Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what steps UK Trade & Investment took to promote Northern Ireland businesses at the International Festival for Business in Liverpool.

UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) has encouraged participation by UK businesses from throughout the UK at the International Festival for Business (IFB).

UKTI officials briefed representatives from the three devolved administrations, including Invest Northern Ireland, on plans and preparations for the IFB in September 2013. UKTI subsequently facilitated meetings in London and Belfast, between senior IFB managers and Invest Northern Ireland, to discuss the detail of Invest NI's engagement with the Festival.

All events at IFB have been, and are continuing to be, advertised and promoted to companies in Northern Ireland through the IFB and GOV.UK/UKTI websites.