23 Jun 2022

UK House registration opens

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Registration to attend UK House has officially opened, taking place over eight days during Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, between Thursday 28 July and Monday 8 August 2022.

Building on the cooperative spirit of the Commonwealth Games and the UK 's climate leadership at COP26, UK House is a platform to bring together business and government leaders to discover opportunities for international partnership and innovations for sustainable growth.?

Each day at UK House will focus on opportunities in one of the following seven sectors: Food and Drink, Education, Data-Driven Healthcare, Sports Economy, Creative and Digital Technologies, Future Mobility, and Tourism.

The daily programme will extend virtually, with sessions accessible to online delegates who are unable to attend in person.

Led by the UK 's Department for International Trade and in partnership with the region 's official economic development agency, the West Midlands Growth Company, the event is a key part of the Commonwealth Games Business and Tourism Programme (BATP).

International trade delegations from around the world will be hosted at The Exchange in Birmingham.

Visiting delegates will broker business relations with investment experts, government officials, thought leaders and SME export from seven sectors in which the West Midlands and the UK are demonstrating global leadership.

On 28 July, a Commonwealth Business Forum at the nearby International Convention Centre will see business leaders from across the Commonwealth gather to?develop future business relationships and discuss how to mutually support?each other as we 'build back better ' after the global pandemic.?

Mike Freer MP, UK Minister for Exports at the Department for International Trade, said:

“As an independent trading nation and global champion of free trade, the UK is driving growth by attracting international trade and investment from across the globe into our dynamic regions, while supporting business to thrive and build back better.

“We see UK House as a unique opportunity to take advantage of the 33 trade deals we have with our Commonwealth members, to celebrate the power of friendship and sport and to broker more trade - just a stone 's throw away from the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. ”

Andy Street (pictured), Mayor of West Midlands, said: ? “Here in the West Midlands, we have been attracting global attention as the UK 's leading foreign direct investment destination outside of London for four consecutive years.

“I 'm delighted we will play host to 'UK House ' - made possible by the Business and Tourism Programme we helped to secure - ensuring an economic legacy from the Games. We look forward to showcasing our cutting-edge innovation and extending a warm, sporting welcome to business and government leaders from across the Commonwealth. ”

To take part in the Commonwealth Business Forum, West Midlands Sector Showcase Days or the UK House sector days, either in person or online, business leaders and senior policy-makers are invited to register interest at: www.ukhouse2022.co.uk

BATP is sponsored by E.ON, Airbnb, Reckitt, University of Birmingham, Bruntwood and Gowling WLG.