Well Connected Jan 24

Well

Connected Winter 2024

Official Magazine for Liverpool Chamber

LOOKING AHEAD

TO 2024...

Graham Bond, managing partner at RSM, considers how the Liverpool city region Investment Zone can deliver for business

INSIDE...

• Revolutionising Occupational Health: A local initiative with national impact • Elevating skills and opportunities in the LCR • The IT questions you were afraid to ask

Liverpool Chamber

Connect Support Thrive.

for every br�ght �dea, everywhere!

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CONTENTS

INSIDE

7

13

4-5

Economy

7

Message from CEO

8-9

Membership Update

10

Ask the Expert

13

Skills

15-16

International Trade

19

Members News

21

Regeneration

22

Patron Focus

23

Skills

24

Cover Feature

25

Chamber News

26

Patron News

27-31

Members News

32

Digital

33

Chamber News

34-35

Regeneration

38

Members News

41

Charity

42-43 Chamber Events

27 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

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Members News

32 46 Published January 2024 © Benham Publishing Media No. 2073 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 David Wright e: dave@benhampublishing.com

@LpoolChamber

Liverpool Chamber

Staff Directory

46

Cover image by ‘KQ Liverpool’

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45

Disclaimer Well Connected is mailed without charge to all Chamber members and distributed at all Chamber events. All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor at 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. © 2024. 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

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ECONOMY

ISSN 2398-4406

Business confidence improves though most firms report no increase to investment. The BCC’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) for Q4 2023 – the UK’s largest independent survey of business sentiment, made up of 91% SMEs – shows an increase turnover growth expectations, although most firms continue to report no increase to sales, cash flow, or investment.

Overall, 36% of respondents reported an increase to domestic sales in the last three months, while 22% reported a decrease, largely unchanged since Q3 2022.

B2B service firms (e.g. finance, media, legal) were the most likely to report increased sales (38%), while the manufacturing sector was the least (32%).

Overall, 24% of respondents reported an increase to plant/equipment investment in the past three months, while 58% reported no change, and 19% reported a decrease.

As measured as a percentage balance, the manufacturing sector stands at +9% (down from +12% in Q3) while the service sector stands at +4%.

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ECONOMY

ISSN 2398-4406

The percentage of firms expecting their prices to rise has grown in Q4 to 47% from 41% in Q3, halting the downward trend seen since Q2 2022.

As measured as a percentage balance, both the manufacturing sector and services sector stands at +43%.

Inflation remains the top external factor of concern for the majority of respondents 58%), though this has declined significantly from the peak of 84% in Q3 2022.

Interest rates are a concern for 39% of respondents, down from 45% last quarter. B2C service firms are the most likely to cite inflation (62%) as a concern.

“Our OEM customers dealers and end customers primarily in the materials handling sectors have high stock levels and are not replenishing stock due to the high cost of finance because of the high interest rates globally. Europe slowed down early in 2023 and now US market is slowing.”

Larger manufacturer in Northern Ireland

“Business rates are killing service sector on the high street” Mid-sized consumer services firm in Aberdeen

Liverpool Chamber

“We shall have to increase our prices in order to maintain healthy margins as the cost of raw materials remain high, and we are affected by the increasing costs in transport and shipping, especially to the EU” Micro services firm in Business West “High interest rates and slowing growth means less heavy machinery is being bought” Large construction firm in Northern Ireland

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Our Liverpool health centre is open now You can find us at: Bupa Health Centre, 1 Rose Lane Liverpool, L18 8ES If you want to learn more about how you can support your people with our services, please contact us

0330 8224 757 Or scan the QR code to visit our website 6

CLI 03139

WELCOME TO THE WINTER EDITION OF

‘WELL CONNECTED’ The Liverpool Chamber of Commerce’s publication showcasing activities, insights and intelligence from our business members and partners.

In this edition of Well Connected we look forward to a year of possibilities for the Chamber and our members, resisting the temptation to look back over the past 12 months. With the forthcoming spring budget, a general election on the horizon and the continuing pressures on business around recruitment, interest rates and inflation, 2024 is shaping up to be anything but dull.

We recognise that the Chamber doesn’t operate in a vacuum however and we are always keen to hear what you think so we can represent the views of our local business community at a local and national level. This will be particularly important this year with the upcoming local and national elections.

In our last Quarterly Economic Survey therefore, (you can see the full results on pages 4 & 5), we asked businesses if they thought Liverpool was a good place to start a business. The responses were overwhelmingly positive, providing some great insight on what our business community really values. The comments included practical and financial benefits such as affordability, availability of office space, support networks, transport infrastructure and access to a strong talent pool (in some sectors) from which to recruit. There was also a lot of support for the fact that Liverpool is seen as a vibrant, exciting and diverse city with a strong global brand and the potential to grow.

There is still a feeling however that areas outside the city centre needed more promotion to allow them to unlock their untapped potential particularly in terms of operating costs and access to a local skilled workforce. We will be exploring this further with our members through our localised events programme in venues

Liverpool Chamber

across the north and the south of the city.

Whilst acknowledging that this was a relatively small sample of businesses, the overall positivity of the responses provide a great starting point for 2024 and we would encourage you to participate in future insight work as we position ourselves to identify the critical issues, barriers and opportunities that businesses are experiencing.

Levelling up will continue to be a hot topic on the campaign trail and our cover feature article from RSM, provides a really excellent insight into how the Investment Zone for Liverpool can support economic growth in the city region but not in isolation.

The only predictable outcome from the forthcoming general election, whenever it might be, is that the media hysteria will ramp up and the race to attract

Paul Cherpeau.

Chief Executive

voters will inevitably result in even more polarised coverage. We will be working closely with colleagues in the British Chambers of Commerce to ensure that the voice of reason, as well as the voice of business, prevails. Our events and marketing programme for 2024 will include opportunities for members to raise legitimate business concerns which we will use to inform our lobbying and campaigning activities.

Levelling up will continue to be a hot topic on the campaign trail and our cover feature article from RSM, provides a really excellent insight into how the Investment Zone for Liverpool can support economic growth in the city region but not in isolation.

Away from the politics our members continue to thrive and you can find some excellent examples of the optimism and determination which makes Liverpool such a great place to do business.

Our resolution for 2024 is essentially the same as it has been for the last 175 years or so, and as we continue to evolve to address the changing needs of our members, supporting the business community of Liverpool to thrive and grow, remains at the core of all we do.

The wind of change may be stirring but our goal remains the same.

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MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE LIVERPOOL CHAMBER – THE KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL NEW YEAR Here at Liverpool Chamber, we are dedicated to helping our members grow and enabling their businesses to thrive. We have years of experience, 173 to be exact and so, this new year as always, we’re here to offer support.

If you’re an existing Chamber member, we want to make sure that you’re getting the most from your membership in the coming year. And if you’re not a member, then why not join us?

We connect you to other like-minded businesses in the city region and as a member, you’ll have a dedicated account manager, allowing us to assist you in building connections and inviting you along to a wide range of relevant events and more.

James Parker, Tom Morgan-Wynne, Helen Kinsella and Lizzie Johnson.

Our membership team, Helen Kinsella, Tom Morgan-Wynne & James Parker, are only a phone call or email away.

Whether you’d like more information about our services and network, how to access the full range of member benefits or need some business advice, we’re here to help. If you’re a Patron or Strategic Partner, our CEO Paul Cherpeau and Head of Commercial Services, Lizzie Johnson are your main points of contact and continue to be on hand for your business needs.

Chamber members receive a plethora of benefits and support, from one-man bands to multinationals, education providers to charities and every other type of organisation in between.

Whatever sector you work in, Chamber membership is beneficial to you.

So how can we support you?

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Events Our events calendar is already filling up for 2024. From networking to sector specific events, there’s something for everyone. Highlights include:

#WellConnected The highlight of Liverpool’s networking calendar! #WellConnected is your opportunity to make those all-important business connections, as well as meet prospective clients and suppliers. You will also receive updates from the Chamber team and fellow members. We switch up the location of these events, meaning that you can experience some of the finest venues in the city region.

We hold two #WellConnected events each month; the ‘main’ #WellConnected, which usually takes place in a city centre venue and attracts over 100 attendees along with an additional monthly #WellConnected in either Sefton or South Liverpool, as part of our ongoing commitment to these areas of the city.

Chamber Social Your chance to network with business connections in a relaxed and informal environment – taking place in the early evening in a local venue, chamber socials are not to be missed.

Charity Business Network A fantastic opportunity for charities and businesses to meet and discuss ways in which they can work together, as well as for charities to share best practice. With three of these taking place throughout the year, keep an eye on our regularly updated events page for more information.

School Business Network Fostering collaboration between businesses and educational institutions, the School Business Network bridges the gap between the academic and professional realms by facilitating meaningful partnerships. These events allow businesses to actively engage in shaping the future workforce, promoting

economic growth, and nurturing a mutually beneficial relationship between education and industry.

Property & Construction Network This platform generates collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and business growth for professionals within the property and construction industry. Members benefit from networking opportunities, staying abreast of industry trends, and engaging in discussions that shape local development.

International Trade Events These events serve as catalysts for international networking, fostering crossborder connections and trade partnerships.

Offering a platform for businesses to explore export opportunities, navigate regulatory landscapes, and share market insights, the events empower Liverpool companies to expand their horizons.

Policy Events Providing a platform for open dialogue, enabling participants to influence policies that impact the business environment.

Through roundtable discussions, seminars, and collaborative initiatives, attendees gain insights into legislative changes and contribute to the development of informed, business-friendly policies.

Patrons Lunches & Executive Receptions Exclusive events for our Patrons and Strategic Partners. These high-level networking opportunities promote collaboration among key business leaders, by sharing key insights and forging partnerships that drive economic growth within the city.

Make sure that you’re signed up to our newsletter using the Chamber website and follow our social media channels for

If you’re a local venue that would like to showcase your space to the business community by hosting one of our events, please contact events@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

WELCOME

to our newest chamber members the latest event announcements. The majority of our 2023 events sold out, so be sure to register for events as early as possible to secure your spot. Don’t forget – Liverpool Chamber members receive discount when buying tickets for our Liverpool Chamber Day at the Races and the Innovation in Business Awards.

Strategic Partners

Support

6th Door Ltd www.6thdoor.com

Chamber Four Services

AMS Surveys www.amssurveys.co.uk

The Chamber Four Services, provided

by Quest Cover, is a vital tool for Liverpool Chamber members.

These services empower members with the knowledge, resources and support necessary to operate successfully and compliantly in today’s business environment, by providing a comprehensive package that supplies essential documentation and guidance.

With expert help and advice in HR, Health & Safety, Legal and Tax, the Chamber Four services are especially useful for SMEs, who may not have in house experts in these topics.

The Chamber Four Services can be accessed online – there is also a helpline which you can call to speak to a team of experts.

Member offers Chamber membership saves you money! With a plethora of offers from key partners you can make savings in multiple areas of your business, from recruitment to car rental, staff travel to IT services, meeting room hire to legal assistance. Members can save up to 67% on their AA premiums, receive competitive foreign exchange currency rates from MoneyCorp and have access to the Chamber Finance Finder.

Promoting You We promote your messaging to your fellow members, as well as the wider business community. If you’ve got exciting news to share, or are hosting a go to event, let us know by emailing editorial@liverpoolchamber.org.uk. Our website receives 53,000 views each year!

If you would like to speak to one of our membership team to find out more, drop them a message at membership@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Liverpool Chamber

ComCab Liverpool (CityFleet) www.Comcab.co.uk Ways to Wow www.facebook.com/ waystowowuk/

Liverpool Chamber Members

Apogee Corporation www.apogeecorp.com AtkinsRéalis www.atkinsrealis.com Barry’s www.barrys.comstudioliverpool Beam Recruitment www.beamrecruit.co.uk Birkdale Insurance Group www.birkdaleinsurancegroup.co.uk

Joanne Finnerty Recruitment Limited www.jfrecruitment.co.uk Keir HR & Recruitment Ltd www.keir-hr.com Little Seedlings Day Nursery Ltd www.littleseedlingsnursery.net Mann Roberts Solicitors www.mannroberts.com Mansimble Tea & Estate www.mansimbleteaestate.co.uk Marine Association Football Club www.marinefc.com Motion Safe Limited www.motionsafe.co.uk Mutual Credit Services www.mutualcredit.services Net Zero Power Projects Ltd www.netzeropower.co.uk Nobody Left Behind CIC www.nobody-left-behind.co.uk Photocast www.photocast.co.uk

Think Mad Limited www.thinkmad.co.uk Trinity Logistics Limited www.trinitylogistics.co.uk Maria Fogg Family Law www.mariafoggfamilylaw.co.uk Dynamic Devices Ltd www.dynamicdevices.co.uk Easy Travel with Julie Bell Financial Solutions www.bellfinancialsolutions.co.uk The Sales Dojo Limited www.thesalesdojo.com T4 Consulting www.t4consulting.uk Speak & Win UK www.speakandwinuk.co.uk SkillSet Consultancy and Training Services www.skillsetconsultancy.co.uk Peter Harthan www.7hs.co.uk/members/mrpeter-harthan/

Rocket Training Ltd www.rockettraining.co.uk

Michael Maloney Freelance Graphic Design www.michaelmaloney.co.uk

SFL Mobile Radio Ltd www.sflmobileradio.co.uk

Intogreat Ltd www.intogreat.net

DanTech UK Ltd www.dantechuk.com

Showforce Services Ltd www.showforce.com

Griffin Care Training Ltd www.griffincare.co.uk

Digital Engineering Works Ltd www.deworks.uk

Signature Living www.signatureliving.co.uk

EFM Network www.efm.uk.com

SM Installations (NW) LTD www.sm-installtions.co.uk

Employee Management Ltd (EML) www.employeemanagement.co.uk

SOKA Studio Limited www.sokastudio.co.uk

Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice www.zoes-place.org. uklocationsliverpool-hospice

Springboard www.springboardda.com

The Reader www.thereader.org.uk

Swagelok Manchester www.manchester.swagelok. solutions

Split Perspectivz CIC www.splitperspectivz.com

Blends Flavours & Colours Ltd www.blendsltd.co.uk Carbon and Cost Consultancy Limited ta Auditel www.auditel.co.uk

Enspec Power Ltd www.enspecpower.com Grantley Lowe Limited www.grantleylowe.co.uk Group D Architects Developments www.grouparchitects.com

Tate Steel www.tate-steel.co.uk

Charity Association Members

Open Door Charity www.opendoorcharity.com No Limits Recovery Services

Gusto Restaurant and Bar www.gustorestaurants.uk.com

Terrabite limited (TA Cybergogo) www.cybergogo.co.uk

Hiyrd www.hiyrd.com

The Anfield Wrap www.theanfieldwrap.com

Inc Studio www.inc.studio

The Guide Liverpool www.theguideliverpool.com

Jackson Lees Group Limited www.jacksonlees.co.uk

The Lake House www.thelakehousewaterloo.co.uk

Liverpool Women’s Hospital Charity www.liverpoolwomens.nhs.uk/ fundraising/

JM Excellence in Training www.jmet.org.uk

The Momentum Group www.themomentumgroup.co.uk

4Wings Northwest CIC www.4wings.co.uk

Merseyside Youth Association Ltd www.mya.org.uk Liverpool Heartbeat www.liverpoolheartbeat.co.uk

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ASK THE EXPERT

ASK THE EXPERT:

GARDNER SYSTEMS ANSWER SOME OF THE COMMON IT QUESTIONS WE ALL HAVE BUT ARE AFRAID TO ASK In this article, we answer some of the common IT technology questions asked by Liverpool Chamber members with tips to help you tackle them.

How can we ensure the security of our company’s sensitive data?

First, the bad news, securing data is not easy and is as much a business culture issue as it is a technology one.

Tackling data security is twofold, the business challenge and the technology one.

It may surprise you that, as a technology company, we are very clear to our customers that it is solving the business problem, not the technology one, that is the priority. Implementing comprehensive data security will impact how a business uses data and for data security to work it will require buy-in across your business, as it will impact day-to-day operations. Without business commitment, your data security project is likely to fail.

On the plus side, the technology part of data security is well served with lots of comprehensive solutions in place to help enforce your data security policies. Data security tools can help identify sensitive data, use mechanisms like anonymisation and encryption, and ensure data does not flow from your business in ways it shouldn’t.

To secure your data, take your time to focus on the business needs and impacts first and then we can talk about technology.

What’s the best strategy for backing up our critical business data, and how can we ensure a quick recovery in case of a disaster?

This is another area where it pays to take a moment and understand your business demands before you start your technology evaluation. It’s essential to remember that

nobody wants to back data up, it’s all about recovery, so understanding risk and recovery needs first is important in getting the right solution. Before you think about technology consider the following.

• What are the risks to IT services in your business? How could you lose access or data?

• What are your key systems? Not all systems are equal, prioritise and identify the key systems.

• What is your recovery time objective (RTO)? This is how quickly you need your key systems back and usable, know how long you can operate without them and use this as your RTO baseline.

• What is your recovery point objective (RPO)? Or how much data are you prepared to lose? Could you lose 1 hours’ worth of data, one day’s worth? Knowing this helps define how often you need to backup.

Answering these questions gives you the basics of the best strategy for protecting your data. Not understanding them will introduce the risk of deploying the wrong approach to protecting your critical business data.

Regulatory compliance is complex and can be costly, therefore ensure you do the business preparation first, or else your compliance project will come undone.

If you’d like to find out more about Gardner Systems and how we can help your organisation, you can call us at 0151 220 5552, email us at info@gardnerstems.co.uk or find our website and online material by following the QR code.

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How can we ensure that our IT practices comply with industry regulations and standards?

There are two reasons businesses need to adhere to regulations, either their industry demands it, or their customers are demanding it, this is particularly true in cyber security. Regulations such as Cyber Essentials and ISO27001 are commonplace as are, depending on industry, privacy regulations such as GDPR and the UK Data Protection Act. Regulation adherence is always a mix of technology, process, and people.

Organisations need to understand why frameworks are important to them, their benefits, and risks, and to ensure they have the right skills and support to understand them. Few regulations are IT technology specific therefore getting the business prepared is essential.

That said, technology can help businesses track compliance. It can help evaluate technical risk by identifying quickly where there are risks, and where businesses are not compliant and provide advice and guidance on how to address compliance gaps.

Again, regulatory compliance is complex and can be costly, therefore ensure you do the business preparation first, or else your compliance project will come undone.

We hope you found this useful, if you need more details you can get in touch with our team below. If you have other questions, let us know and we will do our best to answer them.

Here for You Here for You Here for You

We are winners of the National Association We are winnersFinance of the National Association of Commercial Brokers (NACFB) We are winners of the National Association of Commercial BrokersService (NACFB) SME ChampionFinance and Customer awards of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) SME Champion andisCustomer Service awards and your business at the heart of ours.

SME Champion and Customer Service awards and your business is at the heart of ours.

We 30 years’ experience the UK’s SME market, andhave your business is atserving the heart of vital ours.

We have 30 years’ experience the UK’sa vital market, appreciating our clients’ needsserving and delivering highSME quality personal We have 30 years’ experience serving the UK’s vital SME market, appreciating our clients’ needs growth. and delivering a high quality personal service that supports business appreciating our clients’ needs growth. and delivering a high quality personal service that supports business service that supports business growth.

Whatever your business finance needs, we are here for you.

Whatever your business finance needs, we are here for you.

Whatever your business finance needs, we are here for you.

For more information get in touch For more information in touch 0151 625 7323 get | info@bathgatebf.co.uk

For more information get in touch 0151 625 7323 | info@bathgatebf.co.uk Liverpool bathgatebf.co.uk Chamber 0151 625 7323 | info@bathgatebf.co.uk

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BE INSPIRED

At The Award Winning Titanic Hotel Liverpool Rum Warehouse and West Bay are impressive conference, banqueting and exhibition venues, as well as a popular choice for weddings. It’s versatility allows the space to be transformed into the most extraordinary venue for a range of occasions, with full day DDR’s from £48 per person.

Contact our Sales Team for more information, call 0151 482 5782 or email sales@titanichotelliverpool.com.

0151 559 1444

TitanicHotelLiverpool

titanichotelliverpool.com

Stanley Dock, Regent Road, Liverpool, L3 0AN

DELIVERING CAREERS TOGETHER DCT is a Recruitment Agency providing temporary and permanent recruitment services to the Commercial, Construction, Hospitality and Industrial sectors across the whole of the UK.

Working in partnership every step of the way with integrity, transparency and Passion, we aim to have a 3 legged stool approach with ourselves, clients and candidates alike. Each person being as integral as each other for the process of recruitment to be smooth and a solution based process for all parties involved.

DCT Recruitment personalise the recruitment service for each and every candidate and client to ensure the perfect match is found. We pride ourselves on only recruiting for a position once, and getting it right the first time.

Our Ethos...

Working simultaneously with both our Clients and our Candidates to ensure a personalised service for all. We will ensure that we visit any client premises so we can feel and see the culture of your business, this allows us to find the right fit for the business which builds on your culture and delivers excellence. We offer a consultative approach by working collaboratively with our clients to help them plan their recruitment for the years ahead, ensuring budgets are met and projects delivered on time, as we see ourselves as an extension to your business and want the same results.

For more information please call:

0151 221 9658

Email : info@dctrecruitment.co.uk

Suite 518B, Cotton Exchange, Old Hall St, Liverpool L3 9LQ

www.dctrecruitment.co.uk 12

MANAGEMENT

BY ACCIDENT, OR BY DESIGN?

SKILLS

A recent Chartered Management Institute (CMI) study revealed that while 82% of managers have received no formal training for their role, more than half of employees who rate their managers as ineffective are planning to leave their jobs in the next 12 months.

These findings are unfortunately, unlikely to shock you, except perhaps, for the sheer extent of underinvestment in essential management and leadership skills across the UK. Almost without exception even the best run organisations suffer from a chronic structural failure to train new or existing managers to do their jobs well. It is not proven, but quite likely, that one reason for the much-chronicled productivity gap in the UK can be traced to this failure.

Universities historically bear some responsibility. Formal academic or professional education outside business schools has not traditionally dealt with the basics of management and leadership, and long degrees are hard for busy managers to study once they are embarked on their careers.

Liverpool Hope Business School is moving to confronting these challenges by offering shorter bitesize management courses that can, if so desired, be ‘stacked’ into longer academic qualifications, even a full MBA. In 2024 we will introduce the Women in Leadership programme, taught in three short blocks and with the chance to earn credits to a full MBA. Participants will be individually mentored and will work in online ‘learning sets’, solving shared business challenges. Also in 2024, under the auspices of our SEARCH Centre, we will introduce The Transition Academy (TTA). This is a partnership with global sustainability consultancy, SpectrEco (CEO: Professor Faraz Khan MBE). SEARCH has pioneered the Business Sustainability Cycle, a tool for businesses to assess their full-spectrum

sustainability, looking through the lenses of People, Purpose, Planet and Profit.

SpectrEco has developed an AI model to check the global sustainability regulatory environment for 77 industries. Together, TTA is delivering a range of micro-credential courses (with digital badge accreditation), which can be built to an entire Masters in Sustainable Business.

For details of these, or any of our Business School courses, please contact the Dean, Dr. Craig Marsh on marshc@hope.ac.uk.

FREE LEGAL ADVICE SERVICE FOR THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY As is currently well reported, the cost of living crisis and the economy in general are real areas of concern in the UK at the moment. Following the Christmas period, it is clear that more and more help is needed for those struggling to get through the cost of the festivities. Charities are seeing unprecedented numbers requiring their support.

This in turn has a knock-on effect on businesses, for whom this time of year is often the most important to their revenue.

Everyone - customer, consumer or business owner; they are all feeling the pinch.

Whilst there are many well placed organisations helping those in need, one key area that often gets overlooked is the need for businesses to be well advised legally.

A recent survey from The Law Society indicates that only 55% of people with a legal issue got professional help .

Free legal advice centres are one of the ways that businesses can seek the legal

Liverpool Chamber

assistance they need without having to spend large amounts of money on expensive legal bills. There are various centres based throughout the UK offering legal support to individuals. At Liverpool John Moores University, we operate one of the largest Legal Advice Centre’s in the UK. Based on Hardman Street, Liverpool, we have recently expanded our offering and now provide a Community Economic Development (“CED”) clinic.

The CED clinic is a free legal advice service for the business community. The aim is to assist small businesses (whether established or starting out) as well as not for profit organisations, with their business legal needs. With the economic climate as it is and people struggling to make ends meet, many small businesses may not have the capital to pay for legal services. Now more than ever, and going into 2024, this offering fills a gap that may not otherwise be provided for. Our hope is that clinics like

Liverpool John Moores University, Legal Advice Centre. Based on Hardman Street, Liverpool.

ours can help small businesses and not for profit organisations, by putting them on a sound footing legally. Advising them at the outset, to prevent costly mistakes later; or by providing advice when things might have already gone wrong. These organisations are then free to concentrate what little capital they may have to keep their business/venture running; whilst navigating the current economic climate and beyond in 2024.

Visit our Law Clinic webpage here: https:/ /www.ljmu.ac.uk/microsites/ legal-advice-centre

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ADVERTISEMENT

Celebrating 20 years This year marks 20 years since the establishment of Liverpool BID Company, so alongside the usual planning of a New Year there is an extra strand of excitement, optimism and reflection.

Liverpool BID was one of the very first in the country. A pilot project to introduce business improvement districts saw Liverpool lead the way.

The decade of the 00s was one where Liverpool sought to learn lessons of the past and look forward.

The transformation of the city centre, from a public realm and infrastructure perspective, has been a positive one. It was not without its challenges, as those who still shudder when they hear the phrase “The Big Dig” will recall. However, for Liverpool BID, at the heart of the change was the need to provide a voice for and from the city’s business community, ensuring it was heard amidst the development.

The desire to be part of the business improvement district project was another example of the city’s ambition. Our world leading cultural sector has seen us top charts and create global brands, like

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Cream, and it was with ambition that we put our hat in the ring - successfully as it turned out - to be European Capital of Culture in 2008. The city held a powerful aspiration to be a place to live and thrive. And BID was part of that, to create a city centre that would be a destination for visitors and businesses alike.

Two decades on and it is an opportunity to reflect on that. Liverpool city centre has changed dramatically, from shopping hubs to a retail and leisure heartland. The city is modernising and evolving, as a world class visitor destination and a place for everyone. Our levy payers have been at the heart of that change and have led the way.

As Liverpool BID has evolved and grown from its beginnings, we can reflect on two decades where our levy payers have supported the city and, with civic pride, helped it transform. We are safer, more prosperous and determined. We are a city known across the world for our creativity and innovation.

Ambition does not stop there. Yes, we will mark milestones this year alongside our twentieth anniversary - including the first year of the UKs first

operating Accommodation BID. We still have work to do supporting business across the city centre and have plans to cast a spotlight on our most vibrant of industries. There will be Pancake Races and networking walks. There will be music and singing to give us cheer on what is traditionally the most depressing of the year as we rebrand “Blue Monday” into “Yellow Monday”.

This year we will introduce the city’s first Restaurant Week in March from the 11th – 17th, an opportunity to champion our hospitality sector, but also to provide it with a voice and a platform to talk about the sector and what it needs.

This will be a major year for Liverpool, one where we plan ahead as well as look back to how far we have come. www.liverpoolbidcompany.com

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

ROMANIA - PRIME TRADING DESTINATION FOR AI, ENGINEERING AND IT INDUSTRY SECTORS

As a collaborative effort, a business event was recently organised in partnership with the RISE Institute, Regional Government Agency, and Liverpool Hope University Business School. The event focused on highlighting export trade prospects with Romania, as well as guiding UK SMEs on accessing EU funds.

Highlights of the event included discussions on establishing an EU Hub with fiscal facilities in the European Union and providing valuable insights for businesses looking to capitalise on the numerous opportunities presented by Romania.

The event also facilitated productive business meetings, particularly within the fields of informatics, robotics, and various technologies, showcasing a diverse range of industry applications.

A notable turnout was observed, with numerous companies expressing keen interest in AI and process automation, seeking to explore potential partnerships in Romania. The event offered a platform for one-to-one meetings, fostering meaningful connections and discussions among participants.

opportunities, competitive labour costs, robust technical education, Englishspeaking population, and sustained economic growth positioned Romania as a compelling destination for business expansion and collaboration. The prospect of settling and opening subsidiaries in Romania was specifically highlighted, emphasising the potential benefits for UK companies.

tangible outcomes in the near future. We are already thinking about a follow up UK Trade Mission to Transylvania in the Spring of 2024” - Elena Enciso, Head of international Trade at Liverpool Chamber.

Key takeaways from the event underlined the attractiveness of Romania for UK companies. Factors such as EU

“I am pleased to see the potential exchanges and collaborations that have emerged from the event and we anticipate

For further information, please contact Liverpool Chamber at export@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

As the business landscape continues to evolve, this event stands as a testament to the potential synergies between the UK and Romania, paving the way for mutually beneficial ventures.

STAY INFORMED ON RULES AND TRADING PROCESSES IN NORTHERN IRELAND WITH OUR HALF-DAY TRAINING SESSION Liverpool Chamber invites you to stay abreast of the latest rules and trading processes in Northern Ireland. Join us for a comprehensive half-day training session designed to enhance your understanding of these crucial aspects.

Trading with Northern Ireland from the UK involves many considerations due to the implementation of the Windsor Framework on 27 February 2023 between UK and EU. This provides a fundamentally new set of

Liverpool Chamber

arrangements to restore the smooth flow of trade within the UK internal market and safeguard Northern Ireland’s place in the Union. It aims at easing custom checks on goods arriving from Great Britain.

The implementation of the Framework will happen in stages through into 2025, to provide businesses with time to adapt to new arrangements. It will affect for example; VAT rates for energy saving goods, agri-food, second hand cars and so on.

During this training day, you will: Gain insights into the current rules

governing trading in Northern Ireland.

Understand the intricacies of the trading processes specific to the region.

Stay up to date with the latest developments and changes in the regulatory landscape.

Don’t miss this opportunity to equip yourself with the knowledge needed to navigate the trading environment in Northern Ireland successfully.

For more information and to reserve your spot, please contact export@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

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INTERNATIONAL TRADE

INTERNATIONAL TEAMWORK Boomerang Carnets® has been a key player in the United Kingdom for nearly a decade, thanks to our partnership with the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce (LCC) and its forward-thinking leadership.

In 2015, the LCC joined forces with Boomerang Carnets to introduce an expedited, easy-to-use online application process for the ATA Carnet market in the UK. In addition, our “combined forces” partnership brought temporary exporters unmatched expertise, 24/7 customer service, and Same Day Carnet Service throughout the entirety of the UK as it has in the United States. Carnets and their guarantees can now be applied for, signed, and stamped online from anywhere in the UK at a more affordable cost.

An extraordinary team of dedicated specialists in both countries makes all this possible. This past year, two stars in the LCC/ Boomerang Carnets’ constellation celebrated work anniversary milestones. Sarah Woolley, Export Documentation Specialist with UK’s Liverpool Chamber and Rachel Kern, Vice President of Administration and Head of HR for Boomerang Carnets in the US each celebrated an impressive 30-years of service.

Their unwavering dedication has contributed so much to the seamless facilitation of customs documentation with exemplary

Sarah Woolley, Export Documentation Specialist with UK’s Liverpool Chamber

Rachel Kern, Vice President of Administration and Head of HR for Boomerang Carnets

5-star customer service.

Reflecting on her 30 years with the LCC, Sarah Woolley gives her perspective: “In some ways, it feels like a lifetime ago and then at other times, it feels like it’s been over in a flash. It has been interesting and exciting to see how things have grown over the past eight years. The work culture in the US is quite different to the UK, but that being said, I think that we’ve all learned how each other ticks and we all work really well together!”

Stateside, Rachel Kern pinpoints our top priority: “It is all about the customer.

Customer service matters above all else and executive leadership is the driving force behind this. Accommodations to

“It is all about the customer.

Customer service matters above all else and executive leadership is the driving force behind this.”

customers built our reputation and every department is fully supportive of those accommodations.”

Why does this partnership matter? It matters because each country in the ATA Carnet system issues and manages their own ATA Carnets. Only Boomerang Carnets is in two countries. We call this The Boomerang Benefit and it is available exclusively to Boomerang Carnets’ customers through our partner, the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce.

To get started, contact www.boomerangcarnets.co.uk or call 0808 189 3400 to learn more about using and obtaining an ATA Carnet.

WILD THANG IS MAKING TRACKS GLOBALLY After a successful expansion into the Republic of Ireland giving us a gateway into Europe to serve our existing client base, our clients quickly approached us for more of the same in the US. Having the EU expansion under our belt, we moved forward with confidence establishing ourselves in the US and have now established Wild Thang International LLC, registered and operating in New Jersey.

Our primary aim for this expansion is to serve our existing client base who have a global demand and need an experienced, one solution provider in the field of branded clothing and merchandise. As with all business growth we understand that we need to connect and learn to succeed, as such The Liverpool Chamber of Commerce is always our first point of call.

After attending the Liverpool Chambers Well Connected event and chatting about our expansion plans with Elena, Head of International Trade at the Chamber, Elena quickly identified that a meeting

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with Robert Morgan at the US Embassy would be beneficial. Elena kindly arranged this meet at the Chamber offices with Sarah Howarth, Wild Thangs Commercial Director. It was great chatting with Robert and discussing the Windsor framework in Northern Ireland, Robert was particularly interested in our sustainability pledge and action, how we are fully solar powered and how and why we have expanded into the EU and US and of course why we stand out against similar companies in our field.

Our unique USP is that now being formed in the UK, EU and US, we are positioned to serve global companies looking to improve efficiencies and work with ONE provider who are guaranteed to deliver to world class standards.

Robert is kindly introducing us to the UK and

US alliance through the embassy to meet likeminded companies and share our story which hopefully in turn will generate future business growth and opportunities. Many thanks to the Chamber team for making this happen! Above are company Directors Sarah and John attending a trade show in Chicago this year, working hard to establish our US supply base.

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PARKSIDE EAST:

TRANSFORMING LOGISTICS IN THE LIVERPOOL CITY New 2.5million sq. ft. logistics development and strategic rail freight interchange will boost the local economy for years to come A new strategic rail freight interchange (SRFI) project along with a new 2.5million sq. ft. logistics development is set to be brought forward in the North West by Tritax Symmetry, creating investment and employment opportunities in the region for years to come.

Located within the Liverpool City Region’s Freeport zone on Junction 22 of the M6, Parkside East is an allocated employment site that sits within the borough of St Helens and the Liverpool City Region and lies next to Warrington and Wigan. Tritax Symmetry, the major logistics developer, acquired the 221-acre site in November 2023.

Parkside East will be critical to the region’s delivery plans for logistics, supporting North-South and East-West movments, particularly import and exports between Liverpool, Hull, Scotland, and Felixstowe. St Helens Borough Council (SHBC) has already demonstrated its commitment by investing £56m into a new link road that will service the site, due to complete in the first quarter of this year.

A ‘transformational’ employment opportunity The Local Plan, adopted by SHBC in 2022, identified Parkside East as a ‘transformational’ employment opportunity and one which will make a major contribution to the economic development of St Helens, the Liverpool City Region and beyond. In this context, SHBC has removed the site from the green belt and reallocated it as a Strategic Employment Site, to deliver a strategic rail freight interchange alongside additional employment uses.

Tritax Symmetry is now working up a detailed masterplan and will apply for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to allow the development of the whole project.

Parkside East is the second strategic rail freight interchange project delivered by Tritax Symmetry in the last two years. In Hinckley, Leicestershire, the developer is seeking to bring forward a multi-modal freight interchange and distribution centre and up to 850,000 square metres of warehousing and ancillary buildings

Tritax Symmetry: a proven track record Tritax Symmetry is the logistics development arm of Tritax Big Box REIT plc, a FTSE 250 company, dedicated to providing best-in-class greener logistics buildings. The company takes a collaborative and entrepreneurial approach, providing an unrivalled choice of building locations and scale to its customers, including some of the biggest names in the retail, logistics, consumer products, automotive and TV/film sectors.

“We are constantly on the look out for projects that drive sustainability and prosperity for the region and the UK at large,” said Tritax Symmetry’s Managing Director, Andrew Dickman.

“With the news last year that the HS2 leg from Birmingham to Manchester has been cancelled, this is a positive public-private sector intervention that will deliver significant investment into the Liverpool City Region and the wider infrastructure network.

‘We have several years’ experience with SRFI’s given our progress with Hinckley and have an excellent understanding of the economic benefits that they can bring to a region..’

“Parkside East is a significant project and one we believe will be an exemplar in providing greener, more efficient solutions, removing freight from main line stations – in doing so alleviating pressure and freeing up passenger capacity. We believe it is one of the most exciting infrastructure and development opportunities in the North given its proximity to the M6 and M62 motorway corridors.”

Devolution in action Sean Traynor, Director of Strategic Growth at St Helens Borough Council: “The adoption of the Council’s Local Plan in 2022 unlocked Parkside East and I am delighted to see this investment by Tritax Symmetry. We are looking forward to working with them, alongside our partners at Liverpool City Region, to develop a first-class intermodal Strategic Rail Freight Interchange, a key feature which makes Parkside East a development site of regional and national importance.”

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority awarded a £24m grant from its Strategic Investment Fund towards the Parkside Link Road project to improve connectivity to one of the city region’s key employment sites.

Mayor Steve Rotheram said: “Thanks to devolution, with local leaders working together in the best interests of our communities, we’ve been able to take a leading role in the regeneration of sites like Parkside. I am looking forward to seeing the site become a bustling hub of businesses and opportunity.

“It will form a key part of our Freeport, which has the potential to attract international investment, create more well-paid, highly-skilled jobs for local people and build on our existing strengths. But, for me, it has to mean much more than that. I want to ensure that there is purpose behind this status that fuels greater social mobility, innovation, and inclusion for our whole region.”

For further information, please visit:

tritaxsymmetry.com/projects/parkside/

Liverpool Chamber

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t ss a ine t s a u s b s r e u busin o y k t c a e k your ! Ch ness i s c W u e O h b E NOW! C ck your LIV ! Che LIVE N W O N LIVE 18

LCR CONNECT PROJECT BOOSTS LOCAL BUSINESSES

MEMBERS NEWS

More than 350 local businesses are now benefitting from Mayor Steve Rotheram’s flagship LCR Connect project.

The 214km gigabit-capable network is already making a huge difference to local businesses, such as the M&S Bank Arena, where the network played a key role in delivering the Eurovision Song Contest.

LCR Connect provided Eurovision organisers with specialised circuits in the venue, ensuring the event was broadcast to the largest global audience in the contest’s history and providing connectivity to the world’s media, audience members, and visitors in the city.

The network provided a range of routes from the Arena to independent locations in London, where internet traffic was handed to the BBC and the European Broadcasting Union, allowing the show to be beamed around the world. The network also provided cyber security to protect the event from potential distributed-denial-of-service (DDOS) attacks.

Now a 10-gigabit connection for Baltic Creative is providing ultrafast broadband for more than 100 companies based at the Liverpool hub for digital and creatives.

LCR Connect is a key element to achieving Mayor Rotheram’s ambition to make the Liverpool City Region the most digitally connected region in the country.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “The hallmark of any modern, 21st century city region like ours is how it connects people with opportunity. In an increasingly digital world, LCR Connect is making sure that our businesses can keep pace with the fastest internet speeds in the country. It’s helping to attract new jobs and investment into the region and, best of all, it’s half owned by us.

“Our infrastructure has already been put to the test with massive cultural events like Eurovision – but this is just the tip of the iceberg. Once complete, LCR Connect will eventually link to our universities, to our hospitals, to our public spaces, and to residential homes across the city region helping to deliver better public services too.

We’re well on our way to becoming the most digitally inclusive region in the country – and creating a better-connected future for our 1.6m residents.”

LCR Connect is a joint venture between the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, led by Mayor Steve Rotheram, which owns 50% of the venture, alongside ITS Technology Group, and NGE, who are delivering the full fibre network that is being built across the six local authority areas of

the Liverpool City Region.

The network is designed to significantly improve connectivity for businesses and will support internet access for schools and other organisations, making the city region among the best-connected areas of the UK. The connection to Baltic Creative was made through FACTCO, a Liverpool City Region-based internet service provider, who are a reseller for LCR Connect.

Fran Garforth, Operations Officer, Baltic Creative, said: “We are excited to upgrade our broadband across our Baltic Creative campus. We have over 100 tenants and a diverse mix of companies within the creative and digital sector. We were reaching capacity with our previous 1GB supply and recognised we needed to support our occupiers’ increasing demand for bandwidth.

“Businesses need reliable and scalable digital connectivity and as a flexible workspace provider, we want to offer the best to our tenants. It will help us serve our occupiers well, providing the stability and future proofing they need and help us attract more bandwidth-heavy users.”

NAVIGATING 2024’S CULINARY LANDSCAPE AT SPACES AT THE SPINE Located in Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter, Spaces at The Spine is more than a world-class conferences and events venue.

It’s also one of the healthiest venues in the North West, incorporating the WELL Building Standard and BREEAM’s (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) concepts in its design and operations.

Head chef Jim Chatwin strongly focuses on wellness, mirroring the increasing interest in healthy eating and sustainability he’s noticed among delegates and customers in the venue’s café, The Base. “Today diners are choosing vegan or vegetarian dishes even if they don’t follow those diets exclusively, simply because they appeal to them or want to minimise their impact on the environment,” he says.

Jim works with general manager Katie Roberts to create menus that reflect emerging trends and the WELL Building Standard’s concept of nourishment. Here,

Liverpool Chamber

We’re also connecting more with local suppliers to reduce the distance our ingredients have to travel, which is positively impacting our carbon footprint.

Katie Roberts

she reveals what’s ahead for Spaces at The Spine in 2024: Mind-body Nourishment People are focusing more on their physical and mental health. Therefore, the venue’s spring/summer menus will feature food that impacts our cleints’ wellbeing. For instance, our protein bites include dates and goji berries, which are good for emotional healing and detoxifying the liver. Our menus

will also explain why we’re using certain ingredients and their benefits, helping to put everything into context for our guests.

Meat-free Mondays In January, we’re introducing ‘Meat-free Mondays’ at The Base café. Replicating the now climate-conscious mindset, we’re looking for more sustainable alternatives.

We’re now focusing more on vegetables as well as prioritising our plant-based dishes at the top of our menus for delegates and guests.

A Northern Larder We’re also connecting more with local suppliers to reduce the distance our ingredients have to travel, which is positively impacting our carbon footprint. Because we have so many excellent producers in our region, we’re creating a ‘Northern Larder’ – a bank of trusted producers and suppliers - and in 2024, we’re actively looking to expand our relationships.

To learn more about Spaces at The Spine, visit www.spacesatthespine.co.uk

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Creating and promoting a powerful Employee Value Proposition (EVP) Kerry Swift January 2nd, Merseyside. Business leaders from high-rise offices to industrial estates share a common goal for 2024 – growth. Growth which will require new talent to fuel it.

The research consistently shows that most people are motivated by things other than money when selecting their next move.

Once the salary is ‘enough’ then they prioritise other things.

If those leaders believe 2024 will be better for hiring than the last few years, then I have some bad news because the UK market is facing three long term challenges:

So, to compete for talent you must provide a compelling answer to a simple question “What will it be like to work for you?”

1. Demographics – McKinsey predicts a shortage of 3 million young people by 2030 to replace retirees. This issue is already affecting many firms and it will get worse.

2. Fear – The mixed economic outlook for 2024 makes candidates hesitant to change jobs, preferring the safety of familiar roles.

3. Expectations – Millennials and Gen Z express growing disillusionment about matching their parents’ economic success.

A significant minority choose to quite quit and live their life instead.

These challenges shrink the pool of quality talent for your firm and make it harder to attract the talent you need to grow.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom.

Research on what motivates people to move, or stay has boomed in the last two years. Firms like McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group, The REC, and The Big 4 have all done huge research projects on the subject.

Their insights reveal all firms from small enterprises to international conglomerates can make some relatively simple changes to drastically improve their talent attraction.

First, the bad news, you do need to pay market rate. Candidates fear of change and the range of options before them means the best won’t move for anything less.

Next, the good news - money alone won’t win.

an SME to create and use an EVP because they have fewer layers of management to deploy it through.

Working with firms to implement an EVP and speaking to even more HR leaders who implemented their own, the results are always the same. More retention. Higher quality candidates. Better cultural fit.

The evidence shows people are more interested in your organisation, than the role. Let me give you some examples of what they want to know.

The key to success, from reviewing those that succeed and those that fall short is twofold.

1. Their EVO is authentic.

2. They get it out there.

Your ways of working, approach to development and progression even the mission and values of the business can be a top influence for a sizeable portion of candidates.

No point having an amazing firm if no one knows about so your Join us page and your social media channels should be filled with micro case studies that all prove you deliver on what you say.

By ways of working, I don’t just mean hybrid or remote work, though I can tell you that if you don’t offer hybrid, you are already on the backfoot. It’s also about Management style, performance metrics and the culture of the team.

Trust me, candidates will look.

The number one reason people move was career development and progression opportunities. However, almost the same proportion had their top motivator as “working for firms driven by a purpose”.

These three are the big components of the story you tell about your organisation. That story is known as your Employee Value Proposition (EVP).

Yet, EVP is not a marketing gimmick.

It must be the reality of what it is like to work at your firm, because if you fail to deliver the promises made in an EVP then retention will plummet, and your reputation will suffer.

EVP is something the smallest SME to the largest international firm can implement.

In fact, from experience with scale ups in the North West, I would say it’s easier for

Beam Recruit is a specialist recruitment consultancy based on three principles: transparent, quality and ethical. Whether you’re recruiting for a position or looking for your next role, Beam can help you along the way.

www.beamrecruit.co.uk I kerry@beamrecruit.co.uk

Beyond that ensure your recruitment partners and hiring managers consistently back up that EVP story. Mixed messages make candidates doubt the authenticity of your EVP. Plus, if your EVP is compelling enough, and promoted enough, then you may find your reputation draws talent to you, saving on recruitment costs.

2024 may be a new year, but the trend from the last few years continues. Candidates expect a market rate wage slip; beyond that they’re seeking a place where they can grow, contribute, and feel valued.

As a recruiter with 26 years of experience in the local market, I understand these shifts. I’m here to help businesses in the Northwest navigate these changes, find the right talent, and build teams that thrive.

If you’re looking to discuss your recruitment strategy over a coffee or a call, I’m just a conversation away. Together, let’s make 2024 a year of growth and success for your business.

BEAMRECRUIT

REGENERATION

SEAN KEYES, CEO OF SUTCLIFFE

2024 PREDICTIONS 2023 has been a somewhat unpredictable year, with the construction sector reacting to the ever changing political landscape marked mainly by the RAAC crisis in September, the cancellation of HS2 in October and the recent Autumn statement.

Despite the evident challenges, 2023 has also seen the UK construction sector hit its highest growth rate in 9 months, while the Labour Leader, Sir Keir Starmer, announced his plan to build an additional 1.5 million homes, which will form part of the next generation of new towns and cities if he is elected Prime Minister.

One of my personal highlights of 2023 has to be the Sutcliffe Charity Ball, which we hosted at the Titanic Hotel’s Rum Warehouse in April. With auction prizes including Eurovision tickets, a signed Pelé and Muhammad Ali print, plus signed Liverpool and Everton shirts, we raised over £52,000 on the night for Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and its SWAN model, aimed at providing families and patients in our Liverpool City Region with personalised end of life care.

Surprisingly as inflation cools, the positivity that this brings to the industry can be easily and quickly felt which will hopefully mean that in 2024, we see the first reduction in interest rates since December 2021 So, looking ahead to 2024 it is my view that the construction industry will remain robust and at some point, there is bound to be a change in government with both political parties under pressure to build more homes to reduce the housing shortage and replace schools and hospitals that have been blighted by the RAAC saga, especially as they have not been replaced at their original intended design life. This will be a boost for the construction sector and will recreate wealth and improve quality of life.

There is great pressure to innovate within the construction sector, and modern methods of construction are being embraced to reduce construction costs,

Liverpool Chamber

The Sutcliffe Charity Ball

improve sustainability and tackle the labour shortage. However, this represents only a small proportion of the construction sector, which reflects the reality of the reluctance to change as in 1970 RAAC concrete was viewed as a modern method of construction - hence some people’s caution. The use of modern methods will undoubtedly grow in 2024.

As the cost of university education rises, I anticipate that more Gen Z’s will realise that a personal debt of £50,000 to obtain a degree will never be repaid, leading to a rise in apprenticeships for school leavers.

I believe degree apprenticeships are the future and these should be fully funded by the Government with similar schemes to bring those out of unemployment and into the workplace.

Surprisingly as inflation cools, the positivity that this brings to the industry can be easily and quickly felt which will hopefully mean that in 2024, we see the first reduction in interest rates since December 2021. This will then enable prospective purchasers to buy homes more in line with historical interest rates. This would be a boost to home ownership and the economy and will be quickly felt. Sadly I don’t believe we will see interest rates

below 1% again in my lifetime.

The UK economy is on a path to net zero which won’t be achieved overnight and the minute we start to fully embrace it, we will start to see positive changes.

I do believe this will lead to major and significant growth of the UK economy and if we embrace it, we will regain some of our prestige on the world stage. Personally, I would like to see all of the terraced houses in all northern cities receive government grants to reduce the energy waste in these homes. What a difference this would make!

I am looking forward to welcoming the great and good of the construction industry once more as the Sutcliffe Charity Ball returns to the Rum Warehouse at the Titanic Hotel on the 19th April 2024.

Sutcliffe are specialist structural engineers in the healthcare sector having completed projects at most of Liverpool’s hospitals and will be raising funds for two incredible NHS causes close to all our hearts for Liverpool Women’s Hospital Charity, Neonatal care and Liverpool University Hospitals Charity, supporting dementia. I thank all attendees at the ball who will be helping support those during the start of life and end of life.

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PATRON FOCUS

REACTING TO CYBER ATTACKS IS ALREADY TOO LATE How many businesses are now operating in a completely different way than just a few years ago? We’ve all changed in some way, adopting homeworking, hybrid or mobile workers or split offices. For most of us, this change happened quickly, and the form of disparate working we’re still getting used to presents a challenge for keeping critical data secure.

• Firewalls - the firewall (or firewalls for businesses working from multiple locations) is your front line protection against malicious traffic on the internet. When was the last time you updated your firewall?

Humour me and let’s go back 20 years, most of us worked in an office with a small business server protecting critical data, with the odd VPN connecting remote workers. Fast-forward to now and “work” is less about where we are, it’s more just what we do.

We have all benefitted. We have gained more flexibility to create a better work/life balance.

Those are positives. So, what are the challenges?

The main challenge is clear, because every month I get more calls from business owners and management requesting assistance with data security. One problem the stats show is that people are usually reacting after a cyberattack, rather than proactively working to prevent them.

Worse still the National Cyber Centre (NCC) forecasts that in 2024 we are likely to see an 18% increase in cyber exploits against SME’s.

Largely this is because too many companies are open and exposed, with employees working from anywhere on any device, assuming their old firewalls (installed for office-centric network security) will protect a remote environment.

• Anti-Malware - Is every device connected to your company network or data protected from malware? Because if Johnny in sales brings his iPhone to work and connects to your network on his break, you are exposed.

One click on the wrong link from a foreign device could mean you are compromised.

• Intrusion Detection Protection - Do your firewalls check just the data being received or do they look at unusual behaviours and patterns? If Jayne from client accounts logs in at 3.15am from home when Jayne has only worked in the office before, should this be allowed?

The main challenge is clear, because every month I get more calls from business owners and management requesting assistance with data security. One problem the stats show is that people are usually reacting after a cyberattack, rather than proactively working to prevent them.

• Content Filtering - Do you have protection from what you and your staff can see and click?

• Training – Have you trained your staff or got accreditation on cyber essential?

If you have any questions regarding this article or would like to talk with an expert, we are happy to help of course. All I am urging is you reflect and consider whether your business is cyber safe now, rather than react to an incident down the line.

About a third of businesses will stick their head in the sand with regards to cyber security, according to the NCC. For the rest, I hope this ‘proactive sober reflection’ will provide some help to improve your protection: David Hagan – Director BT Local Business

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EMPOWERING FUTURES: £4.5MILLION COLLABORATION TO ELEVATE SKILLS AND OPPORTUNITIES IN LIVERPOOL CITY REGION

Six colleges in the Liverpool City Region have been awarded funding from the Government’s £165million Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF) to help address the rapidly evolving skills needs of the region’s workforce. The collaboration of colleges have successfully secured a total of £4.5million.

SKILLS

THE ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FOR 2024 Oliver de Groot Professor of Macroeconomics University of Liverpool Management School

The cost-of-living storm might have passed its peak, but households and businesses are likely to face another blustery economic year ahead.

The investment will be allocated across six unique projects that align with the priorities of the Liverpool City Region Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) launched in June 2023.

in the region, particularly those aligned with LSIP priority job roles. This effort will be supported through the development of a range of engaging promotional materials and content.

Growth in the UK will remain weak in 2024 as high interest rates persist. Even though inflation has eased, it remains too high. The cost-ofliving crisis has damaged households’ spending power, and increased borrowing costs will further discourage spending, especially on bigticket items.

The projects are centered on developing a curriculum related to green skills, including electric/hybrid vehicles, hydrogen infrastructure and renewable energy, and digital skills.

The project will culminate with the development of tailored programmes to provide pupils and post-16 students with the necessary workplace skills and behaviours to support their direct transition into employment where the need is most critical.

The initial inflationary surge in 2022 was largely the result of global energy prices, but the inflation that now remains is more due to strong wage growth in the UK jobs market. Workers’ changing job preferences, a rise in long-term sickness, and Brexit are all contributing to tightness in the jobs market.

Sonia Stirling, Deputy Principal at Hugh Baird College, said:

Brexit introduced new frictions in the UK labour market, giving domestic workers more bargaining power. Simultaneously, uncertainty has dampened business investment, encouraging firms to hire staff instead of increasing capital. Of course, immigration has remained high, but with a different composition—many are students and refugees who participate less in the labour market and thus fill fewer vacancies.

The six colleges, Hugh Baird College, The City of Liverpool College, Riverside College, Wirral Met College, Southport College and St Helens College, will collaborate and lead a project each.

These include: • Talent Bank and Career Pathways • Green Technologies and Digitalisation • New Skills for Net Zero • New Pathways to Learning • Freeport Skills Academy • Building Employer Partnerships Rachael Hennigan, Principal and Chief Executive of Hugh Baird College, said: “This funding allocation is the culmination of a truly collaborative partnership across the Further Education sector in the Liverpool City Region.

Together, we are committed to ensuring employers and industry have access to a resilient workforce fully prepared for the skills changes taking place now and in the future.

The Talent Bank project, led by Hugh Baird College, will focus on ensuring a greater clarity and understanding of skills and career opportunities available

Liverpool Chamber

“At Hugh Baird College, we are excited to launch the Talent Bank and Career Pathways project, a visionary approach to bridging the gap between the talent of students and the dynamic needs of the Liverpool City Region’s employers.”

“This initiative represents our commitment to enhancing workforce readiness and fostering a deeper collaboration between education providers, businesses, and the community. We believe that through this project, alongside the five other projects, together we will be able to help unlock the full potential of our future workforce and contribute significantly to our region’s economic growth and innovation.”

Rachael Hennigan concludes; “The objective of these projects is clear yet significant: to equip individuals with advanced skills that open the door to improved employment opportunities, ensuring they are afforded every possibility to lead improved lives.”

The pandemic has also depressed the labour supply. With the NHS at capacity, there is a rising number of potential workers on waiting lists, leading to a rise in the economically inactive (long-term sick). Moreover, the pandemic altered workers’ job preferences, making it harder for some industries, like restaurants, to hire. As a result, vacancies, while falling, remain high, especially in the service industry.

The Bank of England, conscious that inflation is still above its 2% target, and aware of the challenges posed by a tight jobs market, will maintain a tight interest rate policy for some time. Moreover, the impact of higher rates is yet to have fully fed through the economy. After a decade of near zero interest rates, many households and firms remain protected from these rate rises because of preexisting fixedrate mortgages and loans. However, as more households remortgage and more firms renew loans contracts, the impact of higher rates will strengthen. House prices are also falling, further making households feel less wealthy.

While the government is keen to set out pro-growth measures, as it did in the Autumn Statement, it will prove difficult to shift the barometer dial on consumption and investment spending coming from the other economic headwinds in the near term.

No doubt, economic forecasters and the government will be looking keenly for glimmers of blue sky ahead.

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COVER FEATURE

HOW CAN WE ENSURE THE LIVERPOOL CITY REGION’S INVESTMENT ZONE WILL CONTRIBUTE TO LEVELLING UP? Graham Bond, RSM’s office managing partner in Liverpool, says more needs to be done for the scheme to deliver for businesses.

Targeted support to deliver levelling up in the form of Investment Zones is welcomed by businesses throughout the Liverpool City Region. The site, announced in July, outlines £320m in private investment to support the creation of 4,000 jobs across Liverpool, Runcorn, St. Helen’s, Maghull and Prescot. Aside from providing secure, well-paid jobs and training opportunities for local people, it will enhance connectivity between research and industry, and bolster the region’s world-leading reputation in life sciences.

However, looking at the bigger picture and the impact Investment Zones will have on levelling up, the current framework lacks the ambition and clarity required to generate real growth, as it is too complex, with varying tax incentives by site. We’re also yet to see how the Liverpool City Region Investment Zone will complement the region’s freeport, which launched earlier in the year.

Liverpool is also held back by its existing transport infrastructure, which markedly reduces the benefit of the Investment Zone, as there isn’t the necessary transport links to attract the best talent. While the Transport Secretary’s announcement to invest £12bn

in the Merseyrail Network is welcome news and will enhance connectivity across the North West, this won’t happen overnight, as infrastructure projects take time to mobilise.

In addition, our recent survey in partnership with Make UK, published in October, found that only 15% of manufacturers would consider moving to an Investment Zone, and a quarter (25%) of manufacturers do not believe they generate growth – they just move activity from one area to another.

Over two-thirds (68%) thought that infrastructure has deteriorated over the past 10 years, meaning that if action isn’t taken, the problem may deteriorate further.

Investment Zones could prove to be a strategic catalyst for growth, but only if they fulfil the following criteria: • A focus for the long-term, creating a stable environment for investment.

• Considering all aspects of the economy, including infrastructure, skills and labour.

• Must be easy to understand and accessible.

The Autumn Statement also prioritised investment in manufacturing, with the launch of its Advanced Manufacturing Plan. This, coupled with further commitment to regional Investment Zones and permanent full expensing will provide some level of reassurance to manufacturers

While the Transport Secretary’s announcement to invest £12bn in the Merseyrail Network is welcome news and will enhance connectivity across the North West, this won’t happen overnight, as infrastructure projects take time to mobilise.

Graham Bond, RSM’s office managing partner in Liverpool

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to commit to long-term investment.

Specifically in Liverpool, this will support the development of the Manufacturing and Innovation Campus to create a cluster of life science, manufacturing and innovation businesses.

Although these isolated policies will be a boost for industry, the Liverpool City Region and indeed levelling up, the UK needs an overarching, long-term industrial strategy which brings them all together. Ahead of the 2024 Spring Budget, the government should consider taking a more holistic approach, like the US, to unlock growth, innovation, talent retention and greater certainty for investment.

CHAMBER NEWS

REVOLUTIONISING OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH: A LOCAL INITIATIVE WITH NATIONAL IMPACT Discover how a Liverpool based project is revolutionising Occupational Health for SMEs. Led by Damibu, Kays Medical, and Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, this innovative initiative could reshape health services nationwide.

In Liverpool, an innovative initiative is underway, bringing a significant change to the landscape of Occupational Health (OH) services. This project, focusing on Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), is not just a local endeavour but a potential gamechanger at the national level.

The initiative is a collaborative effort of Damibu, Kays Medical, and Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions under a Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) competition managed by Innovate UK. It represents an extraordinary synergy of technological innovation, medical expertise, and business insights.

Occupational Health is a vital field focusing on preventing and managing health issues related to the workplace. Its goal is to maintain the health and well-being of employees, which is crucial for both personal health and business productivity.

Traditionally, OH services have been more accessible to larger employers, often leaving smaller businesses without adequate support.

Most OH services are geared towards larger employers, typically those with over 50 employees. This trend has created a significant service gap for smaller businesses, which constitute a substantial portion of the workforce. These smaller entities often lack the resources or knowledge to implement effective OH practices, leading to a disparity in worker health protection.

The UK government has recognised this gap and is advocating for more inclusive OH services, especially tailored for micro and small enterprises. The government’s stance is to ensure that OH services are not a privilege of the large employers alone but a standard practice accessible to all levels of business operations.

This project introduces a novel approach by using associations, particularly Chambers of Commerce, to encourage SME discovery and engagement in Occupational Health.

This strategy is innovative in its method of reaching and engaging small businesses, a

Liverpool Chamber

segment that has traditionally been difficult to penetrate with standard OH services.

Phase 1 of the project has been focused on creating a minimum viable product (MVP) for the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce website. This phase serves as an important foundation, establishing the initial framework and testing the viability of the project’s concept.

Most OH services are geared towards larger employers, typically those with over 50 employees.

This trend has created a significant service gap for smaller businesses, which constitute a substantial portion of the workforce.

The project is currently in a phase where community feedback is essential. The MVP, available on the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce’s website, is not just a tool but a call to action for the community to engage and contribute their insights. Readers are encouraged to visit the platform, use the services, and provide feedback through the available form.

Looking ahead, the project aims for Phase 2 funding, which would enable it to expand its reach to involve multiple chambers and OH providers across the Liverpool City Region.

This expansion would mark a significant step in making OH services more equitable and widespread.

This Occupational Health initiative in Liverpool stands at a pivotal point, with the potential to redefine OH services across the UK. By bridging the gap in service provision for SMEs, the project paves the way for a more inclusive, healthier workforce. The collaborative approach, innovative use of digital platforms, and alignment with government priorities position it as a model for future health initiatives. As the project progresses, its success could herald a new era in occupational health, demonstrating the power of targeted, collaborative efforts in addressing long-standing healthcare challenges.

If successful, this initiative has the potential to be scaled nationally, creating a new paradigm in OH services across the UK. This scalability is crucial for the project’s longterm vision of inclusive health services for all business sizes.

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PATRON NEWS

LSTM: BUILDING ON 125 YEARS OF HEALTH IMPACT IN 2024 Our researchers developed new methodologies that reduce the tsetse fly population – the insect that carries the parasite that causes the infection. Working alongside partners, governments and NGOs in some of the most affected countries, we deployed insecticide-treated squares of handkerchief-sized blue fabric and black netting along local riverbanks and water sources. This method reduced the tsetse population to such an extent that the number of cases of ‘sleeping sickness’ dropped dramatically.

In November, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine’s 125th anniversary celebrations began.

For over a century, we have been leading the fight against diseases that disproportionately affect some of the world’s most vulnerable populations, like Tuberculosis, Malaria, and HIV. This year, we will explore our history and celebrate our future as we embark on an ambitious new strategy to continue building healthy lives around the world.

This year, LSTM will formally receive a Queen’s Anniversary Prize. The awards recognise outstanding work by UK colleges and universities which demonstrates excellence and innovation and delivers real benefit to the wider world.

Our award-winning project, “Tiny Targets”, has played a vital role in tackling the spread of ‘sleeping sickness’ – a potentially deadly

parasitic infection that puts millions of men, women and children in Sub-Saharan Africa at risk every year. Sleeping sickness is not a simple infection to diagnose or treat, especially within some of the world’s poorest rural populations where basic healthcare is scarce, so reducing the spread is essential to saving lives.

This award recognises the impact of LSTM’s work and how researchers here in Liverpool work alongside partners worldwide to save lives and transform health outcomes.

We are proud to play our part in the city-region’s ambitions to be a centre of excellence for life sciences.

LSTM is proud to be the Chamber’s Charity Partner of the Year, with both organisations sharing a commitment to innovation and opportunity in our city-region.

A TRANSFORMATIVE 2024 IN SOCIAL HOUSING

Steve Coffey,

Group CEO, Torus Group

As we enter 2024, the landscape of social housing is poised for significant change, influenced profoundly by pivotal events and emerging challenges. At Torus, we are acutely aware of this evolving scenario.

The tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020 has been a catalyst for critical introspection and action in our sector.

This incident, alongside the Grenfell Tower tragedy, underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety and quality standards in housing.

These events have directly influenced the formulation of the Better Social Housing Review, striving to ensure such tragedies are never repeated. In response to these developments, and in alignment with the government’s Charter for Social Housing Residents, Torus reaffirms its commitment to the fundamental right of every individual to a safe and affordable home. Furthermore, we are adapting to the massive increase in demand for repairs, viewing it not just

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as a challenge but as an opportunity to strengthen our services and deepen our relationships with tenants, ensuring their voices and needs are at the heart of our operations.

So, what does 2024 hold for us?

For business leaders in our sector, understanding the implications of this is crucial. Key elements like the Tenant Satisfaction Measures and the new access to information scheme are transformative.

They not only promote transparency but also empower tenants resonating with our ethos of community engagement.

This empowers tenants to be more than just recipients of services; they’re active participants in their housing management.

Last year, we launched a new programme of Stock Condition Surveys with the aim of surveying every property we manage so we can get a full picture for our future programmes of works – what needs doing and when. As of last month, our trusted contractor, Savills had already completed more than 20,000 full house and block

surveys, which is ahead of schedule, and we are now due to finish our full 100% surveys

by June 2024.

These survey results already obtained have provided us with enough information for our 2024/25 Planned Improvement Programme which will make it easier for tenants to access information about their home, including what works they are getting and when they are due.

This year, we will also be holding more community roadshows, which will provide our tenants with opportunities to have their say and give their thoughts on the products and services we offer.

These changes signify more than just compliance. They represent a commitment to improve the quality of life for our tenants. This year, we’re not just adapting to new regulations; we’re leading the way in creating a future where our tenants feel valued, secure, and part of a thriving community.

For more information about Torus please visit www.torus.co.uk

MEMBERS NEWS

RANDOX GRAND NATIONAL FESTIVAL 2024

At the iconic Aintree Racecourse, The Art School restaurant experience is back for the Randox Grand National Festival 2024.

Renowned for its commitment to fine dining, this establishment adds a touch of sophistication and flavour to the thrilling atmosphere of one of horse racing’s most prestigious events.

The Art School restaurant, led by acclaimed chef Paul Askew, promises a gastronomic experience that mirrors the elegance and excitement of its host. Boasting a menu inspired by a fusion of classic British and contemporary European influences, patrons

can anticipate a culinary journey that rivals the thrill of the races themselves.

A six-course tasting menu is served to you throughout the afternoon, complimented by a flight of Fine Wines.

On arrival you will be greeted with a glass of Charles Heidsieck & ‘Les Fruits De Mer’, with five successive, delicious courses served between each race all matched with a

hand selection of fine wines chosen by Paul’s sommelier team. Your dining experience will conclude with a unique Champagne Afternoon Tea. The unique hospitality offering will be located in Paddock Lodge, with fantastic views over the famous Aintree Parade Ring.

Search ‘The Art School at Aintree’ online to find out more.

PURPOSE LED AND PEOPLE FIRST

Enterprise has been moving mobility forward for more than 65 years. Now, as this global leader reaffirms its mobility ambition and looks to partner with others to help shape future experiences, the business is connecting its full portfolio of offerings – car rental, fleet management, flexible vehicle hire, car sales, HGV rental, car share, luxury rental, technology solutions and more – under a new corporate brand - Enterprise Mobility.

“Since day one, we’ve been inspired by a bold idea: creating better experiences for how the world moves,” said Enterprise Mobility President & CEO Chrissy Taylor. “This marks the beginning of our next chapter, reinforcing our 90,000-strong global team’s commitment to deliver exceptional service for partners, customers and neighbours – innovating with intention to meet their everchanging needs.”

The motivation behind the shift is to reflect the business’ evolution from a fleet of seven cars, more than six decades ago, to a

Liverpool Chamber

global network of mobility solutions serving consumers, businesses and governments.

“We were founded as a car leasing business and are best known today as the world’s largest car rental provider. Yet, the business has evolved immensely in terms of geography, offerings and customer segments served,” said Taylor. “Enterprise Mobility brings together the full portfolio we have to offer as we continue to invest heavily to meet customer mobility needs today and into the future.”

With the announcement, Enterprise Mobility has launched a new visual identity and corporate purpose: Advance the world, one journey at a time. The refreshed visual identity pays homage to the iconic dual parallel lines in the Executive Leasing logo from 1965.

The motivation behind the shift is to reflect the business’ evolution from a fleet of seven cars, more than six decades ago, to a global network of mobility solutions serving consumers, businesses and governments.

“More than just an ‘e’, Enterprise Mobility embodies the incredible journey of our business, both where we come from and where we are going,” added Taylor.

If you have any projects or fleet needs on the horizon, please contact Daniel Ansboro at daniel.j.ansboro@em.com If you can drive it, we can provide it!

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MAXIMISING EMPLOYEE WELLBEING FOR BETTER RETENTION IN 2024

MEMBERS NEWS

2024 is set to see the corporate world enter a new era, as the various public health, economic, and political instabilities of recent years make their impact felt.

It’s estimated that around 1 in 4 employees are heading into January looking for a new job – and with the costs of recruitment rocketing, it’s clear that retention of staff is set to be the key cost-saving and productivity-boosting measure for UK businesses in 2024.

While salary and career development remain high priorities for employees, increasingly many are now reporting wellbeing as a major factor in their workplace happiness and engagement.

To help you kickstart your wellbeing policy for better retention and engagement in 2024, here are some of the key focus areas for the year ahead, as identified by Medicash.

Understanding the wellbeing web

problem before it becomes a crisis.

2024 is set to be the year of holistic wellbeing, with employers integrating their wellbeing strategies into the foundation of their business to improve their total approach to health. From financial support helplines to menopause awareness training, today’s employers should look to include the many facets of wellbeing into their strategy.

Engaging your employees With recent surveys finding that 85% of employees feel disengaged from their work and workplace, employee engagement is set to be the keyword of 2024. Employees who feel engaged in their work report higher levels of happiness, motivation, and job satisfaction – meaning that by building connections and improving workplace culture, businesses can look to boost both their retention and productivity.

Proactive mental health support As the nation’s mental health continues to struggle, today’s employees are increasingly aware of the need for proactive, rather than reactive, mental health support. Many workplaces are now seeing the benefit of offering comprehensive Employee Assistance Programmes or training Mental Health First Aiders to offer in-the-moment, early intervention support – catching a

As the new year starts rolling, now is a fantastic time to consider your organisation’s approach to health and wellbeing with the Medicash Health & Wellbeing Group. From award-winning cash plans to wellbeing strategy support, you can find out more at www.medicash.org.

RANDOX HEALTH PARTNERS WITH TASSO Randox Health is set to become the first in the UK to offer Tasso’s patient-centric devices for remote sampling.

at Randox Health. “By offering Tasso’s devices for clinical-grade blood sample collection as part of our testing kits – available through our website or at our clinic storefronts – we are providing an improved experience and addressing consumer needs.”

This partnership combines Randox Health’s expansive at-home testing capabilities with Tasso’s innovative and virtually painless blood sample collection solutions.

By combining Tasso’s technical expertise and Randox Health’s in-depth industry knowledge across key areas, including hormonal health, female health, genetics, and others, customers can benefit from receiving real-time insights about their health, enabling them to monitor and improve their overall well-being.

Randox Health, which provides at-home and in-clinic health tests as part of Randox – the largest healthcare diagnostics company in the UK and Ireland – and Tasso, Inc., the leading provider of patient-centric clinical-grade blood collection solutions, announced a partnership to offer at-home healthcare diagnostic testing powered

by Tasso's innovative blood collection technology.

portfolio of convenient, virtually painless blood collection devices.

Randox Health offers more than 10 at-home testing kits for a variety of health concerns and is the first major laboratory in the UK to validate the Tasso devices and offer them to consumers for at-home health and wellness diagnostic testing. Through the partnership, people using Randox Health at-home tests will have access to Tasso’s innovative

“As part of our mission to transform preventative healthcare and enable consumers to take control of their health through quality data, we are thrilled to partner with Tasso to make it easier, more convenient and less painful for people to access critical health information,” said Alexander Rusak, Vice President of Sales

Liverpool Chamber

“Tasso and Randox Health share a vision of increasing access to healthcare with patient-centric solutions and accelerating convenient, at-home healthcare options,” said Ben Casavant, PhD, CEO and cofounder of Tasso, Inc. “By offering our devices as part Randox Health’s at-home testing kits, we hope to not only improve the patient experience, but also provide information that can allow individuals to make better informed decisions about their health.”

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90%

of people with a severe and enduring mental illness want to work, but only 8% are in paid employment.

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Individual Placement Support (IPS) employment service from The Life Rooms will work alongside your business to support those with mental health difficulties to gain meaningful paid employment.

IPS have job seekers ready to take the next step with your business.

■ We work in partnership with local businesses ■ We link people to the right job match for them ■ We secure paid employment ■ We provide ongoing support for client and employer ■ We support communities in Liverpool, Warrington, Halton and Wirral.

Find out more and get in touch with The Life Rooms IPS Team: www.liferooms.org/support/IPS

SCAN ME

MEMBERS NEWS

TOGETHER, LET’S BRING IMAGINATION TO REALITY, ONE PRINT AT A TIME As we gear up for an exciting 2024, we also wanted to reflect on a fantastic 2023.

As we know, 2023 brought Eurovision to the region and we had the privilege to work on some key assets such as the welcome graphics at Merseyrail Stations, and Open Eye Gallery for their Ukraine War Art. We also installed an eye-catching pop-up photo gallery for Gay Times and Skittles at the Albert Dock during Eurovision week.

Working with Merseyrail, we decorated Hoylake Station with welcome banners and way-finding signage for the 151st Open Championship at Royal Liverpool, this was among the many highlights of 2023.

Oriel Studios also became members and then Strategic Partners of the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, which is part of the company’s new 5-year plan, also implemented in 2023. Being nominated for the Customer Excellence award at the Innovation in Business awards is a recognition of our commitment to delivering quality service and innovative print solutions.

Looking ahead to 2024, we are genuinely excited to launch a new website, providing a clearer insight into our range of products and services. In line with our values, we are eager to welcome work experience candidates from the Merseyside area, offering valuable opportunities for aspiring creatives.

We are also taking steps towards sustainability by offering more environmentally friendly products, aligning with our commitment to contribute to a greener future. In embracing the digital shift, we aim to present clients with new and

innovative concepts, acknowledging the evolving landscape of digital experiences.

Additionally, we are actively working towards Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets. Initiatives such as providing all staff members with a paid Charity Day, engaging in work experience programs, and collaborating with charities on meaningful projects underline our commitment to making a positive impact.

We take in the experiences of 2023 and look forward to developing a stronger 2024.

Together, let’s bring imagination to reality, one print at a time.

MORECROFTS MARKS A DECADE IN ALLERTON Morecrofts Solicitors celebrates the tenth anniversary of its office in Allerton.

Since opening in 2013, the office has doubled in size and now accommodates up to 15 lawyers and support staff working across a range of legal matters including property conveyancing, family and employment law.

During its first decade, staff at the Allerton office have represented more than 5,000 clients, often working alongside neighbouring estate agents, accountants and other local professional advisors.

Morecrofts managing partner Alison Lobb says the achievement is all the more impressive considering that other law firms have closed their offices during this time.

Alison said: “When we opened the Allerton office, our ambition was to establish ourselves in a thriving high street and lend our support to the local community, and I am delighted we have been able to do that for a decade.

Staff at Morecrofts’ Allerton office

Liverpool Chamber

“There have certainly been changes to the area during that time and we have seen lots of fellow occupiers, including law firms and banks, moving out or reducing their footprint. Our commitment is steadfast and we look forward to further expanding our presence and our impact here in the coming years.”

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DIGITAL

James Smethurst Amass Digital

“AMASS” YOUR MARKETING IN 2024:

NAVIGATING THE BUSINESS LANDSCAPE Welcome back to our first instalment of 2024! As we embark on a new year, many of us find ourselves amidst the challenges and excitement that lie ahead.

Reflecting on the trials of 2023, it’s evident that the business world faced uncertainties and as we march into 2024, we again remain concerned about the economic conditions and interest rates.

Being an entrepreneur often feels like walking a lonely path; a calm duck on the surface, you might be paddling furiously underneath to keep your business afloat, and keep a team employed. Right now this is true for so many of us; no one is alone in navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship.

To weather the storms of business ownership, having a well-thought-out strategy is paramount. In my opinion, every business should maintain at least three strategies; Corporate, Functional, and Risk Management. And don’t forget the age-old adage, “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.”

As we delve into the heart of 2024, it’s crucial to stay abreast of key marketing trends that can propel your business forward, so use them to strategize for 2024:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation: Harness the power of AI and automation to streamline processes, enhance customer experiences, and boost efficiency.

• Voice Search Optimisation: With the rise of voice-activated devices, optimising for voice search is no longer a luxury but a necessity for businesses aiming to stay relevant.

• Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): Create immersive brand experiences through AR and VR technologies, offering consumers a unique and interactive engagement.

• Sustainability and Social Responsibility: Consumers are increasingly conscious of the environmental and social impact of their choices. Incorporate sustainability and social responsibility into your brand ethos.

• Chatbots and Conversational Marketing: Utilise chatbots to engage with customers

in real time, providing personalised experiences and boosting customer satisfaction.

• Interactive Content: Capture and retain audience attention with interactive content, such as quizzes, polls, and immersive storytelling.

• Privacy and Data Protection: Safeguarding customer data is non-negotiable. Prioritise privacy and data protection to build trust with your audience.

In sum, use 2024 to stay agile, alert, and prepare to pivot when necessary, “nothing changes if nothing changes”. As we traverse the uncharted territories of 2024, remember that adaptability and foresight will be your greatest allies in achieving your business goals. So, amass your marketing strategies wisely and embrace the journey ahead!

ACADEMIC VERSUS LIFE SKILLS

NURTURING THE NEXT GENERATION OF PROFESSIONALS As a New Year begins, it’s crucial to explore the opportunities for students graduating this summer who aspire to enter the workforce.

The prevailing pressure within the education system often directs students toward pursuing higher education at universities, however, this may not be a viable option for many students who must battle with an education system which appears to prioritise academic success over imparting essential life skills.

Real world relevance When the final summer term concludes, a critical question will no doubt arise: Is this academic prowess truly relevant in the real world? “ The future of training and courses should be in the creation of a recognised industry qualification that focuses on vocational prowess in order to harness and develop skills that enable all students to also manage their emotions, cope with stress, and comprehend the responsibilities and dynamics of the workplace, including effective collaboration with peers and colleagues” explains Angie Berwick, Programme Leader for Events and Technical Theatre at Cheshire College – South & West.

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Business challenge This predicament poses a significant challenge for many small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) when recruiting new talent. SMEs often find themselves compelled to develop programs addressing these skill gaps without substantial financial support from the government.

General Manager at MSP Ritchie Nield explained, “We take great pride in our commitment to training and guiding the next generation of technicians and event professionals in the region. The tangible and heartening successes for both our business and individuals underscore the importance of this endeavour.”

Angie Berwick commented: “I agree with MSP that it is necessary to integrate young people into the professional environment as much as possible during their training so that gaps in skills are identified and resolved before students move on to the first phase of their career.”

Creating a beneficial reality The imperative of integrating new workers

into the professional environment cannot be overstated, especially for businesses across the Liverpool City Region (LCR). To transform this necessity into a mutually beneficial reality, government investment and financial support are indispensable, alleviating the extra burden on businesses and fostering the growth of a skilled and well-rounded workforce.

CHAMBER NEWS

KEY MEASURES IN AUTUMN STATEMENT In conjunction with Liverpool Chamber Patrons RSM, we hosted a special round table event to discuss the key measures in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement. A summary of the event can be found below, while the full discussion is available on our website.

Paul Cherpeau | Liverpool Chamber We hope to gain insights from around the table about how the latest Autumn Statement might affect the decisionmaking of businesses in the near future.

With a General Election looming, we would also like to gain a broader understanding of the different levers the government might choose to pull to improve the economic outlook and trading environment for businesses in the next 12 months.

Rob Adams | RSM The measures announced around R&D are double-sided.

There is an effective reduction in the allowances available to SMEs, with greater HMRC compliance activity around R&D, partly in an attempt to clamp down on firms making ‘ambitious’ claims that include more general thinking and planning as R&D activity.

This clearly has an impact on the many other SMEs making more transparent claims.

The second aspect is around capital allowances, which is an area that never seems to stand still from year to year and is regularly subject to tinkering. The latest update is that full expensing on capital expenditure has been made permanent, rather than the previously announced period of three years.

David Hawley | RSM HMRC is certainly increasing the level of investigations and there is evidence of this being focussed on particular sectors or geographical locations.

The National Minimum Wage is a complex area for some businesses and we are seeing many caught out by technical compliance breaches. The vast majority of operators do not intentionally ignore their responsibilities around the National Minimum Wage, but it is often the case that businesses may accidentally breach due to poor measurement of timekeeping or the lack of

Liverpool Chamber

clarity around the specific work practices of individual members of staff. Examples of this might include insufficient recording of clocking in and out, or the length of time that it takes to put protective clothing on. Despite the technical aspect of such a breach, it can create negative media publicity and word of mouth for those firms.

Neil Wong | Rathbones Context is everything when it comes to drawing out the investment implications from the Autumn Statement.

There has been no significant loosening of tax policy, with the government giving and taking away at the same time. The tax take is still increasing as a percentage of the economy and recession in the UK is likely with the economy slowing down, inflation falling and a looming general election.

The impact of the first interest rate increases are only just now being felt, with many mortgages yet to be renewed. We can foresee inflation being back down to 3% by next year, but there is still a squeeze on living standards.

We expect interest rate cuts to come through towards the middle of next year, as recessions become apparent, though they won’t return to the levels of a few years ago.

Tax changes aimed at encouraging investment are very welcome but their ability to boost the economy can take years to be felt.

John Miller | Sure Steps Day Nursery We would have liked to have seen the Business Rates Relief for hospitality and leisure business extended to nurseries, but it wasn’t, and with Corporation Tax and National Living Wage increasing, the fees charged to parents will inevitably rise again next year.

If the additional funding for one and two year-olds is not sufficient, we are likely to see some operators go out of business or

refuse to accept children on funded places.

Clearly, the motive behind this measure is to get people back to work, which is a great idea in principle, but in practice it raises lots of difficulties.

Robert White | Brabners Finding and retaining talent is a major issue in the professional services sector, particularly in an environment nearing full employment, where firms need more people to support their growth aspirations.

The greatest challenge facing the UK is a history of under-investment and a lack of productivity. In particular, post the financial crisis and since 2016. A lack of a long-term investment strategy that transcends shortterm political cycles does not help and, in particular, flip-flopping on policy and five Prime Ministers in seven years, has certainly not created a stable environment. We need a long-term skills and investment plan aimed at boosting overall productivity. This isn’t necessarily traditional academic or technical ability, but also leadership and management skills.

Pete Sandman | City of Liverpool College We need to get smarter about how we spend funding such as the Apprenticeship Levy. It is challenging to keep pace and pay a skilled lecturer compared to industry rates, so we need a different relationship with industry.

Alison Lobb | Morecrofts Solicitors We have taken on an apprentice who was already at a different firm and we found it really difficult to get the necessary information and guidance around how much we needed to contribute. Now we know how it works, we will feel more confident next time, but it did highlight the lack of information available to businesses around apprenticeships.

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REGENERATION

Colleagues opening The Sovini Group’s Morris Meadows development in Netherton.

THE SOVINI GROUP: DISCOVER THEIR PURPOSE

In 2024, the Liverpool City Region’s largest integrated construction, property and facilities supply-chain, The Sovini Group, will continue its recently launched Discover our Purpose campaign, celebrating their impact on people, partnerships and communities.

Who are The Sovini Group?

The Group’s activities through its commercial partners complement and support its social and not-for-profit businesses, including Registered Providers of Social Housing - One Vision Housing and Pine Court Housing Association.

At present, the Group owns, manages, and maintains over 14,000 homes, rising annually through an active new build housing development programme.

The Investors in People Platinum organisation is also home to over 800 colleagues, across a wide range of roles, sectors, and industries.

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Discover their Purpose

As a key contributor to the social and economic development of the North West, the Group has delivered a number of high profile flagship developments, including the award-winning Morris Meadows which has provided 149 affordable new homes for the region, delivering £3.1m in social value and over 434 meaningful employment opportunities.

As the UK’s cost-of-living crisis continues, high inflation rates have impacted the affordability of goods and services for many individuals and families living across the region. The Group has taken an innovative approach to the nationwide crisis, implementing vital customer support through its cost-of-living campaign.

To support the demand for local housing, the Group’s ambitious development programme continues, building over 1,000 new homes over the next five years and adopting new building methods in line with it’s Net-Zero Carbon Commitment.

adopting new building methods in line with

In addition to the provision of quality housing, the Group delivers social and environmental value, and will continue this journey in 2024, through their innovative supply-chain. The Group will continue to work with local and ethical businesses to deliver its construction, property and facilities services, reinvesting profits to create a better future for colleagues, customers and the communities they serve.

it’s Net-Zero Carbon Commitment.

Find out more at Sovini.co.uk

To support the demand for local housing, the Group’s ambitious development programme continues, building over 1,000 new homes over the next five years and

REGENERATION

TRAILBLAZING QUANTITY SURVEYOR KATIE CLAIMS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD Morgan Sindall Construction Assistant Quantity Surveyor, Katie Klaveness, hailing from Old Swan, emerged victorious at the prestigious Construction News Inspiring Women in Construction & Engineering awards.

The event took place at the Grosvenor Hotel in London on November 9, 2023.

Katie’s journey to success commenced as a year 10 pupil at St. Hilda’s School, Liverpool, where Morgan Sindall were onsite delivering her new school as she watched on from her classroom. The construction team were predominantly female and conducted engaging educational sessions with the all-girls school to inspire careers in construction.

This sparked Katie’s curiosity in the industry and led her to pursue a series of work placements with Morgan Sindall.

This exposure led her to pursue a degree in Quantity Surveying at Liverpool John Moore’s University. Following her first year, she secured a paid summer placement at Morgan Sindall and was later transferred onto a Degree Apprenticeship.

Katie’s apprenticeship journey culminated in her achieving a first-class

degree, with four years of practical experience under her belt, followed by a promotion to Assistant Quantity Surveyor.

In response to her accolade, Katie remarked, “I’m delighted to win this award, not for myself, but in the hope that it inspires others. As a female in a male-dominated industry, I feel like I have a duty to show young girls that there are opportunities for them.”

Judges commended Katie’s confidence

as an apprentice, notably her role in supporting and reverse mentoring senior colleagues on new technology platforms.

They remarked that beyond personal achievements, Katie actively engages in mentoring and inspiring others to pursue similar paths, embodying the essence of a true trailblazer.

Katie’s inspiring story encapsulates the essence of the Rising Star award, reinforcing the idea that determination and passion pave the way for success in any field.

“I’m delighted to win this award, not for myself, but in the hope that it inspires others. As a female in a male-dominated industry, I feel like I have a duty to show young girls that there are opportunities for them.”

Liverpool Chamber

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Protecting our Protecting our green spaces spacesfor forgood good We all love our local parks. Spaces to come together.

We all love our local parks. Spaces to come together.

To play. To breathe. To relax. To have fun.

To play. To breathe. To relax. To have fun.

Green spaces are good and they do good. For people, Green spaces areThat’s goodwhy and at they do good. place and planet.

Fields in TrustFor wepeople, protect place and planet.

That’s why at Fields in Trust we protect green spaces for good. So they’ll always be there for local green spaces for good.

So they’ll always be there for local communities to use and enjoy. communities to use and enjoy.

Because local parks are under pressure. With no statutory Because local areeasily under With no statutory protection theyparks can so bepressure. lost to building development. protection so easily building development.

And once a they greencan space is lost,be it islost losttoforever.

And once a green space is lost, it is lost forever.

Green spaces doing good Green spaces doing good Parks for people

Green spaces are places Parks people we can for move, breathe, run andspaces play: supporting Green are places our physical and mental we can move, breathe, wellbeing. run and play: supporting our physical and mental wellbeing.

Parks for places

Green spaces are where Parks for places communities come together: combatting Green spaces are where loneliness and driving communities come social cohesion. together: combatting loneliness and driving social cohesion.

Parks for the planet

Green spaces help to Parksclimate for thechange: planet mitigate capturing carbon,help to Green spaces improving qualitychange: and mitigateair climate boosting biodiversity. capturing carbon, improving air quality and boosting biodiversity.

With your help, we can secure the futures of many more parks and green spaces across the UK. Before it is too With your help, can secure the futures of many more late and they arewe lost, forever. parks and green spaces across the UK. Before it is too 36 and they are lost, forever. late

Fields in Trust is an independent charity Fields in Trust is an withindependent nearly 100 years’ charity experience protecting with nearly 100 years’ parks and green spaces. experience protecting parkswith andstakeholders green spaces.

Working

we champion the value of Working with stakeholders parks to achieve better we champion the value of protection for their future. parks to achieve better protection for their future.

We already protect nearly 3,000 parks and green We across alreadythe protect spaces UK nearly 3,000 parks andover green forever, benefitting spaces across the UK 14 million people. forever, benefitting over www.fieldsintrust.org 14 million people.

www.fieldsintrust.org @FieldsInTrust @FieldsInTrust @FieldsInTrust @fieldsintrust @FieldsInTrust

Fields in Trust Charity No.@fieldsintrust 306070 Images with thanks to Fields in Trust Liverpool City Council Charity No. 306070

Working in Liverpool for Working in Liverpool for everyone in the city everyone in the city

Liverpool City Council have committed Liverpool Council have to protectCity all their parks andcommitted green Liverpool City Council have committed to protect their parks andingreen spaces for all good with Fields Trust. to protect all their parks and green spaces for good with Fields in Trust. spaces for good with Fields in Trust.

We need your support to help turn this We need your support to help turn this vision into a reality.

We need your support to help turn this vision into a reality. vision into a reality.

Once completed, Liverpool will be the Oncecity completed, willresident be the first in the UK Liverpool where every Once completed, Liverpool will be the firstacity in the UK where everyspace resident has legally protected green within first city in the UK where every resident a legally protected greenthey space ahas ten-minute walk of where live.within has a legally protected green space within aThe ten-minute walk of where they live.the Council’s commitment ensures a ten-minute walk of where they live.

The Council’s commitment ensures positive benefits of green spaces willthe The Council’s commitment ensures the positive benefits offor green will always available the spaces city’s residents. positivebe benefits of green spaces will always be available for the city’s residents. always be available for the city’s residents.

All parks in Liverpool secured... forever All All parks parks in in Liverpool Liverpool secured... secured... forever forever

1,000 1,000

hectares of green space hectares of green space secured forever, covering hectares of green space secured forever, covering all parks in Liverpool secured forever, covering all parks in Liverpool all parks in Liverpool

Liverpool Chamber

10 mins 10 mins mins

walk to a legally walk to a legally protected park for walk to a legally protected for everybody inpark Liverpool protected park for everybody in Liverpool everybody in Liverpool

TO FIND OUT HOW TO YOU CANOUT GETHOW TO FIND FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED VISIT: YOU CAN GET INVOLVED www.fieldsintrust.org/liverpool INVOLVED VISIT: VISIT: www.fieldsintrust.org/liverpool www.fieldsintrust.org/liverpool

502,000 502,000 502,000

Liverpudlians withLiverpudlians better access to Liverpudlians with better access to parks green spaces with and better access to parks and green spaces parks and green spaces

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MEMBERS NEWS

EMPOWERING THE COMMUNITY TO ACHIEVE THEIR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL BEST As the visionary founder and CEO of Ways to WOW, a people and business development agency, Jamie Wray and his team are disrupting and reshaping the landscape of traditional customer experience, leadership culture, and personal and professional development, not only in Liverpool but across the UK. Jamie's mission is to help people & brands exceed expectations both personally and professionally. He is determined to help as many people, teams, and organisations as he can to unlock their ways to WOW. Jamie Wray is bringing the WOW back to the city of Liverpool by helping the individuals, teams and organisations unlock their true potential and master a WOW mindset to achieve peak performance.

Driven by an unyielding love for hospitality, Jamie has embarked on a mission to empower the community to achieve their personal and professional best.

Ways to Wow specialise in memorable immersive training events Jamie Wray recognises the struggles facing the hospitality industry and shares the work that Ways to WOW is doing to alleviate these disruptions: “The hospitality industry has faced an uphill battle in a post-pandemic climate, facing challenges like increased tax, staff shortages, inflation, and navigating cost of living crises. At Ways to WOW our ethos is to equip businesses and individuals alike with the transformative tools to WOW consumers and exceed expectations.

Our 2024 coaching programmes, events and workshops including WOW Moment Engineering, World Class Leadership Techniques and Find Your Ways To WOW to name just a few, are designed to elevate leaders and transform transactional customer service into memorable experiences to alleviate these struggles.

to foster memorable lessons and exceed expectations to magnify and elevate their WOW mindset and peak performance.”

Ways to WOWs partners include a diverse set of multi-sector operators including Novotel, Spire Healthcare, Solo Car Sales, Hill Dickinson, Melia Hotel Group, Award winning Antonios Bar & Grill, Kenworthy’s Barristers, Sedulo Accountancy and Cromer House Dental, with plans to continue expanding their impressive roster of partnerships for 2024.

“As a business that recognises the importance of innovation, in 2024 Ways to WOW will introduce immersive training spaces, leveraging advanced lighting, sound, and visual elements to enhance educational development, training, and data visualisation for learning partners and clients. Our imaginative training spaces will inspire and motivate all participants

Jamie Wray, Founder and CEO of Ways to WOW

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“The hospitality industry has faced an uphill battle in a post-pandemic climate, facing challenges like increased tax, staff shortages, inflation, and navigating cost of living crises. At Ways to WOW our ethos is to equip businesses and individuals alike with the transformative tools to WOW consumers and exceed expectations.”

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LET’S TALK +44 (0)1227 812930 39

A new approach to All Inclusive office space Whether you simply have working from home fatigue, or need a flexible space to collaborate with colleagues, Sciontec AI can provide the perfect environment for your business.

The inaugural location for Sciontec AI is on the first and second floors of RCP at The Spine, a brand new £35m Grade-A office building at the heart of Paddington Village in the KQ Liverpool Innovation District.

Which option is right for you?

From a single desk to an all singing, all dancing office, we have it all.

Flexi Space Membership: £24.95 p/w per desk

Project Team Space: £200.00 p/m per desk

Simply turn up and work from any vacant hotdesk.

A dedicated area in an open-plan setting.

Private Space: £250.00-£350.00 p/m

Managed Space: £POA

Your own private haven with a lockable door.

A larger, fully furnished office with a private entrance.

What else will I need to pay for?

Nothing… that’s the beauty of the Sciontec AI model. You pay one price, turn up and enjoy, without having to put your hand back in your pocket.

Want to know more? Then get in touch!

AI is the newest addition to the Sciontec family, which also owns and operates Liverpool Science Park and is developing new, world-class science and technology facilities, including HEMISPHERE at Paddington Village.

To find out more about how Sciontec AI can provide the perfect environment for your business, please contact enquiries@sciontec.co.uk 40

CONNECTING FOR A CAUSE:

CHAMBER SUPPORT FOR CHARITIES

As we welcome in the New Year here at Liverpool Chamber, we are looking at our ongoing commitment to supporting charitable endeavours within our vibrant community. In this edition, we shed light on the invaluable assistance we provide to charities and extend a warm welcome to new members joining our philanthropic network.

CHARITY

CHAMBER CHARITY MEMBERS 4Wings Northwest CIC www.4wings.co.uk

Local Solutions www.localsolutions.org.uk

All Together Now! Ltd www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Mary’s Meals www.marysmeals.org.uk

Alternative Futures Group www.afgroup.org.uk

MAST www.mast-group.com

An Hour For Others www.anhourforothers.co.uk Big Help Project www.bighelpproject.com Blackburne House www.blackburnehouse.co.uk Bluecoat Limited www.thebluecoat.org.uk Career Connect www.careerconnect.org.uk Causeway Charity Services www.cityhearts.global Central Liverpool Credit Union www.centralcu.co.uk Claire House www.claire-house.org.uk

February 20th, 2024

After hosting our latest Charity Business Network at the Peel L&P buildings, we are delighted to be hosting another event - again in collaboration with the Liverpool BID company. The event is set to be hosted at The Old Hall in the Cotton Exchange Building on Bixteth Street. We highly anticipate this event to sell out immediately and have considered the feedback received from the previous event, ensuring both businesses and charities maximise the opportunity of connecting and networking.

Be prepared to be inspired as we bring together like-minded individuals dedicated to making a positive difference across the Liverpool City Region. The Charity Business Network promises engaging discussions, networking opportunities, and a chance to discover how the Chamber can amplify the impact of charitable initiatives.

If your business or charity is interested in attending, or would simply like to learn more about the network, please contact Tom.Morgan-Wynne@liverpoolchamber.org.uk.

Liverpool Chamber

Merseyside Youth Association Ltd www.mya.org.uk Natural Breaks Ltd www.naturalbreaks.co.uk No Limits Recovery Services Nugent www.wearenugent.org Open Door Charity www.opendoorcharity.com Riverside www.riverside.org.uk Royal Court Liverpool Ltd www.royalcourtliverpool.co.uk

Salvation Army www.salvationarmy.org.uk/ Compass Counselling Services liverpool-walton www.compass-counselling.org.uk Sefton Women’s Crisis Skylight and Children’s Aid www.crisis.org.uk www.swaca.com

Charity Business Network Event – Mark your calendar for a significant event in our community! On February 20th 2024, we’ll be hosting our next Charity Business Network Event. This gathering serves as a pivotal platform for charities and businesses to connect, collaborate, and forge partnerships that go beyond the ordinary. It’s an opportunity to share insights, explore synergies, and build a collective vision for a better, more connected Liverpool.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service www.merseyfire.gov.uk

Welcoming New Charity Members In the spirit of growth and collaboration, we extend a heartfelt welcome to the newest members of the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce’s charitable community: Southport Flower Show and Victoria Park Events; Beautiful New Beginnings; Split Perspectivz CIC; No Limits Recovery Services; Liverpool Heartbeat; Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice.

We’re excited to be working with such remarkable organisations that have a profound impact within their local communities, raising awareness of their campaigns amongst the business community.

Joining forces with the Chamber opens doors to a supportive network that values the positive influence of charitable organisations. Whether you’re a seasoned charity or just starting your journey, our community is here to provide resources, guidance, and platforms to amplify your impact. If you are interested in the work we provide to the third sector please do get in contact with one of our membership team at Membership@ liverpoolchamber.org.uk Together, we can create a stronger, more interconnected Liverpool where businesses and charities collaborate for the greater good.

Elevate www.elevate-ebp.co.uk

South Liverpool Homes www.southliverpoolhomes.co.uk

English Speaking Board (International) Limited - ESB www.esbuk.org

Southport Flower Show and Victoria Park Events www.southportflowershow.co.uk

Expect Limited www.expect-excellence.org Freshfields Animal Rescue www.freshfields.org.uk Future Yard CIC www.futureyard.org Health Equalities Group www.foodactive.org.uk

Split Perspectivz CIC www.splitperspectivz.com Team Oasis www.theteamoasis.org The Brain Charity www.thebraincharity.org.uk The Chartered Institute of Building www.ciob.org

Inspire Train Grow CIC www.inspiretraingrow.co.uk

The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts www.lipa.ac.uk

International Cotton Association Ltd (ICA) www.ica-ltd.org

The Reader www.thereader.org.uk

Leadership Through Sport and Business www.leadershipthroughsport.org Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital Charity www.lhchcharity.org.uk Liverpool Heartbeat www.liverpoolheartbeat.co.uk Liverpool Law Society www.liverpoollawsociety.org.uk Liverpool Society of Chartered Accountants www.icaew.com/northwest Liverpool Sunflowers www.liverpoolsunflowers.com Liverpool University Hospitals Charity www.facebook.co.uk/ LpoolUniHospsCharity Liverpool Women’s Hospital Charity www.liverpoolwomens.nhs.uk/ fundraising

The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation www.roycastle.org The Whitechapel Centre www.whitechapelcentre.co.uk The Womens Organisation www.thewomensorganisation. org.uk Tom’s Trust www.tomstrust.org.uk Transform Lives Company www.transform-lives.org We Are With You Liverpool www.wearewithyou.org.uk When You Wish Upon A Star www.whenyouwish.org.uk Wirral Hospice St John’s www.wirralhospice.org YKids www.ykids.co.uk Young Persons Advisory Service www.ypas.org.uk Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice www.zoes-place.org.uk/ locations/liverpool-hospice

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EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

scan me to view all 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

Future Impact Network

Informal networking and coffee morning amongst 100+ business professionals, usually hosted on the first Friday of every month.

The Future Impact Network is a partnership between Future Impact Board and Liverpool Chamber. The network is made up of a cohort of young professionals across multiple sectors, business sizes and backgrounds that help the Future Impact Board achieve its mission of truly representing the perspective of young professionals in the

Charity Business Network The Charity Business Network, in partnership with The Liverpool BID Company, exists to create pathways for third sector organisations to connect with businesses across various sectors and explore the immense benefits that corporate partnerships can bring to your business, the charity sector, and the wider community.

Property and Construction Network These round table events focus on discussing issues and developing insights within the property and construction sector.

International Events Our international events are held throughout the year, covering a range of topics from within the international arena, including our International Trade Club. We also hold regular training courses to ensure delegates are up to date with relevant trading procedures.

#WellConnected North and South Our Well Connected North and South events aim to bring North & South based businesses and professionals together over informal networking. Our aim is to offer more localised, targeted support to new and existing members.

Liverpool City Region.

School Business Network In partnership with Liverpool City Council, the School Business Network enables business and education representatives to connect with one another to stimulate mutual opportunities, discuss challenges and share insight, helping to bridge the gap between the business and education sectors.

Flagship events Invitation to annual flagship events, including our Chamber Day at the Races and our Annual Awards Ceremony.

Business Leadership Events These events include roundtable discussions, Annual general meeting, Business Policy Committee/expert panels and conferences.

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 42

EVENTS

LIVERPOOL CHAMBERS’ DAY AT THE RACES 2024 We have once again secured an exclusive hospitality package from our friends at The Jockey Club!

Guests will enjoy a sumptuous three course lunch, complimentary bar and afternoon tea along with superb views of the home straight via our private balcony.

Reward your team with a day of networking amongst 500+ likeminded business professionals.

Tickets Prices

£295 (Members)

This exclusive hospitality package will provide you with: • Complimentary Bar

(beers, wines, spirits, soft drinks)

• Traditional Afternoon Tea • Complimentary Racecard

• Superb views of the home straight via our private balcony

• Private Tote Betting

• Premier Course Admission

• Private Tables of up to 10

• Three Course Lunch

• 1 car pass per booking of 4

£320 (Partner Chamber Member)

• Complimentary car parking

£375 (Non-members)

Book your place: https:/ /www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk/events/liverpool-chamber-day-at-the-races-2024/

Tickets Prices £295 (Members) £320 (Partner Chamber Member) £375 (Non-members) Book your place: https:/ /www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk/events/liverpool-chamber-day-at-the-races-2024/

Liverpool Chamber

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ADVERTISEMENT

How an alternative opioid substitution therapy is improving outcomes across Liverpool WithYou, a national drug, alcohol and mental health support charity, explains how they’re offering clients more choice over their opioid treatment pathway across Liverpool.

Opioids are a group of drugs, which include plant derived drugs such as heroin, morphine and codeine, as well as synthetic drugs like fentanyl. Short or long-term use of opioid drugs can lead to the body developing an increased tolerance, which in turn can lead to increased use and dependence.

People in treatment for opioid dependence may be prescribed Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST). OST involves prescribing drugs, such as methadone and buprenorphine, under an evidence based framework, to support reduction of illicit opioid use and reduce risk. Dosing can range from daily to weekly, is adjusted according to the individual needs of the client, and is always provided alongside a framework of psychological and social support.

Buvidal, which is a long-acting Buprenorphine injection, is another OST option, and is administered to clients on a weekly or monthly basis. Over the last year, more people across Liverpool have been prescribed Buvidal, which provides the convenience of not needing a dose daily administered from a pharmacy. This allows clients and workers to focus on the wider aspects of recovery.

WithYou have had over 20 successful completions since the beginning of its administration in Liverpool.

Chris, a WithYou client who’s experienced the life-changing impact of Buvidal, says: “First my mum and dad broke up, then my girlfriend and I split up, and then I lost my job.

So the three things that held my life together, my safety net, collapsed in the space of six

months, and I couldn’t cope with it. So I turned to drugs to alleviate the pain I was suffering. I was using heroin and crack cocaine. My life was chaotic.

to visit the pharmacy for their daily dose or feel restricted by their medication. It means they can access treatment that enhances their life, instead of limiting it.

“I entered into treatments with WithYou in July 2019 and swapped over to Buvidal in February 2023. The difference between Buvidal and methadone is night and day.

“Buvidal helps people stay on track with their recovery journey. It’s a form of treatment that puts the client first and we are proud to be one of the first UK providers to offer a Buvidal treatment programme in Liverpool.”

“Methadone is still an opioid agonist, so it still has an effect on the brain and gives you a high as such. With Buvidal, you don’t realise you’re on it. You literally feel so recovered that you forget you’re on it.”

“The benefits are just unbelievable. I’ve just come back from a holiday to Mallorca, I’m going to rock concerts and have gone camping - I don’t have to worry about having to take a bit of medicine every day and I don’t have the embarrassment of needing a script every day.

There are no signs someone is on Buvidal nobody would know any different.

“I’d say, if you’re serious about packing in drugs, coming off the medication and packing in and changing your life, that Buvidal is the way.

There is a way to recover, and this is it.”

Sarah Humphreys, Head of Service Delivery says: “Chris’s story shows the positive impacts Buvidal can have on our clients’ lives. At WithYou in Liverpool, we offer a Buvidal treatment programme, providing a steady and consistent relief from withdrawal symptoms. With Buvidal, our clients feel empowered to take control of their recovery journeys, and data shows that the urge to use opioids on top of their Buvidal prescription is reduced. Clients no longer need

For more information about WithYou in Liverpool and the services they offer, visit:

www.wearewithyou.org.uk 44

“The benefits are just unbelievable.

I’ve just come back from a holiday to Mallorca, I’m going to rock concerts and have gone camping - I don’t have to worry about having to take a bit of medicine every day and I don’t have the embarrassment of needing a script every day.”

STAFF DIRECTORY

Staff Directory

The Chamber team are here to provide dedicated support for business members of the Liverpool Chamber. The below directory provides a list of contacts for all the Chamber team, get in touch today!

Connect Support Thrive.

Paul Cherpeau Chief Executive

Jon Cranston Director of Finance & Operations

Lizzie Johnson Head of Commercial Services

Elena Enciso Head of International Trade

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

Vicky Rooney Events Manager

paul.cherpeau@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

julie.sankey@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Jess Miller Marketing Executive

jessica.miller@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

jon.cranston@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

lizzie.johnson@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

ian.bulmer@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

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

sarah.woolley@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

michelle.cameron@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Helen Kinsella Membership and Business Growth Manager

Tom Morgan-Wynne Membership and Business Growth Manager

Courtney Williams Export Documentation Assistant

James Parker Business Engagement Officer

Ben Kelliher Export Documentation Apprentice

Jessica Sturgeon Marketing Assistant

helen.kinsella@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

james.parker@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Liverpool Chamber

courtney.williams@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

elena.enciso@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

helen.gibbons@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

melissa.healy@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

vicky.rooney@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

tom.morgan-wynne@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

ben.kelliher@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

jessica.sturgeon@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Olivia Hughes

Executive Officer – Policy & Representation olivia.hughes@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

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

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MEMBERS NEWS

COMCAB LIVERPOOL FORGING AHEAD INTO 2024 On 20th November, our taxi brand ComCab was named Hackney Company of the Year 2023 at the Taxi Summit Awards, hosted at The Troxy, London.

2023 has been a landmark year for ComCab Liverpool, as the company celebrates their sixty-fifth anniversary, respectively. The business has a proud history of serving their local communities and business networks and are the go-to corporate account taxi provider in their region.

The award was collected by Simon Haynes from our City Fleet Management team on behalf of ComCab Liverpool and is a testimony to the work and dedication of all the employees and drivers within the company and we are going to use this as a springboard to our continued growth and development in 2024.

With over 1800 vehicles in our Merseyside fleet, we are the largest Hackney Carriage fleet in the area and are looking to grow further and take on new accounts in 2024 .

As part of our push for new business in 2024 we are offering a discounted rate of 7.5% for our Admin fee (normally 12.5% for the first 6 months) on any new corporate account opened in January 2024 to kick start our service and new partnerships in this new year.

Please contact Danny McLeod, dmcleod@cityfleet.co.uk for further information.

Alternatively you can open a new account by completing the link below and enter “Chamber member 2024” on the form next to your company name to claim the discounted admin rate. https:/ /comcab.co.uk/liverpool/account/

HALCYON MOVE TO MANN ISLAND It has been another hectic year for Halcyon with expansion into new territories, new clients and large scale projects delivered.

We continue to strive forward with major investment into new systems with the latest technology ensuring we are able to offer the most pro-active and best support to our partners and keep their businesses protected, running and compliant.

This has allowed extra capacity for our Engineering team, including more take up of our bespoke Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation. Data and Insight has also been a major factor for the new investment allowing for the extension of

devices well beyond their usual lifespan and being able to proactively replace equipment to ensure continuity for the businesses we support.

Ultimately, the end of this year has culminated with the decision to relocate our Liverpool office in the City Centre at the prestigious Mann Island complex. With many partners in the City Centre and indeed in the same building even! It has been in the long term planning of the Senior Management Team, looking out for the space we felt suited our needs and reflected the vibrant nature of our team.

Many sites and buildings have been visited over the past 12 months, but we are delighted with our choice.

If you would like to visit us in the New Year to meet some of the team and take advantage of our Free IT Audit with recommendations included, contact us at hello@ithalcyon.co.uk 46

Industrial & Logistical Buildings.

Developed by our people, for your people.

Tritax Symmetry is dedicated to providing best-in-class greener logistics buildings.

We have a unique logistics land portfolio, unparalleled expertise and a collaborative culture. Our mission is to consistently exceed our clients expectations.

The values of Tritax Symmetry run to the core of everyone in our team: We do we what we say we will do We see everything through to the end We succeed together It's this entrepreneurial and agile approach, coupled with the backing of Tritax Big Box, a FTSE 250 company that delivers the right logistics property solutions for you.

We have major schemes in development across the UK including: Biggleswade I Darlington I Hinckley NRFI Kettering I Merseyside I Middlewich I Oxford I Wigan Visit TritaxSymmetry.com for more details.

BOX GREENER. BOX TOGETHER. BOX CLEVER. Liverpool Chamber

If our values peak your interest, we are hiring.

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SELF-CHARGING HYBRID EVERYDAY E XTR AO RD I NARY ONCE DRIVEN, NEVER FORGOTTEN

FEEL THE CONNECTION

PEACE OF MIND

Get behind the wheel of the Lexus LBX and enjoy the refinement of a simple and spacious interior. From the fully digital instrument display to the choice of luxurious upholsteries and trims in optional animal-free material, everything speaks of elegance, craft and quality.

The LBX is equipped with the latest Lexus Link Connect system, operated via a 9.8inch touchscreen, providing cloud-based navigation. Luxuriate in the sound of an optional Mark Levinson audio system, with 13 optimally positioned speakers – exclusively designed for Lexus.

Benefit from up to 10 years (100,000 miles) Lexus Warranty^. Plus enjoy 3 years Roadside Assistance whenever you are in the UK or Europe.

LEXUS WARRANTY* *T&C’s APPLY

LIVERPOOL LEXUS LIVERPOOL, Rimrose Road, Bootle, Liverpool, L20 4TX. www.Lexus.co.uk/LexusLiverpool ^T&Cs apply. See www.lexus.co.uk for more details.

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Images are shown for illustrative purposes only, UK spec may vary. Product spec may vary according to specific grades of LBX. See www.lexus.co.uk for full details.