As the country emerges from recession, innovations in technology will benefit businesses, says Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCI).

BCI chief executive Jerry Blackett is urging companies to support the British Science Festival, coming to Birmingham from September 14 to 19 this year.

He said: "The city is the birthplace of innovation. The Festival is a major opportunity for the West Midlands to showcase, on a national platform, our enormous strengths in science and technology which will return economic wealth to Birmingham."

The Festival is the largest annual public science event in Europe. It brings together the best in science (including social science), engineering and technology to celebrate scientific advances, explore the latest developments and encourage open discussion about science-related issues.

The city-wide Festival hosts over 200 events involving more than 400 leading scientists and social commentators to provide a rich mix of talks, debates, exhibitions, hands-on activities and excursions in a broad variety of venues and locations across the host city and surrounding region.  

There is an important layer of the programme specifically tailored for young people.

Businesses who wish to know more can get in touch directly with Philip Wilson, a director at the British Science Association, on 020 7019 4928 or at philip.wilson@britishscienceassociation.org