International Motorsport Business Week will launch in 2011 to draw together an extended range of high profile, globally attended business and networking events. It provides a platform for industry announcements, launches and forums, focusing on the business side of motorsport, an industry which is worth £4.6 billion in the UK alone.
The series of industry-focussed symposiums, conferences, seminars and networking opportunities kicks off with the Race Tech World Motorsport Symposium, from 10-11 January at Oxford Brooks University, Oxford. On 12 January, the programmes continue at the NEC, Birmingham, with the MIA Cleaner Racing Conference, demonstrating the motorsport industry’s commitment to energy efficiency.
On 13-14 January, Autosport International’s dedicated two-day trade show Autosport Engineering opens at the NEC to showcase the best and latest in racing technology, allowing trade buyers to meet a wide selection of specialist motorsport and performance engineering suppliers. Alongside Autosport Engineering on the same days, the MIA offers free business workshops, while the UKTI International Business Exchange gives international visitors the chance to meet one-to-one with UK suppliers in the International Business Lounge.
The MIA Business Awards Dinner is held at the NEC on 13 January, recognizing business excellence on all levels within the motorsport industry. The Motorsport Safety Fund’s annual “Watkins Lecture” follows on 14 January, organized for those involved in marshalling and safety. The International Motorsport Business Week concludes with Autosport International’s two-day public show on 15-16 January.
“Autosport International has long been considered the start of the motorsport season, with the trade shows essential events for everyone within the industry,” said Autosport International’s Show Director, Ian France. “Each year companies travel from around the world to exhibit, and the introduction of International Motorsport Business Week will allow them to make the most of their long journey by facilitating meetings to maintain existing relationships as well as build new ones.”
CEO of the MIA, Chris Aylett, said: “The MIA is renowned for assisting companies within the industry to make international contacts: the introduction of International Motorsport Business Week and partnering with Autosport International and the UKTI will work to strengthen and further our shared goals. Face-to-face meetings are essential in this industry and to have one week as a focal point is something that will ensure all the major players are in one place at one time.
“The motorsport industry is vital to the UK economy and this new initiative will ensure that British and international companies strengthen their business connections,” added Ian Lockhart, Head of Automotive at UK Trade and Investment.
For more information on the International Motorsport Business Week, please visit www.internationalmotorsportbusinessweek.com.
