UK Pavilion at Milan Expo

the challenge

Following a competitive procurement procedure using a government framework agreement, the government department UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) appointed Bray Leino to manage the delivery of 135 cultural and business events over the six month duration of World Expo in Milan.

These events would take place at the Expo in and around the UK Pavilion, conveying the innovation and vibrancy of UK business, culture and science.

Large scale, high profile international government events across multiple sectors and departments are not new to us, this was a flagship programme for UKTI in 2015.

The challenge would be to guarantee consistent quality across a complex network of stakeholders, ensuring every single aspect would showcase the best of the UK and promote trade and partnership.

our approach

Forensically precise project management and logistical planning was required to deliver this seamless event activity. The Pavilion hosted political leaders including Prime Minister David Cameron and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, members of Royal Families, international business leaders, architects, musicians, sports people, fashion designers and some of the world’s top chefs.   

We developed bespoke systems and project management tools to deliver, continuously improve and report against 135 events working with multiple Government departments, commercial organisations and partners.

On 17 June we staged the UK’s National Day celebrations, a jam-packed day of activity that saw over 140,000 visitors to Expo. The day featured speciality gastronomy events, dancers, buglers, multi-media presentations, a social digital linkup and various ministerial engagements, attended by hundreds of influential UK and Italian business representatives, national and international media and the general public.

commercial success

We successfully delivered 135 events over 184 days, managing stakeholders from numerous government departments and external business representatives. The UK Pavilion welcomed over 3.3 million visitors, making it the most popular paid British attraction of 2015 both at home and overseas.

To date, the business campaign associated with over £653 million of new export business wins by UK companies against a target of £1 billion of economic benefit to the UK.

Hannah Corbett, UK Commissioner General & Director, UK Pavilion, Milan Expo 2015, said: “I would like to thank you and all at Bray Leino for the part you have played in delivering the UK’s participation at Milan Expo 2015. The events support was outstanding and helped the UK to deliver a dynamic schedule with sustained professionalism over six months.

“Your collaboration and enthusiasm were central to delivering a wonderful UK Pavilion and successful events programme showcasing the best of the UK at Milan Expo 2015.”