Mon, 04 Nov 2013
The International Committee of the Birmingham Law Society promotes seminar on International Business in conjunction with Birmingham Airport
Tony McDaid, Practice Director of No5 Chambers and Chair of Birmingham Law Society International Committee, chaired a seminar looking at opportunities for Midlands’ law firms and businesses to engage in overseas opportunities from Birmingham. Held recently at Birmingham International Airport, the event was hosted by Birmingham Law Society International Committee to a packed house, with attendees including President of the Birmingham Law Society, Martin Alsopp.
Paul Kehoe, CEO Birmingham Airport, was the first of the keynote speakers at Diamond House. He detailed the role that the Airport can play as a national asset in meeting UK demand for aviation and also looked at its impact on the regional economy in terms of job creation and inward investment.
International Trade Consultant, Steve Cunnane of UK Trade and Investment, focused upon the help available to organisations in the Midlands’ region in optimising international business opportunities and the importance of exporting to the economy. Selim Ozturk, Turkish Airlines Birmingham General Manager, followed with a presentation about the airline and their links from the Midlands, which could be helpful for businesses looking to network with prospective customers.
Head of Strategic Projects and Business Development for Marketing Birmingham, Marek Dobrowolski, delivered the final presentation of the event, making the case for the Greater Birmingham region as an attractive proposition for foreign investors.
Marek explained to the audience how Greater Birmingham had re-engineered its strategy to encourage overseas investment and how this had secured an 88% increase in inward investment projects during 2012/13. He concluded by explaining the role the local business community could play and the contribution it could make in welcoming new investors.
“The presentations were followed by a networking lunch and a tour of Birmingham Airport,” says Tony McDaid, who was pleased to be involved in marketing this event, which sold-out quickly - a clear indication of this region’s enthusiasm for exporting products, services and expertise.
“No5 Chambers is no different from the rest of the local business community in wanting the Midlands’ region to build upon the success of its business to expand activities both regionally and internationally. Our International Group advises and acts across a broad spectrum of international matters. These include high profile and high value international litigation and arbitration disputes, ranging from banking to trade finance and from crime to sport and technology.
“No5’s recent involvement in assisting Turkish Airlines’ Partnership Deal with Aston Villa Football Club, for example, is typical of the cross-border legal expertise we can bring to bear. I was delighted to see so many of my peers at this event, as it shows that members of this region’s business community are of a common mind in exploring all avenues for success.
“Most importantly, I am delighted as the newly appointed chair of the International Committee that our inaugural event has been such a resounding success. My thanks go to our fellow committee members who helped deliver this event and for their support and enthusiasm for our ongoing strategy of placing Birmingham and the Midlands at the forefront of legal service provision to overseas clients.”
