North West firms vote in mock presidential elections at American business convention

Up to 200 North West firms will have all eyes focused on America on presidential polling day – Tuesday 4 November.

Businessmen and women from across the region are due to attend a special “Profit in America Convention” at The Heath Business and Technical Park in Runcorn, but they will also get the chance to show their own preference for presidential candidates Barack Obama or John McCain in a fun mock election.

The conference has been organised by the Halton Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise to help Halton and North West firms hoping to expand their business into American markets in a wide range of sectors.

Eric Hudson, Halton Chamber’s Executive Vice Chair, has linked up with the Greater Richmond Partnership from Virginia, and several of their leading business experts will be travelling from the US to Runcorn especially to lead workshops and discuss real commercial opportunities.

He explained: “This event offers outward-looking British businesses a chance to discuss real commercial opportunities on the Eastern Seaboard of America. The Greater Richmond Partnership includes dozens of companies which want to trade globally and make real, tangible connections with firms in Halton and across the North West.

“This will not just be a talking shop but will provide leads and background information on trading with America that could generate thousands of pounds worth of inward investment for the North West.”

The event will be formally launched by Greater Richmond Partnership President and CEO Greg Wingfield in a keynote speech at 9.45am. Between 9.45am and 3.15pm, there will also be five workshops, an exhibition and a live link-up with America. Limited places remain for a business leaders’ lunch, costing £15, but the rest of the event is free to North West companies.

Coming under the spotlight in the workshops will be science, technology and communications opportunities, advanced manufacturing opportunities, creative media opportunities, the legal implications of doing business in the USA and financing your growth in the US. All workshops are free but places are limited and must be booked in advance.

Dr Peter Cook, Managing Director of SOG Ltd, which owns and manages The Heath, said he was delighted to host this event promoting entrepreneurship between Britain and America.

“This should be a fantastic opportunity for any local firm wanting to break into American markets,” he said.

For more delegate information about the “Profit in America Convention” on Tuesday 4 November, please contact Diane Kelly on tel 01928 516144 or email: dianek@haltonchamber.com.

Media Invitation

Representatives of the media are cordially invited to attend the “Profit in America Convention”, including the business leaders’ lunch.

All delegates will be invited to take part in the mock election and vote for either Democrat candidate Barack Obama or Republican candidate John McCain. The results of the private ballot will be announced at the beginning of the live link-up with the US at 2.30pm in the Lecture Theatre.

Timetable

9.45am – 10.30am Launch presentation in The Heath Lecture Theatre

10.30am – 11am Press photo call by the American flags and ballot boxes in The Heath’s main foyer with Greg Wingfield, leader of the US delegation; Eric Hudson, Executive Vice Chair of Halton Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise; and Dr Peter Cook, Managing Director of The Heath Business and Technical Park.

1pm – 2pm Business leaders’ lunch, including welcome from David Parr, Chief Executive, Halton Borough Council. Representatives of the media are cordially invited to be our guests at the formal lunch but places need to be reserved in advance through Paul Smith Associates (lynn@paulsmithassociates.co.uk or 07783 686246).

2.30pm Mock presidential election results are announced at the beginning of the live link-up to the Richmond Partnership in the USA.

Press contact on the day: Lynn Pegler, mobile 07783 686246