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7^th January 2005 (Source: MIA )

The MIA is launching a major new research survey at next week's Autosport International Show at the NEC (January 13-16), to examine the scale and scope of female participation in UK motorsport. The research will form part of the broader Women in Motorsport initiative, which seeks to extend the participation of women in all forms of motorsport, both as drivers and behind the scenes. The Lyn St. James Foundation and The University of Indianapolis recently completed their own major survey into female involvement in motorsport within the USA. The research centred on a questionnaire similar to that devised for the UK, with responses given by women and men alike. 

The MIA plans to compare the results for the UK survey with those of the US version to identify what lessons might be drawn. The UK project will ultimately help to refine the strategy being devised and implemented by the Motorsport Development Board to encourage greater female participation in the sport.

The MIA is encouraging female and male attendees at the Autosport International Show to visit the MIA on stand 6400 (Hall 6) or the Women in Motorsport team on stand 9445 (Hall 9) to complete the new questionnaire.

Packed schedule confirmed for inward trade mission Over 50 buyers from some of the largest companies in world motorsport will be attending the MIA's annual inward trade mission (January 10-14), to be held in Birmingham alongside the Autosport International Show. The buyers come from the USA, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and South Korea. The group includes senior motorsport technology buyers from Audi, BMW, Evernham Motorsport, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Sauber, Skoda and Toyota, amongst many others.

A busy schedule for the missioners kicks off with a Welcome Networking Reception and Mission Brief on Monday January 10 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, NEC, Birmingham. Tuesday will see the attendees visit two leading Motorsport Valley organisations: MIRA and Ricardo. That evening the delegates will meet up again for a drinks reception and Inward Mission Networking Dinner back at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, combined with a pre-dinner exhibition featuring Motorsport Valley / MIA member companies.

On Wednesday the mission will undertake two more industry visits, to Ray Mallock Limited and Lola Cars International. Much of Thursday and Friday will be spent at the Autosport International Show, with MIA representatives introducing the mission delegates to many of the exhibiting British companies. 

The social highlight of the mission will be the MIA's Annual Business Excellence Awards Dinner, held within the grounds of the NEC, which offers a major opportunity to network with around 600 industry guests.

Motorsport VIPs head to new MIA stand Lord Astor of Hever DL, President of the MIA and the person charged with officially opening the Autosport International Show 2005, will be one of many leading figures making their way to the new MIA stand in Hall 6. 

Those that have already confirmed visits include John Surtees MBE, Sir Steven Brown KCVO (Head of UK Trade and Investment), John Grant (Chairman of the MSA - Motor Sport Association), Bob Gilbert (Chair of the Motorsport Development Board), David Brabham, David Richards CBE (chairman and founder of Prodrive), and Alan Gow (Series Director and Administrator for the British Touring Car Championship).

Always a major draw for those looking to do business at the Autosport International Show, the MIA stand this year makes a move to Hall 6, where it will be situated next to the International Business Lounge. This ensures that attendees can easily find the ideal location to attend their business meetings without spending too much time pounding the halls. The MIA stand is numbered 6400 (Hall 6).

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