After more than 1,000 face-to-face meetings lasting a combined 400 hours, the 10th SIBEC UK networking conference has concluded at The Belfry in Birmingham.

A record attendance of 140 delegates – 80 suppliers, 50 buyers, plus 10 media representatives and speakers - engaged in a rigorous schedule of 20-minute meetings over one and a half days, in pursuit of new business connections and opportunities.

To celebrate the event’s 10th edition, participants were treated to an after-dinner speech from England’s World Cup Final hat-trick hero Sir Geoff Hurst, who combined tales from his playing days with lessons he learned during a 20-year career in the insurance business.

SIBEC event director David Zarb Jenkins said he hoped next year’s event would maintain the current momentum and confirmed it would again be held at The Belfry from 20-21 May.

“The Belfry set the scene for SIBEC UK’s 10th anniversary event – yet another successful and productive meeting forum which exceeded last year’s attendance of 125 delegates,” said Zarb Jenkins.

“As part of the landmark year, we had a terrific speech from Sir Geoff and participants also enjoyed a pre-event golf day in the sun.”