Message from CEO

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.