GMCC, in collaboration with NRW.Global Business and Business Metropole Ruhr, is hosting a presentation and networking event to explore trade and investment opportunities in NRW, particularly in industries where the region excels.
In 2021, the North West of England had trade worth £4bn with Germany, with Greater Manchester leading the charge. NRW is Germany’s most densely populated state, with a GDP of over €800 billion and home to more than 10,000 industrial companies. With over 700,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in NRW, there is huge potential for UK businesses to engage in the region’s digital and industrial evolution, particularly in AI and manufacturing.
Why Attend?
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Unlock new export opportunities: UK companies can tap into the growing demand for AI solutions, digitalisation, and manufacturing expertise in NRW.
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Explore funding and support: Learn about the support available for UK businesses looking to establish a presence in NRW and access its skilled workforce.
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Develop partnerships: Meet with key players in the AI, engineering, and manufacturing sectors in both the UK and NRW.
Germany remains the UK’s 3rd largest export partner, with NRW as a key contributor. NRW is recognised for its innovative AI and digitalisation strategies, making it a vital hub for future-focused industries.
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The Greater Manchester Area and NRW share a rich industrial history, making it a perfect match for UK companies eager to expand into Europe’s largest economy.
EVENT FOCUS AREAS
Artificial Intelligence
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NRW is building a thriving AI ecosystem. Learn about the latest AI advancements in the region and how UK companies can collaborate on projects and innovations.
Engineering & Manufacturing
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With over 10,000 industrial companies in NRW, discover how UK businesses can tap into the region’s industrial expertise and infrastructure to grow their business.
Investment in NRW
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NRW offers a range of financial incentives and a robust business environment. Companies can access incentives to invest in areas like AI, manufacturing, and digitalisation.
Agenda*
9:00 a.m. Registrations and Morning Coffee
9:30 am. Welcome by NRW.Global Business & Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce
9:35 a.m. Exporting to Germany – Department for Business & Trade
9:40 a.m. Opportunities for UK Companies in NRW – NRW.Global Business
9:50 a.m. Promoting NRW for UK Investors – Rebecca Großmann, Business Metropole Ruhr
10:00 a.m. Artificial Intelligence in NRW – Dr. Christian Temath, KI.NRW (Online)
10:15 a.m. Artificial Intelligence in GMCA – Cluster AI in Manchester Region (Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, University of Manchester, DiSH Digital Security Hub)
10:55 a.m. Coffee break
11:05 a.m. How to Find Staff in NRW – Elke Jaitner, Randstad
11:15 a.m. Our Experience Establishing a Business in NRW – Dominic West/James Donnelly, Farrat Isolevel
11:25 a.m. Q&A Session
11:25 a.m. Lunch and 1-2-1 Sessions
*This may be subject to change
Who Should Attend?
This event is ideal for UK businesses in the fields of Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, Manufacturing, and related sectors that are interested in expanding into Germany and Europe. Whether you are an investor, a company seeking to set up a subsidiary in NRW, or looking to collaborate with German industry leaders, this event will help you navigate the opportunities.
Learn about the speakers
Malcolm Gresty Malcolm is an International Trade Advisor from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). Malcolm has a wealth of experience and expertise in international trade, especially within the European market and Germany. His background in technology and AI, along with his hands-on experience in supplying equipment and attending trade shows, is valuable for companies looking to expand internationally.
Jörg Kemna Jörg Kemna has been Managing Director of Business Metropole Ruhr GmbH since January 1, 2024.
Born in Heidelberg in 1982, he studied political science in Tübingen. After graduating, he worked as a project manager for production technology at hannoverimpuls, the economic development agency of Hanover.
He has been with Business Metropole Ruhr GmbH since 2014, including three years as an authorized signatory. Since 2021, he has led Structural Politics & Subsidies, Site & Investor Services, and Growth Markets.
As former Head of HR, Organization and Policy Issues, he helped modernize the company. From 2015 to 2018, he served as Office Manager to the Management Board.
Dr Christian Temath Dr Christian Temath has been managing director of the competence platform KI.NRW since September 2020. KI.NRW is the central contact point for artificial intelligence (AI) in North Rhine-Westphalia. At the Fraunhofer IAIS in Sankt Augustin, he and his team are working on establishing the "AI made in NRW" brand and strengthening the technological sovereignty of North Rhine-Westphalia. A PhD in Business Informatics, he has many years of experience in management consulting in the field of technology as well as in the practical application of AI technologies at an international e-commerce company.
Torsten Vos-Kruszona Since 1994, Torsten has been supporting national and international companies in filling specialist and management positions in Germany – both temporarily and permanently. As a trained human resources specialist, he has operational experience in commercial and technical fields such as metal processing, facility management and warehouse logistics. Starting out as an employee and now working as an independent HR consultant since March 2016, he consistently implements his open, honest and consultative approach on an equal footing with his clients. As a one-man show, he is always close to his clients and projects, with the aim of filling every vacancy with the right person and thus establishing and developing long-term, trusting working relationships. He fills key positions for national and international companies – particularly those seeking to establish themselves in North Rhine-Westphalia – at all hierarchical levels.
Daniel Pott Daniel Pott is a German lawyer and tax advisor. After university (LL.M. Taxation in 2004) and legal traineeship, he started his career at Ernst & Young in Düsseldorf (2007) where he gained in-depth practical experience in the field of tax structuring in national and international cases.
Since joining SHWP (2010), he provides comprehensive advice on German tax law on the interface to corporate and inheritance law. In particular, for foreign companies, SHWP offers support in starting business activities in Germany and assists them in all relevant matters (foundation, financial and payroll accounting, tax advice, legal advice in corporate and labour law).
Costs
This event is free and open to members and non-members. Priority will be given to Chamber Members and m Chamber's partners members.
Last Minute Cancellation & No Shows Terms & Conditions
In case you can no longer attend this event, please note you must cancel your place at least 5 working days before the event. The cancellation must be in writing and sent to international@gmchamber.co.uk indicating the event you are cancelling for and delegate(s) details. Failure to do so within this timeframe, will result in a cancellation/no-show admin fee as follows:
• Members: £15+VAT per delegate
• Non-Members: £20+VAT per delegate
We are aiming to reduce catering waste, for this reason we will enforce this late cancellation/no-show fee. If you book and fail to attend three or more times on free events, we reserve the right to restrict access for future events.
Disclaimer
This is a sponsored event, therefore delegates' contact details will be shared with event's partners.
Please note: There may be photographs taken at our events that will be used for marketing purposes and on our social media channels. If you do not wish to appear in any of our marketing materials or on our social media channels, please inform a member of the Chamber team at the start of the event.
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