agenda

SPORTING SUCCESS

Details of more than 400 UK suppliers to major events, including key sporting events, are included in a new directory, Springboard to Success, which was launched in April at the SportAccord International Convention 2011 in London. The six-day gathering drew together

in excess of 1,500 delegates from more than 60 countries, including leading offi cials from international sports federations, the International Olympic and Paralympic

Committees, National Olympic and Paralympic Committees, host and bidding cities, media, sponsors and commercial businesses in the global sports industry. Lord Green, Minster for Trade and

Investment, said: “With the global sports market expected to generate $1.5trn in sponsorship, broadcast media rights, merchandising and gate revenues over the next decade, and investment in sporting event-related infrastructure estimated

to be $200bn over the same period, the opportunity for UK business is huge. “UK fi rms already provide a whole range

of services for sports and other major events – from ticketing to catering – and we want to ensure that they are well placed to win future business at home and away, as part of our Olympic legacy.” To view the Springboard to Success directory, which has been optimised for mobile viewing, visit www.springboardtosuccess.co.uk

Exports boost the current account

Aerospace and automotive talks for Chinese delegation

More than 120 UK companies attended the UK-China Business Exchange event, held in May, to hear representatives of Chinese engineering conglomerates such as AVIC and Comac. Led by Business Ambassador and chief executive of GKN, Sir Kevin Smith, and chief executive of the Technology Strategy Board, Iain Gray, the session aimed to encourage

companies to maximise opportunities in China. Chinese investment in the UK automotive sector is growing, with key examples including Changan’s research and development facility in Nottingham and SAIC’s ownership of MG. The delegation also heard from UK aerospace leaders who highlighted the sector’s R&D in the areas of eco- and fuel-effi cient engines.

Record-high exports in January and February helped the UK achieve its highest quarterly exports since records began in 1980. In the fi rst three months of the year, UK export totalled £116bn.

£116bn

exports in Q1 springboard: | www.ukti.gov.uk | page 09