Business Festival assembles top hi-tech manufacturing events
The Leicester Business Festival (LBF) from 29 October to 9 November is set to highlight why Leicestershire is at the sharp edge of product innovation in the UK.
Leicester has always been at heart of the UK’s manufacturing and industrial success. World leading businesses in automotive research, space technology, aerospace and healthcare are still present in the area, today.
Hi-tech manufacturing employs 23,100 people and is worth a staggering £15.3bn to the local economy. Numerous global manufacturing, technology and scientific enterprises such as Caterpillar, Taylor Hobson, Emerson, Fisher Scientific, Preci-Spark, Sofidel, GE Druck, SPS Technologies 3M, Almac and Trelleborg are based here.
The sector comprises a diverse range of specialities including technical consultancy, scientific research and development, product and process innovation, engineering and manufacturing. Cutting-edge products that are manufactured in Leicestershire are shipped and used all around the world. The Business Festival is a fantastic way of bringing this into the spotlight.
Sector lead for Hi-tech manufacturing, Gillian Hunter, (pictured) executive officer of LATi said, “There are so many awe-inspiring advanced technology, scientific and life sciences enterprises in Leicestershire that very few people know about.
"LBF is all about inspiring others and being inspired by the innovation taking place in our midst. It is about creating a sense of community: making new business connections, sharing best practice, and building relationships that will pave the way for future collaboration.
“It is these business connections and relationships that help to build a strong local economy and attract other enterprises to the region – providing exciting careers for the exceptional tech talent graduating from our universities.”
Awarded ‘Best event of LBF 2017', LATi’s Innovation inCharnwood Showcase will be returning to the BusinessFestival on Wednesday 7 November. More than 50 enterprises will be on display, coupled with exiting talks by five local business people all of whom are taking forward real innovation in their work. Speakers include Catherine Grainger from 3M, Richard Horton from Team Triumph, Paul Ince from LikeMind Media & MarketEd Live, Simon Lyons from Version 22 and Alex Nash from Alcuris.
Other events include IBM Client Innovation centre’s ‘Robotic Process Automation and Your Business’ on Tuesday 30 October, which is for anyone interested in learning about Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and there is much more.
Gillian added, “Leicestershire is well positioned to support a fast-growing high-tech and advanced manufacturing sector, as well as encouraging a range of strategic new industries that can create new jobs and boost skills – through creating an infrastructure conducive to business, encouraging inward investment and providing a supportive environment that enables enterprise to thrive and grow.
“We have a lot to feel good about in Leicestershire – and the Leicester BusinessFestival is a great vehicle for us to all celebrate our local business achievements.”
Business Festival events are largely free and anyone can attend, however, tickets must be booked in advance. Tickets are available either through the website www.leicesterbusinessfestival.com or via the new LBF app – free to download from Google Play or the Apple store.
Along with headline partners, Leicester Castle Business School, the 2018 Festival has the support of well-known businesses including East Midlands Chamber; LLEP Business Gateway; East Midlands Airport. Sponsors are Brewin Dolphin; Federation of Small Business (FSB); University of Leicester School of Business; Highcross; and Shakespeare Martineau.
Other supporters include Everards; De Montfort University; Pattersons Commercial Law; Growth Partners PLC; and the Institute of Directors, as well as official app partner Infonote, AV media partner The Presentation Group and official coffee partner 200 Degrees.
Media partners include Cross Productions, Global and Capital FM. In association with Associate Events.
For more information, visit www.leicesterbusinessfestival.com, contact hello@leicesterbusinessfestival.com or call 0116 464 5995.