News: Yorkshire International Business Convention to return to Rotherham

The Yorkshire International Business Convention (YIBC), one of the leading business events in continental Europe, is to return to Rotherham in 2015.

Hosted at Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham in May the 2014 event was hailed as a success by the organisers who have already booked to come back next year.

400 delegates were at the former Templeborough Steelworks to see political heavyweights Michael Portillo and John Prescott performing an unlikely double-act, with the line-up also including Robert Peston, business editor at BBC News and former financial editor of the Financial Times, Rosie Swale-Pope MBE, Brian Blessed, Richard Noble OBE and police sergeant and Rotherham United fan, Howard Webb MBE.

Mike Firth, who has organised YIBC since it started in 1995, said: "The convention is not just the premier business conference of its kind in Yorkshire, but arguably the UK and Europe.

"Last year was the first time we held it at Magna – and we will be going back, because we got excellent feedback from the delegates; it is in a great location, just off the M1; has free parking, and can accommodate so many of us."

John Silker, chief executive at Magna, added: "Getting the Yorkshire International Business Convention here in the first place was a coup for us, so getting it back is fantastic as it is such a prestigious event."

The visitor attraction has also revealed that corporate bookings for the current financial year are already nearly equal to those for the whole of 2013/14. In the last year Magna has also hosted conferences for bluechip companies including Mercedes Benz, Honda, HSBC and the Royal Mail.

The value of corporate bookings at Magna for the current financial year is already 96 per cent of the value for the whole of the previous year, with many more bookings expected.

In the next few months Magna will play host to an exhibition by an industrial tool distributor; a pool tournament; a job's fair; Weston Park Hospital's annual charity dinner, which will be attended by about 800 people; a tattoo convention and a Halloween dance festival.

Silker added: "We are delighted to have a busy diary just three months in to the new financial year with such a wide range of events. And it looks like we will be well up year on year as word spreads about what a great venue this is."

It's not just inside the massive venue that is in demand either, with the car park now regularly used for training young drivers and space available for camping for this weekend's Tour de France.

The YIBC will return to Magna in October 2015.

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News: YIBC raises Rotherham's profile

Successfully hosting the Yorkshire International Business Convention (YIBC) marks an incredible few years for Rotherham's business renaissance.

Hosted at Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham on May 16, YIBC is one of the leading business events in continental Europe and has attracted some of the biggest and most recognisable names from across the globe.

Political heavyweights Michael Portillo and John Prescott performed an unlikely double-act, with the line-up also including Robert Peston, business editor at BBC News and former financial editor of the Financial Times, Rosie Swale-Pope MBE, Brian Blessed, Richard Noble OBE and police sergeant and Rotherham United fan, Howard Webb MBE.

Martin Kimber, chief executive of Rotherham Council, whose members approved plans to underwrite the event, said: "It was a fantastic coup having the Yorkshire International Business Convention here. It was a wonderful day and wonderful event which I'm sure each of the 400 attendees got a lot out of, whether it be new business ideas, new contacts or simply inspiration to move their business on to the next level.

"Not only was the event a great success for Rotherham, but it also managed to raise £4,000 for the charity Phase Worldwide, showing that Rotherham is big for business, and big-hearted too!

"Our town centre is seen nationally as a one of excellence, that has seen off challenges from local out-of-town retailers and has made a name for itself by supporting independent retailers who bring unique items and a personal touch to their businesses.

"On the other side of the scale, we have the internationally-renowned Advanced Manufacturing Park - home to some of the world's most innovative companies, including Boeing and Rolls-Royce - as a base for researching and manufacturing the latest technologies."

Mike Firth, chairman of YIBC, added: "This is the most dynamic part of the country with world-class organisations.

"The Advanced Manufacturing Park and the AMRC inspired me. This is a hotbed of manufacturing innovation and we need to do more to let the world know its potential; I hope that YIBC can play its part."

Some takeaway points from the speakers on the day:

Rosie Swale-Pope: "Nobody asks for adversity, gosh no. But it can help you to do great things. If a silly old woman like me can walk around the world then you can do anything."

Richard Noble: Discussed the inspiring Bloodhound SSC project and the critical need for Britain to start producing the engineering workforce of tomorrow.

Robert Peston: "The UK is absolutely not paying its way. I'm optimistic for the next four years but China worries me."

Michael Portillo and John Prescott: Shared stories of their political careers with neither of them having regrets about not becoming the leader of their respective parties.

Howard Webb: "Take your passion for something and see where it takes you."

Brian Blessed: "Life is the last word, not death."

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News: Yorkshire International Business Convention nears

Excitement is building as Rotherham hosts its first Yorkshire International Business Convention (YIBC), one of the leading business events in continental Europe.

The event, which is taking place on May 16 at Magna Science Adventure Centre, features a star-studded line-up, including speakers from the worlds of sport, business, politics and entertainment.

Well-known names include football referee Howard Webb, political heavyweights Michael Portillo and John Prescott, and the larger-than-life Brian Blessed, but organisers feel that there will be plenty additionally to inspire.

The day’s programme includes two speakers that have pushed themselves and technology to the limits.

Rosie Swale-Pope is recognised as one of the most courageous and gutsy women of her generation. She is the only person in history, man or woman, to have undertaken an epic solo, unsupported run around the world. During her epic adventure spanning 20,000 miles and nearly five years, she faced extreme danger, bitter Siberian winters, wolves, axe men and desolate loneliness.

Richard Noble is used to pushing the boundaries of engineering technology successful, heading the Thrust2 programme which brought the World Land Speed Record back to Britain in 1983 before breaking the sound barrier with the Thrust SSC supersonic land speed record vehicle. Now with Bloodhound SSC, Noble's team is aiming to top the 1,000 mph mark on land.

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is one of the YIBC's supporters, and ahead of the event, Paul Woodcock, Director of Planning & Regeneration, said: "It is great to see that there are over 400 delegates booked for the first YIBC event in Rotherham. I’m sure that they will all have an interesting and inspiring day, particularly with speakers like Rosie & Richard who show that determination and persistence can help overcome the toughest challenges."

Mike Firth, founder of YIBC, added: "YIBC Rotherham is shaping up to be a great event. I’m sure it will be a terrific day for all of the delegates attending and for Rotherham as a whole."

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News: Home fixture for worldwide Webb

Premier League and FIFA listed referee, Howard Webb MBE has picked up a booking - the Yorkshire International Business Convention (YIBC) which is taking place in his hometown of Rotherham next month.

Hosted at Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham on May 16, YIBC is one of the leading business events in continental Europe and has attracted some of the biggest and most recognisable names from across the globe.

In a section of the convention hosted by BBC's Tanya Arnold, Howard, an Honorary Freeman of the Borough, will speak about his refereeing career, from taking up refereeing in local leagues in 1989 to preparing to travel to Brazil this summer to officiate in the World Cup.

Police sergeant and Rotherham United fan, Howard, has refereed the FIFA World Cup Final, UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup Final.

Mike Firth, founder of YIBC, said: "Having Howard and Tanya on stage in a live talk is a fantastic addition to the line-up for Rotherham's first YIBC.

"For many years, the YIBC has welcomed speakers from the world of sport to offer delegates something a bit different to what they would expect from a business convention.

"We have had the likes of former England cricket captain Andrew Strauss and Paralympian David Weir speak in the past and Howard's story should be another excellent account.

"Sport is one of the biggest businesses in the world. To be successful you need to have determination, vision, the will to win and the skills to succeed, much of the same attributes that are needed in the rest of the business world so I am sure all the delegates will be able to take something away with them from the day."

Political heavyweights Michael Portillo and John Prescott will go head to head at this year's YIBC, with the line-up also including Robert Peston, business editor at BBC News and former financial editor of the Financial Times, Rosie Swale-Pope MBE, Brian Blessed and Richard Noble OBE.

Firth added: "YIBC Rotherham is proving popular and is shaping up to be a fantastic day. Since the speaker line-up was confirmed, the excitement has been building.

"We are delighted with the speakers we have been able to attract for the first YIBC Rotherham and the final preparations are being made ahead of May 16 - it sure to be a great day for all of the delegates attending and for Rotherham as a whole."

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News: Political heavyweights plus referee added to YIBC lineup

Political heavyweights Michael Portillo and John Prescott will go head to head at this year's Yorkshire International Business Convention (YIBC) at Magna in Rotherham, with the world's best referee in attendance, in case it gets out of hand.

One of the leading business events in continental Europe, the convention began in 1995 and has attracted some of the biggest and most recognisable names from across the globe. In 2013, YIBC was held at Bridlington Spa, attracting 700 delegates and speakers. The next event will take place at The Magna Science Adventure Centre on May 16.

Michael and John will go head-to-head in a discussion about the current state of the economy, no doubt throwing in interesting anecdotes about their time in Westminster.

Former Conservative Party Cabinet Minister turned broadcaster, Michael, was a strong admirer of Margaret Thatcher while former Deputy Prime Minister and Labour Party MP, John, was a trade union activist, often seen as the political link to the working class. Prescott will have homefield advantage having been brought up in nearby Brinsworth.

Completing the speaker line-up for the event is football referee Howard Webb. As part of this appearance, he will reflect on, amongst other things, the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and his thoughts ahead of this summer's World Cup Finals in Brazil.

Previously announced speakers include Robert Peston, business editor at BBC News and former financial editor of the Financial Times, Rosie Swale-Pope MBE, Brian Blessed and Richard Noble OBE.

Mike Firth, founder of YIBC, said: "With the addition of John, Michael and Howard to the speaker programme in Rotherham we are sure that we'll provide a unique YIBC experience to the delegates.

"The vision is that the YIBC event will become an established annual event within Sheffield City Region, and in order to achieve this it is important that this inaugural event is of a calibre to kick-start this legacy."

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News: Rotherham YIBC line up revealed

The first details have been announced of the leading names set to speak at The Yorkshire International Business Convention (YIBC) in Rotherham next year.

One of the leading business events in continental Europe, the convention began in 1995 and has attracted some of the biggest and most recognisable names from across the globe. This year, YIBC was held at Bridlington Spa, attracting 700 delegates and speakers. The next event will take place at The Magna Science Adventure Centre on March 28.

Robert Peston, business editor at BBC News and former financial editor of the Financial Times, tops the bill currently.

Following a hugely successful career his own stock skyrocketed during the banking crisis of 2008. Breaking the story that Northern Rock was on the cusp of collapse scored him the Scoop of the Year from the Royal Television Society. He has also broadcast and published a series of influential reports about the causes and consequences of the global financial crisis.

He will be joined by Rosie Swale-Pope MBE, Brian Blessed and Richard Noble OBE.

Rosie made her YIBC debut when the event was held in Bridlington and her inspiring tales of perseverance and triumph over adversity were a huge hit with delegates in East Yorkshire. Not least was when she recounted the tale of how she became the first person to circumnavigate the globe on foot.

As one of the most recognisable faces – and voices – of modern theatre, TV and film, Mexborough-born Brian Blessed's larger than life character always makes for an interesting and certainly entertaining, if a little wacky, interlude.

Often forgotten is his intrepid tales of exploration of the world's highest peaks and most barren of landscapes. This not-to-be-taken-too-seriously man has some serious life experience and shares it in the most engaging of manners.

Making his YIBC debut is Richard Noble, the man behind the Bloodhound SSC world land speed record bid that aims to break 1,000 mph and the previous Thrust SSC project that pushed a land-based vehicle through the sound barrier.

Essentially an entrepreneur, Noble specialises in developing high risk ventures but in the Bloodhound project, building a car quicker than a fighter jet is not, however, the primary goal. Rather, it is to inspire future generations to take up careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics by showcasing these subjects in the most exciting way possible.

Mike Firth, founder of YIBC, said: "We cannot wait for the Rotherham YIBC. Everyone is excited and looking forward to the speakers and the unique YIBC experience the delegates are set for."

Roger Stone, leader of Rotherham Council added: "We look forward to welcoming the YIBC, its speakers, sponsors and delegates to Rotherham next March for what I'm sure will be an interesting and enlightening event."

More speakers are set to be announced in the run up to the event. Sponsors include AESSEAL, Stafforce and Harworth Estates.

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News: Rotherham launch for Yorkshire International Business Convention

A launch event took place last week for The Yorkshire International Business Convention (YIBC), a leading business event in continental Europe, that is taking place in Rotherham next year.

Around sixty guests from businesses and intermediaries across the region attended the launch, held on the borough's Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP), to learn more about the YIBC.

The brain-child of businessman Mike Firth, the convention began in 1995 and has attracted some of the biggest and most recognisable names from across the globe, including Dr Henry Kissinger, Mikhail Gorbachev, Neil Armstrong, Bill Clinton and His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Now in its 18th year, it will be hosted at Magna on March 28 2014 and is expected to emphasise the region's world-leading capabilities in advanced manufacturing. Magna is the UK's first science adventure centre and is set in the former Templeborough steelworks.

Speaking at the launch, Mike Firth, founder of the YIBC, said: "We are delighted to see the excellent support that we had from the region for today's launch event and our plans to bringing the YIBC event to Rotherham and the Sheffield City Region.

"The YIBC experience works equally well for all sizes of business. We will deliver a full day programme of world-class speakers to inspire, educate and entertain our delegates, whilst the networking opportunities are second-to-none and overall our aim is to enthuse the delegates and send them away buzzing with ideas.

"It's also a fantastic way of celebrating the business success of Yorkshire, and especially, as it's being held in the town, the continuing success of Rotherham and the south of the region."

Councillor Roger Stone, leader of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, added: "We're incredibly proud to be able to welcome, and host, The Yorkshire International Business Convention here in Rotherham.

"It's a prestigious event which has helped to further put the region on the map in terms of business innovation and advancement. I'd like to thank Mike for all his hard work and enthusiasm in bringing the YIBC to our town."

Organisers have been asking for suggestions for high profile speakers and announcement are set to be made in the near future.

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News: Rotherham to host Yorkshire International Business Convention

The Yorkshire International Business Convention (YIBC), a leading business event in continental Europe, will be held in Rotherham next year.

The brain-child of businessman Mike Firth, the convention began in 1995 and has attracted some of the biggest and most recognisable names from across the globe, including Dr Henry Kissinger, Mikhail Gorbachev, Neil Armstrong, Bill Clinton and His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Set to be formally launched at The Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in September, the 2014 event will take place at The Magna Science Adventure Centre on March 28.

Magna is the UK's first science adventure centre and is set in the former Templeborough steelworks. It is a family attraction with more than 100 hands-on exhibits designed to explore the four elements of air, water, earth and fire. It also hosts regular school trips and has event space that can cater for anything from 30 people up to 3,000.

This year, YIBC was held at Bridlington Spa, attracting 700 delegates and speakers.

Mike Firth, founder of YIBC, said: "We are delighted to be bringing our event to Rotherham and the Sheffield City Region. We will deliver a full day of World Class speakers who will inspire, educate and entertain our delegates.

"The YIBC experience works equally well for all sizes of business. The networking opportunities are second-to-none and over the years many have commented on deals done on the day. Our aim is to send delegates away buzzing with ideas.

"The convention helps to prove that even in this difficult economic climate, problems can be tackled and overcome in a variety of ways.  A new idea, working smarter, a change of direction or even, as the Dalai Lama put it, abandoning greed.

"It's also a fantastic way of celebrating the business success of Yorkshire, and especially, as it's being held in the town, the continuing success of Rotherham."

Councillor Roger Stone, leader of Rotherham Council, added: "There's no doubt about it, Rotherham is a business success. From the world-leading Advanced Manufacturing Park to the burgeoning town centre, Rotherham is buzzing with business.

"We're incredibly proud to be able to welcome, and host, The Yorkshire International Business Convention. It's a prestigious event which has helped to further put the region on the map in terms of business innovation and advancement.

"YIBC will bring the kind of speakers, and guests, which have graced the convention in the past two decades. "I'd like to thank Mike for all his hard work and enthusiasm in bringing the YIBC to our town, I can't wait.

"Having business leaders from not only Yorkshire, but the entire country, here in Rotherham will be a fantastic business boost for the town, as they will get to see the incredible strides made here in terms of investment and innovation."

A report to the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Development earlier this year outlined proposals for the council to underwrite the event, up to a maximum sum specified. It was noted that this sum will not be required should the event reach its target for sales and sponsorship. Members requested information about the experience of other local authorities in hosting this event.

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