Meeting the Manufacturers at the IFB

Adrian from Deltech Precision Audio and I on the Made in Britain Stand

I have just got back from the International Festival of Business where I have been manning the stand on behalf the Made in Britain Campaign. I am pleased to report that I have met so many very proud UK manufacturers, of all sizes, over the last few day. While the exhibition was a little slow at times I have had the pleasure of shaking the hands of many of the people that keep Britain making stuff.

Our very smart stand was located directly opposite the Bloodhound supersonic car. So we had a pretty good pitch.

On the evening of the Monday night there was the UK manufacturing awards and black tie dinner, presented by the hugely entertaining Giles Brandreth. A slightly embarrassing precursor to the evening was my inability to tie my dickiebow. After about 30 minutes watching Youtube demos and swearing at my refection in the mirror I finally gave up and had to call the reception of the hotel for help. The only person they could find that could tie a bow-tie was the chef. The chef, in full whites, then proceeded to dress me like a mother on their kids first day of school. It was a slightly surreal sight.

Me after being man -handled by a chef. Don’t scrub up too bad eh?

During dinner I was sat at a table with, the eventual UK manufacturer of the year winners,  The Cambridge Satchel Company. There were also a few great guys from Sovex (who make industrial conveyor belts) and Caparo Steel (who manufacture steel) both of whom were also up for awards. So, all in all there was a pretty good atmosphere at our table.

After far too much scouse hospitality we all staggered back to the hotel and I hit my bed at around 1.30am ready for a 6am start in the morning to get back to the exhibition.

All in all I did not see much of Liverpool but certainly saw enough to think that I would like to go back. Hopefully, we  will managed to sign up to more businesses to join as member of the made in Britain campaign. Time will tell.

– James