Speeding up new business contracts

Sep 4 2008 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

TECHNOLOGY firms in the region are being urged to engage in a spot of ‘speed meeting’ to help expose themselves to potentially lucrative contracts.

This year sees the fourth annual TechnologyWorld event take place in Coventry, which will bring together more than 500 UK and overseas companies looking to generate new business deals.

The two-day event, which is focused on building new contracts, will follow a ‘speed meeting’ format in order to help firms make the most of their time.

Last year, more than 2,200 meetings took place between businesses, while around £30m was generated in business wins in 2006 and 2007 combined.

The event is organised by the Government’s international business development organisation UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and takes place on November 17 and 18 at the Ricoh Arena, the home of Coventry City.

As well as meeting potential buyers and business partners, companies will have the chance to get advice and support from UKTI advisors who can help in accelerating their international expansion.

David Coppock, UKTI’s international trade director for the North East, said: “TechnologyWorld has gone from strength to strength since it was established by UKTI four years ago, and has marked itself out as one of the key events in the calendar for any North East technology firm.

“The success of the event is a result of its singular focus on bringing together like-minded companies from across the globe, to foster meaningful business relationships.”