International Business Network (IBN) Event - Harrogate, 24 May 2006

IBN is back again!
This time it's a Networking Barbeque at Rudding Park, Harrogate with a very special "international" feel.

We are delighted to welcome back our Patron, Sir Digby Jones, who will be joined by the new Chief Executive of UK Trade & Investment, Andrew Cahn. This will be Andrew's first visit to the region in his new role. Here is an opportunity to learn more about UKTI's plans for the future and how forthcoming changes to the organisation will enable it to help UK businesses to go even further, faster. Digby will, of course, present in his own inimitable style, sharing his thoughts on the global marketplace and his aspirations for the future of British business. He leaves his Post as Director General of the CBI at the end of June.

Chairing the event is Len Tingle, the BBC North Politics and Business Editor, accompanied by our popular Poet in Residence, Ian McMillan whose introductions are now legendary.

As always, not only is this a chance to talk to the speakers but also to network with each other – we expect 200 delegates from businesses across the region all with a common goal to succeed in the international marketplace. Listen, learn and make the most of contacts, ideas, best practice as some of our previous delegates have found

"I am a small Business in exclusive design with many celebrity clients worldwide. I have tried to attend each event as IBN is a vital link for me with the International market place" Madeleine Edwards, Amazed Rugs.

"At the IBN I got talking to Paul Hernon from Design Odyssey Ltd, a bathroom company, and initially there seemed to be no link between their business and our specialism in defence work. However, one of the bathrooms that the firm makes is stacked vertically and would be suitable for use on ships and submarines. The Ministry of Defence had recently identified an issue with bathrooms on warships, so our two companies worked together to produce a radical new design to improve habitability, and sea trials will hopefully take place this summer." Mike Albans-Jackson, Defence Solutions.

This event will also mark the launch of our association with another international business network, Women in Business International. As part of their Annual International Forum which starts in London on the 22 May they will be visiting the region for the first time. We expect to host a number of key businesswomen from the Middle East and Europe all of whom are keen to explore business opportunities with companies across our region.

As always, it will be informative as well as fun and stimulating. We do hope you can join us. There will be a nominal charge of £20 to cover the costs of refreshments and the networking Barbeque. Cheques should be made payable to UK Trade & Investment. Registration on the day is from 5pm.

Places are on a strictly first come first served basis. To reserve your place please contact Jonathan Garlinge at jonathan.garlinge@uktradeinvest-yh.org.uk

Programme may be subject to change