The Department of Economic Development will be joining a number of local and international companies at the International Festival of Business (IFB) in Liverpool this month.

IFB 2016 is being held over three weeks from June 13th – July 1st. The Department is hosting four events during the month across the Clean Tech, Maritime, Financial Services and E-Business sectors.

Laurence Skelly MHK, Minister for the Department of Economic Development, commented:

‘Following on from the success of IFB 2014 we were keen to get involved with this year’s festival. The Island has strong links with Liverpool and this event brings together local ties with international initiatives. The Department is set to host over 600 people at different private and public events throughout the month.

‘This is a great opportunity to show the big advancements we have made in nurturing business growth on the Isle of Man and is a key networking event to sell our new products and meet potential clients.’

The ?50 million Enterprise Development Scheme will be formally launched in the UK at the Department’s ‘Funding Businesses at Every Stage’ panel event on 24th June. The panel discussion will include crowdfunding experts, Angel investors, SPARK Impact and HSBC Bank, who will discuss and explore the challenges for businesses at different stages of securing funding to grow.

Geoffrey Boot MHK, political member with responsibility for clean tech will host an Offshore Renewable Energy Breakfast on 23rd June. The breakfast will include presentations from Dr. Ken Milne, Director of Energy and Support Services at the Department of Economic Development, along with representatives from Bruce Anchor and V.Ships. The event will explore the Island’s current clean tech projects and proposition for further investment.

The Isle of Man Maritime Group will host a private VIP drinks reception on 24th June aboard the Kathleen and May Tall Ship to showcase the growth and scope of maritime services available on the Isle of Man.

The Department will also host an invitation-only e-business reception on 30th June, providing updates on digital gaming and informing delegates of industry developments on the Island.

Local businesses attending IFB 2016 can find out more or register for an event at www.whereyoucan.com/IFB.