CES tech event huge opportunity for UK business, says trade minister

Technology convention CES is a “huge opportunity” for British businesses to showcase themselves to the world, the UK’s International Trade Minister has said.

Graham Stuart is leading an official delegation of 67 companies representing the UK at the Las Vegas tech show, which opens on Tuesday.

The four-day event attracts more than 150,000 visitors and is one of the biggest events in the industry calendar.

Among the firms in the UK delegation is Edinburgh-based Speech Graphics, whose audio-based facial animation and lip-sync technology is used in video games.

The group also includes Moonbeam, a company from Hull behind a wearable device which monitors and logs the emotional wellbeing of wearers on the go.

They will appear alongside the likes of Google, Sony and Samsung on the show floor of the convention.

Mr Stuart said: “The UK’s tech sector is world-class. I am proud and excited to lead our delegation to CES, building on the success of last year and unleashing British technology to the world.

“A global show like CES presents a huge opportunity for the British businesses we are supporting to attend, especially as we look to increase trading relations around the world.

“Whilst here I intend to spend my time championing our phenomenal tech sector to global investors and get deals over the line, to ensure our tech exports continue to boom.”

A UK pavilion will be based in the Eureka Park area of the convention, while the Department for International Trade has said Mr Stuart will meet US Secretary of State for Commerce Wilbur Ross.

A number of other technology giants are among the companies showcasing new gadgets at CES, with new robots, TVs and smart home appliances all being unveiled during the week.