Well Connected April 2021 by Benham Publishing Limited

Well

Connected April 2021

Official Magazine for Liverpool Chamber

Bruntwood Works

Adapting to change and looking ahead to a sustainable future

INSIDE... • • •

Members plan to bounce back in a post-pandemic world A new era for workplace practices Farewell from Director General of British Chambers, Adam Marshall

Liverpool Chamber

Connect Support Thrive.

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CONTENTS

Find Inside

4-5

Economy

Message from CEO

8-9

Chamber Membership

Farewell from Adam Marshall

Patron News

16-17

International Trade

Health and Wellbeing

20-22 Skills

24-25 Construction 26-28 Cover Feature 29-30 Patron News

Members News

35 Transport 36

Members News

Business Growth

Digital

42-43 Responsible Business 44

Finance for Business

Arts & Culture

46-47 Chamber Events 48 Charity

24 26

Staff Directory

5 Minutes with...

45 50

Enquiries Liverpool Chamber Number One Old Hall Street, Liverpool L3 9HG t: 0151 227 1234 e: membership@liverpoolchamber.org.uk w: www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk Publisher Benham Publishing Limited, Aintree Building, Aintree Way, Aintree Business Park, Liverpool L9 5AQ t: 0151 236 4141 e: admin@benhampublishing.com w: www.benhampublishing.com

Liverpool Chamber

Published April 2021 © Benham Publishing Media No. 1814 Editorial Content Manager Michelle Cameron Michelle.Cameron@liverpoolchamber.org.uk Advertising and Features Karen Hall Tel: 0151 236 4141 e: karen@benhampublishing.com Advertising Sales Catherine McCarthy e: catherine@benhampublishing.com Studio Peter Wilkinson e: peter@benhampublishing.com

@LpoolChamber

@LiverpoolChamber

Disclaimer Well Connected is mailed without charge to all Chamber members and distributed at all Chamber events. All correspondence should be addressed to the Editorat Liverpool Chamber. Views expressed in publication are not necessarily those of Liverpool Chamber. Reprinting in whole or part is forbidden except by permission of the Editor. © 2021. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in this journal, Benham Publishing and its agents can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributions in advertising or editorial content. Benham Publishing cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in web or email links supplied to us.

Liverpool Chamber

BRITISH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

LOOKING AHEAD

The survey of over 6,400 firms, employing more than 800,000 people, points to continued stagnation amid rising business costs and a slowing global economy. The balance of firms reporting improved cash flow – a key indicator of the health of businesses – remains very weak across both manufacturing and service sectors. Indicators for improvements across investment and business confidence also show continuing downward trends. Firms facing pressures to raise prices due to the following factors:

0% +25%

-25%

Manufacturing Sector

+25%

-25%

Service Sector

72% -50%

+50%

+35%

Prices

-75%

+75%

-50%

+50%

+29%

-75%

59% 46%

+75%

33%

28% 29%

28% 19%

+100%

-100%

...of manufacturers expect their prices to increase, unchanged from Q3 2019

+100%

-100%

...of service firms expect their prices to increase, up from +28% in Q3 2019

+25%

Raw materials Financial costs

Other overheads

Balance of firms increasing investment in training

0% -25%

Pay settlements

40% +25%

-25%

Investment

30% -50%

+50%

+11%

-75%

+75%

-50%

+50%

10%

+11%

-75%

20%

+75%

0% -10%

+100%

-100%

...of manufacturers increased investment in training in Q4 2019, up from +8% in Q3 2019

+100%

-100%

...of service firms increased investment in training in Q4 2019, down from +13% in Q3 2019

+25%

QES % 2015 2017 2019 Service Sector QES

Balance of firms reporting improved cash flow

0% -25%

-20%

-30% Balance 2007 2009 2011 2013 Manufacturing Sector QES

30% +25%

-25%

20%

Cash Flow

-50%

+50%

+1%

-75%

+75%

-50%

+50%

+75%

-10% -20%

+100%

-100%

...of manufacturers reported improved cash flow in Q4 2019, up from -7% in Q3 2019

+100%

-100%

...of service firms reported improved cash flow in Q4 2019, down from +5% in Q3 2019

+25%

-50%

QES % -40% Balance 2007 2009 2011 2013 Manufacturing Sector QES

+50%

+75%

-50%

-75%

80%

+25%

-25%

+27%

-75%

-30%

0% -25%

Confidence

+2%

-75%

10%

+50%

+32%

+75%

2015 2017 2019 Service Sector QES

UK GDP growth and QES balance of firms confident 2.0% their turnover will increase

60%

1.5%

40%

1.0%

20%

0.5%

0.0%

-20%

-0.5% -1.0%

-40% -100%

+100%

...of manufacturers are confident turnover will increase in the next 12 months, up from +25% in Q3 2019

-100%

+100%

...of service firms are confident turnover will increase in the next 12 months, up from +30% in Q3 2019

-60% QES % Balance -80% 2007 2009 GDP Growth

GDP % Growth (ONS) 2011

2013

2015

Service Sector QES

2017

2019

-1.5% -2.0%

Manufacturing QES

4 www.britishchambers.org.uk | @britishchambers

ECONOMY

BRITISH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

LOOKING AHEAD

+25%

-25%

Firms facing pressures to raise prices due to the following factors:

Manufacturing Sector

+25%

-25%

Service Sector

72% -50%

+50%

+35%

Prices

-75%

+75%

-50%

+50%

+29%

-75%

59% 46%

+75%

33%

28% 29%

28% 19%

+100%

-100%

...of manufacturers expect their prices to increase, unchanged from Q3 2019

+100%

-100%

...of service firms expect their prices to increase, up from +28% in Q3 2019

+25%

Raw materials Financial costs

Other overheads

Balance of firms increasing investment in training

0% -25%

Pay settlements

40% +25%

-25%

Investment

30% -50%

+50%

+11%

-75%

+75%

-50%

+50%

10%

+11%

-75%

20%

+75%

0% -10%

+100%

-100%

...of manufacturers increased investment in training in Q4 2019, up from +8% in Q3 2019

+100%

-100%

...of service firms increased investment in training in Q4 2019, down from +13% in Q3 2019

+25%

QES % 2015 2017 2019 Service Sector QES

Balance of firms reporting improved cash flow

0% -25%

-20%

-30% Balance 2007 2009 2011 2013 Manufacturing Sector QES

30% +25%

-25%

20%

Cash Flow

-50%

+50%

+1%

-75%

+75%

-50%

+50%

+75%

-10% -20%

+100%

-100%

...of manufacturers reported improved cash flow in Q4 2019, up from -7% in Q3 2019

+100%

-100%

...of service firms reported improved cash flow in Q4 2019, down from +5% in Q3 2019

+25%

-50%

QES % -40% Balance 2007 2009 2011 2013 Manufacturing Sector QES

+50%

+75%

-50%

-75%

80%

+25%

-25%

+27%

-75%

-30%

0% -25%

Confidence

+2%

-75%

10%

+50%

+32%

+75%

2015 2017 2019 Service Sector QES

UK GDP growth and QES balance of firms confident 2.0% their turnover will increase

60%

1.5%

40%

1.0%

20%

0.5%

0.0%

-20%

-0.5%

-40% -100%

+100%

...of manufacturers are confident turnover will increase in the next 12 months, up from +25% in Q3 2019

-100%

+100%

...of service firms are confident turnover will increase in the next 12 months, up from +30% in Q3 2019

-1.0%

-60% QES % Balance -80% 2007 2009 GDP Growth

GDP % Growth (ONS) 2011

2013

2015

Service Sector QES

2017

2019

-1.5% -2.0%

Manufacturing QES

5 www.britishchambers.org.uk | @britishchambers

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laboratory@alexstewartagriculture.com www.foodtestlab.co.uk T: 0151 525 1488 Food Test Lab, 21 Sefton Business Park, Olympic Way, Aintree, Liverpool, Merseyside, L30 1RD, England

Emerging stronger and more resilient Welcome to the spring edition of Well Connected, where the focus is on how we can emerge from the pandemic stronger and more resilient. Despite the setbacks, the overwhelming impression we are getting from members is one of optimism – Spring really has arrived. Fundamental to any recovery will not only be strong economic growth but also increased confidence, particularly for our manufacturers. The results of the latest Quarterly Economic Survey highlight that despite conditions remaining negative, business confidence has increased over the last 3 months. The full results can be found on pages 4 & 5.

Business will continue to be key in the safe reopening of our city and we all have a role to play to make sure that we don’t undermine all of our achievements so far, making sure our workplaces are safe and secure and supporting testing and vaccination programmes. Let’s get out there and support our local businesses but let’s do it safely.

Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on businesses globally but it has also offered us the opportunity to do things differently as we aim to build back better. In this magazine we have some excellent examples of how our members are responding to the changes, addressing these issues head on and adapting the way in which they provide products and services as well as how they engage with staff and their local communities.

In the Chamber we are also taking the opportunity to make changes to allow us to represent and support our members more efficiently and more flexibly. In the last edition we launched our new membership packages to enable all businesses to have the opportunity to join their local Chamber and access a wide range of practical support and advice. I am delighted that we have been

Liverpool Chamber

able to strengthen the team to deliver those services with some excellent new appointments. Check out the team on page 49 and you can find details of some of our initiatives throughout the Magazine. We are continuing to make sure that your voice is heard both locally and nationally, through the campaign work of the British Chambers. The former Director General of British Chambers, Adam Marshall, has recently left the BCC and we would like to thank him for his exceptional contribution. You can read Adam’s reflections on page 11. We need to use our collective experiences to inform how we tackle new challenges, from the inevitable impact of climate change on the way we operate our business, to lobbying for schemes and funding to help us to rebalance the economy in the North, particularly in our region. We know we are fortunate enough to have a wealth of knowledge and experience across our membership, so please get in touch to find out how you can be instrumental in shaping the post Covid recovery so we can genuinely build back better and position our city as the world class location we all know it is.

CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP

Welcome

to our new Chamber Patrons and Strategic Partners Patrons

Strategic Partners

l Liverpool Hope University

l Everton Football Club

l BT Local Business

l Everton in the Community

l RSM

l Begbies Traynor

l Sutcliffe

l Clatterbridge Private Clinic

l Rutherford Health l Wates Construction l Bruntwood l Inspired Energy

l Clatterbridge Cancer Charity l Enterprise Rent a Car l AJ Barnes Wealth Management l Crowne Plaza at Liverpool John Lennon Airport l CGI l First Transpenine Express l Morgan Sindall l Hugh Baird College of Further Education

As businesses emerge from the challenges posed by COVID-19, it has been encouraging to witness the volume of organisations making ambitious plans not only for recovery, but to develop an ever stronger position than before. We are delighted that so many companies have recognised that retaining their Strategic Partnership or Patron status

within Liverpool Chamber is key to this success, and would like to thank them for their ongoing support. Chief Executive Paul Cherpeau explained: “The strength of the Chamber relies on the strength of its members and partners - and I’m thrilled to welcome our new patrons, partners and members into the Chamber family. They each bring with them their own

l Randox Health l ArchiPhonic Ltd l Boomerang Carnets l AFEX l Sovini Group l Coeus Insurance l Liverpool City Council l Medicash l Clarke Energy l Mashbo l Merseycare l Liverpool John Moores University l MSIF l MSP Studios

sector-specific expertise, and together I think we will do great things. They are all incredibly successful and ambitious businesses in their own right and fantastic ambassadors for the Chamber and the city region.” Becoming a patron of the Chamber positions an organisation as a key supporter, contributor and ambassador of not only Liverpool Chamber, but also the

CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP

within the Business Rental Department (North West of England) said: “Enterprise Rent A Car are delighted to announce our status as Strategic Partners of Liverpool Chamber. This partnership is crucial to our aspirations to grow the business within Merseyside and beyond, and we look forward to being an active member of Liverpool Chamber, contributing to the growth of our fellow members and the Liverpool City Region as a whole.”

wider Liverpool City Region. I am delighted therefore that organisations who share our vision for the future of the City have joined us as new Chamber Patrons. Wates, Rutherford Health, Liverpool Hope University, BT, Sutcliffe and RSM all join the Chamber at top level - with a host of other big businesses also set to come on board in Q2. Sutcliffe MD Sean Keyes said: “The Chamber’s knowledge, expertise and passion for the city region business community is second to none, and I have always said that a successful Chamber means for a more successful regional economy. Only by working together as a team will we exit the pandemic with confidence as we build to a brighter future.” We are also delighted to welcome four Strategic Partners to Liverpool Chamber. Working closely with these members allows us to ensure that the companies have representation at our most prominent events, engage with us on policy activity and are featured in all of our communications channels. They also help to shape the Chamber’s voice with industry specialism and thought leadership, and so we are thrilled to announce such high profile organisations as Clatterbridge Private Clinic, MSIF, MSP Studios and Enterprise Rent a Car, from whom Kate Jones, Lead Fleet and Mobility Consultant

Liverpool Chamber

Working with these organisations gives a range of exciting opportunities to Liverpool Chamber, for example working with MSIF signposting members across the Liverpool City Region to the wide range of funding available to them. Funding is available from as little as £500 right up to £2 million+ for a variety of business needs including start-ups, expansions, acquisitions and management buy outs/buy ins, so this is a perfect partnership for Liverpool Chamber, reflective of our diverse range of members and their varying needs. The new Clatterbridge Cancer Centre is a ground-breaking addition to the Liverpool City Region’s healthcare provision, and we are delighted to add Clatterbridge Private Clinic to our roster of Strategic Patrons. Offering exceptional care and treatment plans, and recognised by all major UK insurers, the Private Clinic is an outstanding complementary provision to our incredible NHS, and an organisation we are proud to support. Finally, our extensive events programme would not have been as successful without the support of our Strategic Partner MSP Studios. The professionalism, adaptability and technical knowledge of MSP Studios has been second to none in hosting a range of Liverpool Chamber events, and we encourage all members to have a chat with the team about how they can bring your next event, conference or important Zoom call to life. If you would like to discuss how Strategic Partnership or Patronage to Liverpool Chamber can support your business, please contact Tom Woolley via tom.woolley@liverpoolchamber.org.uk.

Supporting members with our Business Growth Programme If 2020 has been a challenging year on so many levels for business then 2021 has got to be the year for recovery. This recovery is more difficult due to the drains on resources the majority of companies have suffered. To aid in your recovery there are two fully funded programmes, both of which start in January to get your recovery off to a solid start in 2021. Both programmes are being delivered or facilitated by Chamber member Gary Halpin of Flourish. Peer Network is funded by BEIS and delivered locally by Growth Platform. This programme is aimed at SMEs with a turnover of at least £100k and employing 5 people or more. Groups of decision makers from businesses within LCR meet via Zoom to support each other utilising an Action Learning Process. The programme has got off to an excellent start with delegates saying how useful it has been to have a number of talented business people with an external and different viewpoint provide support. More details follow the link Flourishandgrow.uk The Business Growth Programme is for all SMEs within LCR, a series of 10 workshops covering all aspects of business with a real focus on finding and winning new business in a pragmatic and profitable way taking account of the impact of the pandemic. 35 businesses have completed the programme and their feedback has been excellent. For more details contact Liverpool Chamber on 0151 227 1234 or email ian.bulmer@ liverpoolchamber.org.uk

The purpose of the 30-minute training is to offer a baseline level of understanding of mental health, mental illness and what to do if you or somebody else needs help and support.

people throughout an organisation as possible, we are able to help you create a true environment of understanding for all staff, making mental health part of your day-to-day life at work.

Put mental health Put mental health at at the very top of your the very top of your list list of priorities for 2021. of priorities for 2021. For further information, please contact:

such and an uncertain disrupted Thebeen training has beenrolled successfully rolled out across After such an After uncertain disruptedand year, it quoteyear, The ittraining has successfully out across rachel@chasingthestigma.co.uk and Chamber21. has never been more important to look after the organisations such as Everton Club, The has never been more important to look after the organisations such as Everton Football Club,Football The of your staff and so we andDisclosure and Barring Service, Group The Regenda Group mental healthmental of yourhealth staff and customers, socustomers, we Disclosure Barring Service, The Regenda chasingthestigma.co.uk 0151 3184747 would towe let are youhere knowtowe are here toand help. and the NHS England would like to let you like know help. the NHS England mental healthmental team. health team. We are delighted to offer Chamber members, don’t everyone aim to make everyone a mental We are delighted to offer Chamber members, We don’t aimWe to make a mental 10% off our ground-breaking training health expert.health expert. Instead, we offer the essential 10% off our ground-breaking training Instead, we offer the essential programme, Ambassadors of Hope, for any information and toolkit allmore need to feel more programme, Ambassadors of Hope, for any information and toolkit we all need towe feel bookings before the end of March. confident about the topic. training as many bookings made before made the end of March. confident about the topic. By training asBy many peoplean throughout an as organisation people throughout organisation possible, as possible, The purpose of the 30-minute is to offer The purpose of the 30-minute training is to training offer areyou able to help you create a true environment we are able towe help create a true environment a baseline level of understanding of mental a baseline level of understanding of mental of understanding for all staff, making mental Registered Charity No 1170757 of understanding for all staff, making mental health, illness and you or health, mental illnessmental and what to do if what you orto do ifhealth part of yourlife day-to-day part ofhealth your day-to-day at work. life at work. somebody else needs help and support. somebody else needs help and support. chasingthestigma ChasingStigma chasing-the-stigma

chasingthestigma

For further information, please contact: For further information, please contact: rachel@chasingthestigma.co.uk and quote Chamber21. rachel@chasingthestigma.co.uk and quote Chamber21. chasingthestigma.co.uk chasingthestigma.co.uk 0151 3184747 0151 3184747

n Cleaning Services n 24 hour key holding and emergency call out Registered Charity No 1170757 Registered Charity No 1170757 n Weekly fire alarm testing chasingthestigmachasingthestigma ChasingStigma ChasingStigma chasing-the-stigma n CCTV installation chasing-the-stigma chasingthestigmachasingthestigma Please visit our website for more details; acmfacilitiesmanagement.co.uk or call us directly and speak to a member of our team on 0778 559 5866 Suite 48, Oriel Chambers, Water Street, Liverpool L2 8TD T: 0778 559 5866 | E: acmcaretaking@outlook.com

Farewell from Adam Marshall

Reflections from BCC Director General Adam Marshall My first day as part of the Chamber of Commerce network was a sunny day in July 2009, meeting with business leaders from Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland at the St David’s Hotel in Cardiff Bay. At that time, the UK and the world were beginning a long and complex recovery from the global financial crisis. Now, nearly twelve years later, my time at the British Chambers of Commerce has come to an end. Once again, our Chamber business communities are working to restart, rebuild and renew in the wake of another worldchanging period. It has been a huge privilege to be part of the unique and special Chamber family for more than a decade. Over the last five years, I have been lucky indeed to lead the work that we do together to effect change on behalf of our business communities. Together, we’ve influenced and changed government policy. We’ve spoken up for our communities, articulating the real-world interests of firms in every region and nation of the UK. We’ve built a stronger global network for British business, with Chambers and business groups now supporting twoway trade with over 70 countries worldwide. And as we begin life outside of the EU, Chambers have risen to the huge challenge of supporting traders and companies through a period of significant change. Our international trade teams, and our new ChamberCustoms service, have delivered advice, training and brokerage

Liverpool Chamber

to thousands of businesses as they adapt to new trading conditions – and we have continued to push both the UK Government and our European partners to solve the practical, real-world issues facing firms and to build a stable long-term relationship. Over the past year, the Coronavirus pandemic has also impacted the way Chambers work, just as it has so many other businesses around the world. Yet, as we have faced the same economic uncertainty as companies of every size and sector, our network of accredited Chambers has also grown stronger. We have seen our business communities come together in new and special ways. As geographic distance has become less of a barrier, levels of collaboration, the sharing of ideas, and joint working on common challenges and opportunities has increased dramatically. The indispensable role played by Chambers, as cornerstones of local and regional business and global trade, has grown even more important. In every conversation, the importance of community, of belonging, and of coming together to support the places where we live and work has shone through. Many in our communities are suffering, from businesses who have faced closure or a collapse in demand, through to individuals who have lost their livelihoods

or experienced physical or mental health challenges. Chambers see and feel this acutely – and have been hugely influential in securing greater support for both businesses and their employees. The recent UK Budget has reinforced the success of our approach, and shown how we as a Chamber Network can influence Government thinking so that as many businesses as possible can keep going until the economy fully reopens. We have also seen significant movement on the training and skills challenges that the pandemic has only accentuated. Chambers across Britain are at the forefront of supporting young people into work, and there is great hope that a locally based approach to skills training with substantial Chamber involvement will finally emerge. We are not out of the woods yet, and significant challenges remain. Yet the eternal optimist in me sees innovation and progress as well, though we may still be too close to that change to be able to see it and label it as such. But it is undoubtedly happening. Companies, and the people that sit behind every firm and every brand, are rising to the occasion, supporting each other and their people. And they are coming together, through Chambers of Commerce, to find pragmatic solutions to the issues that we face, collectively, in business. As I come to the end of my time with the BCC, I know these civic business communities will lead the way and will be heavily involved as we work to restart, rebuild and renew. Long may that continue.

Steps at Strawberry Field Steps at Strawberry Field aims to provide inclusivity and offer a selection of accessible training, coaching and support to a wide range of people. Made up of four programmes - Steps to Work, Steps to Work lite, Steps to Volunteer and Recycles - it provides employment, work experience, training and volunteering opportunities. For more information, to find out how you can join a programme or if your business can offer a placement, visit www.strawberryfieldliverpool.com or email steps@strawberryfieldliverpool.com #GatesOpenForGood

/StrawberryFieldLiverpool @strawberryfield @strawberryfieldliverpooluk The Salvation Army is a Church and registered Charity in England (214779), Wales (214779), Scotland (SC009359) and the Republic of Ireland (CHY6399)

WHO ARE WE?

WHO CAN REFER TO US?

 Granby Community Mental Health Group Mary Seacole House

 Self Referrals

 Mary Seacole House opened its doors in January 1991. The organisation is located in the heart of the community it primarily serves and operates from two centres in Toxteth which is in the Princess Park Ward of Liverpool. The organisation was set up to provide support services to local primarily BAMER (Black, Asian, Minority, Ethnic and Refugees) people who are experiencing mental illness.

 Organisation Referrals

 Our service users are mainly drawn from this area, but we also deliver services to BAMER people from across Merseyside. Mary Seacole House is a mental health charity and resource service set up to offer support and advice in emotional and practical matters, primarily for BAMER communities, however we work with all communities across Merseyside.  Mary Seacole House has maintained a track record of delivering services for over 29 years  Mary Seacole House is a place where people with diverse social and cultural backgrounds can come together in a non oppressive environment. Staff will offer support, advice and guidance in both practical and emotional matters.  The organisation endeavours to address the needs of culturally diverse communities within Merseyside providing a community based service, which supports and enables people from culturally diverse communities to challenge inappropriate practices and treatment within the mental health system

 Community Referrals

THANKYOU If you have a client or would like a referral form or chat, please feel free to contact us

Day Service info@maryseacolehouse.com BAMER Family Service kellie@maryseacolehouse.com Advocacy simon@maryseacolehouse.com BAMER Community Advocacy Service alex@maryseacolehouse.com Or find us at refernet

TRAINING COURSES DATES AND TITLES Introduction to Autism & Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) Autism and the Criminal Justice system

22/4/21 6/5/21

WHAT SERVICES DO WE PROVIDE?

Introduction to Mental Illness

13/5/21

Introduction to Personality Disorder

20/5/21

Introduction to Learning Disability and Mental Illness

10/6/21

 Day Service

Introduction to the Mental Health Act 1983

17/6/21

 BAMER Family Service

Introduction to the Care Act 2014 Accessing and working with the Mental Health and Community Care Services

 Advocacy  BAMER Community Advocacy  Training Courses

1/7/21

Introduction to the Mental Capacity Act 2005

15/7/21

Understanding Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards/Liberty Protection Safeguards

29/7/21

Understanding different models of Independent Advocacy

12/8/21

https://bit.ly/2UQQ7bR | https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/mary-seacole-house-25860057065

Above links takes you to our events page where all the training is listed with all the details

The Women’s Health Information & Support Centre (WHISC) is a charity dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of women and their families throughout Liverpool and the surrounding areas Established in 1984, our centre is based on Bold Street in the heart of Liverpool. WHISC is for all women, including women who are amongst the most vulnerable, isolated and marginalised in our communities. In recent years we have seen a huge increase in need for mental health support and in 2019 we were awarded a three-year grant to open a crisis intervention hub. Since the Covid 19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions began, there has been a 64% rise in women requesting mental health support from WHISC. We offer a Listening Ear service; a safe space for women to talk with another woman about issues which may be impacting on their mental health and wellbeing. In the last year alone, our staff and volunteers have provided almost 3,000 one to one support sessions, either by telephone or face to face. Further grant funding has enabled us to provide food vouchers, small emergency funds to women in financial crisis and a lending library of tablets for women in digital poverty, so that they can attend our free online activities. As a centre and community hub, everything we deliver is designed to improve women’s health, mental health and wellbeing. The wrap

around support we provide enables women to move beyond a crisis, offering opportunities to attend training, workshops, support groups, classes and holistic therapies. Women often come to us, when they are in distress and we are proud to work with partners across the city, with the overall aim of improving access for women to the most appropriate service for their needs. We have found that lockdown restrictions have compounded women’s experiences of loneliness and isolation and all of our services are offered online or via the telephone so that we can reach out to women and help them to feel connected. Our current timetable is available at https://whisc.org.uk/ whats-on-at-whisc-the-womens-charity/ WHISC has an incredible team of volunteers, many of whom have previously accessed our services and offer their time, skills to support the women we serve and the work that we do. We know at WHISC that women are experts in their own lives. We offer

opportunities for women to gain transferrable skills, employability training and pathways into further education, training and employment. Our service also has a proud history of working with local universities, offering placements and research opportunities to students in health and social care. Many of these students’ volunteer at the centre beyond their course, as they witness the impact of our services and want to stay involved. With the easing of lockdown restrictions, we are excited to start re-opening our face to face services, with all appropriate safety measures in place. We also know that the need for support will increase and we are working hard to ensure that we can continue to provide services, to support women and families across our communities. If you would like any more information or to donate, please visit www.whisc.org.uk/donate

PATRON NEWS

Protecting the workforce from the big ‘C’

in a postpandemic world

Cancer continues to exact a high price to the economy and society. Over 123,000 working-age individuals are diagnosed with cancer each year and over the past few decades cancer incidence has continued to increase. The good news is that whilst cancer incidence is rising, people are also living much longer thanks to improvements in cancer treatments. Finding ways to improve cancer care and giving people access to the best treatments is vital. For employers, this means proactively seeking solutions that can protect the workforce and give employees peace of mind that when it comes to cancer, they are fully covered. Jayne Moore Media based in Liverpool is one of the first businesses in the UK to adopt Rutherford Direct’s Cancer Cover for businesses. At the heart of that decision was Managing Director, Jayne Moore, who is a cancer survivor and knows better than anyone that having access to the best care can mean the difference between life and death. The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of employee welfare and the past year of lockdowns has placed greater emphasis on a healthier work-life balance and above all, employee health. This will remain at the top of the agenda for the foreseeable future. Cancer remains a dominant healthcare challenge in the workforce for which there

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is no vaccine and which no number of lockdowns can suppress. One innovative solution to give employees assurance that they are fully covered when it comes to cancer is a new membership plan. Rutherford Direct Cancer Cover, which was developed to widen access to high quality cancer care in the UK at an affordable monthly cost, was launched in 2020 and offers access to a comprehensive suite of treatments upon diagnosis. The membership plan is the first of its kind that focusses exclusively on cancer and is available to businesses and individuals. The cover includes comprehensive cancer treatments including pioneering proton beam therapy through a network of UK treatment facilities. The membership plan is also paired with an extensive lifestyle support package that offers a five-star concierge service, daily cash benefit, companion cover, cancer and health counselling, and even post treatment medication cover.

The purpose of Rutherford Direct is to address the lack of access to high quality cancer treatment, care, and support in the UK, providing members with the assurance that they will be fully supported in the event of a diagnosis with a transparent route to comprehensive treatment offering certainty over risk, which is paramount when considering that one in two of us will be diagnosed. Pressure on the NHS is at an all-time high and the damage done by the pandemic means that it will be fighting the cancer backlog for a long time. NHS resources also need to be primed for potential future waves and variants. With Rutherford Direct, members are guaranteed access to independent facilities which have greater capacity to treat cancer patients and offer pioneering technologies such as Proton Beam Therapy and MR-linac Radiotherapy as well as conventional therapies. Rutherford Direct was built to deliver that assurance.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

The Comeback Carnet The U.K. is experiencing a “double whammy” from Brexit and Covid-19. Individually, these would be daunting but together are a gauntlet of shifting hurdles and stressful challenges. Industries across the board have been hard hit. From live music touring to the creative screen industries to tech companies, all need to cross borders into the E.U and other carnet countries. Boomerang carnets® UK has reached out via webinars, geared toward these industries, to increase awareness of the benefits of the ATA Carnet to ease cross border travel. The customs document provides significant savings enabling overseas music gigs, film production, and product demos to continue.

-tax free into 87+ carnet countries and territories for up to a year. The ATA Carnet is known as “The Merchandise Passport” or “Passport for Goods”. It can serve as the Certificate of Registration allowing goods re-entry into the U.K. import-duty and -tax free. You can put almost anything on a carnet from musical instruments, expensive cameras, to a robot that cleans.

The top two questions new customers ask are “What can I put on a carnet?” and “Where can I go with it?”. The ATA Carnet is an internationally accepted customs document for temporarily exported merchandise, goods, or professional equipment. It allows cross border movement of goods import-duty and

In anticipation of the urgent need for carnets, we opened two new Boomerang Carnet Distribution Centers: one at Pinewood Studios in Leeds, and one serving the Bristol/Cardiff/Southwestarea. ATA Carnets benefit companies in nearly every industry. These new locations offer enhanced convenience to the

We teamed up with the Musicians’ Union to offer discounted rates on carnets for union members to ease the new costs of touring to the E.U. The discounts will allow musicians to take expedient advantage of opportunities despite the new layers associated with doing business with the E.U., our largest trading partner.

Customs Declarations made easy Post Transition businesses need to make customs declarations to import and export goods between Great Britain and the EU Liverpool Chamber delivers training to highlight what you need to know to be able to accurately complete a simple customs declaration. Course Objectives • Demonstrate the gathering of information to complete a customs declaration using various example scenarios, covering both export and import, enabling learners

to feel confident in their approach to their own declarations • Explore a number of typical problems and common errors when completing declarations, increasing their ability to apply best practice • Improve confidence and provide reassurance through an opportunity to bring specific questions or issues to the attention of the trainer Our next course is on the 12 of May and you could benefit from Customs Grants . Contact export@liverpoolchamber.org.uk for further information.

creative screen industries in the vicinity, as well as, to any of the multitude of other industries nearby. New customers in 2020 represented a variety of industries from lifestyle guru to tech companies to engineering/ construction. One of our more unique customers included a Norwegianbased company with headquarters in the Port of Southampton. They are a major contributor to net zero efforts by providing an environmentally friendly, underwater hull cleaning service for vessels with an advanced remote-controlled robotic vehicle. They used a boomerang Carnets4Cargo in shipping one to their customer outside the U.K. Our business is based on our customers’ needs. Our 30 plus years of experience means we can readily anticipate those. Historically, jumpstarting economies from dire situations by stimulating trade, in particular exports, has worked. We hope our contribution expedites a comeback to industries and economies at full throttle.

SME Brexit Support Fund is open for applications The SME Brexit Support Fund could give you up to £2,000 to help with training or professional advice, if your business has up to 500 employees and no more than £100 million annual turnover.

• How to manage customs processes and use customs software and systems • Specific import and export related aspects including VAT, excise and rules of origin

Traders can apply for up to £2,000 in total through two types of grants:

Grant for Professional Advice: The grant can be used to get professional advice, so your business can meet its customs, excise, import VAT or safety and security declaration requirements.

Grant for Training: The grants can be used to provide training on the following:

Find out more information on eligibility for the fund and apply online.

• How to complete customs declarations

Applications will close on 30 June 2021 or earlier, if all funding is allocated before this date.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Global Business Network For 160 years our business has been helping UK businesses grow and trade successfully across the world. The British Chambers of Commerce Global Business Network is comprised of member British Chambers of Commerce and businesses groups that are located across all continents of the world and directly link back to Chambers of Commerce in every region of the UK.

Meet the Ecuadorian Chamber of Commerce: Ecuador is a growing industry that is willing to open its market to new countries and partners, in order to grow together. Its application of free market

principals, including the lowering of trade barriers, its participation in numerous international trade organizations, and a firm commitment to diversification of its economy and reform of its financial institutions, are helping to restore a favorable balance of trade and generally better the nation’s economy. Since 1988, the British Ecuadorian Chamber of Commerce-BRITCHAM UIO- has principally contributed to the strengthening and promotion of commercial relationships between the UK and Ecuador. We seek to generate business opportunities for our members offering a high level of networking, assessment in imports and exports with our allied institutions, as well as information concerning business relations. We have some member companies that are interested in offering different products to the British market such as:

Revised timetable for the introduction of import border controls A new timetable for introducing import border control processes will enable UK businesses to focus on their recovery from the COVID pandemic. The government will now introduce full border control processes, six months later than originally planned. From 1 October 2021: • Pre-notification requirements will be required for products of animal origin, high risk food not of animal origin (HRFNAO) and certain animal by products. • Health certificates will be required for products of animal origin and certain animal by-products. For more information on importing or moving live animals, animal products and high-risk food and feed of animal origin, https:/ /www. gov.uk/guidance/importing-or-moving-

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live-animals-animal-products-and-highrisk-food-and-feed-not-of-animal-origin For more information on importing or moving fish to the UK, https:/ /www.gov.uk/ guidance/importing-or-moving-fishto-the-uk. Guidance on importing animals has also been updated in “guidance for EU businesses exporting to the UK”, https:/ / www.gov.uk/guidance/eu-businessexporting-to-the-uk for more information. From 1 January 2022: • Safety and Security declarations for imported goods will be required. • Physical SPS checks for products of animal origin, certain animal byproducts, HRFNAO and high risk plants, will take place at Border Control Posts. • Prenotification requirements and documentary checks, including

- Indigenous crafts & handcrafted jewellery - Flowers - Toquilla straw hats - Infusions and dried fruit - Plantain and cassava chips - Exotic fruit - Organic bananas For more information visit http:/ /www.camarabritanica.com.ec or contact officer@camarabritanica.com.ec

phytosanitary certificates, will be introduced for low risk plants and plant products. • Customs declarations on all goods will be required at the point of import, and businesses will no longer be able to use the deferred declaration scheme. From 1 March 2022: • Checks at Border Control Posts will take place on live animals, low risk plants and plant products. Traders moving controlled goods into Great Britain will continue to be ineligible for the deferred customs declaration approach. They will therefore be required to complete a full customs declaration, when the goods enter Great Britain. For more information on the announcement, visit https:/ /www.gov. uk/government/news/governmentfocuses-on-recovery-from-covidwith-new-timeline-for-border-controlprocesses-on-import-of-goods For a step-by-step guide on importing goods into the UK visit https:/ /www.gov. uk/import-goods-into-uk

As we start to ease out of lockdown it’s important to acknowledge that what we once knew as ‘normal’ is now changing. What if I pass the virus onto a vulnerable family member? Why aren’t some people sticking to the social distancing rules?

I’m struggling keeping up with the guidelines as they change so often!

I have too much time on my hands which has increased my anxiety over the future, my finances and employment

You might find the end of lockdown as hard as the start was and it may take a bit of time to reconnect with life again. It’s important not to judge yourself too harshly, everyone is facing uncertainty and their own challenges. If you feel you need additional support with your mental health contact Talk Liverpool. We are your local NHS service offering free psychological therapies to help you challenge common mental health problems such as depression, stress and anxiety. If you are aged 16+ and are registered with a Liverpool GP visit our website talkliverpool.nhs.uk or call us on 0151 228 2300 to find out more and make a self referral.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

o o o

Housing advice Benefits guidance Mental health support

• Access to The Life Rooms Learning offer including o o o o o o

The Life Rooms Bootle, on the Hugh Baird St. Winifred’s Campus, is an exciting partnership that originated in January 2019 to support an holistic approach to community support, student well being, mental health awareness and social prescribing. Due to the global pandemic this partnership has never reached its full potential and g the ability to broaden its impact on the wider community has been considerably reduced. We are now looking to revitalise the partnership and have begun to develop a vocational pathway between The Life Rooms and Hugh Baird College offering a person centred approach to employment and personal development. Long term unemployment in the area is ranked the

Back to Business: Staff Health Screening As businesses begin the process of reopening after lockdown, many organisations will be wondering how they can ensure a safe and reassuring work environment for their staff. Employers must plan for any return to the workplace in a way that cares and supports their workers. It will be vital for businesses to also consider the long-term impact the pandemic has had on employee’s mental health as well as physical health. Many workers will have experienced new levels of anxiety about COVID-19 as well as the challenges that have been practised due to long-term social isolation. As things start to go back to normal, some workers may also struggle with the significant change that society has seen, and the familiar workplace routines could feel very different.

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5th highest out of 8 core cities (July, 2017) with 0.6% of the population aged 16-64 years (1,820 people) claiming job seekers allowance for more than 12 months. This offer will allow Mersey Care service users, Hugh Baird students and the local community to access the following: • One to one person centred employment, volunteering and further education advice

Understanding mental health conditions Social interaction Physical health session Healthy eating Music And much more

The overall approach to the offer in relation to the partnership is to create a route for personal development tailored around ability, experience, support needs and desire. The Pathway Advisors will offer individuals supportive and measured experience plans, guided by a dedicated and experienced vocational and college team. The pathway outcomes will be focused around access to partners both internal and external offering;

• Work experience opportunities in customer service and health and social care

• Volunteering opportunities in Mersey Care, third sector organisations and more.

• Employability course supporting development in CV writing, communication and interview techniques.

• Employment and work experience, in various businesses

• Access to support from Pathway Advisors including;

• Further education opportunities focused and supported by Hugh Baird.

The good news is that Randox Health offer innovative COVID-19 health screening packages which, depending on your workplace requirements, can safeguard all employee’s health and wellbeing.

If your business operates internationally, Randox Health’s PCR and Antigen testing also offer employees appropriate certification for travel.

Partnering exclusively with the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, these health screening programmes will allow companies to demonstrate their commitment to their staff and help a wide variety of industries get back to business by ensuring the highest level of safety. Randox, a partner of the UK Government’s National COVID-19 Testing Programme, have multiple testing offerings for businesses, including: • PCR (diagnostic) testing that is performed using a throat/nasal swab with same day or next day results • Antibody testing that is performed on a patient blood sample taken by the Randox Health team • Antigen testing that is performed using a throat/nasal swab with results available within one hour

To find out more about a tailored ‘Back to Business’ Testing service for your organisation, email David.Hallendorff@RandoxHealth.com or phone 0800 2545 130

£200

£90

per test

Entry Health Awareness Screening 35 tests covering key health areas including personal health measurements, body composition, heart health and diabetes risk Additional:

Medium Health Awareness Screening 100 tests covering key health areas including personal health measurements, body composition, heart health, diabetes risk, full blood count, iron status, kidney health, urinal analysis, liver health, bone health, thyroid health and prostate health

1-2-1 consultation with health expert £20 Additional: 1-2-1 consultation with health expert - £30

COVID-19 Antibody test can be added to either package for additional £30

www.randoxhealth.com

Skills

Liverpool Hope student research explores the benefits and challenges of home working. Final year Business Management student Joe Perrins is currently researching approaches to home working that could inform organisational practice as we start to emerge from lockdown and take tentative steps back into the workplace, be that literally or virtually. Joe’s final year thesis will explore current policy and practice in relation to homeworking and how this links to job satisfaction. This research could not be more timely as employers start to consider how they can learn from the pandemic experience and make use of available technologies to develop a more flexible approach to organising its workforce, that not only supports employee wellbeing, but underpins wider sustainability goals. The recently published CIPD report ‘Embedding new ways of working postpandemic ‘(CIPD 2021) demonstrates that 40% of employers expect more than half their workforce to regularly work from home after the pandemic has ended. This will present a

significant shift in the workplace dynamic and require employers to think about how they best manage and support their employees as we move to a ‘new normal’. The CIPD refers to a hybrid pattern of working wherein employees split their time between home and office. Joe’s research will look to inform how employers and HR practitioners can develop policy and practice that underpins such a structure. Joe is specifically exploring the link between homeworking and job satisfaction and explains that research to date has been

Skills Passport

This new initiative will help to develop soft skills, professional development skills and networking skills so graduates have all the essential tools for future employability. A new skills ‘Passport’ that aims to develop resilience, interpersonal skills and communication techniques, as well as raise aspirations, has been introduced as part of the Business Management degree. All first years on the course will undertake the programme alongside the academic side of their studies in order to ensure they gain skills that are essential for industrial placements and entering employment. Business Engagement & Employability Manager Lyndsey Burkert, who has worked to develop the initiative, explained how it aims to give students a tool kit of soft skills to reflect on as they moved forward with their studies. She said: “We felt it was essential to give our students the opportunity to benefit from a programme that started from the first year of study.

“I will also be upskilling the students in more traditional areas, such as professional skills and academic writing skills, to give them a strong foundation.” The ‘Passport’ programme will feature input from local industry partners and guest speakers to the Business School. This wider contribution of knowledge and expertise will be embedded throughout all three years of the degree and will enhance the awareness of students about different career paths and putting theory into practice. Lyndsey added: “I’ve focused on introducing our students to a mix of local North West business leaders and welcoming some of our alumni back to share their wisdom and steps to success. “We will also have a mix of academic staff and professional tutors from the Business

mixed. Whilst there are clear benefits in terms of work life balance, unforeseen pressures due to a blurring of the boundaries between home and work life cannot be ignored. Interim findings from Joe’s data points to the central role of line management in creating a climate of trust, that can be crucial to the operation of effective remote working. It is hoped that the full findings of his research, later this year will provide insight and tangible recommendations as to how employers might ‘build back better’. Proof to go to raperp@hope.ac.uk

School supporting with the delivery of key elements of the ‘Passport’, enabling them to share areas of practical expertise and research.” The Skills ‘Passport’ will develop and expanded to include second year and final year students over the forthcoming years. This will enable Business School students to form strong alliances between year groups, share knowledge and form a coaching and mentoring culture. Lyndsey concluded: “The attendance and engagement has been fantastic so far. It’s been a privilege for me to join the Business School and develop this programme, which will enable our first-year students to get off to a flying start in the midst of such challenging circumstances. “This is a great opportunity for our students, and I’m really excited to have written and developed a skills ‘Passport’ programme that will not only add value to Liverpool Hope Business School, but also enhance our students’ journey from academia to employability.”

SKILLS

Apprenticeships Sean Keyes Managing Director, Sutcliffe civil and structural engineers

“At Sutcliffe we have a proud history of progressing our apprentices and ensuring that they can learn and grow in a safe and accepting environment.

all we can to integrate them into our team and give them the tools they need to flourish both in an office and on-site environment.

“With four apprentices currently on our books, we have high hopes that they will be able to follow in the footsteps of some of our previous apprentices who have climbed the ladder and progressed from young, inexperienced 16-years old to established and competent company directors.

“There is a clear ladder of succession at Sutcliffe and our apprentices are regularly reminded of their aims and goals, to ensure that they stay focused and are always working towards their next achievement, which I feel is incredibly important for their future aspirations and development.

“Taking on apprentices fresh from school at the ages of 16 to 19, every apprentice’s experience is tailored towards their growth and whether it is engineering or admin that they are passionate about, we do

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“Placing a huge emphasis on education, we also ensure that our apprentices study hard for their part-time college degrees while at Sutcliffe, and we have regular communication with their colleges to check up on their attendance, learning

and classroom performance. This is then replicated by their colleges, and it is always nice to receive visits and calls from tutors who are checking up on the career progression of their students long after their graduation. “The current Kickstart Scheme will also help us train and up-skill the future generation, and it is important that we continue to help raise aspirations across the board, with our upcoming partnership with Hugh Baird College set to see us take on one to two apprentices a year from underprivileged backgrounds. Sutcliffe is keen to unearth hidden gems, many who would never have had the chance to work in the construction industry if it wasn’t for apprenticeship programmes like the ones we run.”

SKILLS

Exploring the benefits of harnessing student & graduate talent within businesses In recent months, Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) has mobilised a number of initiatives designed to deliver on its commitment to be ‘a modern civic university delivering solutions to the challenges of the 21st century’. These include diverting its Funded Internships Programme through which students are paid to complete a 140-hour project - to support business recovery & diversification in the wake of Covid-19. The success of that campaign will be built upon this Summer, with the launch of LCR Graduate - a new European-funded programme through which SMEs will receive consultancy, training and subsidy to explore the benefits of harnessing student & graduate talent within their business. Early in lockdown, LJMU updated its approach to internships and work placements to reflect changed circumstances and allow projects to be completed remotely where necessary. Through the Funded Internship Programme this year, Liverpool City Region businesses have digitised services, developed funding bids, revitalised social media communications – and more. In turn, interns have enhanced their CVs and progressed their skills – the programme having generated opportunities and connections they would otherwise have not accessed (sample quote: ‘I can’t stop

smiling! I’m feeling really positive for the future which is a privilege during these uncertain times’). ‘LJMU graduates are very loyal to the Liverpool City Region’, explains Chris Finn, LJMU’s Director of Student Advancement. ‘The majority choose to embark upon their careers here, with the result that LJMU supplies more highly skilled new entrants to the region’s economy than any other institution. We want to ensure SMEs based around LJMU benefit from that injection of fresh talent and ideas alongside larger organisations – hence the launch of LCR Graduate’.

Resourced through European Union ESIF funding and developed with the input of the region’s key business development & support agencies, LCR Graduate will provide SMEs with: bespoke consultancy & signposting; training & networking; practical support to source, onboard & develop students and graduates; and – for those wanting to explore possibilities and talent spot – fullyunderwritten internship projects or 50% subsidy towards the cost of a sandwich year or 12-month graduate role. To express their interest, businesses are invited to e-mail employerengagement@ljmu.ac.uk including ‘LCR Graduate’ in the subject.

#TaxSpecialists

R&D Tax Credits:

Busting the Myths The term ‘Research and Development’ or ‘R&D’ is cloaked in misconception, often putting off companies from progressing a claim for tax relief. No matter what sector you work in, you may be performing R&D for “thinking outside the box”. Here we look at the top six R&D tax credit myths.

1. It’s only scientists and tech companies that qualify

4. You can only claim for successful projects

Myth! So long as you’re a limited company, the sector you work in is irrelevant. We have successfully helped engineering companies, manufacturers, food and drink businesses, printers and many other sectors claim back R&D tax credits for innovation. It’s not just people in white lab coats that are eligible!

For a project to be eligible for R&D it needs to have encountered scientiﬁc or technological uncertainties – so if a project was unsuccessful but you invested time and money into trying to seek an advancement within your industry, you may very well be eligible for tax relief.

5. You can only claim for your current ﬁnancial year

2. The process takes too long From start to ﬁnish, we aim to complete R&D claims in less than two weeks (in some cases inside 48 hours). You will also only need to spend approximately two hours of your own time assisting us with your claim – the rest can be left to us!

3. You can’t claim twice for one year

6. R&D is just another scam

If you have previously submitted a claim via your accountant or another R&D tax specialist then we can review your previous or current claim for free, giving you peace of mind and potentially maximising it for you.

Would your business beneﬁt from tax relief?

Retrospective claims can be made up to two years from your current ﬁnancial year end, meaning tax losses can be converted into a cash tax rebate or Corporation Tax reduction, based on any qualifying project costs over the last two ﬁnancial years.

The Research and Development (R&D) tax relief scheme is a government initiative, created by HMRC to reward and encourage UK companies to invest in innovation.

If you are working towards an advancement in your ﬁeld and facing uncertainty in how to do it, you could very well be performing R&D on your projects. Access2Funding is based in Birkenhead and during 2020 returned £23m to UK businesses.

Simply call 0333 990 0125 or visit Access2Funding.co.uk

CONSTRUCTION

Decarbonising construction in Liverpool and beyond Richard Potts, Liverpool area director, Morgan Sindall Construction When it comes to taking the action needed to address the climate emergency, it’s difficult to underestimate the importance of leadership. As a business with a large footprint in Liverpool – from our ongoing projects at Liverpool City Council’s Knowledge Quarter to the recently completed new buildings at Copperas Hill for Liverpool John Moores University and our work building The Depot sound stages for Liverpool City Council – we take our responsibility to the city – and its net zero ambitions – very seriously. That’s why we were proud to recently launch Decarbonising Communities, Morgan Sindall Construction’s transformational approach to collaborative carbon reduction, which will enable us to support our local supply chain

in achieving their environmental ambitions and help meet our own target of Net Zero Carbon by 2030. Decarbonising Communities will harness the combined expertise of our customers, employees and supply chain partners to change the way buildings are designed and constructed, in order to reduce the amount of carbon associated with each built asset. Crucially, this will include a focus on reducing carbon emissions within supply chains and applying science-based benchmarks to reduce whole life carbon on projects, in order to meet the 1.5 degree global warming target, alongside UK government targets. Underpinning this approach is CarboniCa, an innovative carbon calculation tool that will allow project teams to work with customers to estimate, manage and reduce whole life carbon emissions through the design, construction and entire lifecycle of an asset.

In addition, every Morgan Sindall Construction team member throughout Liverpool and beyond will make a Personal Carbon Pledge, which will allow them to make a small yet significant change to their way of working in order to help our business decarbonise. As a proud member of the Liverpool business community, we’re pleased to be taking decisive action to help our city play its part in rescuing the natural world for the benefit of future generations. Of course, that goal is not straightforward – but we see it as our responsibility to show the leadership required to take our customers and supply chain with us on a journey that will result in the transformation of how carbon reduction is delivered within the construction industry. For more information about this news release please contact Susan Patterson at Morgan Sindall Construction Susan.Patterson@morgansindall.com

CONSTRUCTION

ArchiPhonic Chicago Buildings project receives planning approval

Once complete, property owners Sara and Hossein Asset Holdings intend the units to be let, with the scheme featuring a combination of assured shorthold tenancies and Airbnb rentals. The work will be predominantly internal, with the facade of the building being retained to maintain the building’s heritage and preserve the area’s character and appearance. ArchiPhonic will also work to maintain the architectural quality inside the building, keeping unique features such as the building’s iconic climbing wall, which was a much-loved aspect of the former Blacks’ store. Speaking of the plans, Adam Mokhtar, co-director at ArchiPhonic, said: “The Chicago Buildings are a part of our city’s heritage, known not only for being home to the former Blacks’ store, but also being the location of Hessy’s Music Centre, where The Beatles once bought their instruments. “Our plans focus on maintaining this heritage, while also ensuring a positive end user experience, offering a bigger mix of unit types, better circulation and far more natural light, as a result of the number of windows included in the scheme. “It has been a fantastic project to work on. Lead architect, Harriet Powell-Hall, and the rest of the team have relished the challenge of transforming this derelict city centre space into a considered scheme that will bring an excellent mix of rental accommodation to the retail quarter.”

Plans to transform a former commercial space in Liverpool into a stylish new city centre accommodation scheme have been approved. The Chicago Buildings on Whitechapel, which have remained vacant since Blacks’ Liverpool store surrendered its lease in May 2019, will be converted into 24 self-contained apartments in the approximately 17,000 sq ft scheme, designed by Liverpool-based architectural design firm, ArchiPhonic.

Liverpool Chamber

Situated in the heart of the city’s retail quarter and bordering the heritage area of Matthew Street and Castle Street conservation area, the scheme will comprise five studio, 12 one-bedroom and seven two-bedroom apartments across four floors, all located around an existing atrium.

ArchiPhonic has been appointed to manage the tender process and the project, which will be led by ArchiPhonic architect, Harriet Powell-Hall, is expected to go on site in early Spring 2021. For more information visit archiphonic.co.uk

COVER FEATURE

Bruntwood Wor A feature interview with Kelly McNair, communities manager, and Tony Reed, head of commercial at Bruntwood Works in Liverpool. How have your business relationships changed to become more supportive and collaborative? Tony: From the very outset, we made a concerted effort to speak to every single customer to understand how their business was likely to be impacted and that allowed us to offer tailored support to those businesses who needed it. Every customer now has their own account manager who they can turn to at any time. We have a large SME community in Liverpool, including lots of smaller independents, many of whom needed our support. We’ve helped them to access grant funding or lobby for financial assistance from the government that wasn’t immediately available. We’ve been happy to guide them during this time and pass those learnings on to support other customers. It was also important to keep buildings open for those businesses who needed them and to be flexible in our decisions while implementing Covid regulations in an evolving situation. Properties such as Burlington House, a hub for health and wellbeing organisations, needed to operate as normally as possible for high levels of occupancy. Kelly: Bruntwood Works has also created Spark, a business support programme to support our customers both professionally and personally. This ongoing programme involves webinars, one-to-one advisor sessions and curated introductions for our customers and the wider community. We’ve created an approach that is bespoke to our customers. We’re proud to have helped so many customers in so

many different ways, especially during a challenging 12 months.

How has your business adapted to provide products and services to customers in a different way? Kelly: In ‘normal’ times, Bruntwood Works customers enjoy a vibrant community programme including networking events, wellbeing sessions, business seminars and charity fundraisers. We’ve built on

COVER FEATURE

rks an existing virtual community during lockdown and hosted everything virtually, continuing to connect, inspire and engage our community. We’ve hosted everything from virtual book clubs and cocktail making masterclasses, to connecting our customers to our partners including InnovateHer and An Hour For Others, both based in Liverpool.

Tony: We have quickly adapted the entire customer journey to ensure that we’re still able to engage with new customers with minimal contact to ensure we all remain safe and comply with government guidelines. This has included everything from making various practical changes, such as allowing new

customers to complete agreements electronically using Docusign, avoiding physical contact and printed documents. We’ve been conducting virtual viewings, using iPads to tour people around buildings from the safety of their home or workplace. Some of these technological solutions may move with us into postpandemic times as they offer greater flexibility and efficiency. Another development is that we’ve created flexible products to suit the new ways of working. We have simplified all-inclusive deals that allow people to relocate more quickly and introduced OfficeShare which allows our customers to share their workspace with another company. While some customers have preferred to stay at home, others have been unable to do so, so all our buildings continued to remain open and have been accredited by the British Safety Council as Covid secure something we’re really proud of. Pet ownership has increased during lockdown, so to reflect this we’ve now begun allowing dogs into workspaces for the first time - a very popular decision with our canine-friendly customers. How are you supporting net zero on a strategic level or via practical support? Kelly: Sustainability has always been central to our approach at Bruntwood Works and the need to act sustainably as a business is becoming increasingly critical. In 2018, Bruntwood became the first UK property firm to join the World Green Building Council’s Net Zero Carbon commitment and our pledge is that by 2030 all areas in our direct control will operate at net zero carbon and all of our new buildings will be net zero in operation with 40% less embodied carbon. We’re working to drive that figure down to zero by 2050.

Liverpool Chamber

COVER FEATURE

Bruntwood Works Tony: Our Pioneer development at The Plaza will be best-in-class in terms of sustainability. It will support active travel with 142 bike spaces, 18 showers and a state-of-the-art wellness studio for fitness classes. We’ll also be using green-tech solutions such as photovoltaic tiles to harness solar power, energy-saving sensors to optimise efficiency and new air quality control systems. How have you engaged with your staff and/or local communities? Tony: Internal communication with staff has expanded and responded to the needs of lockdown, with virtual meetings to provide updates on the latest developments and a focus on mental and physical wellbeing. Our companywide challenges have been a big hit with staff, including a step-count competition between different teams. Kelly: As mentioned earlier, long before the pandemic began, we’d established an online platform for community engagement as we’d recognised that need to connect virtually. We increased our virtual presence by hosting a variety of activities with a particular focus on mental and physical wellbeing. Crucially. through the virtual platform we continued to connect our customers to the wider city through our longstanding charities

and partnerships. Members of our team delivered Christmas presents on behalf of An Hour For Others and, together with our customers, we managed to raise approximately £10,000. How are you addressing issues around physical and mental health and wellbeing, and other staff related issues including the growth in flexible and home working and supporting staff who have caring responsibilities? Tony: For Bruntwood Works colleagues, we’ve put in place online counselling and support for people who may be struggling and strengthened existing flexible working arrangements to ensure everyone who wanted to access it was able to do so. Kelly: Staff enjoyed a Friday afternoon social call and chat, as well as peer learning groups that got people talking across the business. We also relaunched our staff wellbeing programme, which includes greater engagement on social media and a bespoke cycle-to-work scheme with Evans Cycles. We’re currently working alongside local authorities and healthcare providers to improve the offering to employees across the region regarding fitness, sports

and wellbeing. This aligns with Liverpool Chamber’s strategy to support the wellbeing of people and businesses and we’re excited to begin working even more closely together when it moves into Cotton Exchange. Why is “green space” important? Tony: There is nothing like being outdoors - it really helps with both physical and mental wellbeing, as well as creating a space to encourage connection. Kelly: As we hopefully move away from pandemic times, we will initially take community activity back to outdoor space such as the roof terrace at the Cotton Exchange or in Queen Avenue as part of a phased approach to ensure people’s safety and make them feel comfortable attending. We also have our very own green space inside Cotton Exchange – a living wall of salad leaves, which is now a very popular lunch ingredient among customers in the building. Tony: We want the whole city to regain its vibrancy while staying safe, so we’ll be working with groups such as the BID Company to encourage outdoor activity throughout the summer and beyond.

“While some customers have preferred to stay at home, others have been unable to do so, so all our buildings continued to remain open and have been accredited by the British Safety Council as Covid secure something we’re really proud of.”

PATRON NEWS

Reboot Your Sales After Lockdown

leads? How to help save them money? How to reduce costs? How to reduce their staffing levels and automate more of their business? Can you come up with interesting ideas on how they can introduce collaborative working? After answering these questions, try to align the benefits of your product or service with the new priorities of your customers. Opportunities are out there, it’s just a question of how you approach them that needs to be different. Connect with me on LinkedIn https:/ /www.linkedin.com/in/susanholme-75974173/

by Susan Holme The last 12 months have been incredibly tough for business owners, particularly those who have had to close their doors due to lockdown restrictions. The good news is that finally, there seems to be a glorious light shining at the end of the tunnel, with the government’s announced “roadmap out of lockdown” that could see us returning to something like normality by the end of June. Fingers crossed. Coronavirus has well and truly turned everything upside down and it’s not surprising that most sales teams are in a state of flux. Your customers aren’t buying, or, maybe they are, but not in the same way as they used to do. Sales strategies are out of the window and teams are trying every trick in the book to survive the here and now. Teams have shrunk, some colleagues are still furloughed and others have been moved around the business to focus on day-to-day operations.

Liverpool Chamber

Where do I go from here? Think about your customers, their priorities and ask how your product or service can align with their new goals. You need to get out there and talk to your customers to find out what those goals are, but here are some ideas that they will likely centre around: • Looking for new business opportunities, more customers and leads • Reducing operating costs to make the business lean • Reducing staffing levels • Looking to automate more parts of the business • Introduce collaborative working and shared roles • Implement continued remote working Now come the big questions. Can you show customers how you can help them win more opportunities and attract more

Here at Face For Business, we provide remote telephone answering, virtual receptionists and managed live chat services to businesses across the UK. If you are interested in how we can help you automate and reduce staffing costs, please contact Susan Holme using susan.holme@ffb.co.uk 01704 898 400.

PATRON NEWS

Three numbers for you to consider? 26%

of workers plan to WFH from home permanently or occasionally*

shiny pounds a week saved, that’s over £2k a year average saving per annum for reduced commuting and lunches*

Support your staff after lockdown and optimise business growth. It is vital to be ready for the new workplace, wherever and whenever that is. Change for employees and business is here, and it’s permanent. Having the right people is everything. The last year has shown that WFH is a viable option for all, with multiple benefits. Time, money, productivity – what’s not to like? Happy employee’s means improved output and better results. Flexibility post lockdown to support employees will be expected, and implementing it successfully shows your business is serious about their wellbeing. At BT Local Business Liverpool, our teams have been WFH from the first lockdown. Like many businesses, we will be carefully considering our return to the office policy and consulting with our teams on an individual basis. We wish to remain agile and flexible in our approach to modern work life balance. With the average staff replacement cost £12K in the SME market*, it’s vital to not only retain your employees,

66%

of workers say they’re more productive when WFH*

but attract the right candidates from a wider geographical area, and additionally take note their expectations have changed. But it’s not for everyone, and many people want to return to the office partially or fully. But what is certain is that it’s going to be different, and with employees having a legal right to request flexible working, a holistic approach is needed from your business to meet your employee’s personal circumstances. When considering the costs, it’s worth noting that inflation (CPI) is forecast to rise from 0.9% to 1.8% in 2022, meaning pressure on salaries is likely in the near future. Rather than incur this, you can invest now in flexible working arrangements and directly save your employee’s time and money, with the bonus of improved productivity, rather than just increasing costs for the same output. At BT Local Business, we are seeing increased demand for flexible working solutions. For a free demo or to discuss how we can help, please call us on 01704 898210.

*Source: https:/ /www.finder.com/uk/working-from-home-statistics ttps:/ /www.accountsandlegal.co.uk/small-business-advice/average-employee-cost-smes-12-000-to-replace https:/ /www.gov.uk/flexible-working

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Redwing 16 Duke Street Liverpool L1 5GB

MEMBERS NEWS

Everton’s employee engagement is ‘world-class’ Everton Football Club has received a prestigious three-star Best Companies accreditation – meaning that its employee engagement has been highlighted as world class. The Club has increased its rating year-onyear, achieving its first star in 2019, two in 2020 and three in 2021. The accolade, which is based on employee participation in the annual Best Companies survey, also reflects Everton’s long-term strategy for employee engagement and its people-led response to COVID-19. The Club’s People, Culture, and Workplace Wellbeing team engaged with employees across the whole Everton Family (Club, Everton Women, Everton in the Community and Everton Free School) to design and create wellbeing resources and initiatives to support colleagues through the pandemic and beyond. The start of lockdown, which meant Everton’s diverse staff base had to work from home, saw the launch of Everton Connect, giving staff opportunities to socialise and connect alongside their working day. Activities have so far included virtual lunchrooms, yoga, exercise sessions led by Everton in the Community coaches, home-schooling advice from the charity’s

education specialists, quizzes and radiostyle shows and podcasts – and it even saw Everton’s Executive Performance First Team Head Chef lead healthy cookery classes. Everton also accelerated their plans to train and introduce staff Mental Health Ambassadors, and increased communication around free staff counselling, wellbeing and health benefits. Staff networks - Mental Health Network, Women’s Network, LGBT+ Network, Disability Network and Race Equality Network have also developed significantly during lockdown. Using feedback, and in response to the third lockdown, The Everton Family launched their Together Everton pledges, to further develop a culture that encourages staff to embrace and maintain a collective focus on health and wellbeing. Supporting activity around the pledges has included the introduction of Wellbeing Champions for every area of the business, who work with the People, Culture and Workplace Wellbeing Team to develop the Club-wide wellbeing strategy and

action plans for lockdown and beyond. The Wellbeing Champions have also introduced a virtual John O’ Groats to Lands’ End activity challenge and have helped raise awareness of staff wellbeing benefits. Flexibility around working patterns has been embraced, and the focus of midseason and end of season reviews has shifted, so that while performance still features, the emphasis is on wellbeing. Kim Healey, Director of People, Culture and Workplace Wellbeing said: “In response to the pandemic, we looked at the best way to deliver and adapt our strategy, and what we could prioritise. We are The People’s Club, and our people needed to be at the centre of what we did. We wanted our people to shape the offer to ensure that it was inclusive, fit for purpose and agile – we know it is not one-size-fits all. “The enthusiasm of our people in sharing their skills to support their colleagues has been inspiring. We are incredibly proud to have achieved the three-star Best Companies accreditation in such a challenging year. It is an important reflection of our shared commitment to making Everton the best it can be – and our people and their ideas are at the heart of that. As we move to planning our return to sites, engaging with our staff to determine what that looks like will be a priority.”

Industrial Property in Focus Throughout the lockdown period and ongoing economic uncertainty, the industrial property sector has shown its resilience in both the investment and occupational markets. Occupational demand has been driven substantially, but not exclusively, by the exponential growth of e-commerce which now accounts for over 34% of total retail

Pinched supply has put landlords on the front foot & is having an inflationary effect on rents. To put this into context we are now agreeing leases on industrial space built 15 years ago at equivalent rents to those agreed for brand new space which were agreed last Summer.

sales and leading to eye watering take up statistics for industrial property. In the North West take up is 52% above 2019 figures and 38% above the long-term average with the Liverpool City Region recording some stand out transactions, notably Amazon committing to 835,000 sqft on Knowsley Business Park. It is important to state that demand is not limited to ‘big sheds’ and is replicated across all sectors. This can be shown, again in Knowsley at Image Business Park, where LM6 acting for developer Seybourne have recently delivered a manufacturing facility for Spanish manufacturer Contenur of 55,000 sqft and on smaller Multi let estates such as Webber Industrial Estate where we have just let 8 smaller SME units within a 2 month period! Robust demand across all sizes and sectors is showing growth on every metric in Liverpool, bar one – supply!

Occupiers looking to relocate are finding it increasingly difficult to secure suitable new facilities. This was demonstrated recently where we helped Irish company Kukoon Rugs overcome various hurdles in their expansion plans. LM6 were able to source a series of suitable units, negotiate favourable occupational terms on a 47,000 sqft facility in Speke, assist in fit out and also secure grant funding. The need for specialist property advice in this fluid market is paramount at this time & LM6 as are well placed to provide market leading advice in the Liverpool City Region. Call us to see how we can help you The current pandemic presents unique challenges for business and real estate issues for both landlords, owner occupiers and tenants. In these testing times we can help so please contact us to discuss – this may include releasing capital through sale and leasebacks, lease discussions or relocation.

Industrial Property Specialists in the Liverpool City Region

Industrial sales & lettings Commercial & residential land sales

Occupier acquisition / relocation Lease renewal / rent reviews tony.okeefe@lm6.co.uk

0151 541 2447

phil.morley@lm6.co.uk

0151 541 2446

TRANSPORT

TransPennine Express reach historic milestone with one million key workers and customers kept safe during lockdown TransPennine Express (TPE) reached a key milestone in March as they delivered their one millionth customer making an essential journey during lockdown safely to their destination. During the three UK wide lockdowns, TPE has worked tirelessly to guarantee the safety of key workers, NHS staff and customers making essential journeys in the North and Scotland, ensuring that their trains are sanitised and safe to travel on.

Liverpool Chamber

Across the North and Scotland, TPE has 20 teams of sanitation busters that have collectively spent more than two years cleaning the trains during the lockdown period to ensure no seat is left unturned in the fight against COVID-19.

“Our staff will also be on hand at stations and on board our trains to offer their support and guidance to any passengers nervous about travelling as well as advising those travelling on the guidance in place to help protect others.”

With passenger numbers expected to rise as restrictions begin to be lifted, the rail provider is continuing to ensure that the safety of key workers and customers is guaranteed by sanitising key touchpoints in their stations and on board the 100 plus carriages that operate across their network.

For those planning to travel by train, tickets can be purchased online via the TransPennine Express website or using the TPExpress App where people can now pay using Apple Pay or PayPal. E-tickets are also available allowing customers to use their phone instead of a paper ticket.

Kathryn O’Brien, continued: “As restrictions are slowly lifted and our lives return to some form of normality, rest assured that our teams will continue to follow strict guidelines to ensure that our trains and stations are kept clean and safe for customers to travel.

Unless exempt, face coverings must be worn at all times on the train and at the station and it’s key that people follow the guidance provided to protect others. More information can be found here: tpexpress.co.uk/travelling-with-us/ keeping-you-safe

MEMBERS NEWS

CGI launches Catalogue of Service Offerings to support Liverpool businesses with post-pandemic recovery IT and business consulting services firm CGI, which is present in Liverpool and across the UK, has launched a new Catalogue of Service Offerings exclusively for Liverpool Chamber of Commerce members. CGI’s Service Offerings are a subset of the firm’s wider range of capabilities, and are designed to support businesses in the Liverpool region as they restart and rebuild following the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Organisations of every size, across all sectors, have had to rapidly adjust to new ways of working since the pandemic spread across the globe last year. CGI understands the impacts that the crisis continues to have in Liverpool and across the UK, and has the endto-end capabilities, global industry expertise and local knowledge needed to support businesses on their digital and technological journeys, as they take their next steps into “life after lockdown”.

the pandemic, CGI launched a campaign to help our clients, communities and members respond to the unprecedented challenges brought about by the crisis, rebound effectively, and reinvent ways of working. Our Catalogue of Service Offerings is a continuation of that campaign and represents an opportunity for us to leverage our global capabilities, industry expertise and local knowledge to further strengthen our ties with the Liverpool community.

The Catalogue of Service Offerings provides a comprehensive list of propositions to help businesses develop in the local economy, while addressing some of the challenges they may face as they adopt new business models and practices in the post COVID-19 world.

“We strongly believe that through the services CGI is offering, coupled with our local presence in Liverpool, we can effectively work in partnership with key stakeholders in the city to help it emerge

The services are wide ranging and benefits include assessing whether an organisation’s service desk and contact centre are fit for purpose and futureproofed; identifying their most effective route to the cloud; assessing and optimising their cyber security approach; and unlocking maximum returns from their investments in digital. Paul Buxton, CGI’s Vice President of North & Utilities, said: “Soon after the start of

from the current situation stronger and better prepared for the challenges ahead. “CGI employs over 100 members in Liverpool through our contract with the Disclosure and Barring Service, which is run from our office in Albert Docks, and we continue to actively build relationships in the city, with local industry bodies, further education establishments and charities. “We are looking forward to collaborating with the Chamber on this new initiative to support businesses in and around the North West as a trusted and insightful business partner.” Find out more about CGI’s expertise at www.cgi.com/uk

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BUSINESS GROWTH

BUSINESS GROWTH PROGRAMME

Liverpool Chamber

From April 2021 Liverpool Chamber is delivering a new programme focused on growing your business. If you have had to change to respond to COVID, have had to re-focus or just need a fresh perspective to make your business a success, our programme is here to support you. The Liverpool Chamber Business Growth Programme aims to deliver a sustained ongoing programme of support delivered by either a business adviser or through ongoing mentoring and training through an arranged programme working with our members and private sector expertise. It has been created specifically to support your business to grow bringing together best practice, support and expertise from across the private, public and education sectors. If you are an SME based in the Liverpool City Region and have had no more than 170k in public funding you are eligible to join this programme to move your business onto the next level.

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Topics will include HR best practice, employment law, marketing and PR, financial planning and tax, risk management, leadership and succession planning and investing in technology. We will have a series of workshops for you to join and after a diagnostic will also match you with a mentor chosen from over 700 of our members to support some of your next steps.

The only thing we need from you is to undertake an initial diagnostic of your business and then for you to complete some paperwork to confirm the support you have received. Please do book now as we only have 30 places left on this scheme through to December 2021.

For further information or to sign up please email Jordan.rhoda@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

DIGITAL

Digitalise to Thrive A new whitepaper released by software development company, Mashbo, explores how the pandemic has accelerated digitalisation in the workplace and how this can be a catalyst for business transformation, growth and revenue generation.

Digitalisation in the workplace is nothing new, but the pandemic has accelerated changes that were already gathering pace, such as remote working, the automation of manual tasks and the use of online tools and platforms to facilitate workplace collaboration, regardless of geographical location. Mashbo MD, Gavin Sherratt, said: “A new reliance on digital platforms and tools brings with it challenges and opportunities. For those businesses not already geared towards remote working when the pandemic hit, solutions may have been hastily patched together to enable them ‘get by’. While this may have sufficed in crisis mode, a lack of integration and consistency will undoubtedly slow down processes and have a negative impact on productivity. “What has happened over the past 12 months is many businesses have digitised that is taken analogue files and processes

and replaced them, like-for-like with digital or electronic ones. This was the best option for survival. “Now, businesses need to look to digitalise, in order to thrive. Unlike digitising, digitalising takes new and emerging technology to change whole business models. Instead of just resolving a problem, or improving efficiency and speed, it adds or creates value as well. It’s disruptive and can be lucrative.” Mashbo’s latest whitepaper explores five opportunities in digitalisation that are available to all businesses, right now. 1. Making remote working sustainable 2. Automation of manual tasks 3. A contact-free working world 4. Get money back on your tech investments 5. Maintaining a human touch

To download the whitepaper Digitalise to Thrive follow @Mashbo on twitter or visit mashbo.com Liverpool Chamber

In addition to conducting a regular health check on your business to keep creditor threats at bay and to minimise risk exposure, it is just as vital to assess the mental wellbeing of your management team and conduct a financial health check. The detrimental consequences of the coronavirus pandemic on company finances are apparent across the country, however, the next step that you take is instrumental in facilitating a long-term recovery and rebuilding your business, brick by brick.

Restarting trade and rebuilding business health The business landscape across the North West is undergoing a transition period as SMEs turn their sights towards recovery, preparing for rebirth, as the country eases out of lockdown and hopes to embrace normality. As unprecedented trading conditions triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic push businesses into a state of deterioration, companies should now focus on replenishing operations and enriching business development initiatives. Performing business continuity planning from the get-go can help increase revenues and profits, alongside implementing a suitable turnaround solution under the guidance of a licensed insolvency practitioner, such as company restructuring or administration. Following the clean-up of business finances, your company is likely to be in a vulnerable state. During this tender period where the business is receptive, finetuning strategies and feeding your business with tailored expertise can help bolster your position.

Streamlining recovery through a partnered approach

We are delighted to announce that Begbies Traynor Group in Liverpool, spearheaded by Keith Tully (partner) and Jason Greenhalgh (partner), have teamed up with business coaching pioneers, ActionCOACH. Businesses across Liverpool and Merseyside are invited to access exclusive business coaching sessions provided by Begbies Traynor, in partnership with ActionCOACH. 42

As the coronavirus pandemic depletes cash reserves and hammers down on employee morale, company directors should not fall into the trap of taking a tunnelled approach when forecasting future performance targets. By tapping into a resource pool populated with the greatest minds across a wealth of industries, we can offer additional services, such as corporate finance and alternative funding to not only achieve but exceed your goals. Call our dedicated Merseyside Directors advice line on 0800 056 1059 for Covid-19 business turnaround and wellbeing solutions, open to all Liverpool Chamber of Commerce Members.

RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

Building on solid foundations The Sovini Group is justifiably proud of its award winning culture. In 2020, it was awarded the UK’s Best Place to Work and UK’s Best Place to Work for Women for the second time, and Europe’s third Best Place to Work. It hopes to score a hat trick when Great Place to WorkTM announces this year’s winners at the end of April. Well Connected spoke to HR Director, Kerry Beirne about her experiences, plans and of the lessons learned – and being learned – for the Group since the start of the pandemic, as it executes its strategy for growth. “Until the pandemic, we were an office based culture with most staff working out of our ‘the mothership’ Bootle office. Our working lives revolved around it: we held staff briefings and lots of social events there, even non-office based staff would come in to use or to meet in The Bistro, before heading out to work in customers’ homes. People didn’t work from home unless they had a reason to. We had trialled agile working, but hadn’t taken it further because we simply didn’t have the need to. Then the pandemic swept in, surprising all of us. It catalysed change at a pace no-one, not just Sovini, could have anticipated. Within days of the Government’s announcement we had ‘lifted and shifted’ the majority of our staff to work from home, and adapted operations to meet new and often changing guidelines. The safety of our staff, their families and our customers has always been our priority, alongside protecting our business. Twelve months

Liverpool Chamber

on and we are adopting ‘agile’ as a permanent way of working, with a focus on performance and trust, rather than measuring time.

employees have demonstrated incredible spirit, talent and determination. We look forward to a balance of online and faceto-face events from the summer.

We identified from the outset that to maintain performance and remain on our growth trajectory, the health and wellbeing of staff had to be at the core of any strategy. It sounds clichéd, but we have always been passionate looking after our staff. A lot of initiatives had been based on bringing people together to celebrate our culture and purpose, ‘to create opportunities and change lives’. Since this hasn’t been an option for a year, and we are still some way off responsibly being able to get together as a Group, we had to get creative.

We’ve also accelerated our zero carbon programme, a core part of our business transformation strategy. Our housing associations have a regulatory obligation to fulfil a number of objectives by 2050, which we expect to meet or exceed. Where transferrable, we have adopted ‘best practice’ in a Group-wide environmental strategy. Recent highlights include ‘lightfoot driver behaviour technology’ in our fleet vehicles, and 100% of construction waste generated was recycled or diverted from landfill, which equates to over 4,000 tonnes. We also encourage customers to recycle and be ‘environment aware’ through communications campaigns.

We launched the One Group, One Family… One Great Place to Work campaign. This encompassed virtually engaging events and a health and wellbeing programme. It included monthly employee awards presented by our CEO, via Microsoft Teams. We ran our annual Sovini Games celebration, last year’s theme was ‘Scarevini Games’. Since we’ve had an online Christmas Party, Variety Performance and race night. As well as encouraging fun, we run events aimed at supporting people’s mental health such as meditation and mindfulness classes, yoga, financial planning advice, and encourage people to be active and healthy with Sovini Slimmers and exercise classes. We have health and wellbeing champions so it’s not always a ‘top down’ exercise. Our

Reflecting back, it’s been an extraordinary twelve months, with many highs and lows. While we have made incredible things happen, we cannot ignore the devastation the pandemic has caused. But we have to look forward and build on our strong foundations. We are expanding outside of the region, with sites in Derbyshire and Greater London. Our commercial businesses generate financial capacity, to enable us to build new affordable homes, employ more apprentices and make a significant contribution to the local economies and communities we serve. This year is our 10th anniversary, and in spite of the challenges of the past 12 months, we have a lot to celebrate.”

FINANCE FOR BUSINESS

Uncovering the wider benefits of financial advice New research shows that sound financial advice boosts confidence and emotional wellbeing Financial advice is more important than ever. Not only have changes in pensions and financial regulation placed more responsibility for planning retirement income into the hands of individuals, but the coronavirus pandemic has also reminded us all of how unforeseen events can rock the foundations of what we had thought was a stable financial footing. The financial benefits of taking advice are well documented. Research undertaken by the International Longevity Centre UK (ILC) in 2019 showed that those who take advice are on average £47,706 better off in retirement than those who don’t1. But that’s not the end of the story. Building on this study, the ILC has undertaken new research this year that shows financial advice could be an important factor in promoting mental

health and wellbeing. Its report “Peace of mind: Understanding the non-financial value of financial advice” finds that non-financial benefits may be at least as important as the more easily visible financial ones in achieving this. Participants in the study who had taken financial advice reported that they felt less worried about their future, enjoying the peace of mind that comes from knowing that proper preparation has been made for their later years – and that included those who were already in retirement. They felt more confident that they would achieve their long-term goals and, through their interactions with an adviser, felt more financially literate and able to understand how those goals would be achieved – and more empowered to make complex financial decisions for themselves. Being in control of their financial future in these ways left them feeling reassured and less worried than they would otherwise have been. But despite these benefits, there remains a significant ‘advice gap’, with fewer than one in six people taking advice. This stems partly from a lack of awareness of the benefits of seeking advice and of how and

where to find it. Among those who haven’t taken financial advice, some – especially women – were worried that doing so would actually result in a loss of control, and that decisions would be taken out of their hands, but the experience of the advised participants showed this to be an unfounded fear However, it remains clear that identifying long-term goals and establishing a financial structure to achieve them results in greater emotional wellbeing. Closing the ‘advice gap’ is a vital next step in giving that peace of mind to all. So, the ILC is calling on government, the industry and the FCA to work together to remedy the situation by highlighting both the non-financial as well as the financial benefits of advice, and reassuring individuals that advice will be tailored specifically to their goals. A financial adviser can help with your own financial planning. To receive a complimentary guide covering wealth management, retirement planning or Inheritance Tax planning, contact AJ Barnes Financial Planning Ltd on 0151 2248700 or email alex.barnes@sjpp.co.uk

ARTS & CULTURE

Liverpool Philharmonic has received £755,917 from the second round of the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund

lives, this funding will be a much-needed helping hand for organisations transitioning back to normal in the months ahead. Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, said: “Our record breaking Culture Recovery Fund has already helped thousands of culture and heritage organisations across the country survive the biggest crisis they’ve ever faced. Now we’re staying by their side as they prepare to welcome the public back through their doors - helping our cultural gems plan for reopening and thrive in the better times ahead.” Michael Eakin, Chief Executive said: “We are very grateful for this second grant from the Culture Recovery Fund. Through the pandemic we have been focused on ensuring Royal Liverpool Philharmonic both remains financially sustainable, and also delivers as much work to our audiences, participants and communities as we can in these circumstances. Throughout we have ensured a significant continuing learning programme, which includes our In Harmony and music and mental health programmes. In the Autumn we presented one of the busiest programmes of concerts for live audiences in the country, as well as several online streamed performances. This grant will allow us to build on this work with continuing learning programmes and online activity, and to welcome audiences back to Liverpool Philharmonic Hall in May. And it will allow us to plan with confidence for the rest of the year.’’ Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair, Arts Council England, said:

Liverpool Philharmonic has received a grant of £755,917 from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to help the organisation recover and reopen. More than £300 million has been awarded to thousands of cultural organisations across the country including Liverpool Philharmonic in the latest round of support from the Culture Recovery Fund. Liverpool Philharmonic will use this money to continue to present concerts at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and online, deliver our award-winning In Harmony and Music and Mental Health programmes, and our ongoing work with young people in our Youth Company. Concerts restart with a series of 6 streamed Royal Liverpool Philharmonic On

Liverpool Chamber

Demand performances from 6 April and 9 concerts with audiences from 20 May. Over £800 million in grants and loans has already been awarded to support almost 3,800 cinemas, performance venues, museums, heritage sites and other cultural organisations dealing with the immediate challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. The second round of awards will help organisations to look ahead to the spring and summer and plan for reopening and recovery. After months of closures and cancellations to contain the virus and save

“Investing in a thriving cultural sector at the heart of communities is a vital part of helping the whole country to recover from the pandemic. These grants will help to reopen theatres, concert halls, and museums and will give artists and companies the opportunity to begin making new work. We are grateful to the Government for this support and for recognising the paramount importance of culture to our sense of belonging and identity as individuals and as a society.” The funding awarded today is from a £400 million pot which was held back last year to ensure the Culture Recovery Fund could continue to help organisations in need as the public health picture changed. The funding has been awarded by Arts Council England, as well as Historic England and National Lottery Heritage Fund and the British Film Institute.

CHAMBER EVENTS

LIVERPOOL CHAMBER KEEPING EVENTS ON TRACK In Association with MSP After a year of virtual, the return of face-to-face events feel like they’re just around the corner. 2020 has had an unprecedented effect on the events industry and for event planners and attendees alike, it’s been over a year since we have shared the experience of an event in-person. We are eager to get back to those face-to-face interactions and can’t wait to be part of re-building the industry. Liverpool Chamber has always had an extensive events programme and it is important for us to remain connected to you, our members, and to continue to discuss key themes of importance from healthcare to the Liverpool Recovery Plan. It’s also worth noting that the events industry has become increasingly innovative, it’s amazing to see what you can achieve with technology! MSP Studios have been the spearhead of our engaging events programme, transforming the dreaded Zoom call into an immersive user experience. Over the past New Year, we held our monthly Well Connected series online and will continue to do for the time-being, offering break out rooms for networking and offering members the opportunity to showcase their offers to fellow members. If you want to be involved please email Laura.Edwards@liverpoolchamber.org.uk We also held a series of Strategic Events with some of our patrons, civic leaders, education directors and strategic partners featuring a range of speakers – this is what you missed and we thank all our speakers for their contributions.

22nd January:

#NetZero: What does it mean for business? Alex Marshall, Group Business Development and Marketing Director, Clarke Energy Anthony Seasman, Project Manager (Clean Growth UK), LJMU Georgina Penfold, Director for Regulated Services, Inspired Energy Mark Thompson, Director of Consulting Services, CGI UK Richard Potts, Area Director, Morgan Sindall Moderator: Paul Cherpeau, Chief Executive, Liverpool Chamber

26th February:

Brexit: What is the future for Liverpool and International Trade? Elena Enciso, International Trade Manager, Liverpool Chamber Graham Bond, Managing Partner, RSM Sean Keyes, Managing Director, Sutcliffe Andy Docherty, Managing Director, AdLib Andy Jones, Investment Manager, MSIF Moderator: Paul Cherpeau, Chief Executive, Liverpool Chamber

CHAMBER EVENTS

An insight into one of our recent events 26th March:

Urban Regeneration: What’s ahead in 2021 Dave Saville, Business Unit Director, Wates Jessica Bowles, Director of Strategy, Bruntwood Adam Mokhtar, Director, Archiphonic Alison Lobb, Managing Partner, Morecrofts LLP Dr Tony Bradley, Reverend Dr, Liverpool Hope University Moderator: Paul Cherpeau, Chief Executive, Liverpool Chamber

Dave Saville, Business Unit Director of Wates Group gives his initial thoughts “I wanted to start by saying how proud we are of the part we’ve played in the construction industry by remaining productive throughout the pandemic, which in turn has allowed us as an industry to contribute both locally and nationally to an economy that’s had a particularly difficult time. It’s fair to say as an industry we remain optimistic around the period of growth and stability as we see the industry move into an ease on the lockdowns.”

Jessica Bowles, Director of Strategy at Bruntwood shares her opinion on the process of levelling up. “The government’s current approach to levelling up misses so much opportunity, particularly when you start thinking about the relationships between towns and cities. The government is currently focusing on levelling up in particular towns, in large part, and we know there are towns that absolutely need change and transformation and support to provide good quality jobs in sectors of the future and opportunities for people

who live there. However, if you do that at the cost of your city centres or your cities it’s a lose-lose situation. When you think about agglomeration economies, when you think about city regions, that power of towns and cities operating and firing together is really what we need to achieve. All the analysis shows you need strong city cores to have strong towns, and strong towns to support those city cores.”

Events in 2021

Although face to face events have resumed, we will continue to offer networking opportunities and showcase our members as well as offer you the chance to connect and present to businesses across the Liverpool City Region. Our events will include:

Monthly Well Connected: The first Friday of every month

Strategic Events Programme:

Monthly strategy events discussing key topics from Healthcare to Skills

Liverpool Chamber

International Training and Brexit: Ongoing meetings, briefings and training through our international arm to prepare business for new trading arrangements with Europe and the wider world.

If you want to host an event with us or have ideas for themes or topics don’t hesitate to contact tomwoolley@liverpoolchamber.org.uk. Thanks to MSP for hosting our strategic programme.

CHARITY

Mary’s Meals reaches milestone number of children Mary’s Meals is now providing life-changing meals to more than 1.8 million children every school day through its global school feeding programme, despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. The charity, which was founded in a small shed in Argyll, Scotland, began by providing meals to 200 children in Malawi in 2002. Today, it is feeding 1,838,859 children in 19 countries across the world – including Zambia, Ethiopia and Madagascar.

than 80,000 in Malawi alone). Today, 59 million children miss school because of poverty – instead of sitting in a classroom, they are working in fields, begging on street corners, or scavenging among the garbage just to survive.

Not only has Mary’s Meals kept its promise to all the children already receiving its nutritious meals despite Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, it has also welcomed 171,792 new children since the beginning of 2020.

Millions more attend school so hungry that they are not able to concentrate and learn. Mary’s Meals attracts children into the classroom with the certainty of a daily meal, where they receive an education that can, in the future, be their ladder out of poverty.

Over the past year the charity has expanded to reach more than 50,000 additional children in Zambia. It has also added more than 6,900 vulnerable children to its programme in Turkana (northern Kenya) and doubled the number of children receiving Mary’s Meals in Madagascar. Additionally, Mary’s Meals launched new partnership programmes in Niger, Zimbabwe and Malawi. Mary’s Meals sets up school feeding programmes in some of the world’s poorest countries, working alongside local communities and supported by an army of volunteers worldwide (including more

When Covid-19 hit in early 2020 and schools began to close around the world, the charity made huge efforts to adapt its school feeding model, to ensure that hungry children did not go without. Mary’s Meals started distributing food in communities for the children who rely on its daily meals to eat at home. Some schools have since reopened in the countries where Mary’s Meals works and the charity is now safely reaching 1.8 million children every school day, whether at school or at home. Daniel Adams, executive director of Mary’s Meals, said: “The expansion of our

programmes, especially during a year of considerable difficulties for us all, are a real testament to the determination and dedication of our teams, volunteers, partners and supporters, who keep striving to provide hungry children with a daily meal in their place of education, whether that’s at school or at home. “This year continues to bring its own challenges, including the ongoing uncertainty created by Covid-19 in the countries in which we work and the brutal conflict in Ethiopia, which has driven many people from their homes and has drastically increased hunger levels. There are so many children still waiting for Mary’s Meals around the world but we are confident in the innate goodness of all those who are part of this movement and whose efforts bring us closer to a day when all children have enough to eat and can go to school.” With the charity’s low-cost approach, a donation of just £15.90 will feed a child with Mary’s Meals for a whole school year. For more information visit marysmeals.org.uk

STAFF DIRECTORY

Staff Directory

Chamber staff are here to provide dedicated support for business members of the Chamber. The directory below provides a list of contacts for members should they need to contact us.

Connect Support Thrive.

Paul Cherpeau Chief Executive

Jon Cranston Director of Finance & Operations

Tom Woolley Business Growth & Membership Manager

Elena Enciso International Trade Manager

Julie Sankey International Trade Executive

Ian Bulmer Programmes & Policy Manager

Sarah Woolley Export Documentation Specialist

Helen Gibbons Accounts Manager

Michelle Cameron Senior Policy & Communications Advisor

Melissa Healy Office Manager

Laura Edwards Events Manager

Nathan Taylor Administration Assistant

paul.cherpeau@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

julie.sankey@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Heather Whitaker Export Documentation Specialist

heather.whitaker@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Jordan Rhoda Membership Executive

jordan.rhoda@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Emily Hardy Marketing and Communications Officer emily.hardy@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Liverpool Chamber

jon.cranston@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

ian.bulmer@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Lisa Noon Export Documentation Specialist lisa.noon@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Conor Williams Executive Officer

conor.williams@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

tom.woolley@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

sarah.woolley@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

michelle.cameron@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

laura.edwards @liverpoolchamber.org.uk

elena.enciso@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

helen.gibbons@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

melissa.healy@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

nathan.taylor@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Tel: 0151 227 1234 Email: membership@liverpoolchamber.org.uk export@liverpoolchamber.org.uk www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk | @LpoolChamber 49

5 MINUTES WITH...

Sean Keyes, Director Sutcliffe civil & structural engineers What does a typical working day look like? My daily routine has been evolving throughout the last 35 years and during my last four and half years as Sutcliffe’s Managing Director. Every morning I wake up bright and breezy and have a coffee whilst checking my emails and schedule for the day and respond to anything urgent that may have been sent overnight. How fondly I remember the days when you started work when you arrived at your desk. I find that the drive to the office or site is a perfect opportunity to catch up with what’s happening with projects, staff and the world of business. During mid-morning, with almost 50 members of staff in our offices there is always something going on and I always make sure I find time for the most valuable asset of Sutcliffe, ‘the team’. After a morning of emails and other correspondences, the business development team then advises me of any new projects, opportunities and that I am brought up to speed on recently submitted tenders. There is always some good news. During the lockdown, with restrictions on how people meet I have endeavoured to walk every lunchtime and when permitted, take this opportunity to meet the senior team to informally discuss business strategy. I find in the afternoons I need to be flexible with my time management to be able

to deal with any essential actions that a vibrant business requires. I believe success rarely comes easily. It requires an early start and a late finish. My working day does not finish when I leave the office as more often than not it continues throughout the evening, but I always make sure I find quality time to sit down for a family meal. What is on the top of your to-do list? The success of a good business is collaboration and utilising our contacts across the Liverpool City Region and beyond. We’re creating a new strategy that we are putting together as a company which will take us from strength to strength, after a record year of growth in 2019/20. What advice would you give your teenage self? Listen to your elders and soak up their knowledge like a sponge! Learn from your mistakes, never be afraid to ask questions and gain experience in a working environment, because the skills you learn as a teenager will last with you forever. Where would we find you on your day off? Currently working! But typically I would be enjoying a well deserved lie in, followed by a bacon sandwich, a shopping trip to town and a nice meal and a coffee, before a night in front of the TV. What is the best advice you have been given in your career? My mum always said, “find a job you enjoy doing and you’ll never work a day in

your life”. Financial success really isn’t the be all and end all of life either, if you are committed to your career you will excel and the riches will follow. Who is your role model (business or personal) in business? I’ve got two. Firstly, the founder of Sutcliffe, John Sutcliffe, who was my ‘work dad’. He taught me so much and his knowledge and guidance has led me to the position that I find myself in today. My own father also instilled a great work ethic into me and after working well into his 70s himself, I want to do everything I can to make him proud and replicate his own personal successes. If you weren’t doing your current job what would be your ideal role? Being an engineer really is the best job in the world and the job I’m in now is the one I dreamt of when I was a child. Alternatively though I’d love to be Prime Minister (for a week!) , I think the Government needs a push in the right direction and I’d love to stand up and give them the guidance they need to take businesses to the next level. Why choose Liverpool City Region? The Liverpool City Region has everything from two great football clubs, to beaches, countryside, a thriving business district and flagship shopping. The standard of living here is fantastic too and I really never understand why people decide to up sticks and move elsewhere, because nine times out of ten, they always end up returning!

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Well Connected April 2021

Articles inside

Charity

Chamber Events

5 Minutes with

Arts & Culture

Finance for Business

Responsible Business

Digital

Business Growth

Patron News

Cover Feature

Health and Wellbeing

Construction

Farewell from Adam Marshall

International Trade

Patron News

Chamber Membership

Message from CEO