Well Connected August 2022

Well

Connected Summer 2022

Official Magazine for Liverpool Chamber

LEVELLING UP Steve Rotheram tells us about his ambitions for digital connectivity across the City Region

INSIDE...

• • •

New Chamber Patron Danone tell us why skills development is key to Levelling Up Steve Coffey, CEO of Torus, on the importance of long-term place-based regeneration Liverpool Chamber welcomes new charity partner

Liverpool Chamber

Connect Support Thrive.

If you’re looking for more from your workspace

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At The Plaza, functional will be transformed into inspirational. The communal spaces have been specifically designed to harbour connections with like-minded individuals and encourage its thriving and ambitious community to work collectively.

0151 600 5353

Lifestyle spaces, including a cafe, bar, restaurant and fitness studio have been created to enhance your everyday experience and wellbeing. This level of consideration has been built-in from the ground floor to the 18th.

Here, you’ll have the opportunity to grow from a single desk to an international household name. No matter what kind of workspace you’re looking for, large, small or even a coworking space, you’ll find it within the walls of The Plaza - and whichever space you choose, you’re sure to be in good company.

Find out more at: bruntwood.co.uk/works

Check out our immersive virtual tour here

Workspace | Retail | Leisure

CONTENTS

Find Inside

7

21

26 28

4-5

Economy

7

Message from CEO

8

Membership Update

9

New Members

10

Members News

13

Members News

15-17

International Trade

19-21

Members News

22

Patron News

23

Skills

24-25

Skills and Employability

26-27

Members News

28-29

Cover Feature

32

Ask the Expert

34

Digital

36

Members News

38

Regeneration

40

Patron News

42-43

Transport

43

Members News

44

Responsible Business

45-47

Events

48

Charity

49

Staff Directory

50

5 minutes with...

Liverpool Chamber

INNOVATION IN BUSINESS

AWARDS 2022 42 45 Enquiries Liverpool Chamber Suite G08 – G10, Cotton Exchange Building, Bixteth Street, Liverpool, L3 9LQ 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

50

Published July 2022 © Benham Publishing Media No. 1907 Editorial Content Manager Jessica Miller Jessica.Miller@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

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. © 2022. 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.

@LiverpoolChamber

Liverpool Chamber

@LiverpoolChamber

3

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%

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%

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%

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%

0% -25%

Confidence

0%

+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%

0.0%

-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

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.

+25%

-25%

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

0%

0%

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%

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%

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%

0% -25%

Confidence

0%

+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%

0.0%

-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

NUTRITIONAL VALUE AND MICROBIOLOGICAL FOOD TEST LAB Alex Stewart Food Test Lab is a fully UKAS accredited laboratory and is part of Alex Stewart Agriculture. We provide a complete range of food testing and microbiological analysis including food and dairy products, seeds, cereals, oils & fats, raw & refined sugar and other consumable products.

• Fats, Salt & Sugars • Cereals, Oils & Seeds • Food & Dairy Products

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

WELCOME TO THE SUMMER EDITION OF WELL CONNECTED MAGAZINE. This edition focuses on the theme of Levelling Up, covering a range of topics including net zero, transport, community outreach and regeneration. After the uncertainty and economic instability of the last two years, the time is now to genuinely level up the UK economy.

Since our last edition, we have been inundated by coverage of governmental instability and political upheaval. This has unfolded amidst a further period of challenge for businesses, with our members reporting unprecedented labour market challenges, including wage inflation, unfilled vacancies and a resumption of Covid-absenteeism. Coupled with hikes in energy and utilities costs, a National Insurance hike and a raw materials shortage it remains a tough time.

That being said, it has been heartening to see the successes of many of our business members and some resumption of ‘normality’ – if such a thing exists.

The resumption of our events programme has been excellent. The Chamber network feels like a refreshed collective group and we are pleased to see strong business development and relationship building activity taking place through our network.

The work of my Chamber colleagues to enable and facilitate connections between our members and the myriad of support schemes, initiatives and projects is becoming increasingly pertinent and valued.

Levelling up means different things to different people. My focus is upon how levelling up makes a tangible and meaningful difference to the businesses seeking to grow their market share, innovate, recruit and develop talent and ultimately achieve positive outcomes for our city region and its people. The Chamber must – and will – fulfil a responsibility to this end.

In June, we officially announced this year’s Innovation in Business Awards in association with Blok ‘N’ Mesh, set to take place on the 17th of November at the World Museum Liverpool. The Awards will herald the work being delivered by our

members to ensure that the Liverpool City Region is truly innovative - a quality which is integral to ensuring that Liverpool succeeds in levelling up. You can view our full list of events and more information on our Annual Awards on pages 46&47. With more than 250 tickets already sold, I advise booking your place as soon as possible.

Once again we have continued to focus our Policy engagement to bridging the gap between education and employers with our work with schools, colleges and universities. Our recent School Business Network event has demonstrated the ability of businesses to provide solutions to schools in their development of personal ambition, aspiration and opportunity. The creation of work and career readiness opportunities for young people is a cause that the chamber is committed to achieving through our members – businesses, educators and learners.

Thank you to our member businesses for your ongoing support during the last few months and I look forward to the Chamber continuing to act as the voice of business in the period ahead.

7

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

Hear about what the membership team have been up to throughout the past quarter Head of membership and business growth Tom Woolley shares his thoughts on the launch of an impactful series of events for our Strategic Partners and Patrons: Liverpool Chamber’s extensive events programme saw a fantastic start to 2022, to the point that our first three events of the year were declared sold out well before the event date.

Tom Woolley Head of Membership and Business Growth

To keep up with demand, we introduced two exciting new events to our substantial programme, the first being ‘Chamber Socials’.

The Chamber Socials will see us visit a different hospitality venue each month, where members are invited to network and enjoy a few drinks whilst partaking in a range activities on offer within the venue.

The second new, recurring event we’ve introduced are our Executive Receptions, taking Strategic Partners and Patrons on money can’t buy experiences each month, offering them the opportunity to connect with their fellow executive level members in a range of interesting settings. This monthly opportunity, hosted by our CEO Paul Cherpeau, has delivered some unforgettable events, with senior leaders and decision makers within each organisation meeting in some exceptionally unique settings!

Our first event saw guests invited to join our annual President’s Lunch, which immediately followed our AGM at Malmaison Liverpool,

offering a great opportunity to connect with fellow members.

that the country produces by expert Helga Gal.

This event was followed by April’s offering: an exclusive networking reception and concert at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. Guests were treated to Scottish inspired drinks and canapés pre-concert in the exclusive 1840 Room, providing an excellent opportunity to network with some of Liverpool’s best businesses, before watching the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra concert ‘Scottish Symphony’, conducted by Julian Rachlin.

May’s Executive Reception took us on an exclusive tour of Liverpool John Lennon Airport, with guests receiving the opportunity to travel through security and behind the scenes of one of the UK’s fastest growing airports. The trip to the Airport’s fire station was definitely a highlight!

Members actually received two Executive Receptions for the price of one in June, as we were given a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore Martins Bank, the iconic Grade II listed building on Water Street. Guests received an exclusive opportunity to be the last to see inside the historic building before it closes its doors for a grand restoration and reopening by Kinrise.

Thanks to our expert guides Cal and Tommy, we heard all about the building’s history, including a tour of the vaults which housed the bulk of Britain’s gold reserves during World War II, and the restoration project to bring this exquisite building back to life. A huge thank you to Graffiti Spirits Group, who hosted an exquisite cocktail reception following our tour.

Our globetrotting showed no signs of slowing for June’s event as Liverpool Chamber, in association with the Consulate of Hungary, cordially invited guests to an afternoon of Hungarian wine tasting at RSM’s incredible Chapel Street offices. Guests were treated to an address from the Consul General, and guided through the best wines

These events have formed the perfect backdrop to allow our Strategic Partners and Patrons to form valuable connections, so if you would like to discuss how Strategic Partnership or Patronage to Liverpool Chamber can support your business, please contact me via tom.woolley@ liverpoolchamber.org.uk.

Membership Executive, Jordan Rhoda, shares his thoughts on our #GrowMySME Programme and Marketing Workshops.

After a fantastic start to our #GrowMySME Programme in the first quarter of 2022, the Liverpool Chamber has partnered with A&B Marketing, Bolland & Lowe, and Tuesday Media to continue supporting new and growing SMEs.

Jordan Rhoda Membership Executive

8

Our #GrowMySME Marketing Bootcamps started on the 17th June and run every Friday in the Cotton Exchange Building for six weeks, with the aim of demystifying the world of branding, digital marketing, and storytelling. These workshops are an excellent opportunity for new

businesses or growing SMEs looking to upskill their team.

From everyone at the Chamber and our latest cohort of #GrowMySME applicants, thank you to Rian BaileyWeir, John Lowe, and Sophie Wilson for sharing their knowledge, insights, and time with us this quarter.

This fully-funded programme is open to all Merseyside-based SMEs and Liverpool Chamber Members, so please get in touch to find out more and register your interest for the next series of workshops.

Finally a warm welcome to our new members. This quarter we have been joined by 2 Chamber Patrons, 6 Strategic Partners, 28 Chamber Members, and 2 Liverpool Law Society Affiliates.

If you are interested in joining the Liverpool Chamber or would like to know more about our #GrowMySME Programme, contact Jordan on Jordan.

Rhoda@liverpoolchamber.org.uk to find out how we can support your business.

NEW MEMBERS

WELCOME

to our new Chamber Members Chamber Patrons Danone Ltd www.danone.co.uk

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust www.rlbuht.nhs.uk

Strategic Partners BiU LTD

CG Professional

Porcelanosa NW Ltd

www.cgprofessional.co.uk

www.porcelanosa.com

David Game College Liverpool

Quirky Digital Limited

www.lilalovetolearn.com/david-game-

www.quirkydigital.com

college-liverpool

Q-Vet Ltd Developing Experts Ltd

Rathbones Halo Designs & Co Limited

www.thisiscapacity.co.uk

Royal Court Liverpool Ltd Hatter’s Digital Agency Ltd

Ship Global Logistics Ltd

Halcyon www.halcyonprojectsnw.co.uk

ww.hybrid-hr.co.uk

National Museums Liverpool

Infinity Apartments Group

The Social Desk

www.royalcourtliverpool.co.uk

www.hattersdigitalagency.com

Hybrid HR Limited

www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

www.rathbones.com

www.haloandco.com

www.biu.com

Capacity

www.q-vet.co.uk

www.developingexperts.com

www.shipglobaluk.com

SJM Photography www.sjm-photo.com

www.infinityapartments.co.uk

TBC Events Irwin Mitchell

www.linkedin.com/in/tom-barrie-

www.irwinmitchell.com

a16b2713/

IT Support 365 Ltd

Time Invoice Finance Limited

www.itsupport365.co.uk

www.timefinance.com/

Liverpool Chamber Member

Martico UK Limited

Transform Lives Company

www.martico.com

www.transform-lives.org

ADL Health & Safety Ltd

Moneycorp

www.adlhealthandsafety.com

www.moneycorp.com

An Hour For Others

MTG Digital Ltd

www.anhourforothers.co.uk

www.mtg-digital.com

Business & IP Centre Liverpool

Netcom Training

www.liverpool.gov.uk/bipc

www.netcomtraining.co.uk

Bolesworth

Point Blank Shooting

www.bolesworth.com

www.pointblankshooting.co.uk

www.thesocialdesk.co.uk

UniCourse www.unicourse.org

WELCOME to our new Chamber Members 9

MEMBERS NEWS

TWO THIRDS OF OFFICE WORKERS ‘TOO SCARED’ TO PICK UP THE PHONE Face for Business recently conducted a survey of over 1,000 office workers and nearly twothirds of UK office workers say they have avoided answering their work phone due to anxiety over dealing with calls in the last 12 months, according to research.

Overall 65% of employees said they’d experienced some form of anxiety when faced with answering work calls in the 12 months to June 2022, an increase from 62% in 2019.

The main reasons being: Workers are increasingly anxious about talking to customers

BELT AND BRACES – CYBER SECURITY ADVICE Andy MacGregor of BT Local Business offers advice on today’s sophisticated cyber security threats.

As a business owner, you may feel powerless against the hackers. After all, it’s tough to protect against something you don’t understand. Cyber threats have evolved and criminals are looking at ingenious ways of accessing your network.

When was the last time you or someone in your business; • • • • • •

Offered out your wireless key?

Browsed a social media site?

Streamed a video at lunch time?

Set up a remote worker?

Brought in a device from home?

Forwarded a simple “Gif” to your device in fun?

All the above can create opportunities for hackers to exploit your network.

10

Fears of confrontation

It’s no surprise that employees who aren’t being trained to deal with calls will increase and more people will suffer from extreme anxiety, with many not even able to pick up the phone because they’re so concerned.”

For advice on this, or to understand how Face for Business could help, please contact susan.holme@ffb.co.uk or visit www.ffb.co.uk

Employee training “not offered” Susan Holme of Face for Business comments “Dealing with phone calls is one of the most overlooked skills for employees today.”

Phone anxiety is increasing in the UK workforce and that’s a worry, it looks like many employees are not being trained correctly even when the phone calls often generate business.

Therefore, businesses can make the choice to either outsource and partner with a service provider like us or look at what they need to do internally to help folks become better and feel less stressed Cyber criminals don’t knock on the door and announce they are coming in, giving you time to protect yourself, they can be weeks in the planning, waiting for the right moment to attack. When they strike, they use new “polymorphic” approaches which means they constantly change to avoid detection with a sole focus of gaining access & control of your sensitive data which can be devastating to your business. These are the threats that can destroy integrity and reputation but more importantly can cause a massive financial impact and risk putting you out of business.

SME owners might think cybercriminals would rather target a larger company.

This is far from true. In fact, 43% of Cyber-attacks are on SME businesses and a staggering 60% of them go out of business within six months of falling victim to a malicious data breach or hack.

The security market now offers a plug & play Next Generation Firewall that provides a robust multi layered “Unified Threat Management” device (UTM).

Why not consider improving your business protection via 4 key security components?

UTM’s can provide: •

Antivirus and protection against Malware – Looking for malicious string of codes that once on your network replicates or disrupt applications.

•

Intrusion Detection & Protection – Scanning your network constantly looking for anomalies on your network, stopping it and deleting it before the damage is done.

•

Layer 7 Firewall – Layer 3 Firewalls checks your identity of your IP address and says its valid that is it, Layer 7 does a deeper packet inspection of applications & not just where it has come from.

•

Content Filtering – Restricts users from accessing potentially harmful websites such as social media, gambling, adult content & streaming sites.

Top 5 Threats to Small Businesses in 2022 from The National Cyber Security Centre were: #1 — Ransomware #2 — Business Email Compromise Scams #3 — Insider Threats and Data Leaks #4 — Phishing Scams #5 — Malware When was your last firewall review?

Don’t be a victim – Get proactive in your cyber security protection

Off the shelf firewalls offers your business some protection, but hackers are evolving – are you ready?

For more information and support on how to protect your business, contact our office on the Chamber Dedicated Line 01704 898210.

Industrial Property in Focus The investment market appears to have taken an early summer break whilst occupational demand remains resilient through the current economic malaise.

The inflation spike has led to investors recalibrating their positions following a stella period in the sector. However. market fundamentals remain sound and investors are expected

Robust demand across all sizes and sectors is showing growth on every metric in Liverpool, bar one – supply!

to follow sectors with the best occupational outlook. Interesting then that occupational demand in the industrial sector has seen eye watering take up, driven substantially, but not exclusively, by the exponential growth of e-commerce which now accounts for over 34% of total retail sales.

The North West has seen record take up in consecutive years, easily beating the longterm average with the Liverpool City Region recording some stand out transactions, notably Amazon taking over 1 million sqft on Knowsley Business Park.

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!

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.

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 cost of living crisis 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

11

n n n n

Cleaning Services 24 hour key holding and emergency call out Weekly fire alarm testing CCTV installation

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

For every br�ght �dea everywhere Business & IP Centre Liverpool, in partnership with the British Library, is inspiring a thriving community of new and existing business owners. We offer a wide range of high-value services which are free of charge.

Visit us in Liverpool Central Library where you can access powerful databases with the latest market and company information, discover our events programme and get expert advice on starting or growing your business.

Get in touch to find out more about how our team can support you or your clients. +44 (0)15 1233 5835 libraries.enquiries@liverpool.gov.uk

Marcela Livingston Founder of SacPot

12

BIPC Liverpool, Liverpool Central Library, William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 8EW

liverpool.gov.uk/bipc BIPCLiverpool

BIPC Liverpool City Region

MEMBERS NEWS

HOW SOCIAL VALUE HAS IMPACTED SCHOOLS IN YOUR COMMUNITY Excellent procurement has the potential to unlock significant funds for schools to reinvest back into the education of current and future generations, while delivering social value to the wider community at the same time.

Examples include, providing communities with economic, environmental, and social improvements.

smoothie for themselves - encouraging healthy eating and exercise for a child is crucial for healthy development.

Crucially, this does not mean the cost of procurement increases, it should instead demonstrate their value for money; how much a school is capable of from a contract. When a school runs a new tender, they can ask potential suppliers what they could also do for the local community – that is the essence of social value.

Recently, 2buy2 has worked with a number of schools on their catering contracts, overseeing schools hiring caterers locally and paying the Living Wage. This ensures people in the community can earn a good wage and positively impact their standard of living.

How has Social Value impacted schools?

Due to the uniqueness of each contract, social value outcomes have been found to be varied in accordance with the supplier as well as the wants of the school. This has led to schools having smoothie bikes, for example – a piece of equipment that pupils can pedal on to create a healthy

The true impact is far reaching, the community, the school, but most importantly, the pupils.

2buy2 works with organisations to get the most out of their procurement, including adding social value to their tenders. For more information on good procurement, email Geraint.williams@2buy2.com or visit educationbuying.com.

This is leading procurement consultancy, 2buy2’s belief and goal – to positively impact the pupils in schools while benefitting and safeguarding the wider community in the process. They are well on their way to doing this through their education brand, Education Buying.

What is Social Value?

Social value, in relation to the education sector is the overall value that a school, Trust, college, or university can gain from money that is spent on procurement.

FORMING PARTNERSHIPS IS THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE OF HALCYON. With our existing clients and new. We strive to form strong partnerships through clear communication and aligned values within both businesses, so our IT Support, VOIP and Business Broadband can integrate seamlessly. Part of these shared values is the work our CIC undertakes – Halcyon

Liverpool Chamber

Days. This is self-funded through yearly profits from Halcyon and our dedicated member of full time staff works collaboratively with prominent institutions throughout the Liverpool City Region to help young people.

Halcyon MD James Hamilton said “Mainstream education doesn’t suit everyone.

Every pupil gets measured with the same stick,” he says, “but it’s not one size fits all.

“I got some chances in life but I’d already proved myself, and I did it on my own. Now I want to help other people like me who, essentially, have been written off.

“Everyone deserves a chance.”

James set up Halcyon Days, an organisation which sees him dedicating part of his time linking with councils, police, charities and education providers (mainstream and alternative provision) offering motivational life lessons and support to those who need it.

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F TURNER & SONS Est: 1787

Auctioneers & Valuers

We offer all the services you would expect of a modern Auctioneer.

• Worldwide online Auction • Sales by Public Auction of Modern and Antique Chattels • Sales by Private Treaty • Valuations for Insurance and Open Market • Valuations for Probate and Family Division

Sale: Every Second Thursday 10:00am

View Days: (Fortnightly) Tuesday 10:00am to 4:00pm Wednesday 10:00am to 4:00pm

Turner & Sons are the oldest company of Auctioneers and Valuers on Merseyside and almost certainly one of the oldest in the world.

We are the only auctioneers in the Merseyside region to hold a fortnightly auction sale. We offer a pre-sale valuation and advice service.

We specialise in Probate, antique, fine art and jewellery, but can accommodate a wide range of assets.

We also offer a full insured storage facility for any requirement but especially deceased estates.

In the past year Turner & Sons have held specialist auctions of rare jewellery, British gold coinage, Asiatic and Chinese art, Fine art including Lowry, Russell Flint and period furnishings, all aided by our online sale platforms.

We offer a house clearance facility to deal with both saleable and none saleable items as well as dealing with any bequests that an estate might need collecting and delivering.

We can also arrange specialist collections and deliveries for high value/unusual items.

All these services are backed our professional indemnity and liability insurances.

Please note as well as Merseyside, Wirral and Cheshire we regularly cover an area from North Wales to North Lancashire.

If we can be of any help or give any advice please do not hesitate to contact us…

Turner & Sons, Century Salerooms, 28/36 Roscoe Street, Liverpool, UK, L1 9DW

t: 0151 709 4005 e: Enquiries@turners-auctions.com w: turnersauctions.co

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

MAKING IT IN LIVERPOOL AND EXPANDING OVERSEAS Manufacturing companies in the Liverpool City Region contribute billions of pounds to the nation’s economy annually while supporting 50,000 jobs for some 3,000 companies. It is amongst the largest manufacturing regions in the U.K. with an exceptional range of companies calling it home, including large enterprises like Jaguar Land Rover but also SMEs and start-ups. In addition, “advanced manufacturing” with its emphasis on technology is re-defining production in all sectors in the region and recruiting a young vibrant work force. For Liverpool, it is an exciting time of innovation and exceptional growth potential.

Liverpool’s manufacturing growth is supported by a proximity to major transport links via John Lennon International Airport and the Port of Liverpool operating the Royal Seaforth Container Terminal and Liverpool2, one of the world’s most modern deep-water shipping terminals. Additionally, Liverpool will, again, be home to one of eight Freeports in the U.K., providing trade opportunities for area manufacturers, creating new jobs and developments. John Lucy, Director, Liverpool City Region Freeport, finds “that the Freeports could be a game changer for Liverpool and the U.K. itself.”

Manufacturers can also expand their businesses into new markets by using an ATA Carnet, an internationally accepted customs document that allows temporary cross border movement of goods or

CLARKE ENERGY SUPPORTING THE JOURNEY TO NET ZERO The journey to net-zero presents many questions about where combined heat and power (CHP) gas engines fit into the UK’s future energy networks. Achieving net-zero cannot come at the expense of fuel poverty or energy blackouts. It is therefore vital to balance the ‘Energy Trilemma’ of sustainability, affordability and security during the transition Clarke Energy CHP plants can work alongside other renewable energy technologies and energy storage systems as part of a hybrid energy solution. A recent project example is an award-

with prospective customers, or temporarily demonstrating equipment overseas avoid payment of duty and tax on those goods when using an ATA Carnet for temporary exports. The savings add up and will have a positive impact on cash flow.

merchandise import-duty and -tax free into 87+ carnet countries and territories for up to a year. The ATA Carnet is known as the Merchandise Passport for boomerang freight® because everything that goes out returns to the country of origin.

Manufacturers exhibiting at a foreign trade show, traveling with sales samples to meet

Boomerang carnets® U.K., through its partner the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, can provide affordable sameday and overnight carnet delivery service in Liverpool, Bristol, London, at Heathrow, Gatwick, and the Eurotunnel. As is typical, carnets can also be shipped by overnight courier to anywhere in the U.K. ATA Carnet usage levels the playing field so that an SME can compete with any size enterprise. Growing your business internationally is easier than you think.

winning hybrid energy system, delivered by Clarke Energy, to power one of the largest greenhouses in the UK. The 217,000m2 AGR Fenland greenhouse site combines a 33MWth heat pump system with a 9MWe CHP plant, which operates during peak electricity periods with thermal heat storage and CO2 recovery. The installation provides hot water heating to the glasshouse and the CO2 recovered from exhaust gases is transferred to the glasshouse to help accelerate the growth of the produce. Fenland greenhouse will grow 10% of Britain’s cucumbers, requiring 30% less CO2 than a conventionally heated greenhouse.

Recovered CO2 will be used in eco-friendly products, with a variety of uses, including building materials, paint production and fertilisers. The project could unlock a key technological innovation that could help in meeting our net-zero carbon commitment.

Clarke Energy will also deliver another innovative carbon capture and conversion system at Severn Trent Water, Derby.

CHP delivers security of supply as it can be configured as a safety net for your business operations. With minimal investment you can not only dramatically reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint, but also prevent loss of production or business, should a grid event occur. It is important not to view CHP as an obstacle on the road to netzero but rather an essential transitional technology, supporting the world’s collective carbon reduction journey.

Gas engines can be fuelled by numerous low-carbon or renewable fuels, including pipeline gas, biogas, biomethane and are even able to operate on up to 100% hydrogen. CHP plants can be adapted to meet future changes in gas network supply, meaning investments can be made safely for new or existing projects.

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INTERNATIONAL TRADE

UK-AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND FREE TRADE AGREEMENT: BENEFITS TO BE HIGHLIGHTED AT OUR NEXT INTERNATIONAL TRADE CLUB IN SEPTEMBER The UK signed the Australia Agreement in December and the New Zealand Agreement in February. Together, they will deliver benefits throughout the country and support the levelling-up agenda.

For the first time, UK service suppliers including architects, scientists, researchers, lawyers and accountants will have access to visas to work in Australia without being subject to Australia’s changing skilled occupation list. Britons aged 18 to 35 will also be able to travel and work in Australia with a Working Holiday Maker Visa for up to three years.

The UK-Australia Agreement is expected to increase trade by 53%, boost the economy by £2.3 billion and increase wages in the long-run. The UK-New Zealand Agreement is expected to increase trade by almost 60% and boost the economy by £800 million.

International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan said: This Bill will enable us to export our world-class goods and services and bring high-quality imports at reduced rates for British customers.

The agreements include protections for the agriculture industry and food and drink quality standards, with all imports needing to comply with the UK’s food regulations.

Both the UK-Australia and UK-New Zealand free trade agreements include commitments to addressing climate change like decarbonisation and increasing innovation in green sectors.

LIVERPOOL BUSINESS – KAYS MEDICAL EXPLAIN THE IMPACT OF BREXIT ON THE UK MEDICAL INDUSTRY Kays Medical are one of the UK’s largest and most trusted suppliers of first aid, medical supplies, Ofqual regulated training and SEQOHS accredited occupational health provision. With nearly 50 years’ experience protecting employee’s health and wellbeing, and soon opening a new full-service 3rd party logistics warehouse and fulfilment centre in September 2022.

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We will have a guest speaker from DIT at our next Trade Club to provide an update on this particular trade agreement and what it means for business.

With Brexit and EU regulations having affected trading conditions for many UK businesses, it has created uncertainty in the regulatory landscape around the medical device industry. In particular, the expected move from the Medical Device Directive (MDD) to the more detailed Medical Device Regulation (MDR) has experienced a change in regulations and increase in documentation requirements.

In terms of distribution/transport, Brexit has increased shipping container costs.

Pre-Brexit, approximate landed shipping costs for a 40-foot container were around £2,000 but post-Brexit costs reached up to a staggering £15,000 to £18,000. Many UK competitors have therefore exited the market, leaving Kays Medical in a strong position to capitalise on international trade opportunities.

Due to Brexit, the UK has pulled out of the original EU MDR and are still awaiting confirmation for what the full UK standard will require. Additionally, if a UK business wishes to manufacture and sell products into the EU, labelling and documentation must be compliant for sale with both the CE mark for sales into the EU and UKCA mark for UK sales, along with EC REP and EU Importers in place.

Despite these additional regulatory burdens, Kays Medical have been able to remain competitive by investing in additional resource, and diversifying the range of products and services we offer.

Kays Medical have ISO 13485 certification to produce and distribute medical devices, and our products are MHRA registered. Steps have been taken to ensure compliance with the above standards and that all new regulations continue to be met.

Kays Medical are in the final stages of building a new 35,000 sq. ft. warehouse and fulfilment centre which will offer 3PL services to expand in-house capacity and continue to deliver a high-quality service to our customers.

For more information contact Kays Medical directly on 0151 482 2850 or email marketing@kaysmedical.com

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

LIVERPOOL STARTUP DEVELOPS NEW TECHNOLOGIES TO SUPPORT THE CITY’S MARITIME SECTOR The team at Liverpool technology startup Hexsor Scientific Limited has been hard at work over the past 18 months developing a new state-of-the-art mobile mass spectrometry to support the city’s maritime and waterfront industries.

“We have managed to shrink what is typically a very large, very complex, very expensive piece of laboratory equipment, into an instrument the size of a suitcase”, noted Hexsor’s CEO & Co-Founder, Dr Jeyan Sreekumar. “There are very obvious benefits in being able to, in effect, take a laboratory-standard piece of equipment into the field, and use it to understand instantly, and in an extremely detailed way, what chemical substances are in your water. This translates into improved safety, greater cost-savings, and more efficient operations for the city’s maritime industries, as well as better management of Liverpool’s marine ecosystems” As for many companies in the Liverpool City Region, the last two years have posed challenges for Hexsor. “Since the company was founded in 2018, we have been really keen to grow our business, and our reputation, within the city. Although the pandemic has limited opportunities to do so, we are now very excited to begin to realise some of those aims”.

“We are incredibly proud of our connection to the Liverpool City Region”, said Hexsor’s Business Development Manager, Dr David Smith. “We are based in Liverpool Science Park, and we have developed some great relationships and firm friendships within the University of Liverpool — of which some of the team are alumnus — and the LCR’s wider knowledge and innovation ecosystems. We consider these relationships to be a great strength, and make a virtue of them when talking with our clients overseas. The team has family here, and we really want to be able to give something back to the region.”

Hexsor’s new technology arrives at a key time in the city region’s maritime development. With the redesignation of The Port of Liverpool as a freeport, the city’s waterside is set to see an increase in international maritime traffic and substantial investment in new waterside infrastructure. At the same time, the new nationally-significant Maritime Knowledge Hub under development at the Wirral Waters site will provide Liverpool with a world-leading facility for marine and maritime research and development.

“Our mobile mass spectrometry systems are, really, revolutionary, and represent exactly the sort of technological solution that the city’s innovation ecosystem has been designed to achieve. Alongside our other optical spectroscopic technologies, they really represent a comprehensive solution for water analysis that we are excited to deploy across the LCR. After years of hard work by the founders, to finally have that chance to engage with the city’s maritime stakeholders, at a time when Liverpool is poised to position itself at the heart of the global maritime sector, is a dream comes true for us”.

ERDF “NEW MARKETS 2” FUNDING STILL HELPING COMPANIES IN THE LIVERPOOL CITY REGION UNTIL SUMMER 2023 Thinking of attending a trade show or trade fair? We can support eligible companies with 35% of their cost. Contact Ian.Bulmer@Liverpoolchamber. org.uk to check eligibility.

Case study: Tom Reynolds, MD at Eden 51 has just commented on how New Markets 2 helped him to be part of Bett Global in March 2022 and to plan attendance to BETT events in August in Athens and in Bangkok in October.

Bett is the global community for education technology. Education stakeholders worldwide gather to address their challenges and priorities. The match funded grant helped to cover the costs of translations, marketing material to attend the show and accommodation.

By attending BETT Tom has been able to create connections and accelerate trade, driving impact and improving outcomes for his company.

TRAINING COURSES IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE At Liverpool Chamber, we organise bespoke courses or consultancy sessions to address your international trade concerns at short notice. We understand every company has different training needs, so we work with partners to help you to answer basic queries on complex issues.

Liverpool Chamber

We also have our Trade Help desk, designed to provide support and assistance to companies requiring extra reassurance when dealing with international trade procedures. We can assist you with enquiries that can be dealt with in under 10 minutes, such as Shipping requirements, CPC code enquiries, Incoterms and guidance on correct commodity codes.

More help and support If you have questions on importing, exporting or customs reliefs call the Customs and International Trade helpline on 0300 322 9434. The helpline is open from 8am to 10pm Monday to Friday and from 8am to 4pm on weekends.

Email export@liverpoolchamber.org.uk for further information

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PROTECT

YOURSELF, YOUR COLLEAGUES & YOUR BUSINESS

Due to the unprecedented demand for flu vaccines this year we encourage businesses to be proactive with their flu prevention strategy and pre-order their flu vaccines today!

We will source the best and most competitively priced flu vaccines, whilst offering guaranteed supply on pre-orders!

Pre-order flu vaccines today!

Did you know that we also offer flu clinics?

This means we can administer the flu vaccine across one or multiple sites to ensure your entire workforce is vaccinated and prepared for winter!

For more information, contact us: Tel: 0151 482 2830 Email: sales@kaysmedical.co.uk Kays Medical, Estuary Commerce Park, 1 Windward Drive, Speke, L24 8QR

Photo by Kristian Løvstad on Unsplash

MEMBERS NEWS

THE LANDSCAPE IS CHANGING The north Liverpool landscape is changing as Everton Football Club’s new stadium build at Bramley-Moore Dock gathers pace.

Work on the development, a former semiderelict dock, has been in progress for a year this month (July 2021).

And the Everton Stadium will provide another iconic landmark on the city skyline – and act as a mesmeric gateway to Liverpool for cruise ships that bring legions of visitors.

The remarkable transformation, widely recognised as the largest single-site private sector development in the country, will provide Everton with one of the most environmentally-friendly football stadia ever built.

It will contribute an estimated £1.3bn to the UK economy, creating thousands of jobs and attracting 1.4m visitors to the city of Liverpool, annually.

Liverpool Chamber

Once complete, the scheme will have acted as a catalyst for more than £650m worth of accelerated regeneration directly benefiting the nearby Ten Streets development.

And importantly, it ushers in a new dawn for Everton Football Club after more than a century at Goodison Park.

The 52,888-seater stadium offers not only an increased capacity, but also a revolutionary opportunity for a re-set of traditional football hospitality at Everton Stadium. It allows the Club to develop new concepts, enhance traditional ones, innovate and offer supporters a broader choice and more ways to meet, in a variety of social spaces on matchdays.

In readiness for the new stadium opening, the Club is set to contribute to upgrades of the facilities at nearby Sandhills train station.

This follows a fan survey held by Everton Football Club back in 2018, to help inform the planning process, which suggested that 60% of fans wanted to use public transport.

The close proximity to the city also means more fans will have the opportunity to walk the short distance to Bramley-Moore Dock, while a matchday shuttle bus service will run between the stadium and the main stations in town, for those who cannot make the journey on foot.

Once the new stadium is opened, a fitting legacy will be delivered on the Goodison Park site, a project which could include high quality and affordable housing, a multi-purpose health centre, community-led retail spaces, a youth enterprise zone, office and business facilities and green space.

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING MEMBERS NEWS

THE DEMAND FOR CORPORATE HEALTHCARE HAS NEVER BEEN GREATER Local health insurer Medicash has been looking after the health and wellbeing of the people of Liverpool (and further afield) for over 150 years, but never in its history has it seen such a surge in demand from employers looking to provide health cover for their organisation.

2021 saw Medicash sell over 122,000 new policies, the most in its 150-year history.

Better yet, this impressive record is on track to be broken again in 2022, with over 100,000 new policies being written in the first 6 months of this year alone, taking Medicash’s policy base to over 400,000 for the first time. Medicash’s previous highest number of policies peaked in 1947, just before the NHS was introduced, with a total of 396,000 policies.

Paul Gambon, Sales and Marketing Director at Medicash, puts this success down to Medicash continually advancing and innovating their product range to work for the modern world, including

Award since 2013 for their high-quality customer support. This high-quality service is reflected in Medicash’s impressive figures and excellent 5* Trustpilot rating.

investing in a variety of new digital health benefits, as well as working consistently on evolving the My Medicash App. The My Medicash App houses all of Medicash’s digital benefits, like Virtual GP and digital physiotherapy, plus its skin cancer screening service through SkinVision, enabling policyholders to access their benefits instantly and easily. The SkinVision and digital physiotherapy benefits have been particularly welcomed by both employers and employees, as they allow users to access remote care at a time that is most convenient to them. These digital solutions aid proactive and preventive care as well as faster recovery.

Medicash are regularly recognised not only for their innovation and investment in technology, having won Health Cash Plan Provider of the Year at the Workplace Savings & Benefits Awards and winning Best Cash Plan Provider at the Corporate Adviser Awards for the second year in a row, but also their customer service, holding the Investor in Customers Gold

LEVELLING UP As newly appointed Strategic Partners of the Chamber, it adds a spring to my step and a smile to my face that my first article in the Well Connected magazine is all about Levelling Up. Since I moved both my businesses (The Social Desk & Lucrum Digital) within the Liverpool City Region I’ve felt an enormous sense of belonging and pride. We have been welcomed into the city, launched into lots of networking with some fantastic businesses and have been nominated for several awards.

Liverpool is an extraordinary city and with so much-untapped potential. Levelling Up will bring more opportunities, increased

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funding, and improved projects within the public and private sectors. I believe it could provide Liverpool with the fundamentals to become a powerhouse within Europe again, if not even further.

So, I am left pondering as a marketer, what free tips or advice I can offer when you are thinking about Levelling Up. The question I feel you have to ask yourself and with true honesty is, is your marketing strategy working for your business? Are you generating a return on investment (ROI)? In sum, is it worth it?

Those that have met me will know, I’m a stickler for analytics. It’s the beginning of the story and it tells me everything about your marketing strategy. So, start here, be fanatical about it, look at the finite detail and read the numbers like a story because they will tell a tale.

Paul said: “The rapid and continuous growth of Medicash’s policy base over the past few years shows that demand for corporate health plans has never been greater and won’t be slowing down any time soon.

Organisations are realising that a health cash plan is a great solution for supporting employee wellbeing at a reasonable price, providing practical and digital health benefits for employees at every level.”

As the demand for health cash plans continues to grow, this comprehensive health solution is becoming extremely popular within employee benefit packages. In fact, according to the Willis Towers Watson Employee Benefits and Wellbeing Index they have become the second most popular benefit amongst employees, ranking only behind contributory pensions.

Now more than ever, it is important for employers to show that they genuinely care about the health and wellbeing of their staff. Investing in a health cash plan is an effective way to retain top talent and appeal to potential employees in today’s job market, whilst also ensuring employees are able to stay in good health, so they can continue to work productively.

To find out more about Medicash, visit www.medicash.org or call 0800 195 2992, and don’t forget to vote for Medicash in the Liverpool Chamber Innovation in Business Awards 2022.

I have seen some fantastic, well developed marketing strategies but they aren’t giving any ROI – why? Because they aren’t working for that business; “shooting the pistol point blank only wastes the ammo”.

When it looks good and sounds good, why wouldn’t you keep going hoping one day it will give a return? But in my experience, its false hope and its time to stop, recalibrate, review and tailor it to your business.

Learn more about your audience, who are they? what are they focussing on? what do they expect from you? What platforms are they on and what do they engage with outside of your business?

And remember, always stop, recalibrate, review and tailor – there is always room to change and develop, no one ever moved forwards standing still.

If you would like any further advice, Please contact James@thesocialdesk.co.uk

MEMBERS NEWS

LEVELLING UP EVENTS IN LIVERPOOL: EVENTS ARE THE KEY INGREDIENT TO REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE LIVERPOOL CITY REGION.

The Government’s Levelling Up Whitepaper offers welcome ambitions to boost economic prosperity in the UK through the development of towns, cities and regions. We think events are the key ingredient to regional development in the Liverpool City Region.

The events industry is a huge driver of Liverpool’s economy. For context, prepandemic, events were worth £3.3bn to Liverpool annually, supporting 38,000 jobs.

It’s clear that Liverpool is already a leader in the UK events industry. From organising conferencing festivals that attract thousands of attendees, to live music performances that attract hundreds of thousands. Not to mention the fact Liverpool were chosen to pilot the Government Events Research Programme. All of this and more only reinforces our national reputation for innovation, tourism and hospitality.

are looking for fresh and innovative ideas to 1) keep up with the demand and 2) stand out within a crowded market.

MSP are committed to providing unforgettable productions, which requires the latest hightech equipment. With events on the rise, we spent time and resources searching for the right equipment that our city deserves. After months of research and a trip to Paris, we decided to upgrade our sound systems to the world-leading NEXO range. This partnership brings with it a host of opportunities and exciting tech solutions for our clients, as well as global potential for the business.

Other productions home to Liverpool such as the River of Light, and the Giants have drawn huge crowds and show that with the right technology, the possibilities are endless.

Furthermore, we are finding the demand for high end tech is growing, with orders for digital LED walls increasing – transforming venues, photoshoots and studios into an immersive experience, in any event. We’ve recently supplied a video wall to Liverpool Film Office, creating an illusion of a moving train used in a digital advertisement featuring Liverpool legend Mo Salah. If the creative industry can transform a studio in Liverpool into a global advertising campaign, this brings with it huge opportunities to put our city, its infrastructure and its creative minds on the map.

Over the last couple of months, we have seen a vast increase in events, production, broadcast and av hire across the city, with no indication of slowing down. Our clients

Investing in high-tech equipment will not only boost the scale of innovative productions possible for the region but could also attract national and even global interest. The more

Liverpool Chamber

we can do as an industry to lead the way in event technology, the bigger the crowds get and the more attention we bring to our incredible city region.

We were proud to be the official AV partner for the World Climate Summit 2021, providing a full production service including high-tech LED technology that transformed the venue into an event fit for national and international viewing. Technology and events go hand in hand, and with events like the COP26 Summit attracting global attention, there’s no reason to say events like these couldn’t take place in Liverpool.

As more opportunities come our way, we will naturally attract more visitors, workers and students which all work together to ensure we are retaining creative talent, and that our industry can grow with them.

We are lucky to have first class venues, people and infrastructure on our doorstep that are shaping the creative and events industry. Liverpool certainly has the key components needed to boost tourism, stimulate inward investment and attract global interest. With the right equipment, talent and delivery, the sky is the limit.

Get in touch with a member of the team to find out how we can enhance your next event with new technology. www.msp-av.co.uk

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PATRON NEWS

SUPPLYWELL ANNOUNCED AS PARTNER OF LIVERPOOL SCHOOL BUSINESS NETWORK by members of our business community.

There is a desire for a ‘central hub’ resource which connects schools and businesses and coheres the existing activity taking place.

The Network has already created a number of outcomes for young people, and we are optimistic that with the support of SupplyWell, it will continue to have a positive impact.

Liverpool Chamber are delighted to announce that the leading educational technology firm SupplyWell have become the first ever private sector partner of the Liverpool Schools Business Network (SBN).

This partnership will allow SupplyWell to add valuable insights at all meetings of the network, alongside further events in the Liverpool Chamber portfolio including round-tables, strategy panels and networking events.

As part of this agreement we are also pleased to welcome partner company ReCulture to our family of Strategic Partners.

The School Business Network brings together business leaders and school headteachers and leaders to facilitate engagement, and create opportunities for business engagement and partnerships to stimulate meaningful outcomes for young people.

The Network, delivered in partnership with Liverpool City Council, was established as a result of research undertaken by Liverpool Chamber in 2019 which identified the methods, barriers and demands of businesses engaging with schools in the city region.

A substantial list of initiatives and schemes exist to support schools connectivity with businesses, many of which being delivered

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The SBN also raises awareness of the support and suppliers available to schools from within the business community.

The unique support services provided by Supply Well make them a perfect partner for the Network and we are delighted that they are investing in the development of the network and our wider Skills and Employability work.

Liverpool Chamber CEO Paul Cherpeau said: “We are delighted to support the work of SupplyWell and Reculture as new partners of Liverpool Chamber. We are particularly excited about their support for the Chamber’s skills and employability work with businesses, especially the focus upon the School-Business Network” SupplyWell CEO Michael Heverin said: “Working with the Liverpool Chamber to support the School Business Network is a really exciting partnership for everyone at SupplyWell. Being able to support Liverpool schools and their connectivity with local businesses will drive social mobility and social capital opportunities for our city’s young people, which is something the whole SupplyWell team are deeply passionate about.”

For further information about how the Schools Business Network can benefit your business or school, please email Conor Williams via conor.williams@ liverpoolchamber.org.uk.

For further information regarding SupplyWell or ReCulture, please visit www.supplywell.co.uk or www.re-culture.co.uk. about SupplyWell As a former teacher and senior leader for nearly 15 years, SupplyWell was established from CEO Michael Heverin’s experiences.

Michael explains: “I often found that the quality, cost and ease of finding the right

teacher for both permanent and temporary staff was much more complicated than needed. Due to work-related stress and exhaustion, in December 2018 I was one of 42,000 teachers who left the profession that year, and SupplyWell was born. We wanted to solve the problem of supply teachers being underpaid and schools being overcharged and set out on a mission to keep teachers and money in education.

We understand the importance of helping to reduce preventable absences and work with all our schools to train members of their staff as mental health first aiders and with SupplyWells educators we ensure they have access to a leading wellbeing app as well as regular check-in calls, all to ensure effective signposting.

Our marketplace is an easy-to-use platform that removes the friction from a time-consuming, admin-heavy and costly process. We understand that getting the right teacher into the right school directly impacts the outcomes of young people. We are very much on a mission to create a fairer future for teachers, schools and students.” about ReCulture ReCulture is a values driven recruitment business focusing on culture, environment and behaviours, as well as skills. We work with our clients to help them understand their culture and what makes people successful in their organisation, so as to help them find talent who will thrive and make an impact.

Founded by Raina Heverin in 2020 after spending 20 years working for recruitment agencies and in-house with companies such as Reach PLC and Very, ReCulture combines in-house methodologies with agency results. After Co-Founding SupplyWell, Raina knew she wanted to make a difference in the private sector as the unethical practices within education recruitment run through the industry.

Working with tech scale ups, high growth businesses and marketing agencies nationwide we recruit across marketing, digital, tech and other back office functions and offer both contingent recruitment as well as embedded services. With a team of 6 and growing, ReCulture is a Liverpool grown business with international plans.

SKILLS

STUDENTS AT THE HEART OF BUSINESS Students are at the heart of everything we do at Liverpool John Moores University. This commitment extends to all our students - past, present, and future, who we recognise as the beating heart of our city and who can be found across every industry and in every community.

Employers are an essential ingredient to the success of our university, which is why we are committed to working in partnership with the Chambers of Commerce and businesses across the Liverpool City Region and beyond. The value of our employers in contributing to the learning path of each of our students is an essential step in their career journey and we value the opportunities

our employers present to them through internships and placements. Projects such as LJMU Graduate Futures and our Discovery Internships are essential in uniting SMEs with our offer and supporting student and graduate success.

By working in collaboration with businesses, we are building

a stronger, brighter, and more inclusive economy for us all.

In the past year we have worked with numerous businesses within the Liverpool City Region, bringing many extracurricular internships and curriculumbased placements to our students. Through harnessing EU funding, LJMU Graduate Futures has so far generated over 80 new vacancies in support of business growth and supported over 800 students and graduates in accessing our bespoke employability training.

Feedback from our most recent cohort of Discovery Interns also indicates high levels of satisfaction in hosting an intern

and the value that students have brought to a business, with comments such as: ‘The Interns we hosted were fantastic and added a lot of value within both the HR and Environment Team during their time with us.’

Student feedback also included: ‘I learned new skills, met good people, got more experience in working in a fast-paced environment and learned what it’s like to operate in a business environment.’

We know the positive impact that these experiences have on employability skills, motivation in education and career decision-making. Therefore, LJMU remains committed to connecting students to businesses offering real-world experiences. We are excited to see what the challenges of the next year bring.

To access our funded internship and graduate placement support contact graduatefutures@ljmu.ac.uk

LJMU Graduate Futures

Connecting SMEs to Graduate Talent

Are you a Small to Medium-Sized Enterprise located in the Liverpool City Region looking to scale-up or expand your business? LJMU Graduate Futures is a £2.4m project, funded through the European Social Fund, designed to talent match businesses with student and graduate talent from 250 degrees across a range of subject areas.

Our support package provides 3 options so you can find the best fit for you:

❙ 140 hour fully funded internships allowing you to focus on a specific project or product

development, generating ideas without the expense

❙ 12 month sandwich placements with a 50% contribution to salary costs which gives our

students the opportunity to grow with you and inject some fresh thinking before returning to complete their studies ❙ 12 month graduate placements with 50% contribution to salary costs bringing flexibility in when you’re ready to introduce them into your business

Expressions of interest are open for 12 month sandwich placements - https://bit.ly/GFSandwichYear

For more information, email graduatefutures@ljmu.ac.uk or visit www.ljmu.ac.uk/graduate-futures SUPPORTED BY:

Liverpool Chamber

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SKILLS AND EMPLOYABILITY

COLLABORATION IS THE KEY TO BRIDGING THE SKILLS GAP As educators, we have a responsibility to

The introduction of T Levels, the

equip young people with the skills and

technical-based qualifications for

knowledge employers are looking for

16 - 19-year-olds, provides a new blend

and ensure they are primed for industry

of study and work experience that

post-study.

will play a pivotal role in building the

Committed to building a skilled workforce, The City of Liverpool College tailors curriculum based on industry connections.

In line with this, I have recently been appointed as the College’s first Commercial Director, to enhance industry relationships, gain insight into the needs

progression into higher level training. As more institutes begin introducing T Levels from September – the College’s offering covering digital, health, education, engineering and manufacturing – there’s huge scope for collaboration.

of business which can then be applied to

Alternatively, work placements are an

studies, and strengthen the connection

opportunity to inspire new perspectives

between student and employer.

among those within business. Young

While we’ve already made great progress in our city region, the impact of Covid-19, the increasing impact of digital innovation and the region’s commitment to net zero is central to our planning.

people bring fresh ideas which could open new and emerging markets for employers, along with helping employees increase their understanding of modern learning processes.

This will mean increased collaboration

The responsibility for upskilling, reskilling,

between the College and industry will be

and progressing our nation’s workforce is

essential if regional targets for economic

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talent pipeline into employment and

Peter Sandman Commercial Director at The City of Liverpool College

growth and productivity are to be met.

The challenge of skills and talent gaps continues to widen in key sectors and industry continue to experience barriers in bridging the training needs for a sustainable workforce.

workforce. Apprenticeships, for example,

Many institutes offer workplace opportunities for students which employers can utilise to source talent and assist in building the future unlock the potential of workers at all career stages, allowing employers to grow the talent and skills they need, and that’s a game changer for any business.

a duty that falls on us all – as educators and employers. By working together, we can blur the lines between academia and industry and ensure our next generation learners have the knowledge and skills required for the working world.

Find out more at www.liv-coll.ac.uk

SKILLS AND EMPLOYABILITY

UNICOURSE ACADEMY 2022 UniCourse is delighted to confirm the official commencement of UniCourse Academy in September 2022. The academy’s core goal is to focus on filling skills gaps that local employees are facing in the post-Covid economy and beyond.

The first course to take place in UniCourse Academy is a six-week, one afternoon per week City & Guild ILM Level 3 Performance Management pathway, targeted to employees who have or will soon have leadership or management responsibilities

but lack relevant formal qualifications. The academy has been fitted with state-ofthe-art equipment and technology to facilitate a learning model in touch with the demands of the digital era.

Employee performance is recognised as the backbone of organisational success. A well-executed performance management framework can encourage the development of a high-performance culture and provide a clear link between individual goals and organisational objectives.

UniCourse Academy will be holding an open day on Friday 2nd September at UniCourse HQ at 1 Old Hall Street.

The open day will serve to provide an introduction to UniCourse Academy, its goals, an introduction to ILM (Institute of Leadership & Management), and an

LCR GRAD SCHEME Every year, thousands of students start their university journey at one of the Liverpool City Region’s higher education institutions. They study here for any number of reasons – the course is best-in-class; the nightlife is buzzing; Liverpool is home and staying here will minimise the financial burden.

Every year, we have an unbridled amount of talent learning in our City – many of whom also want to start their career here. However, this is where we fail as, put simply, there is not enough graduate level employment on offer. We are losing LCR grown talent to Manchester or Birmingham,

Liverpool Chamber

open discussion about the training that can be provided in the future to help local businesses achieve their organisational targets and goals.

where a significant proportion of highvolume graduate recruiters now have offices. Worse still, we also have far too many graduates in low skilled jobs, even at one year after graduating.

It is in our power to change the narrative. As the LCR Skills Strategy states, ‘Transformational change will only occur if Liverpool City Region partners build on their long history of working collectively and collaboratively across public and private sectors.’

The LCR Grad Scheme, part-funded by the European Social Fund and run by the University of Liverpool’s Careers and Employability Team, is paving the way to do just this. On behalf of local SMEs, the project team headed up by Kerry McElroy, LCR Grad Scheme Project Manager runs a campaign to attract students and graduates, and a thorough recruitment process to send the right candidates for each SME to final round interview. Most importantly, graduates hired join a training

and development programme to ease the transition into the world of work and build innovative skill-sets to benefit the SME, such as social media marketing and agile project management. This also creates a cohort of LCR Grads with an invaluable crossindustry support and professional network to enhance their future prospects.

Since inception in September 2021, 50 SMEs have registered and 25 graduates have been placed, with this number growing consistently.

The project offers resources to support and develop graduates, a lack of which is often the stumbling block for small businesses otherwise open to hiring at this level. The feedback so far has been great, with one SME saying ‘We’ve had the chance to be introduced to applicants who wouldn’t necessarily have known about us had it not been for the LCR Grad Scheme. It has allowed us to pick the crème de la crème of candidates.’

This could be the blueprint to help local businesses create more graduate level jobs and transform Liverpool from a student city to a graduate destination.

To find out how your business can benefit from the LCR Grad Scheme, email lcrgradscheme@liverpool.ac.uk or visit LCR Grad Scheme Webpage.

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MEMBERS NEWS

FIRST LOOK AT NEW FLAGSHIP NOVOTEL LIVERPOOL PADDINGTON VILLAGE HOTEL, INCLUDING LOCAL SUPPLIERS BEAN COFFEE AND LOVE LANE BREWERY New images have revealed the first look of Liverpool’s highest hotel - Novotel Liverpool Paddington Village hotel - now open in Liverpool.

Among its unique features, the 16-storey, 221-bedroom hotel, located in the heart of Knowledge Quarter Liverpool, will feature a ground floor coffee shop supplied by Liverpool-based independent, Bean Coffee. In an exclusive partnership, Bean will supply its locally roasted coffee throughout the hotel, including in guests’ bedrooms.

Likewise, Baltic Triangle-based company, Love Lane Brewery, makers of craft beer, have joined forces with the new hotel to offer guests its Liverpool-made beverage.

It’s all part of a conscious effort by the hotel to use local suppliers where possible to give guests an authentic Liverpool experience.

Guests at the hotel can also enjoy other local delights from the likes of Laura’s Little Bakery, Murphy’s Gin and Vodka, Rascal Gin, Zest Limoncello and Liverpool Lost Dock Rum. The new hotel features the latest facilities for business and leisure travellers, from meeting and conferencing areas to a children’s recreational space in the lobby, destination restaurant and gymnasium, as well as offering 360-degree views of the city and beyond. Unique to Novotel Liverpool Paddington Village is its 39 longstay, apartment-style accommodation - the first property in the UK to feature this new, modern concept - and designed in partnership with key health and education stakeholders in the Knowledge Quarter, specifically for patients, students and relatives attending the nearby hospitals and universities.

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It is also the first hotel in the UK to feature the brand’s new global design concept by the internationally-renowned Sundukovy Sisters, which encapsulates elegance, modernity, and simplicity in a welcoming social hub open to visitors and local residents alike.

Howard Lewis, general manager, said: “I am thrilled to finally be able to reveal what the hotel will look like inside, and I invite our neighbours to come and see it for themselves now that are doors are finally open to the public.

“Most important to me is that guests come here and know they are in Liverpool. That is why we are so excited to announce new partnerships with local businesses such as Bean Coffee and Love Lane Brewery, who will bring that quality, authentic Scouse experience to our guests, whether they are staying with us for a business trip, or simply popping into the lobby for a cup of coffee and a catch-up with a friend. It is essential

that we support our local suppliers, and we are actively looking to work with other local companies over the coming months.”

Novotel Liverpool Paddington Village has been chosen as the flagship hotel for the new £1bn Paddington Village development. Constructed by Morgan Sindall Construction, the Liverpool City Council-owned hotel is franchised by Accor and will be managed by Legacy Hotels & Resorts on the council’s behalf.

The hotel has been designed by Ryder Architecture, with Faithful+Gould acting as project managers.

Knowledge Quarter Liverpool is a worldleading innovation district at the east gateway to the city, home to some of the world’s most influential players in science, health, technology, education, music, and the creative performing arts.

The hotel has been designed specifically with this in mind.

MEMBERS NEWS

SEAN KEYES, MANAGING DIRECTOR, SUTCLIFFE I’ve been in the sector long enough now to have travelled the length and breadth of the country to attend conferences, events and talks, with the construction sector constantly evolving, both in the way we work and the way we communicate and plan for the future.

on, the event began with a roundtable at the Malmaison on the Monday, as we discussed the levelling-up agenda, the need for additional investment in the Liverpool City Region and a smidgen of politics on top - three topics which have already heavily dominated conversations in Q1 of 2022.

After another successful (but tiring) MIPIM in Cannes for Sutcliffe in March, UKREIIF presented our team with less travelling, but equally as many opportunities, with circa 4,000 attendees and countless investors, developers and familiar faces all based up on Leeds’ fabulous dockside.

With levelling-up again the topic of choice on Tuesday morning, I then took part in some much needed networking, meeting up with faces old and new over a coffee, before departing sunny Leeds and heading back to Liverpool - and on my train journey home, I had time to think and I am encouraged by the fact that the public and private sector are seemingly pushing in the same direction

At UKREIIF with my respective Sutcliffe, ACE North West and Liverpool City Region hats

SKILLS FOR LIFE

Through its Nutricia brand, Danone is the UK’s number one provider of specialised medical nutrition products to the NHS. For over 100 years, its factory in Liverpool has manufactured medical nutrition products which can offer patients the opportunity of a better quality of life – from those suffering from diseaserelated malnutrition, or who rely on tube feeding, to those requiring special nutrition because of Cow’s Milk allergy.

The Liverpool factory is also one of

Liverpool Chamber

It was a pleasure to hear from Tim Johnson, chief exec of Wolverhampton City Council and Deborah Cadman OBE, chief exec of Birmingham City Council, with both sharing Sutcliffe’s vision when it comes to skills, training, employment, investment and infrastructure throughout the country.

Nutricia’s six Research and Innovation Centres worldwide and home to breakthrough research in nutrition and disease management. Its products are exported all over the world.

This type of innovation wouldn’t be possible without the skills that each of the 390 employees bring to the factory.

Roles as varied as lab technicians, quality officers, business controllers, packing technicians, manufacturing, warehouse, and hygiene operatives, shift engineers, and product compliance managers form the factory’s workforce. These skills are a real asset and need to be nurtured, in line with industry changes and new technologies. Organisations have an important role to play in supporting skills development, which in turn helps address any skills gap and contributes to the Government’s levelling up agenda.

Danone is supporting the development of its workforce in Liverpool with a programme of ‘training building blocks’ and has a designated champion within each functional team in the factory. The champions meet

when it comes to innovation and making a difference within communities.

Handing over the gauntlet to our BDM Emily Warburton and director William Baldwin, who then flew the flag for team Sutcliffe on the Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday and Thursday, it is safe to say that UKREIIF has exceeded all expectations and I for one have already marked out May 2023 in my diary for next year’s conference.

monthly to carry out a “competencies and skills mapping” exercise that allows them to identify possible gaps and training needs.

This exercise highlighted the need to upskill our workforce on a variety of new digital tools, as well as to deliver more training on leadership and interpersonal skills.

The factory is also investing in early careers and continues to develop its apprenticeship programme, having recruited its first apprentice two years ago.

Kerry Holden, Learning and Development Partner at the Liverpool factory said: “Recruiting apprentices is a way of bringing motivated and skilled workers in the team, who are not only trained but trained to a standard. They contribute to the vibrant and rich set of skills and competencies displayed at the factory and help maintain high productivity levels.”

We are proud to be based in Liverpool and are committed to continue support our staff, as well as the local community through working with many local charities and organisations, so that we can truly level up.

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WE SPOKE TO STEVE ROTHERAM, MAYOR OF THE LIVERPOOL CITY REGION, ABOUT HOW HE IS FULFILLING HIS AMBITION TO MAKE THE REGION THE ‘MOST DIGITALLY CONNECTED ANYWHERE IN THE COUNTRY’.

Having launched LCR Connect, a £30m 212km full fibre infrastructure project, last year, Steve discusses how far the initiative to deliver futureproofed, symmetrical connectivity through a huge choice of service providers has come, and what it means for businesses across the six local authority areas of the Liverpool City Region.

How can investing in infrastructure support business growth?

Businesses are the backbone of our economy and, ultimately, our long-term success depends on them. That’s why I’ve always made it a priority to grow our economy, create good jobs, and make it easier for people in our communities to secure decent, well-paid work – and we all have a part to play in making these ambitions a reality.

You need only look to developments like Paddington Village in Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter - which we invested £12m into - now home to world-class, futureproof

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buildings like The Spine. These investments are making a real-world difference and helping our region to appeal to some of the biggest brands and research institutions.

By putting the right infrastructure in place, we’re putting ourselves in a position to help indigenous businesses flourish, attract new investment and jobs, and ultimately ensure that nobody has to move out of our region to get on in life.

Why did you choose to invest in digital infrastructure?

Shortly after I was elected Mayor in 2017, I took part in a gathering of global mayors in New York. There I met Andy Berke, the Mayor of Chattanooga, once known as “America’s dirtiest city”. By investing heavily in the city’s digital connectivity, it turned its fortunes around – so much so that it became known as the “gig city”. Their ‘Smart Grid’ was estimated to have generated $2.7bn in community benefit in its first 10 years alone.

I came home from that trip feeling inspired, filled with a desire to deliver a similar transformation here in the Liverpool City Region.

LCR Connect is a crucial part of helping us achieve that ambition. It will give our region access to the fastest internet speeds in the entire country – which is crucial if we want to keep pace in an ever-changing business environment. We estimate that it will generate an initial £105m economic boost to the local economy – with a further £1bn in GVA to be generated over time. For me, it’s a no-brainer!

What are the benefits of an open access wholesale network?

The beauty of this network is that every aspect of it has been designed to make it easier for people to access better connectivity.

LCR Connect is a one-stop-shop that effectively links people to a comparison website which lists all the different service providers, products and tariffs available to a specific postcode. It makes the transition to faster internet as seamless as possible and, at the end of the day, that’s what technology should do, help to make all our lives a bit easier.

How will local businesses benefit from the new futureproof 212km full fibre network?

The past few years have shown just how important high quality digital connectivity

Liverpool Chamber

has become in every aspect of our lives – nowhere more so than in business.

With this network, businesses in our region will have the world at their fingertips.

Gigabit-capable connectivity is a huge opportunity for every part of our region.

We hope that it will put us in a prime position to succeed - attracting global companies and inward investment, and creating thousands of jobs and training opportunities in the process.

But it’s important to emphasise that it’s not just businesses that will benefit, our infrastructure will link to that of other wholesale providers, to universities, and hospitals, and then to our schools, public spaces, and residential homes across the city region. I’m making tackling digital exclusion a key part of the programme too.

What is a futureproof network?

We’re investing in infrastructure that will serve our region for years to come.

If we want to continue to punch above our weight both on the national and international stage, then we need to have the digital capability to meet our needs both now and in the future.

It’s helping to put us at an advantage in the here and now and ensuring that we’ll stay at the front of the pack for years to come.

What can I do if my business is not near the network?

There’s an LCR Connect website which has an availability checker at

www.lcrconnect.com – which show the options available. If you are struggling to find a service, we really want to hear from you. Get in touch via email at hello@lcrconnect.com What does it mean for the city region now and in the future?

I can’t overstate how enormous this will be for our region – LCR Connect is truly a game-changer.

We envisage thousands of jobs will result from this project alone – good, high-value, well paid and highly skilled jobs. This will give a massive boost to our economy too, with experts estimating that 100% full fibre coverage across the city region could generate an economic boost of up to £1bn.

The best part of it all is that it’s 50% owned by the Combined Authority, which means that we can continue to pump the returns back into the region and reap the benefits for years to come.

I think it’s really important to emphasise how important this project is to help us achieve our wider aims too. I recently launched our new Innovation Prospectus down in Westminster, which detailed how our world-leading industry and innovation strengths will be a launchpad for future discoveries and investment. To support that innovation economy, we need worldclass connectivity - and LCR Connect will play a key role in delivering that.

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FACTCO, the Fibre and Communications Technology Company, are a Liverpoolbased internet service provider (ISP), leading the way in the Northwest with their FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) gigabit-capable network solutions.

They offer competitive broadband and phone packages to business and residential customers with optimal upload and download speeds up to 1000 Mbps available- the equivalent of 1 gigabit per second.

With fixed, affordable monthly rates for customers in 12–36 month contracts, FACTCO is customer-centric in their approach. Broadband packages start at just £39.99 per month for up to 100 Mbps connection with a reliable 99% uptime expected. As a small Liverpoolrun company, FACTCO is intent on making its customers feel like one of its own. The friendly expert team are available for all customers whenever they are needed, priding themselves on a personable and trustworthy service.

FACTCO was founded in 2016 by Liverpool-born and bred entrepreneur Lee Murphy. Lee started by providing voice solutions for businesses.

During this endeavour, the need for better broadband was made apparent. Urban areas such as the city and surroundings of Liverpool were lagging in terms of their connectivity capabilities, leading to disadvantages and hardships when trying to work, learn and socialise online.

One of the many projects FACTCO are currently undertaking is the £30 million investment of the LCR Connect. The network aims to position Liverpool as one of the primary digital hubs in the UK, incorporating some of the smart city elements we see worldwide in the likes of New York, Tokyo, and London.

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Hospitals, GPs, and other health and social care facilities will also reap the benefits of the new gigabit-capable infrastructure. Healthcare professionals will have the capability to conduct routine check-ups online, freeing up space to accommodate the inundated waiting lists exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. The streamlining of booking services will also be a huge drawing factor for service users who will have the option to book appointments online as opposed to over the phone.

As an official partner of ITS (ITS Technology Group), FACTCO is working alongside other ISPs to enable the rollout of the full fibre network.

All Liverpool City Region Combined Authority businesses situated within 500m of the spine network are eligible to join LCR Connect. The infrastructure will cover the six local councils of the region, spanning the 212km of Liverpool, St Helen’s, Wirral, Halton, Knowsley, and Sefton.

The ultrafast full fibre infrastructure will revolutionise Liverpool’s current sectors, planting the seed for additional growth opportunities. In addition to public services such as libraries, hotels, and museums, four key industries are expected to benefit most from the rollout; education, healthcare, enterprise and local government and councils.

Our array of schools, colleges and universities will benefit from the creation of additional courses, bringing more students to the region.

Better connectivity will increase remote learning opportunities, and adequate digital facilities throughout Liverpool will optimise access to education online.

Government officials and local council offices will also benefit from LCR Connect in the form of more efficient automation possibilities. Such will increase productivity, reduce waiting times, and ease the stress on public sector workers.

One of the most significant sectors to gain from the gigabit-capable infrastructure is the host of SMEs and independent businesses prominent in Liverpool. With better connectivity, companies can get online, engage in digital marketing, expand their services, and strengthen their existing customer offerings. Ultrafast full fibre also future proofs business for expansion and data capability.

Furthermore, businesses and institutions can connect to a network they can rely on and trust, built in their best interests.

FACTCO’s full fibre network is the perfect solution for businesses looking to scale up across all departments. With speeds of up to 1000 Mbps available there really is no comparison between the data that FACTCO broadband can transmit in comparison to that of the existing copper network.

Simply put, your marketing department can make website changes quicker, HR can get documents signed and sent back quickly and that video conference you are holding will run

much smoother with less buffering. With most businesses in Liverpool and beyond using the cloud in some capacity through Google Drive and similar solutions, you can be rest assured as full fibre connections were built for speed with the cloud in mind.

A full fibre network extends beyond broadband. By 2030, 99% of the UK will have access to gigabit-capable broadband in line with the government’s digital switchover targets. However, in 2025, the analogue (part copper, part fibre) phone network will also retire. It will move to a new full fibre solution known as VoIP (voice over internet protocol).

In addition to their broadband packages, FACTCO also offers a phone package for both home and business customers. As with their broadband connections, FACTCO’s phone package brings numerous benefits.

Firstly, VoIP is often a lot cheaper than traditional voice packages. FACTCO offers bespoke packages for each business which can include VoIP and teams.

The second benefit of VoIP is the increased quality compared to the traditional phone network. Thirdly, as the line is made of 100% fibre, individuals in rural areas will have access to the same quality as those in urban areas, equating to increased accessibility regardless of where your premises is.

Once the LCR connect project is complete, businesses will have the opportunity to connect to the FACTCO phone package and their broadband network.

To speed up the transition and ensure no area in the UK is left behind, the

Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (The DCMS) launched the Project Gigabit Voucher Scheme in 2018. The scheme provides funding in vouchers for eligible residential and business premises at £1500 and £3500, respectively. The vouchers subsidise the cost of the design, build and connection of the gigabit-capable network to the home or business premises.

FACTCO are one of the leading suppliers of the Project Gigabit Voucher Scheme, currently working on twelve projects across northern England. Hale Village is one of their current voucher projects in the Liverpool city region. 829 vouchers are available for the Hale Village project.

Despite being a mere 30-minute drive from Liverpool city centre, Hale Village residents and businesses have poor broadband access. Once the FACTCO full fibre network is installed in Hale Village and premises are connected, customers can achieve upload and download speeds of up to 1000 Mbps.

These new speeds will significantly increase from those the community can currently access. Community Fibre Leads Charli George and Paul MacGugan have been working with the community of Hale Village to draw interest to the project. As the remaining vouchers are limited, individuals in Hale Village should contact FACTCO as soon as possible to ensure they do not miss out. In addition to ultrafast speeds, FACTCO customers can also benefit from an uncontended line. An uncontended leased line gives you a direct connection from your premises to a carriers’ network. Only your

business can take advantage of the symmetrical download and upload speeds, high bandwidths and superior reliability.

The UK has seen a significant rise in working from home and hybrid working models due to the Covid 19 pandemic. Recent statistics from the UK Government show that as of May this year, 24% of those employed in the UK work in a hybrid model, with 14% working remotely. The increased connectivity capability that the LCR Connect network will bring to Liverpool means that we are likely to see a rise in the number of the entrepreneurial freelance and remote workforce moving to our city.

The investment ultimately looks to generate up to a £1 billion return for the Liverpool City Region. As the biggest stakeholders, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority can reinvest 50% of the profits made from the network back into our city. The money will undoubtedly create new jobs, build more accommodation, and improve other public infrastructures.

The building of the LCR Connect is currently underway across Liverpool, and businesses seeking to connect to the network are urged to register their interest as soon as possible.

If you would like more information regarding FACTCO’s business packages or have any other queries on how FACTCO can support your business, do not hesitate to contact our account manager for the Liverpool City region, Carl Bradshaw.

Individuals can contact Carl via email at carl.bradshaw@factco.co.uk or on 033 305 7560.

ASK THE EXPERT

STEVE COFFEY, CEO OF TORUS The head of Torus, a transformation and regeneration Group - and Chair of Homes for the North, Steve discusses what regeneration means for the organisation and how housing associations are delivering sustainable, long-term placebased regeneration.

‘Regeneration’ covers so many things – what does it mean for Torus?

At Torus, we work on the basis that a host of interconnected elements contribute to successful regeneration. Fundamentally, at the core of every thriving place are great homes and strong communities.

People make up the fabric of communities and our operating model exists to ensure people and places benefit from consistent, targeted investment. Our approach is all about interventions that together enable positive change, with each part of Torus providing services that regenerate places.

Torus is a social landlord, with a portfolio of 40,000 properties; the Group supports customers to maintain their tenancies, live independently and manage their homes.

HMS – Torus’ construction and contracting arm – provides repair, maintenance and compliance services to keep our homes safe.

Working to address the shortage of affordable homes, Torus Developments has committed over £1 billion into the creation of new build properties across the Liverpool City Region which will see over 5,000 properties built in the next 5 years.

Torus Foundation, our charitable arm, offers social support to communities through increasing access to employment and training opportunities, assisting people with money and benefits and hosting health and wellbeing activities.

As a Group, we work to regenerate neighbourhoods by unlocking the potential that is already there. Our aims are to provide quality homes and housing solutions where they are most needed, to break down economic and social barriers,

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and work with local partners to improve lives and life chances in line with our mission to ‘grow stronger communities’.

Levelling up will be critical to regenerating the North West; how will Torus support this?

Organisations like Torus will be vital to regenerating communities and to meet national and regional ambitions to level up those communities and stimulate inclusive growth.

As a local anchor institution, Torus already has a proven track record of bringing about real, positive change to areas and our experience of placeshaping, transformation and community empowerment will enable us to continue making a real difference.

Having seen the benefits of housing-led investment, I passionately believe that continuing to collaborate with out-ofsector organisations and communities is how sustainable, tangible regeneration will take place.

This sentiment is echoed by the public, with 70% saying that housing will be the most effective way to level up the country (PWC, 2022) which is no surprise to me given the positive transformations I have seen.

Housing-led developments that have regeneration at their core include the full refurbishment of the Grade II listed Ogden’s Tobacco Factory in Everton. This affordable housing scheme has been commended for creating a modern residential scheme that met local demand and respected a key local landmark.

Since Ogden’s, Torus has pressed ahead with other signature developments in Liverpool, including the regeneration of the former Allerton Fire and Police Station and the former industrial site at Lightbody Street on Stanley Docks.

Another housing-led scheme completed

by Torus is the £20 million 145-unit development at Edge Lane – The Approach. This scheme has transformed a difficult disused brownfield site in partnership with Liverpool City Council and other stakeholders.

Its regeneration credentials are clear: we’ve seen strong demand for these aspirational homes from the start; initial information from people who have moved in suggest there’s a clear link to the adjacent Knowledge Quarter and wider Edge Lane regeneration area.

This confirms just how integral highquality housing is to social and economic transformation.

What challenges do you think will impact Torus’ regeneration aspirations?

It’s no secret that the whole country is facing a number of challenges caused by the rising cost of living and this is impacting Torus too.

We have experienced a number of issues with material availability and the uncertainty this has caused in the local, national and even global supply chain.

Alongside the practical challenges we are experiencing, there is a clear skills gap in the construction industry that not just impacts traditional build methods, but will also heavily impact the future technologies used as we transition to a net zero carbon organisation.

As a people-focused organisation, we also have to ensure our tenants and communities are on the regeneration journey with us and are active contributors to our activities.

Regeneration cannot happen to people; communities provide integral input that shapes places.

However challenging these issues are, they highlight the importance of collaboration with a spectrum of partners. Torus has been working across sectors for years now with Local Authorities, Government bodies, service providers, contractors and colleges to galvanise regeneration at all levels and we will continue operating as a connector to facilitate the regeneration of Liverpool. www.torus.co.uk | @Steve_Torus

Glass Ceilings

®

Glass Ceilings® Change Management aims to be an innovative, impactful & commerciall y astute organisation, facilitating growth and development for the Future of Work.

We do this through the provision of strategic HR and Organisational Design and Development consultancy services to businesses, and personal development and coaching to people.

We identify systemic barriers to workplace inclusion, supporting senior leaders to embed inclusive peoplecentered strategy and workplace culture.

Glass Ceilings® is Removing Barriers to Growth by: •

Unlocking Potential of people and organisations, by partnering with senior leaders to align people strategy and policy to organisational culture and values, and coaching people.

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Respecting Individuality by removing barriers in policies, procedures, and systems enabling people to bring their whole self to work.

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Empowering Inclusive Leadership at all levels, equipping people with the skills and knowledge to identify barriers to growth and challenge outdated thinking.

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Influencing Change through our thought leadership, writing, and public speaking.

And we are delivering this through Our Values: •

Progressive – We are embracing and influencing the Future of Work with our thought leadership, innovation, and sharing good practice.

We will also influence wider policy on the Future of Work through our engagement with business leaders, professional networks, writing, and public speaking.

Cost of Living Issues in the Workplace We provide advice to businesses that are struggling with rising costs and labour market pressures, supporting them to attract, train, reward, and retain the best talent by thinking differently about workforce planning, performance and development, and attendance policy approaches.

We also encourage all employers to consider implementing commercially viable, cost effective ways to ease the impact of the cost of living crisis for their employees. We are concerned that 1 in 7 (7.3 million) adults in the UK currently cannot afford to eat whilst over 2 million have gone a whole 24 hours without eating a thing. Hunger has profound physical, psychological, and cognitive effects.

The simplest cost-free thing you can do is be kind and understanding.

A few more practical ideas include: •

making safe and confidential avenues available for employees to discuss any difficulties they are facing, without stigma in the workplace.

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making arrangements with Employee Assistance Programme and/ or Occupational Health providers to signpost employees to avenues of support. Many EAP providers offer financial wellbeing services and counselling.

Pragmatic – We deliver bespoke designs and cost effective solutions that are tailored to meet the needs of the organisation

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•

Person-centred – We aim to recognise great achievement and foster a sense of belonging & mutual kindness in our approach.

encouraging employees to join a Trade Union. Most Trade Unions offer free advice and support to members during periods of financial hardship.

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Proactive – We are inclusive by design and support people and organisations to challenge the status quo.

providing paid leave or flexible working for employees to seek advice or attend appointments to deal with Universal Credit or medical issues.

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Professional – We can be trusted to work ethically, with integrity and no judgement, and to maintain confidentiality.

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offering greater flexibility around taking time off for dependents and other caring responsibilities - if households are going hungry, it will

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exacerbate health issues or contribute to new ones.

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consider whether mood or behavioural changes are the result of hunger itself or financial worries, rather than taking punitive action.

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agreeing hybrid working patterns where possible to reduce costs of travel and home fuel consumption.

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flexible working patterns that help reduce costs of travelling to and from the workplace, perhaps through car sharing or cycle to work schemes.

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considering car parking arrangements and helping to find cheaper alternatives.

Glass Ceilings Change Management is offering 20 minutes pro bono consultancy to business owners, senior leaders, or HR professionals to discuss issues affecting your business in the present climate. Following this, we are offering a heavily discounted rate of £85 (+VAT) per hour consultancy or 20% off one of our packages.

For more information, email: enquiries@glassceilings.co.uk

DIGITAL

CGI’S SEARCH FOR UK ECOSYSTEM PARTNERS BEGINS… CGI’s second annual search for UK ecosystem partners with digital technology solutions that address biodiversity loss and help to achieve net-zero, launches Monday, 4 July 2022.

Small Medium-sized Enterprises (SME’s) play a vital role in delivering on the sustainability agenda. CGI’s ecosystem partner search can provide new pathways for these organisations to grow through collaboration and offers potential access to new markets

solutions must also mitigate climate change, or support adaptation and build resilience.

Our nature-based ecosystem partner search programme is CGI’s sustainability flagship programme for SME’s. It is integral to our own sustainability commitments and sits alongside other initiatives such as our partnership with the CBI Be More Green Toolkit, and the Sustainability Exploration and Environmental Data Science (SEEDS) programme we are developing in partnership with leading academic institutions, with support from the United Nations.

Together, these initiatives enable us to develop and harness the power of an ecosystem of partners, to deliver sustainability innovations, solutions, and thought leadership to support clients across the UK. Our 2022 nature-based ecosystem partner search is seeking SME’s with digital technology solutions that address biodiversity loss and help to achieve netzero. We are looking for solutions that protect, manage, restore, or create natural or modified ecosystems on land, in the sky and space, or in marine environments. These

FOUR-DAY WEEK “REVOLUTIONISES” WORK ENVIRONMENT Following its shortlisting in the Liverpool Chamber Innovation in Business Awards, in the Responsible Business category, software development consultancy Mashbo has revealed how moving to a four-day week has revolutionised its working environment.

In June 2022, thousands of UK workers started the world’s biggest trial of the four-day working week, in a six-month pilot organised by 4 Day Week Global. The trial involves more than 3,300 workers at 70 UK companies, ranging from a local chippy to large financial firms, working reduced hours with no loss of pay.

However, this approach was employed

by Liverpool-based Mashbo more than 12 months earlier in April 2021, with the company already reaping the rewards.

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Mashbo managing director, Gavin Sherratt, said: “When lockdown came, we were able to move swiftly to remote working and we found that being based at home, removing commuting hours and taking meetings online, we were being more productive. When it became possible to return to the office, we had to consider - did we need to?

“In the end we decided to go fully remote and switch to the four-day working week model.

We are now approaching 18 months working on reduced hours and in that time we have increased turnover, increased our profitability, we are more efficient and streamlined and we’ve even been able to recruit further afield and increase pay for our team.

“It’s a part of our company culture now and it has revolutionised our working environment.”

Apply today, (www.cgi.com/uk/en-gb/ nature-based-ecosystem-partnersearch-2022-application-form) to join this growing ecosystem of partners and for the opportunity to develop your pipeline and scale up. Application deadline is Wednesday 7 September 2022.

Watch the nature-based ecosystem partner search 2022 video and view the terms and conditions. (www.cgi.com/uk/en-gb/ video/sustainability/cgi-nature-basedecosystem-partner-search-2022) If your organisation is an SME and has technology proposition(s), including software and/or devices of Technology Readiness Level 4 or above that can help deliver sustainability outcomes in one or more of the following categories, we would love to hear from you: • • •

Sea Earth Sky

Based on agreed criteria, we’ll select up to four organisations to actively partner with us as part of our nature-based ecosystem.

Selected organisations will join CGI’s nature-based ecosystem with associated access to CGI members, clients, and markets, as appropriate.

Speaking of the company’s four-day working week, software engineer Karl Jacques, who joined the company in August 2021 said: “The fact that Mashbo had a remote working and four-day week policy really drew me to the job - it’s definitely a selling point when recruiting.

“Having Friday off gives you time to do your life admin and chores in the week, without it eating into leisure time at the weekend.

The overall impact is that, because you’ve had more wind-down time, you’re more focused during the week, so more effective on the days you are working.”

Frontend Developer, Callum Mubery, who has been with Mashbo since July 2019, added: ”The longer weekend gives me a chance to research different technologies that could be used in the future without feeling like any days of free time are wasted.

“Fridays are now my most productive days for things outside of work now. I usually use the extra day to get anything that needs doing outside of work done, which frees my mind of any stresses that could bleed into the work day.”

For more information on Mashbo, visit: mashbo.com

A NEW CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES THIS SUMMER TO ENCOURAGE VISITORS TO LIVERPOOL CITY CENTRE. Liverpool BID Company, working in partnership with Marketing Liverpool, has developed the brand-new, multi-channel campaign entitled ‘TOWN. Everyday.

Everyone.’ Designed to drive footfall and to encourage spend in the city centre during the Summer months, it will launch on 18 July and is timed to coincide with school holidays and leisure time in the city.

With new creative designed for the campaign, consumers will see street level advertising, marketing channels utilised both on and offline and broadcast advertising.

The creative features a combination of inspirational messaging and imagery, highlighting the rich and diverse experience available to visitors via Liverpool BID’s Levy Payers in retail, hospitality, culture and leisure. Curated photography illustrates real people, living and working in Liverpool, enjoying a range of experiences in the city centre.

Bill Addy, CEO of Liverpool BID Company describes what the team was looking for in the creative.

“Over the past two years, Liverpool footfall has been impacted by the Covid pandemic and we wanted people to see the opportunity for the city centre to add to their summer. The challenge for many people is to see what’s on offer in the city centre. We wanted to remove as many boundaries as possible to encourage people to perhaps try something new or to visit a familiar favourite”.

What has been important to the team is to illustrate how much there is for free on offer.

“Our Levy Payers always do incredible offers during the summer months but we know, especially in the culture sector, that from Tate Liverpool to the Walker Art Gallery there is plenty to see for free. We wanted people to feel as though they don’t have to spend a fortune to come into the city centre, instead they can curate a visit that is ideally suited to their life, their experiences and how they want to spend their valuable leisure time”.

A hyperlocal campaign, ‘TOWN. Everyday. Everyone.’ primarily targets those living within a 30 minute drive of the city centre. Whether using public transport or their own car, the campaign talks to an audience within the Liverpool city region.

It comes after VisitLiverpool’s second phase of their ‘Escape the Everyday’ campaign, which targeted visitors outside of the city region encouraging them to visit the city.

“It’s vital”, says Bill, “that we communicate with a local audience as much as a national one. We want people to feel happy and confident that the city centre has plenty to offer them and it is perfectly placed to create a great day out”.

The campaign will run across outdoor media, radio and digital channels, from mid-July until September.

Head to visitliverpool.com/town to find out more!

MEMBERS NEWS

INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES SET FOR “PROUD RETURN” TO MIB AWARDS The Merseyside Independent Business Awards is returning this year, with nominations now open across a range of categories.

Having been suspended for the past two years due to Covid-19 restrictions, the popular awards ceremony will once again bring together as many as 500 guests at Liverpool’s Rum Warehouse on Thursday 20 October.

manufacturing, health and wellbeing and creative business, while there are also awards recognising community impact and best employer and a new category for bar of the year, recognising the challenges facing hospitality operators during the pandemic.

“The awards ceremony will be an opportunity for businesses of all shapes and sizes to make a proud return to the spotlight, celebrating each other’s successes, sharing their own experiences with peers and rebuilding bonds within the local independent business community.

Alison Lobb, managing partner at Morecrofts Solicitors, said: “When we last came together for the MIB Awards in October 2019, we could not have envisaged the personal and professional storm that lay ahead of all of us and we know it has been a particularly difficult period for a lot of smaller business owners.

“We would encourage businesses, their advisors, suppliers or other peers to put forward their nominations and help us to make this year’s awards a true celebration of the resilience, creativity and quality that characterises Merseyside businesses.”

“I am delighted that the awards are now able to resume and that we can look forward with greater optimism.

“We are delighted to continue our longterm support of the awards and we look forward to being back in the company of so many small business owners and their teams in October.”

The Merseyside Independent Business Awards were created by Morecrofts Solicitors to shine a light on the economic impact of the region’s independent business owners and leading entrepreneurs.

To enter the Merseyside Independent Business Awards or for information, please visit www.mibawards.co.uk

Firms can be nominated across a total of 14 categories, such as trades and

THE GUIDE LIVERPOOL’S JAY HYND ON WHY THE CITY’S FUTURE HAS NEVER LOOKED BRIGHTER At the height of the pandemic, there were work days when The Guide Liverpool director Jay Hynd felt like one of the only people in the city centre.

“I remember coming into the office and all I saw were Deliveroo drivers and pigeons, that was it, but that seems like a world away now because town is absolutely buzzing again.

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The awards are headline sponsored by Liverpool BID Company. Bill Addy, chief executive of Liverpool BID Company, said: “The MIB Awards is one of the most popular events in the professional calendar and it plays an important role in recognising the economic and social contribution of our independent business community.

“You hear voices from around the world back in the city, and just a really lovely energy.

“There are so many new things happening: stores, restaurants and attractions opening, small businesses have survived and the high street is busy, we’re getting new brands in, and the events calendar is absolutely full.

“A lot of these things were planned before the pandemic, but they’re still going ahead – the Shakespeare North theatre for example, and places like Eureka on the Wirral.

“In lots of other cities you notice how many venues are closed, how many shops are shuttered up, but in Liverpool we really haven’t had that.

“So we’re bucking the trend but, honestly, that’s exactly what I expected.

“Not once did I doubt we’d come back because even when things were really tough there was a spark of creativity from businesses and people, I just couldn’t imagine the city failing afterwards.”

It’s already been a busy 2022 for The Guide, which has expanded its team, and

introduced big screens in Central Station to give Liverpool updates to millions of passengers. It’s also teaming up with Shocal to launch an app, bringing local food delivery, shopping and The Guide Liverpool content onto phones, and in September there’ll be a new website.

“In 2020, we had to change everything we did on The Guide because essentially we’re a what’s on platform and there wasn’t a great deal on! We adapted to also promote positive local news stories; so it became what’s on, what’s good and what’s important. Now, the good news seems to just keep coming for the city and I can only see it going from strength to strength. Long may it continue” Follow @TheGuideLpool to get the latest as the city continues to shine!

REGENERATION

IT’S TIME TO REVIEW YOUR BUSINESS TRAVEL POLICIES Many things have changed since the pandemic, and possibly the biggest change is to working patterns. Permanent home-working or hybrid seem to be here to stay, which generates major changes to business travel.

policies they had pre-pandemic are going to work in a post-pandemic world.

Companies must think innovatively about how their people travel, and if the mobility

•

Allowing employees to use their own cars and reclaim mileage allowances, known as “grey fleet,” is costly, at a time when businesses are working hard to recover.

•

Businesses are increasingly being pressed to reduce CO2 emissions and staff-use of older cars may conflict with corporate targets and ambitions.

Employees are commuting less, and business journeys may now involve more use of personal cars.

We know from research and experience that many privately owned cars are older, more polluting models which will fall foul of the growing number of low emission zones being created around the country. This will be of concern to companies for a number of reasons:

These issues are leading many corporates to take a closer look at their approach to

WORKING TOGETHER TO SUPPORT OUR TRUST AND TO SAVE MORE LIVES

who pulled together to help our charity to generate funds to support them.

You can find more information about how we invested the funds raised here (https:/ /fb.watch/b0TNbOvwSt/)

Hospitals nationally have faced immense pressures over the past 2.5 years, and our staff at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have worked tirelessly through a time that they have never quite experienced before.

As we transition out of the pandemic and look forward to moving into our incredible new Royal Liverpool Hospital, our charity will also undergo a little change. Some of you reading this may remember us as ‘R Charity’ but after our trust merged with Aintree University Hospitals, and regenerated itself with a new name, we’ve become Liverpool University Hospitals Charity. Whilst the wellbeing of our staff and patients will continue to be a priority, we look forward to investing funds raised into innovation to ensure that our trust has world class equipment, services and environments to treat and save more lives.

Throughout all of this, our priority as Liverpool University Hospitals Charity has of course been to raise funds to support and improve the lives and wellbeing of our patients and our incredibly hardworking staff. We will forever be blown away by our Merseyside community and beyond

We’re planning what we hope will be our biggest charity evening to date on Friday 30th September at the Titanic Hotel & Rum Warehouse, and it would be incredible to have the support from Chamber members.

We may be biased, but our Charity Ball is always incredible!

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business travel policies, and to set controls in place that ensure employee choices actively contribute to safer travel and a greener environment.

Enterprise Car Club is a key part of the travel policy of many businesses. Employees have access to modern, low emission vehicles and employers can choose how to structure the service to meet their needs.

The vehicles can be based at a company’s premises for exclusive use, a dedicated service, or employees can access Enterprise’s nationwide car club fleet. In Liverpool, we have a number of vehicles around the city and work closely with the council who use this service.

Booking and access to vehicles via an app makes the process simple and convenient and means businesses only pay when a vehicle is needed.

We know that business travel is vital in driving our recovery, while at the same time transport and travel remains under the spotlight as the government presses ahead with its decarbonisation policy.

The good news is that innovation is ensuring the number of sustainable, low and zeroemission travel options are increasing.

To find out more about the Enterprise Car Club please contact Kate Jones on kate.l.jones@ehi.com We are extremely grateful to our Headline Sponsors Avrenim Group Ltd and If Finishes, and we look forward to celebrating significant milestones and successes for our LUHFT and Charity, what we have achieved and hope to achieve for our trust and most importantly for our patients.

We would love for you to be a part of this special event because together we can achieve something incredible for our patients.

For more information, to book your table at our ball, or to arrange a catch up about how we might work together collaboratively to support our trust and to save more lives, please email aimee.clare@liverpoolft.nhs.uk

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.

Founded as a grass roots organisation in 1984, our centre is currently based on Bold Street, in the heart of Liverpool City Centre. WHISC is for all women, including women who are amongst the most vulnerable, isolated and marginalised members of our communities.

Our vision is to help women thrive and our mission is to empower women in the Liverpool City Region with knowledge and person-centred support, to become the best version of themselves.

We do this through information, education, skills building and psychological support.

WHISC is a community hub of recovery focused services, offering an immediate service at the point of contact. Activities include sessions on health promotion, skills building, support, creating connections, advocacy, wellbeing and mental health. Our aim is that women become empowered to seek optimum physical and mental health for themselves and we do this by reducing barriers, increasing positive health behaviours, improving confidence and building resilience. We work closely with local partners and invite them in to WHISC, to speak with women in a space where they feel safe and comfortable.

For many vulnerable women, this can be the catalyst to accessing mainstream services and making informed choices. Offering improved access, choice and autonomy in decision making, means that women have greater control of their health and wellbeing outcomes.

At the centre, we deliver activities and services through one to one sessions, group work, peer support, volunteering, coaching, training, information and signposting. We also deliver targeted outreach services, in communities of high deprivation and greatest need. Current activities can be found on https://whisc.org.uk/ whats-on-at-whisc-the-womens-charity/

Increasingly, since the global pandemic began women are accessing WHISC for support with food vouchers, toiletries, sanitary products and baby goods such as baby milk, nappies, wipes and baby clothes. 33% of women accessing WHISC this year, have at least one child. Women are walking for miles to reach us, just so they can provide basic essentials for themselves and their families. This includes women who have some form of employment.

Only 18% of women who attend WHISC are in regular employment and with increasing strains on daily living costs, poverty and associated mental health symptoms, are one of the reasons women are currently presenting at WHISC. Thanks to the generous donations we receive from individuals and organisations across Liverpool, we are able to support with some basic essentials in the short term and in the longer term, we can refer to our partners who provide anti-poverty support.

WHISC also has an incredible team of volunteers, some of whom have previously accessed our services. We also have volunteers who are professionals from health, education and community services, as well as students with a particular interest in health and social

care or women’s services. Our volunteer staff support and strengthen the work we do, though the wealth of skills, knowledge and experience they bring, as well as dedication and commitment to the work we deliver.

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 placement, as they witness the impact of our services and want to stay involved.

Women are often the experts in their own lives, but the effects of poor physical and mental health, job losses, poverty, bereavement and the impact of violence against women and girls can be devastating and long lasting. Our aim is to offer hope and a safe space, where women can begin to recover from painful experiences and life events. Through creating strong connections and building resilient communities, women can support each other to achieve lasting and positive change.

If you would like any more information or to donate, please visit www.whisc.org.uk/donate

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PATRON NEWS

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS: HOW TO BE ENGAGING AND FUN IN THE PROMOTION OF A “DEADLY” SERIOUS TOPIC Lunchtime arts and crafts, pets in the office, indoor and outdoor games, stress toys and other activities across the business rounded off a month highlighting mental health awareness in the workplace for Liverpool City Region based company Blok ‘N’ Mesh.

Help from within the company had been boosted by the SHEQ and office management teams taking courses in mental health first aid and the office managers threw themselves into creating a series of events designed to encourage colleagues to consider their mental health and have some fun along the way. Posters were put up each week on notice boards of what activities were available and regular internal emails circulated.

“It was amazing” said Runcorn Office manager Jodie Waldron, as normally shy colleagues took part in an impromptu lunchtime game of indoor egg and spoon races. “We had some locations bringing in pets, nothing relieves stress more for an animal lover to make a fuss of a dog for a short while.”

In addition, the construction industry has been known to suffer from a “macho” culture which may prevent workers from seeking help and support, further impacting their mental health and wellbeing. No wonder then that men working in construction are three times more likely to die by suicide than the national average for men. *

“We handed out journals for colleagues to record their thoughts, whether or not they wanted to share, and the stress toys created a sense of fun, laughter of course being a stress reliever in itself!”

It was on the back of statistics like this that temporary fencing and site hoarding manufacturer and installer, Blok ‘N’ Mesh, decided to make the whole month of May “Mental awareness month”.

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“We also discussed strategies which can help prevent problems in the first place and what help is available, both within the company and externally, when problems do occur” he added.

“I wish we could do this every day” said one colleague, taking advantage of some lunchtime arts and crafts whilst talking about their day. Some painted, some made bracelets for colleagues, and some just enjoyed the conversation as an alternative to lunchtime alone with their mobile.

Typically, the construction industry has piled a variety of extra pressures onto workers; long hours of frequently manual labour, managing budgets, strict contracts, and for some, time spent away from family and friends. All this before tackling the day to day worries that affect us all such as the spiralling cost of living.

Martyn Jiggins, Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) supervisor explained, “the statistics that come out of our industry are shocking. Two people working in construction in the UK die by suicide everyday. As we are equally part of the construction supply chain and onsite contractors ourselves, we decided that this year, we shouldn’t simply devote a single day or week to mental health awareness, but a series of events spread over the month.”

“Encouraging colleagues to discuss their problems or to take notice if a workmate seems withdrawn and ask them if they’re OK may seem obvious but talking really can save lives.”

Martyn and his team began by delivering several presentations, both in-person and online, to colleagues across the business, “Making colleagues aware of the breadth of symptoms which might indicate poor mental health was the primary goal” he said, “the list of warning signs range from obvious and well-known clinical conditions such as bipolar disorder through to less obvious symptoms such as increased anxiety or sleep problems.”

Blok ‘N’ Mesh’s COO, Simon Worsley thanked the SHEQ and office management teams for their efforts. “I can’t thank the team enough for their enthusiasm and creativity.” he said. “They took the promotion of a serious issue, one that too often isn’t discussed, and made it both thought provoking and fun.” *Source: Mates in Mind

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TRANSPORT

TAKING THE NORTH FURTHER TransPennine Express (TPE) is an intercity rail provider with a vision to ‘Take the North Further’, providing services across the North of England and into Scotland.

Following an investment of more than £500m in brand-new trains, including fleets of electric, bi-mode and diesel trains, TPE is continuing to transform rail services through greater connectivity, improvements at stations, enhanced accessibility, measures to improve sustainability and further investment.

All at TPE are committed to the communities we serve and recognise the part we play in helping them grow. We help people travel for work or leisure and want to make sure our positive impact extends beyond the station doors. We believe the

impact we can have on those that surround our network comes from strength in three areas – charitable activity, engagement with Community Rail and a focus on providing social value.

Like every business, we need to be sustainable for the benefit of our region, customers and our business, and meeting that need is key to everything we do.

Protecting our environment is a key component of our approach to sustainability and reducing our carbon impact will figure prominently in our plans in the coming years. Travelling by rail is a low carbon option, and when customers travel with us on our new Nova fleet they are significantly reducing carbon emissions compared to making the same journeys by car. We are working to further reduce carbon emissions and are setting Science Based Targets to align to the

Paris Agreement, limit global temperature rises and reach net zero carbon emissions before 2050.

In recent years, as we have increased our services and our capacity on-board trains, we have seen increasing passenger numbers, and customers who are travelling further with us. This helps support the shift to more journeys by train, in turn reducing broader transport emissions across the UK. Despite increasing our service, our carbon emissions have been reducing.

While using our network our customers generate a considerable amount of waste which we remove from our trains and stations. In recent years we have increased our recycling rates from 36 percent to 65 percent. Any waste we can’t recycle is sent to Energy From Waste to generate electricity. We continue to send zero waste to landfill.

WEST COAST PARTNERSHIP – BRINGING TOGETHER PEOPLE, PLACES AND OPPORTUNITIES The West Coast Partnership consists of Avanti West Coast which delivers services on the West Coast Main Line, the busiest mixed-use railway in Europe, connecting London, the West Midlands, the North West, Wales, and Scotland - and West Coast Partnership Development, which is the Shadow Operator for HS2, working to design, develop and mobilise future high speed and reconfigured intercity rail services.

We know our intercity trains play a vital role in bringing together people, places, and opportunities. As we recover from Covid-19

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MEMBERS NEWS

JUBEDA KHATUN NAMED MERSEYSIDE WOMAN OF THE YEAR Jubeda Khatun, artistic director of grassroots combined arts festival, Blackfest, has been named Merseyside Woman of the Year 2022. and help to support the Government’s agenda to level up the economy our task is more important than ever.

To attract passengers back to rail, drive connectivity and regional growth, we are investing in stations across our network, such as at Runcorn, and in customer services including the successful introduction of Standard Premium and our three class offer. Changes to our timetable in December 2022 provide more stops and more services, and also help build the market ahead of the introduction of HS2.

Through a phased introduction from December 2023, we plan to double the frequency of off-peak services between Liverpool and London Euston to two trains per hour, providing a boost to rail connectivity and economic growth for the Liverpool City Region.

We are also investing in our fleet, including the £117 million refurbishment of our Pendolinos, and investing £350 million in new bi-mode and electric Hitachi trains which will be introduced on the network starting in late 2023 and lead to a 61% reduction in carbon emissions.

The accolade was presented by headline sponsor, Hill Dickinson, at the glittering Merseyside Women of the Year Awards (MWOTY) ceremony at the Crowne Plaza Liverpool.

Blackfest was established in 2018 to answer a crucial need in Liverpool to celebrate black artists and bridge the gap between institutions and marginalised communities, and aimed to empower and platform local Black artists across both community spaces and established venues. Jubeda is also a trustee to two mini-grant giving organisations, Awesome Foundation Liverpool and Liverpool Soup.

Jubeda said: “It’s so amazing to be named Merseyside Women of the Year. I am really happy to get this recognition, this is not just for me but it’s for all the Muslim women and women of colour who dream of being leaders, who dream of leading organisations and making a positive impact in society at the same time.

“I hope that seeing me, here, winning this award will inspire more women who look like me to believe that they can do the same. I want to thank everyone who nominated me, the MWOTY organisers and sponsors and all the incredible finalists.

Women are amazing and together we can make change.”

Full Winners List •

Business Leader - Jennifer Greenan

•

Arts, Culture & Media - Jubeda Khatun

•

Social Impact - Natalie Denny

•

Entrepreneur - Karina Molby

•

Inspirational Women - Debbie Rogers

•

Women’s Group - Olivia Hanlon

•

Women of Courage - Afrah Qassim

•

Community Change - Barbara Rouse

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Women Making A Difference Dawn Coker

•

Lifetime Achievement – Maggie O’Carroll

Fiona Parry, Partner at Hill Dickinson, said: “We feel privileged to be part of an event that celebrates the remarkable work of women across our region and we extend our congratulations to all of today’s finalists. We are particularly honoured to announce Jubeda Khatun as the winner of the coveted top prize, a woman who is making a real difference to the arts and culture sector by breaking down barriers and inspiring others along the way.

“It is also our pleasure to have presented Maggie O’Carroll with the prestigious lifetime award; Maggie is passionate about empowering women in business, and this is something that really resonates with us at Hill Dickinson. We are excited to see what positive change these two worthy winners continue to create going forward.”

To find out more visit: https:/ / merseysidewomenoftheyear.co.uk

The Hitachi trains will enable us to provide Liverpool South Parkway with a new hourly service to and from London Euston, serving as a key gateway for the region, and offering surrounding areas with easier access to our services.

We are focused on delivering benefits to passengers and communities across this region and the whole network, and we remain committed to working in collaboration with all our partners to help us get this right.

Liverpool Chamber

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RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

LIVERPOOL CITY REGION’S CIVIC DATA COOPERATIVE LAUNCHES SOLUTION-BASED THINKING FOR THE FUTURE OF PUBLIC SERVICES The LCR Civic Data Cooperative [CDC] has redesigned solutionbased thinking for the future of public services through the development of their ‘What’s your problem?’ series.

Funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, CDC are creating a platform that enables better health and care for people everywhere by the improved mobilisation of civic data and action across the region.

In September 2021, CDC launched an ambitious programme with the desire to get under the skin of the role that SMEs play in using data when designing solutions for public services. This complex landscape required unpicking before the CDC could understand how they could contribute real and meaningful change for the region, so they brought in public sector redesign specialists, Capacity to help bring the programme to life.

BEV THE NEW LEXUS RZ 450E It’s a pleasure for us at Lexus Liverpool to share with you some of the details regarding the next chapter in our brand journey. More specifically the impending launch of our new dedicated fully electric BEV the New Lexus RZ 450e. This amazing car is due to land in our showroom in Jan 2023 and supports the brands drive towards Net Zero without compromising the driving experience.

Developed under the ‘Lexus Driving Signature’ philosophy, RZ is our first dedicated Lexus Battery Electric Vehicle.

It is designed and engineered to set a new benchmark in terms of premium driving experience, providing the driver with a carefully crafted and intimate connection with their vehicle, characterised by confidence, control and comfort.

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As CDC’s first programme, ‘What’s Your Problem?’ also created the opportunity for build their culture, launch their brand and establish themselves as a leading player in the role of data in public services and the SME economy of city region.

Together with Capacity, CDC held a series of meetings to listen to key stakeholders and decision makers across public sector services to find the stickiest issues the region faces.

From these conversations, there was an apparent need for businesses to create solutions that fitted the problems that actually exist – instead of creating fixes for problems that don’t.

This created the opportunity to share learnings with SMEs and organisations to build better solutions for the future and pitch their ideas at the ‘What’s your problem? – the finals event in late April 2022.

The finals event brought together an impressive panel of experts to un-pick and critique the strongest solutions as part of their ‘pitch’, with the Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, opening a wider discussion on the importance of civic data for healthier communities for generations to come.

The panel of experts then chose three businesses to receive a share of the first round of the CDC’s seed fund as they continue to work with CDC to develop and progress their ideas – creating solutions to better suit the problem at hand: Damibu, Spacious places and Koala NW. CDC and Capacity will continue to work together on ‘What’s your problem? – round 2’ later in the year, in the meantime, they will continue their collaboration on an exciting new programme which will take place right in the heart of our communities and in our homes.

To find out more about the programme, including a deep-dive insights report, visit www.thisiscapacity.co.uk

All-New RZ incorporates all the qualities and advanced craftmanship associated with the Lexus brand.

RZ operates on a dedicated all electric vehicle platform, offering optimised body rigidity, a low centre of gravity and a long wheelbase. All of these features result in a purposeful stance and excellent weight balance.

The sharp frontal design of the RZ generates a sense of power and movement. A lowered bonnet results in reduced intake openings and increased efficiency. Evolution of the signature Lexus spindle grill distinguishes RZ as a battery electric vehicle, and the spindle design has been applied across the rest of the body.

Prices are yet to be announced (due late July) but the vehicle is available to pre-order now. As an electric vehicle it will carry the very lowest benefit in kind from a company car point of view and Lexus are poised to deploy a fantastic suit of competitive funding options for business and private customers alike.

Globally Lexus are committed to having the right power trains and vehicles, in the right markets and at the right time. RZ will be the catalyst that heralds the drive

towards complete electrification in our UK passenger car range by 2030. We can’t wait to have the opportunity to showcase this amazing new chapter for our brand with you in early 2023.

This exciting new car is due to complement our already existing range of Hybrid electric vehicles, NX450h+ Plugin SUV and existing UX300e electric mid-sized SUV. With more product announcements next year and 10 new models between now and 2025 it is truly and exciting time for us. Watch this space!

If you would like any further information myself and the team would be delighted to answer any questions you may have.

Contact us on 01519347666 or please email myself directly on mhine@johnsonslexus.co.uk

EVENTS

Liverpool Chamber

INNOVATION IN BUSINESS

AWARDS 2022 IN ASSOCIATION WITH We are delighted to announce our finalists for the Liverpool Chamber’s Innovation in Business Awards 2022.

The winners will be determined by both a public vote and a judging panel which will each make up 50% of their total score. The awards will again celebrate those businesses and individuals who have driven their organisation forward throughout the year. Winners will be announced at a gala dinner at the historic venue on William Brown Street on Thursday 17 November, marking the beginning of a new strategic partnership between World Museum and Liverpool Chamber. It will be followed by an official after-show event at DWNTWN on Harrington Street.

Responsible Business Social & Governance Sponsored by Clockwise

International Business

Young Person of the Year

Sponsored by University of Liverpool Management School

Sponsored by LCR Founders

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Ainsley Briscoe

Algeos Hexsor Scientific Inciner8 The Women’s Organisation Wild Thang

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Caitlin Yeung

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Connor Harland

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Emily Warburton

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Isobel Hall

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Wynne Aviation

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Liam Quirk

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Marino Faggionato

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Olivia Doyle

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Rian Bailey-Weir

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Stuart Irvine

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Sadie Skelland

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Contact Sport

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Halcyon

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Hexsor Scientific

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In House Legal Solutions

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Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

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Mashbo

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Nugent

Skills and Employability

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The Social Desk

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The Sovini Group

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Sponsored by Liverpool John Moores University Graduate Futures

The Women’s Organisation

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Torus

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Hugh Baird College HybridTec Merchant Taylors School Mott Macdonald MSP Global Northern Open Awards SupplyWell The Sovini Group The Women’s Organisation Torus Unicourse

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Avrenim

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Big Help Project

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Booker Flowers & Gifts

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The Printroom UK

• • • • • • • • • •

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The Sovini Group

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Responsible Business Environment Sponsored by Liverpool John Moores University Clean Growth UK

EVENTS

New Business of the Year Sponsored by Bruntwood •

A&B Marketing

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Cool Breeze Agency

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Finer Engineering

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Lucrum Digital

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Quirky Digital

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ReCulture

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Seven Streets Studio Ltd

Customer Excellence Sponsored by BT Local Business •

Algeos

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Amianto Services

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Booker Flowers and Gifts

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Halcyon

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Liverpool John Lennon Airport

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Mott Macdonald

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Northern

•

One Knowsley

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Pentone Family

•

PINS Social Club

Business of the Year (Over 30 Employees)

•

Qbunk

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The Small World Pubs Company (The Bridewell & The Denbigh Castle)

Sponsored by Lexus Liverpool

Business of the Year (Under 30 Employees) Sponsored by LCR Connect •

Bathgate Business Finance

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In House Legal Solutions

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Jayne Moore Media

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Liverpool School of Tropical

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BioGrad

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Finer Engineering

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Inciner8

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Medicash

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Mersey Eco Grants

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PINS Social Club

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Pulse Agency

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Royal College of Physicians

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Sovini Trade Supplies

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Sutcliffe

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Wild Thang

Medicine (Bump It Forward Campaign) •

Optimise Healthcare Group

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Pine Court Housing Association

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Teal Scaffold

•

The Social Desk

Upcoming events Join colleagues, members and friends at our Chamber events for fantastic networking opportunities and an insight into what’s happening in the Liverpool City Region… #WellConnected

School Business Network

Informal networking and coffee morning, usually the first Friday of the month.

Quarterly sessions partnered with the Liverpool City Council with businesses and schools looking to work with one another.

Chamber Socials Monthly evening events to network with the hospitality, legal, retail, charity and young professional sectors.

Strategy Events High-level policy panel and roundtable discussions focused around our Expert Panels and Quarterly Economic Survey.

International Trade Club Sessions with Liverpool-based international business leaders to share information and build your network.

Flagship event discounts Invitation to annual major events such as Aintree Races, Liverpool International Tennis Tournament and Chamber Annual Awards, at a discounted rate.

Not a member of Liverpool Chamber?

Join today and get access to a range of events including networking coffee mornings, chamber socials, business briefings and much more.

Email membership@liverpoolchamber.org.uk or call 0151 227 1234 46

EVENTS

Take a look at the Chamber in action...

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1

Chamber Day at Aintree Races

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May #WellConnected hosted at PINS Social Club

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School Business Network in partnership with Liverpool City Council, hosted at LJMU Student Life Building

Executive Reception event for our Strategic Partners and Patrons at Liverpool John Lennon Airport

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Chamber Day at the Liverpool International Tennis Tournament

Liverpool Chamber

Executive Reception at Martins Bank

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CHARITY

BUSINESS WORKING TOGETHER TO SUPPORT LOCAL CHARITIES Liverpool Chamber are passionate about creating pathways for third sector organisations to engage with businesses in the region, and last year made a commitment to raise funds for our own partner charities, Clatterbridge Cancer Charity and Everton in the Community.

manager Laura’s Edwards undertaking a Zip Slide challenge at Everton Football Club’s Goodison Park home.

From June 2022 we are delighted to announce that our charity partner will be Liverpool University Hospitals Charity.

Liverpool Chamber CEO Paul Cherpeau said: “The imminent opening of the new Royal Liverpool Hospital is an exciting moment for the city and its ongoing commitment to provide outstanding health care provision to our citizens. I am delighted that the Chamber will be supporting the objectives of the University Hospital’s Charity in the year ahead, raising funds and generating business engagement and opportunities for collaboration.”

“We remain committed to ensuring all our third sector organisations are connected with suppliers and partners across our network. I would like to acknowledge the charity partners for the past year – Clatterbridge and Everton in the Community – for their collaboration with us and I look forward to an exciting partnership with the Liverpool University Hospitals Charity in the year ahead.”

Our fundraising for both charities aligned with the aims of the Team Liverpool City Plan, of which Liverpool Chamber are the private sector partner, with the aims of tackling health inequalities, and responding to what matters most to people in terms of improving their health and wellbeing across all stages of life – Starting Well, Living Well and Ageing Well.

Aimée Clare, Fundraising Development Manager at Liverpool University Hospitals Charity: “We feel extremely excited to be Liverpool Chambers 2022 Charity Partner in what will be an exciting year for us as a charity and a hospital trust. As we move into our new hospital, we will continue our endeavour to raise funds to support our patients and our incredible staff that care for them.”

Significant funds were raised at three major events: The Liverpool International Tennis Tournament, our inaugural Innovation in Business Awards, and Liverpool Chamber’s Day at the Randox Grand National Thursday.

Colleagues from Liverpool Chamber also supplemented this income, with our head of membership and business growth Tom Woolley undertaking an “Apprentice” challenge as part of his Help to Grow course with University of Liverpool, and events

“Funds raised throughout our partnership will be invested into innovation to support our intentions to have world class equipment and services to treat and save more lives. I look forward to working collaboratively with new and existing connections to help us achieve incredible things, so If you think your organisation could contribute and support our endeavour in any way, please get in touch because it would be great to talk to you.”

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Our charities: • Age Concern Liverpool and Sefton • Elevate • All Saints Multi Academy Trust • Alternative Futures Group • Royal Court Liverpool Ltd • An Hour For Others • Be One Percent • Big Help Project • Cancer Research UK • Career Connect • City Hearts • Claire House • Cradle Charity • Crisis Skylight • Directory of Social Change • English Speaking Board (International) Limited - ESB • Everton in the Community • Expect Limited • Freshfields Animal Rescue • Granby Community Mental Health Group-Mary Seacole House • Leadership Through Sport and Business • Liverpool Parish Church (Our Lady & St Nicholas) • Liverpool Philharmonic • Liverpool Press Club Ltd • Liverpool University Hospitals Charity • Local Solutions • Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine • The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts • Mary’s Meals • Merseyside Adventure Sailing Trust • National Museums Liverpool • Natural Breaks Ltd • North West Cancer Research (NWCR) • Nugent • NW RFCA • Resume Foundation - Aintree Hub • Sefton Women’s and Children’s Aid • South Liverpool Homes • Team Oasis • The Brain Charity • The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation • Transform Lives Company • When You Wish Upon A Star • Wirral Hospice St John’s • Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse • Woodlands Hospice • Open Awards • YKids

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 Head of Membership and Business Growth

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 Head of Policy and Representation

Melissa Healy Office Manager

Laura Edwards Events Manager

Courtney Williams Export Documentation Assistant

paul.cherpeau@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

julie.sankey@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Jess Miller Marketing and Events Assistant

jessica.miller@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Jordan Rhoda Membership Executive

jordan.rhoda@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

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

courtney.willians@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

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

Liverpool Chamber

49

MINUTES WITH… Jacqui Johnson Communications Director at Sutcliffe

What does a typical working day look like, and has this changed since the onset of Covid?

As communications director at Sutcliffe, my job is varied and without sounding too cliche, everyday is different, no two days are the same! The pandemic has been an incredibly busy time for myself and for the company, but as a team I feel it has brought us closer together, both personally and professionally. We have learnt to adapt to change and the new working environment, with greater flexibility, and getting the home/work life balance just right.

Getting to my desk at 8.30am, I check where I am going to be for the day, have a quick scroll through my emails and then have communication with staff members who are on site, in the office and working from home. We are currently experiencing a slight increase with Covid, but as we learn to work and live safely through this, I ensure are own workplace guidance is in place in respect to health and safety measures and various other procedures are followed, so we can all feel safe in and outside of the office.

What is on the top of your to-do list?

We all have a joke in the office that I wear ten hats at a time (the favourite being my red beret!) and because of this, my to-do list is never ending! One day I can be working on

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accreditations, the next I can be in meetings all day, the next out of the office attending seminars or workshops relating to HR or Mental Health, the next I can be pushing recruitment, with Sutcliffe currently placing a huge impetus on unearthing the next generation of our sector.

I also drive myself towards making sure all of our employees are looked after, whether that be at home or in the office. I always have an open door policy and I am here to support everyone, we are all at different stages and ages in our career path and we all have different needs, worries and also aspirations at different times, I make it my priority to be a good listener, offer support, give guidance and have a wealth of empathy!

What is the best advice you have been given in your career?

The best advice I’ve ever been given is to always listen and to take notice of those around me. It’s crucial to take a step back from every situation and to know that there are always two sides to every story, especially from a HR perspective. I am a people person who remains unbiased and non-judgemental, which has helped me in a lot of circumstances.

If you weren’t doing your current job what would be your ideal role?

I get the worst sea sickness…but I’d loved to have worked on entertainment on Cruise

ships! I also managed to realise a dream of dancing when I took part in the Roy Castle Strictly Ballroom event last year and a career on the dancefloor would also have been a fantastic path to go down.

Who is your role model (business or personal)?

Without a doubt my biggest role model is my mum! She’s the most caring, understanding, non-judgemental and loving person on this planet, she has time for everyone she meets and always has a smile on her face.

She’s got good morals and is a wise old soul, she is without doubt the head of the Johnson family. Although she may not have the business acumen that some of my other work role models have, the qualities and positive outlook she possesses have certainly put me in good stead throughout my career.

Why should businesses and people choose the Liverpool City Region?

The Liverpool City Region is thriving at the moment, with a wealth of opportunities available for all ages. The city region is vibrant and with the Northern Powerhouse and Levelling Up Agenda shining a light on our businesses, I have no doubt that we will continue to attract more investment in the months and years to come. With some of the best arts, culture, sport and food in the UK too, to me it is a no brainer as to why people would live and work here.

A digital future that takes everyone on the journey? Imagine.

LCR Connect is your digital highway.

It’s the business.

It’s the 212km full fibre network for businesses in the Liverpool City Region.

Find out what gigabit-capable connectivity and broadband services are available for your business at www.lcrconnect.com

Connect your business today

NEW LEXUS NX SELF - CHARGING OR PLUG - IN HYBRID FEEL MORE IN EVERY MOMENT

LIVERPOOL LEXUS LIVERPOOL Rimrose Road, Bootle, Liverpool, Merseyside, L20 4TX 0151 934 7666

www.lexus.co.uk/Liverpool

Model shown is NX 450h+. Official NX 450h+ fuel consumption figures in mpg (1/100km): combined 256.8 (1.1) to 313.8 (0.9). Combined CO2 (g/km) 25 to 21.* *Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle requiring mains electricity for charging. Figures obtained using a combination of battery power and fuel. Figures are provided for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption, CO 2 and/or equivalent all-electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results. Fuel consumption, CO2 produced and equivalent all-electric range can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including the accessories fitted (post-registration), driving style, conditions, speed and vehicle load. All models and grades are certified according to the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). All mpg and CO2 figures quoted are full WLTP figures. More information can be found by visiting: www.vehicle-certification-agency.gov.uk/fcb/wltp.asp.