Past Olympians and pilot of world’s fastest car join forces at showcase for best of British education

As three UK institutions announce plans to expand their international operations, the event will showcase the best of British education to the world, promoting international collaboration and increased trade in ideas and services.

Steve Cram, former world record holder and Olympic silver medallist, and Olympic gold medallist Sally Gunnell will speak on how sport can inspire young people to stay in education. They will be joined by Wing Commander Andy Green, the pilot of world’s fastest car, the Bloodhound SSC, which is used to encourage schoolchildren to study science and technology.

Universities and Science Minister David Willetts said: “The UK’s education and skills sectors have a world class reputation. Britain is home to leading universities, excellent vocational education and world-renowned schools.

“The Global Business Summit on Education will provide a unique platform for educators from across Britain and around the world to discuss global education challenges and do business with each other. It will provide a powerful showcase for our education sector and its increasing importance in today’s highly competitive internationalised economy.”

Minister for Trade & Investment Lord Green said: “The UK’s education sector generates over £14 billion in exports annually and is respected around the world as a global innovator. New partnerships forged today will not just generate new business, but help shape the high-tech skills we need to drive progress and fuel growth.”

Other speakers include Sir Michael Barber, Chief Education Adviser from Pearson, and Professor Geoff Petts, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Westminster.

Jim Wynn, Chief Education Officer of Promethean, a Lancashire firm which makes interactive tools, displays and systems for use in classrooms, said:

“The British Business Embassy Education day will be a great opportunity to showcase over 40 years of education technology innovation. Promethean, a UK company working in 108 countries worldwide, is very proud to be associated with this event.”