International trade secretary Dr Liam Fox has welcomed the “shift in attitude" towards export demonstrated by the enthusiasm with which companies from across the North have embraced their overseas counterparts at the International Business Festival.

The largest global event of its kind took place over the last three weeks at the Exhibition Centre in Liverpool. It was designed to bring together ambitious businesses with influencers, innovators and industry leaders from around the world.

Liverpool City Region, the Department for Business, HSBC, British Airways and the Department for International Trade joined forces to stage the event which centred around nine high-growth industry sectors.

Fox said that he had been "amazed by the energy and entrepreneurial spirit shown" by the 30,000 innovators and investors who had "travelled here to launch products, sign deals and form partnerships with their global counterparts".

He added: "The enthusiasm with which northern businesses have embraced their international counterparts is representative of exporters across the country and demonstrates the shift in attitude towards doing business abroad.

"A culture of exporting – where trade is the norm, not a novelty – will drive the economic growth the UK needs.

"I know that British business is up to the challenge. Whether you are new to exporting or a seasoned international business, you have a partner in this government ready to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead."