In partnership with UKTI, British trade association UKIE is set to bring the first ever games industry expo to the inaugural Liverpool Inrernational Festival for Business, which hits the city between 15-16 July at the IFB Hub on Albert Dock.

The main aim of the expo will be to spotlight the best of the UK games sector by hosting a variety of international companies and visitors to explain what opportunities the UK offers as a leading creative and business hub.

The games showcase will part of a larger 60-day business festival, and will feature a drinks reception, UKTI-run sessions, and a Ukie-led workshop on how to access the recently introduced production tax credit scheme.

'Britain is open for business'

Dr Jo Twist, CEO of UKIE, has described the festival as the perfect opportunity to explore some of the creativity, innovation, and talent that the UK games industry has to offer.

"The showcase will help attract investment nationally and internationally and highlight our message that Britain is open for business," said Twist.

"The UK has the right business environment and key skills to create globally successful exports and with our long fought for tax relief system finally in place, it has never been a better time to make and sell interactive entertainment in the UK."

According to Phil Gaskell, CEO of Liverpool-based developer/publisher Ripstone, the UKIE move is perfectly poised to take advantage of Liverpool's "rich and proud history of game publishing and development".

That's a heritage Gaskell suggests Liverpool is keen to build upon, with over 30 game studios now based in the city.

"As the indie scene continues to blossom and generate some truly original and innovative game experiences, this expo gives talented local companies the chance to showcase their creativity and expertise to a broad audience," he concluded.