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.
Running from 10-16 January 2011, International Motorsport Business Week revolves around Europe’s largest motorsport trade show, Autosport International. The initiative is supported by Race Tech, the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA), UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), Racecar Engineering and Autosport.
During the week a series of industry-focussed symposiums, conferences, seminars and networking opportunities will take place: Race Tech’s World Motorsport Symposium at Oxford Brookes University; Autosport Engineering, which takes place within Autosport International at the NEC in Birmingham; the MIA Cleaner Racing Conference, MIA Awards Dinner, MIA Workshops and the UKTI International Business Exchange, which are all held at the NEC. Also taking place at the NEC will be the Motorsport Safety Fund’s “Watkins Lecture”, where previous speakers have included Adrian Newey, Ross Brawn, Ron Dennis CBE and Bernie Ecclestone.
“Autosport International has long been considered the start of the motorsport season, with its 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 International Motorsport Business Week, please visit www.internationalmotorsportbusinessweek.com
