK Trade & Investment said: “From the perspective of a regional business the IBN is a place where you can guarantee a certain stimulus from hand-picked motivational speakers and somewhere to get away from the pressures of the office and meet like minded people. The atmosphere is hopefully conducive to making good contacts, learning more about international trade and actually enjoying it in the process!"
