The British Government is sponsoring 140 British companies to attend this year`s Hannover Fair, from April 15-20, through its Invest UK agency. The companies will occupy an area called UK@Hannover Fair, with Invest UK is contributing more than £320,000 towards their costs.

This year`s fair will consist of seven individual trade shows, including one dedicated to factory automation which is expected to attract about 2,100 exhibitors - nearly 140 more than in 2001.