The IBN heads to South Africa

Following a successful return to its Yorkshire roots recently, the International Business Network (IBN) will once again head overseas in February 2010.

Over the past couple of years the IBN has taken place in several overseas destinations, including Milan, Copenhagen, Prague and Dublin.

The next stop on the IBN agenda is South Africa, an ideal market for UK companies due to its similar financial and legal systems, a familiar business culture where English is the business language and a time difference of no more than two hours.

Covering just 3% of the African continent, South Africa accounts for a massive 40% of all industrial output, 25% of its GDP, more than 50% of electricity generated, and is by far the most sophisticated free-market economy in Africa.

The South African Government has embarked on an ambitious capital expenditure programme which has proved extremely timely with the worldwide economic downturn. The programme is worth approximately £60 billion, with the majority of the expenditure in the transport and power generation sectors. However South Africa is a land alive with possibility and there are opportunities for UK companies across almost all sectors of the economy including:

• Rail
• Power Generation and Sustainability
• ICT
• Education & Training
• Healthcare
• Water & Environment
• Sports & leisure

The group visit will take place from 21-27 February 2010 and will incorporate Johannesburg and Cape Town. The flyer below includes the full itinerary.

Grants of £1,000 will be available to eligible Yorkshire & Humber companies payable on return from the visit.

For further information or an application form please contact Gail Leathley on 0113 394 9824 or by email at gail@uktiyh.org.uk.

Related document:

• IBN flyer