Towards a strategy for services in the UK and Europe

11am-3.30pm, Thursday 15^th January 2009

• How can Government work with business to support growth in service sectors, both in the UK and across the European market?

• What should our strategy be at European level to maximise the business opportunities from the further opening-up of the internal market in services?

NESTA has recently worked with BERR on the Government’s refresh of its policies to take more account of the needs of service sectors (see the reports at http://www.nesta.org.uk/innovation-in-services/ ). This project engaged directly with business to consider what Government could do to support thriving, competitive businesses in UK service sectors. The findings are now being implemented by Government.

The impending implementation of the European Services Directive will develop the single market in many service sectors, reducing barriers to cross-border trade within the EU. The Government wants to look beyond these changes to identify potential further opportunities in European services markets.

This seminar will bring together policymakers from Whitehall and Brussels. You will hear about the direction of policy and contribute to its development.

Ian Pearson MP, Economic and Business Minister, from BERR and HM Treasury will open the seminar.

You will also hear at first hand from the European Commission about the development of European policy for services and service innovation.

A panel discussion will provide a business perspective on the Internal Market in Services, including contributions from: Oliver W Bretz, Partner, European Competition and Regulation, Clifford Chance LLP; Alistair Fulton, Partner, Strategy Services, Environmental Resources Management;  and Dr Scott Steedman, Director, Group Strategy, High-Point Rendel.