Well Connected magazine January 2021

Well

Connected January 2021

Official Magazine for Liverpool Chamber

What the future holds for cancer care Mike Moran, Rutherford Health’s CEO, shares his vision

INSIDE...

• • •

Members tell us why they remain optimistic for the year ahead Living and trading in a post transition UK A new look for Chamber membership in 2021

Liverpool Chamber

Connect Support Thrive.

Flexible spaces

for work and play.

We’re committed to offering more than just outstanding office, coworking and retail spaces.

Everything we do is tied into building vibrant communities, whilst providing businesses with the support and expertise they need to grow.

Find out more at: www.bruntwood.co.uk/works Works for you, works for us

CONTENTS

Find Inside

7

4-5 Economy 7 Message from CEO 8 New Members 9 Chamber Membership 11 Membership 15 Patron News 16-17 2021 Feature 18-19 Health and Wellbeing 20-22 Skills & Employment 24-25 Members News 26-27 Cover Feature 28-29 International 30 Members News 32 Patron News 35 Transport 38 Ask the Expert 39 Responsible Business 41 Responsible Business 42 Digital 43 Members News 44-45 Finance for Business 46-47 International 48 Chamber Events 49 Staff Directory 50 5 Minutes with...

15 25

26 28

39 50

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

Liverpool Chamber

Published January 2021 Š Benham Publishing Media No. 1821 Editorial Content Manager Michelle Cameron Michelle.Cameron@liverpoolchamber.org.uk Advertising and Features Karen Hall Tel: 0151 236 4141 e: karen@benhampublishing.com Advertising Sales Catherine McCarthy e: catherine@benhampublishing.com Studio Peter Wilkinson e: peter@benhampublishing.com

@LpoolChamber

@LiverpoolChamber

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

Views expressed in publication are not necessarily those of Liverpool Chamber. Reprinting in whole or part is forbidden except by permission of the Editor. Š 2021. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in this journal, Benham Publishing and its agents can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributions in advertising or editorial content. Benham Publishing cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in web or email links supplied to us.

Liverpool Chamber

3

BRITISH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

LOOKING AHEAD

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

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

0%

0% +25%

-25%

Manufacturing Sector

+25%

-25%

Service Sector

72% -50%

+50%

+35%

Prices

-75%

+75%

-50%

+50%

+29%

-75%

59% 46%

+75%

33%

28% 29%

28% 19%

+100%

-100%

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

+100%

-100%

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

+25%

Raw materials Financial costs

Other overheads

Balance of firms increasing investment in training

0%

0% -25%

Pay settlements

40% +25%

-25%

Investment

30% -50%

+50%

+11%

-75%

+75%

-50%

+50%

10%

+11%

-75%

20%

+75%

0% -10%

+100%

-100%

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

+100%

-100%

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

+25%

QES % 2015 2017 2019 Service Sector QES

Balance of firms reporting improved cash flow

0%

0% -25%

-20%

-30% Balance 2007 2009 2011 2013 Manufacturing Sector QES

30% +25%

-25%

20%

Cash Flow

-50%

+50%

+1%

-75%

+75%

-50%

+50%

+75%

-10% -20%

+100%

-100%

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

+100%

-100%

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

+25%

-50%

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

+50%

+75%

-50%

-75%

80%

+25%

-25%

+27%

-75%

-30%

0%

0% -25%

Confidence

0%

+2%

-75%

10%

+50%

+32%

+75%

2015 2017 2019 Service Sector QES

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

60%

1.5%

40%

1.0%

20%

0.5%

0%

0.0%

-20%

-0.5% -1.0%

-40% -100%

+100%

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

-100%

+100%

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

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

GDP % Growth (ONS) 2011

2013

2015

Service Sector QES

2017

2019

-1.5% -2.0%

Manufacturing QES

4 www.britishchambers.org.uk | @britishchambers

ECONOMY

BRITISH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

LOOKING AHEAD

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

+25%

-25%

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

0%

0%

Manufacturing Sector

+25%

-25%

Service Sector

72% -50%

+50%

+35%

Prices

-75%

+75%

-50%

+50%

+29%

-75%

59% 46%

+75%

33%

28% 29%

28% 19%

+100%

-100%

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

+100%

-100%

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

+25%

Raw materials Financial costs

Other overheads

Balance of firms increasing investment in training

0%

0% -25%

Pay settlements

40% +25%

-25%

Investment

30% -50%

+50%

+11%

-75%

+75%

-50%

+50%

10%

+11%

-75%

20%

+75%

0% -10%

+100%

-100%

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

+100%

-100%

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

+25%

QES % 2015 2017 2019 Service Sector QES

Balance of firms reporting improved cash flow

0%

0% -25%

-20%

-30% Balance 2007 2009 2011 2013 Manufacturing Sector QES

30% +25%

-25%

20%

Cash Flow

-50%

+50%

+1%

-75%

+75%

-50%

+50%

+75%

-10% -20%

+100%

-100%

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

+100%

-100%

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

+25%

-50%

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

+50%

+75%

-50%

-75%

80%

+25%

-25%

+27%

-75%

-30%

0%

0% -25%

Confidence

0%

+2%

-75%

10%

+50%

+32%

+75%

2015 2017 2019 Service Sector QES

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

60%

1.5%

40%

1.0%

20%

0.5%

0%

0.0%

-20%

-0.5%

-40% -100%

+100%

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

-100%

+100%

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

-1.0%

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

GDP % Growth (ONS) 2011

2013

2015

Service Sector QES

2017

2019

-1.5% -2.0%

Manufacturing QES

5 www.britishchambers.org.uk | @britishchambers

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6

A Happy New Year and welcome to the latest edition of Well Connected, the magazine of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce.

It seems both a lifetime and yet hardly any time at all since I drafted my New Year message to businesses last January.

that we can put the immediate threat of COVID-19 behind us and actively shape the recovery and renewal of our national and local economies. It will take time however and over the coming weeks we will all have a role to play as both business leaders and individuals, by following the rules, adhering to the guidance, and getting tested.

2020 will quite rightly be remembered as the year of the pandemic and its unprecedented global impact on health and the economy. It should also be remembered however for the resilience, ingenuity and sheer determination of businesses across the country, particularly those in our own city region. You will find some excellent examples of that resolve throughout this edition of the Magazine.

If 2021 is the year of recovery and opportunity, then businesses will be central to its delivery, generating jobs and creating economic prosperity over the longer term.

They will however, need support from both local and national policy makers. Not just financial support as part of any COVID-19 recovery package but also to provide longer term vision and aspiration to create an environment where businesses can grow, creating skilled jobs in new growth sectors and leading the way in technology and innovation. We will be lobbying the government to ensure that the promised levels of investment in infrastructure, particularly transport, are delivered as part of their commitment to “the North”.

It has also been a time when partners from both the public and private sectors really came together to tackle the impact of COVID-19 on businesses and communities struggling to cope, and I am delighted that we have been able to work collaboratively, contributing through our strong partnership with the public sector, including in the development of the Liverpool City Plan.

Without diminishing the serious issues and challenges which still lie ahead we remain positive about the opportunities for 2021 and beyond and we are committed to supporting our members through the hurdles to come. Given the amazing strides being made in the creation and delivery of multiple vaccines (another tribute to British businesses) we can now dare to hope

Liverpool Chamber

We want to help you find solutions, signposting to existing expertise and support, as well as promoting new opportunities. This will be particularly relevant as the UK adapts to the new trading relationship with the EU and the rest of the world. The Chamber is particularly focussed on the needs of exporters and potential exporters, providing the support to

enable them to capitalise on alternative international markets. You can read more about the existing support in the Magazine.

You can read more about the existing international support on Pages 28 and 29.

In 2021, we will work with members to focus on the issues which impact on your business growth. From reaffirming our support to drive talent development to boost our city’s economic, educational and health outcomes to helping you to understand how you can both contribute to and benefit from, the opportunities to support growth through the Net Zero agenda. We also remain committed to putting responsible business at the heart of the business agenda.

Finally, we are really excited by the prospect of a relaunched membership proposition as part of our commitment to ensuring all businesses can afford to join their local Chamber, supported by our excellent Partners and Patrons, which will enable us to provide a service which will benefit businesses of all sizes. You can find more details on Page 11.

Liverpool Chamber is here to support, engage and celebrate our business community and its invaluable contribution to our economy. Let’s make that our new year’s resolution and the reason we all remember 2021!

Paul Cherpeau CEO, Liverpool Chamber of Commerce

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome

to our new Chamber Members Adore Group

Happy Days Hospitality Ltd

Blok ‘N’ Mesh

Adore Group is a collective of companies founded on passion and determination. Our aim is to create the most successful team of people across various sectors that can support each other to ensure future growth.

Happy Days is a bespoke travel experience and serviced accommodation broker providing visitors to our wonderful city with the best possible opportunities to really enjoy and absorb all our city has to offer.

We’re a global market-leading manufacturer of temporary perimeter protection systems.

Our objective is to work with a portfolio of businesses to provide equity investment, finance, or business development to help them maximise growth in a measured and progressive way.

We have lead the industry in product design and manufacturing, producing some of the industry’s most innovative solutions in temporary perimeter protection systems to improve safety and suit industry-specific applications.

Edward W Turner & Son Ltd Edward W Turner & Son Limited is an independent international freight forwarder based in Liverpool.

Granby Community Mental Health Group-Mary Seacole House Mary Seacole House is a mental health charity and resource service set up to offer support and advice in emotional and practical matters, primarily for BAMER (Black, Asian, Minority, Ethnic and Refugees) communities, however we work with all communities across Merseyside.

Established in 1883, we offer the complete range of shipping and transport services.

Through constant monitoring of U.K. and International markets, we can offer the most cost effective solutions to your transport requirements.

Merseyside Ship Stores MSS are dedicated to providing our customers with a first-class range of stores and services to meet the requirements of each and every company in the global marine market place.

At MSS bonded warehouses, vast ranges of frozen meats, fish, dairy, fresh and ambient stores can be dispatched to any port at short notice. A complete understanding to the diverse nature of crew’s nationalities is vital and this is why at MSS we stock goods from

Membership of the Chamber gives your business access to the largest and most diverse network of businesses in the Liverpool City Region. Find out more about how you can be part of the network by visiting www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk or by contacting our membership team on 0151 227 1234 or membership@liverpoolchamber.org.uk 8

CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP

Connect Support Thrive. worldwide sources to satisfy every need. European, Scandinavian, Polish, Irish, Chinese, Indian, Korean, Pilipino, Italian and Japanese are just some of the specialties which we carry in stores at all times.

FRESCO ENVIRONMENTAL LTD With over 40 years’ experience in waste and recycling, Fresco Environmental is proud to be a family owned business. Our understanding of the waste industry is second to none and Fresco Environmental houses a hub of resources from legislation queries, company tool box talks to waste segregation advice.

Fresco Environmental recycles numerous waste streams, including cardboard, paper, plastic, polystyrene, general waste, metals, confidential waste / secure shredding, WEEE, food / food surplus, wood, liquids, solvents, c

Supporting members with our Business Growth Programme If 2020 has been a challenging year on so many levels for business then 2021 has got to be the year for recovery. This recovery is more difficult due to the drains on resources the majority of companies have suffered. To aid in your recovery there are two fully funded programmes, both of which start in January to get your recovery off to a solid start in 2021.

Both programmes are being delivered or facilitated by Chamber member Gary Halpin of Flourish.

Peer Network is funded by BEIS and delivered locally by Growth Platform. This programme is aimed at SMEs with a turnover of at least ÂŁ100k and employing 5 people or more. Groups of decision makers from businesses within LCR meet via Zoom to support each other utilising an Action Learning Process. The programme has got off to an excellent start with delegates saying how useful it has been to have a number of talented business people with an external and different viewpoint provide support. More details follow the link Flourishandgrow.uk The Business Growth Programme is for all SMEs within LCR, a series of 10 workshops covering all aspects of business with a real focus on finding and winning new business in a pragmatic and profitable way taking account of the impact of the pandemic. 35 businesses have completed the programme and their feedback has been excellent. For more details contact Liverpool Chamber on 0151 227 1234 or email ian. bulmer@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Liverpool Chamber

9

Put mental health at the very top of your list of priorities for 2021.

After such an uncertain and disrupted year, it has never been more important to look after the mental health of your staff and customers, so we would like to let you know we are here to help.

The training has been successfully rolled out across organisations such as Everton Football Club, The Disclosure and Barring Service, The Regenda Group and the NHS England mental health team.

We are delighted to offer Chamber members, 10% off our ground-breaking training programme, Ambassadors of Hope, for any bookings made before the end of March.

We don’t aim to make everyone a mental health expert. Instead, we offer the essential information and toolkit we all need to feel more confident about the topic. By training as many people throughout an organisation as possible, we are able to help you create a true environment of understanding for all staff, making mental health part of your day-to-day life at work.

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

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

0151 3184747

Registered Charity No 1170757 chasingthestigma

ChasingStigma

chasing-the-stigma

chasingthestigma

MEMBERSHIP

LIVERPOOL CHAMBER A NEW MEMBERSHIP APPROACH 2020 was a year like no other that has put pressures across many businesses and communities. Liverpool Chamber has worked hard to champion its members, facilitate access to funding and support and keep vocal about your concerns.

With challenges posed by COVID-19 persisting into 2021, we have taken time to reflect and consider how we structure membership to ensure that it is affordable to all, can continue to build the business community and engages big business to support local small business as part of the eco system of the Liverpool City Region.

To reflect this we are restructuring our membership based on employee numbers so that everyone gets the same service whether you are a big business or small SME. In addition, we will continue to work to create bespoke plans with our Strategic Partners and Patrons. The price for Strategic partners and Patrons of Liverpool Chamber will remain the same, at £2500 and £5000 respectively The new levels take effect from 1st April for existing members: SME / Sole Trader Membership, 1- 10 employees: £295 + VAT* SME Membership: 11- 49 employees: £595 + VAT SME Membership: 50+ employees: £995 + VAT Company membership 250+ employees £1500 + VAT * Sole Traders receive a discounted rate of £195 in their first year

Being part of a Chamber is a key attribute for businesses of all sizes, connecting them to a local business community and a national business network. Trusted since 1850, Liverpool Chamber is the voice of business now and for the future.

It works to connect businesses, support business growth and facilitate a thriving economy no matter what the economic circumstances. It plays a vital role in developing international trade, preparing businesses for export and providing documentation and carnets for all international exportation.

Liverpool Chamber

As we deliver these services we are delighted to introduce our new membership team. Tom Woolley joins us as business growth and membership manager and has over 10 years’ experience working across fundraising, membership and business. Jordan Rhoda, Liverpool City Region’s young person of the year, will be our membership executive and be responsible for delivering member engagement, communication and support. They will be in contact with you to introduce themselves directly but please do feel free to drop them a note tom.woolley@liverpoolchamber.org.uk, Jordan.rhoda@liverpoolchamber.org.uk.

Finally we are delighted to confirm our Patrons for 2021: •

Rutherford Cancer Centre

•

BT Local Business

•

Wates Construction

•

Liverpool Hope University

•

Inspired Energy

We are excited to announce even more businesses as patrons in the very near future.

- Access to a wide range of events; connecting businesses, stimulating collaboration and delivering vital insights

- Access to public programmes that provide business advisers, mentoring and funding

- Engagement and promotional opportunities across on and offline media

•

There are also specific services that all members can access:

- Chamber Four Services: HR, Legal, H&S, Tax helpline and website repository delivered by QUEST - Chamber Finance Finder: Delivered

by Swoop Finance – a website for members to search for equity, debt and COVID-19 specific financial support from registered providers - AA Fleet Assist: Discount on fleet coverage •

International Services:

- Training, export documentation, carnets and custom declaration paperwork

Who are we?

• A local and national trusted business voice •

A local and regional promotional vehicle

- Access to new markets funding and international advisers

•

A business adviser and mentor

•

National Connectivity:

•

A connector across the business community on and offline

•

A stop point and sign posting service for advice and funding

- All Liverpool Chamber members have access to the British Chambers of Commerce, ensuring a local voice can be amplified

•

A conduit between civic leadership, education and business

Liverpool Chamber Services •

Business Support

- Access to professional services and a range of expertise across finance, HR, professional services

- A voice directly to government through the BCC

- Access to a national business network through BCC

- Advice and guidance from a national business adviser

11

Why the most successful businesses will take time to step back and rethink their strategy & operations for 2021, writes Mark Sykes, BDO’s Head of Entrepreneurial Business It’s been a year of great uncertainty for the Liverpool City Region’s SME business leaders.

Many have had to make vital decisions in quick succession throughout the pandemic.

There are glimmers of hope on the horizon as according to our Rethinking the Economy research, 93% of North West mid-sized businesses say they will fully recover from COVID-19 within a year of a vaccine being made available. Over half (60%) predict a recovery in just six months.

Now might be the right time to take a step back from the day-to-day and consider where your business will best fit in a brave new world. How might you shift your mindset to focus more on the future? Can you look up from your present day-to-day challenges in order to focus on succeeding in the future?

Building resilience That’s why Growth Platform is offering 130 SME leaders based in the Liverpool City Region, the opportunity to take part in the fully-funded Business Resilience Programme to be delivered by accounting and business advisory firm, BDO. The programme, which will run from December 2020 until May 2021, aims to give

SME leaders the opportunity to rethink their strategy and vision to come back stronger from the current economic challenges, to build resilience in their business; and to identify future growth opportunities.

Each business leader will benefit from research into the internal and external threats that could impact their organisation via a specialist diagnostic assessment undertaken by BDO. They will then take part in a tailored workshop to identify challenges, align plans and design the actions they need to take to maximise their chances of success. To find out more or sign up to take part in the Liverpool City Region Business Resilience Programme, visit: https://growthplatform.org/businessresilience-programme/

Learning and adapting The good news is that SMEs have always had a great ability to adapt as a result of their smaller size and nimble approach to operations. Rethinking their core vision and goals to align with a vastly altered economy will help thrive in the longer term.

The last year has certainly given business owners a lot to reflect on and a chance to extract both positive and negative learnings.

Certain aspects of business operations will be radically different from 12 months ago.

Many leaders will now have a very different understanding of their organisation’s ability to react and demonstrate resilience in times of crisis. The workforce, skills, infrastructure and technology to meet new demands should all be under review ahead of 2021. Taking on-board the lessons of the last year, will mean they will be able to identify the aspects of their operations that may need repairing, strengthening or investment. To help with this BDO has developed the Rethink model to help businesses adapt through change. Visit BDO’s rethink hub to read the latest guidance on how to refocus your strategy and operations in 2021: https://www.bdo.co.uk/en-gb/rethink

Surveying a new competitive landscape SME leaders need to revisit their competitive landscape to identify the opportunities and potential bear traps. The pandemic has caused seismic changes in the global economy and there have been new winners and losers. Some internationally renowned brands have even shut up shop.

As well as learning from the mistakes of some of these high street names and large brands, SMEs should recognise the opportunity to continue innovating, enter new markets or adopt new ways of working.

Many businesses will have to adapt or ‘pivot’ yet again in the coming months to accommodate the post-COVID world. Most should live to fight another day, but crucial decisions are yet to come – particularly given the added volatility that the UK’s exit from the EU will potentially cause.

Nonetheless, businesses will need to drive forward to remain relevant in a new economy, with new needs.

To find out more or sign up to take part in the Liverpool City Region Business Resilience Programme, visit: https://growthplatform.org/business-resilience-programme/

IDEAS | PEOPLE | TRUST

PATRON NEWS

Why Inspired Energy is Cutting the Carbon Jargon net zero – achieving an overall balance between emissions produced and emissions taken out of the atmosphere Leading utility and sustainability consultancy, Inspired Energy, is on a mission to cut through the jargon within the sustainability arena. A recent report commissioned by the firm found that businesses are confused by the ‘carbon jargon’ surrounding environmental issues and that this confusion could prevent progress on the road to net zero.

A lack of clarity The UK was the first major economy in the world to pass laws to end its contribution to global warming – committing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.

However, only half of respondents to the independent report said they ‘fully understand’ what the term ‘net zero’ means. When asked to define it, energy professionals mentioned a mixture of terms including carbon offsetting (42%), carbon or emission elimination (36%) and carbon emission reduction (17%) which relate more to the means by which net zero can be achieved. It appears that the lack of a single definition around what net zero means for an organisation – and the new vocabulary that has sprung up around the topic – is muddying the waters.

Liverpool Chamber

Despite a lack of clarity around net zero, an encouraging nine in ten organisations are working towards carbon reduction strategies, with ambitious targets most likely to be set by senior management amongst those we polled.

However, almost two thirds of respondents were concerned that their organisation’s carbon reduction targets could be seen as ‘greenwashing’ or ‘jumping on the net zero bandwagon’ – an indicator that the vast array of vocab and lack of guidance threaten to undermine confidence in the market.

A Green Industrial Revolution To support its target of reducing its emissions to net zero by 2050, the UK government recently released a 10-point plan, with Boris Johnson talking of a Green Industrial Revolution. The long-awaited plan details where £12 billion of government investment will be focused, from advancing offshore wind and exploring hydrogen technology, to supporting greener buildings and accelerating the transition to zero emission vehicles.

Additional insight has been offered by the Energy White Paper published in December, which includes multiple proposals for policies and reforms to achieve the transformation in transport, heating, power, and industry required.

Industry must play their part Although we have witnessed big names in industry making their own net zero pledges, it’s clear that without the wider backing of the business community, the UK is unlikely to achieve its ambitious targets, and that businesses large and small will need to rethink their approach to energy if we’re to reduce our overall emissions by 2050.

Organisations that are struggling to set, implement, or measure their sustainability goals need to come forward and seek support. As our research has shown, this is a complex area that can be hard for businesses to navigate. The lack of clarity around what constitutes action towards net zero, what targets are robust enough and how those targets are tracked could mean firms are taking vastly different approaches to planning and measuring their progress towards decarbonisation.

Inspired Energy works with businesses to help them reduce their carbon emissions and reach their environmental goals.

For more information about Inspired Energy’s net zero services, email hello@inspiredenergy.co.uk

15

2021 FEATURE

How optimistic should We asked our members for their thoughts after the roller coaster “We are providing safe environments that will bring people back together post-pandemic” we have a Net Zero Carbon commitment that each of our new buildings will hit by 2030. We’re not the only developers to have made a commitment and we’re heading in a promising direction as an industry.

Colin Forshaw, regional director at Bruntwood Works Our £3M regeneration of The Plaza as part of our Pioneer programme is a great source of optimism. We’re partnering with renowned Liverpool operator, Graffiti Spirits Group to create a vibrant and welcoming cafe, restaurant and bar on the ground floor to complement the new customer lounge and coworking spaces. We’ve revived our focus on active travel, fitness and sustainability

Liam O’Sullivan, SP Manweb Licence Director, SP Energy Networks At SP Energy Networks we’ve already started prioritising actions to tackle the climate emergency and achieve Net Zero – delivering over £1 billion of investment into our network in Merseyside, Cheshire, North Shropshire and North & Mid Wales from 2015 to 2023.

We also support the scale of ambition for the decarbonisation of the UKs’ energy system in the UK Government Energy White Paper, together with the Climate Change Committee’s Sixth Carbon Budget – we wholeheartedly welcome the CCC’s report and we’re already working to help facilitate this cleaner, greener future for everyone in the UK. The CCC report reinforces that decarbonisation relies

16

across Bruntwood Works and The Plaza is going to hugely benefit from this as a workspace with 142 bike spaces, 18 showers and a new wellness studio to host fitness classes. We’re ambitious with our Pioneer buildings and I’m hopeful of what the future will bring for business where talent can thrive thanks to a positive work environment.

Sustainability is integral to the future of our building portfolio and it’s vital we see sustainability prioritised across our towns and cities. We’re introducing smart technology to deliver efficient buildings and heavily on investment and development of our electricity infrastructure and that this simply can’t happen without the electricity network operators.

Further digitalisation, flexible and smarter electricity systems and increased renewable generation will help support jobs while slashing emissions from the way we heat our homes, to how we power businesses and travel round the country.

SP Energy Networks are particularly proud of our involvement in the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure through our innovative Project CHARGE, to identify how we as the Electricity Distribution Network Operator for the Liverpool City Region can help make the roll out of EV Charging Points more efficient and bring down costs. Project Charge will, for the first time, merge transport and electricity network planning to create an overarching map of where EV charge points will be required and where they can be best accommodated by the grid.

Across the Bruntwood Works portfolio we are providing safe environments that will bring people back together postpandemic - creating flexible spaces that help businesses of all sizes to grow and develop, build a community and strengthen ties between companies and their employees. A massive part of this includes The Collective, our physical and digital community hub and our business support programme Spark, which will be a huge benefit to customers as many businesses will require additional support and guidance when returning to the workplace post-Covid.

We know how vital our role is to support the societal changes needed as we move to net zero in the UK. We can be pivotal in delivering a just transition for the communities we serve – delivering jobs, economic growth, and environmental benefits. We look forward to working with our key stakeholders in Liverpool City Region and our wider SP Manweb licence area to achieve these goals.

2021 FEATURE

we be for 2021? year that was 2020.

Dave Saville, Business Unit Director for the North West, Wates Liverpool city region has played a key role during the Covid pandemic, highlighting its position as a leader in the health, science and innovation sectors, which are all central to our own growth strategy over the coming years. Sustainable growth is possibly the thing that excites us most right now and 2020 has taught us valuable lessons about what’s important and what can be achieved with a fresh mind-set.

Despite the challenges, tackling climate change is no longer an impossible hurdle to overcome. On a personal level, delivering a net zero carbon building in the next year or so would give me immense pride and satisfaction. We also have some exciting new projects commencing in 2021, including Halton Leisure Centre and New Bird Street, a co-living scheme in the Baltic Triangle.

And the highlights in what has been an unprecedented year?

It has to be maintaining productivity on all our North West sites. A great example is the early handover of St Helens Fire Station in the midst of Covid-19. A heavily contaminated site requiring extensive remediation and ground engineering, this project supports the local community on so many levels.

We couldn’t have delivered it without the support of our strategic supply chain partners who also rose to the challenge.

Creating real community and professional partnerships is central to what we do.

is to see the country make progress. We have an acute shortage of affordable housing and whilst the sector is ready to deliver, it has to meet modern challenges such as off-site construction and zero carbon which all have an unavoidable cost uplift.

The challenge of cost-driven procurement is one we need to address, working with the local authorities and other partners.

What can national and local government do to support the recovery in 2021?

Recent spending announcements are extremely positive for our sector in terms of schools, hospitals and infrastructure growth, as well as the skills and training agenda. Easing the constraints of the planning process would certainly help too. At a local level, there are a number of challenges that we need to overcome if 2021

“Liverpool city region has played a key role during the Covid pandemic, highlighting its position as a leader in the health, science and innovation sectors” “I’ll never forget the experience of this year working with some of our amazing business leaders within the region to reopen the high street.” approved for use and there’s light at the end of this tunnel.

Liam Jones Foursquare 2020, the most challenging year to date for many, is over. It has been particularly tough for those in the hospitality and retail sector, those that we at Foursquare Group call our clients and our friends. As we enter 2021, the pain and struggle won’t immediately ease but the signs are more positive. A vaccination has now been

Liverpool Chamber

I’ll never forget the experience of this year working with some of our amazing business leaders within the region to reopen the high street. I’ve been astounded every day by the resilience, determination, courage and ingenuity shown by the sector. Without these traits shown by so many, the crisis would have been much worse and inflicted much longer lasting damage.

The visitor economy is so important to the Liverpool City Region economically, socially and culturally and it must be protected and nurtured. Part one of the job, survival, is still underway but we are now looking to part two, recovery, which will soon begin.

It’s vitally important that the city region looks for all opportunities in 2021 to rebuild.

First, we will welcome events back, then domestic tourism and international visitors.

But further support from Government will also be needed. The sector needs to see a long-term approach to support from local and national Government. There must be a tapered management to the end of the current support schemes including the wage support, VAT reduction and rent/ eviction protection.

Through a combination of these factors, I’m sure that the recovery for hospitality, retail and leisure will be a success in 2021 and the people of Merseyside can start enjoying our unique culture again.

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING

The Life Rooms houses the Individual Placement Support (IPS) services for Liverpool, Wirral, Halton and Warrington.

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An IPS service is an employment support service for people who experience severe and enduring mental health conditions which is integrated within community mental health teams. It is an evidencebased programme that aims to help people find and retain paid employment; it helps them live the type of life they want to lead, irrespective of their symptoms, diagnosis or previous experiences. For many people who have experienced mental ill-health employment is an important part of their recovery. For the service user the benefits of being in paid employment include an income and a greater sense of purpose and wellbeing, while for the health system there is an overall reduction in the use of primary and secondary mental health services, leading to improved efficiency and savings.

People access IPS services when they begin to receive the support of a community mental health team and when they have expressed a wish to find paid employment. Conversations about the service user’s employment status take place at an early stage and occur regularly. In addition to providing support to service users seeking employment, the role of Employment Specialist entails them regularly updating the service user’s clinical record so clinicians in the community mental health team are aware of progress being made towards securing employment. They regularly attend community mental health team meetings.

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The Employment Specialist will have a caseload of 20 to 25 service users, each of whom will receive intensive support.

From the point of referral to the IPS service, each individual will be supported by their Employment Specialist to complete a vocational profile which instigates discussion about their work aspirations and goals, workplace preferences, and any barriers they are concerned about.

We know that Covid-19 has had, and will continue to have an impact on people’s mental health and that the predicted economic downturn associated with Covid-19 will also have significant health impacts in the short and longer term. The following predictions come from the document ‘Modelling the impacts of Covid-19 on mental health services in Liverpool and Sefton’, commissioned by Mersey Care and delivered

by The Strategy Unit: •

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Overall demand for mental health services (measured by referrals) over the next 24 months could increase by around 30% (compared to a full year of referrals); The most referrals are likely to be for those patients with existing long-term physical conditions who are struggling to manage with the psychology of the pandemic, lockdown policies and economic change;

Anxiety, Depression, Stress and PTSD will likely be the most frequently presenting issues by some margin.

Significant numbers of people may also present with loneliness, suicide ideation and self-harm issues.

The IPS service has therefore been proactive during lockdown in finding appropriate, alternative ways in which to support people with regards to attaining and remaining in employment. In place of face to face support the Employment Specialists provided support remotely via phone, video chat, text message and email. They have worked side by side with The Life Rooms Digital Team to produce videos which can be viewed on The Life Rooms On-line Learning Platform along with numerous self help and wellness videos. In addition they are developing Mental Health in the Workplace, Digital CV building and Employer Engagement Platforms to promote the IPS Service to new employers, partners and service users. As soon as lockdown eased the Employment Specialists began to see people face to face again wherever it was considered safe to do so.

What we would like to share with you are these amazing statistics; since 1 April 2020 to 11 December 2020 the Teams have had: •

32 new job starts in Liverpool

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14 new job starts in Wirral

• 3 new job starts in Halton and Warrington Alongside this achievement they have been working with service users to enable them to remain in jobs during the pandemic. We therefore feel confident that going forward the Teams will be able to meet the challenges caused

by Covid-19 in terms of supporting people into employment, and to sustain employment, whilst ensuring they continue to access appropriate services to maintain their mental wellbeing.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Understanding Your Health Going Into 2021 towards building a healthier company. We know from experience that giving your employees the information they need to make informed lifestyle decisions helps improve company morale and productivity as it shows your employees that you really care about their health and well-being.

We offer the world’s most advanced health checks which assess up to 350 different indicators of disease at their very earliest stage, including heart health and diabetes.

Our specialised heart health check offers an extensive heart disease risk assessment in additional to an evaluation of cardiovascular risk. It has tests such as apolipoproteins, lipoprotein and hearttype-fatty acid-binding protein (a marker of heart muscle damage associated with lack of oxygen and over exercise).

According to Diabetes UK, there are 3.9 million people who have been diagnosed with diabetes in the UK. We can determine your employees’ risk of diabetes by using routine markers, such as HbA1c, glucose and insulin as well as new markers leptin and adiponectin. Measuring these markers can help us identify the earliest possible signs of diabetes.

Since lockdown, we’ve seen a dramatic change in people’s behaviours towards looking after themselves as they seek to understand their own health and wellbeing better. As we learn more about COVID-19 and the risks associated with existing conditions, the unknown has created a lot of anxiety around health. At our Randox Health clinic in Liverpool we are hearing the same question: Am I healthy?

Liverpool Chamber

Going into 2021, employers have an opportunity to create a workplace that allows better understanding, incentive and generates a conversation towards the areas of health and well-being that are important to everyone across their diverse organisations.

At Randox Health, we’re passionate about helping employers take the right steps

Any employee who takes a test with us is then provided with detailed and tailored scientific advice on the simple steps to take, to live a healthier, longer and more enjoyable life.

Our mission is to enhance your business by providing a health programme to suit your organisational needs. Contact the team today on 0800 2545 130 or info@ randoxhealth.com for more information.

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SKILLS & EMPLOYMENT

New Principal’s Commitment to the Business Community businesses to gain access to funding in the form of apprenticeship grants, and the Government’s new Kickstart Scheme”.

“We place considerable value on our relationship with the Chamber, not only through the provision of market intelligence in respect of the region’s economy, but also as a facilitator in supporting our growth strategies. For example, with Chamber support, we recently hosted a stakeholder consultation forum with key figures from the region’s construction sector. This collaboration has not only provided a valuable insight into the skills needs of the sector but has also given us access to some of the industry’s critical thinking that we can then adapt to inform our curriculum. This collaborative approach, with Chamber support, will ensure that our students enter the workforce with the right skills, knowledge and behaviours for the job”.

Hugh Baird College welcomed new Principal and Chief Executive Rachael Hennigan to the organisation in February.

Despite joining during the pandemic, Rachael has already pledged her support to the business community as the Liverpool City Region navigates its way through such uncertain times. Originally from Bootle, Rachael joins a long list of successful practitioners that started their career at the College. With roots in the community she says “As leader of an educational institution in the Liverpool City Region I feel that the College plays an important role in supporting the business community and of course, this has been put into sharper focus with the

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economic fallout of the disruption caused

by Covid-19”.

On the organisation’s ethos towards business she states “I am proud of the way that we work collaboratively with industry in order to understand their needs and as a consequence ensure our students enter the world of work with the most relevant skill set to improve their career prospects and support business productivity.

Our Business Development Team work closely with employers in the region and offer additional programmes that are designed to develop workforces and assist with the recruitment and training of new staff. They are also there to assist

With regard to new developments at the College, Rachael goes on to say “another example of our close relationship with employers is our position as the first College in the Liverpool City Region to offer the new T-level qualification. This qualification is a significant change in the way that employers are involved in the development of vocational training and the shaping of the skills that young people leave us with. The qualification has been designed in collaboration with employers and features a 45-day placement to help them understand what the career is really like and develop the skills valued by industry”.

For further information on how Hugh Baird College can support your business contact the Business Development Centre 0151 353 4444 / enquiries@hughbaird.ac.uk

SKILLS & EMPLOYMENT

Harness new, degree-level talent & ideas to revitalise your business Liverpool John Moores University is gearing up to provide support to over 150 Liverpool City Region SMEs in 2021, as they seek to rebuild & revitalise their business.

Encompassing fully-funded internships, heavily subsidised sandwich years and consultancy projects completed by student teams as part of their degrees, the campaign is an extension of the university’s strategic commitment to be a ‘pioneering modern civic university, delivering solutions to the challenges of the 21st century’.

A key strand is the LJMU Internship Programme, establishing win-win partnerships between local businesses and the university, all focused on completion

Liverpool Chamber

of a tailored, 140-hour project. Over the next year, over 120 of these projects will be devoted to business recovery, adaptation & resilience in the context of Covid-19 and expressions of interest are being invited from SMEs who want to hit the ground running.

‘We’re serious about our role as an anchor institution for the Liverpool City Region,’ explains Chris Finn, LJMU’s Director of Student Advancement. ‘We provide more graduates to the local economy than any other Higher Education Institution. Our students are loyal to the LCR and want to launch their careers here. Rewarding that loyalty and progressing their skills & career insight by providing meaningful help to SMEs, at a time when it’s really needed, is a great all-round result’.

Internships might focus on: gaining an insight into how competitor & consumer behaviours are evolving; moving offers online; boosting the digital skills of staff; researching & developing new products & services; scoping & drafting funding

applications - whatever helps an SME bounce forward and be better positioned for the future. Students are paid for their time and Unitemps – LJMU’s on-campus recruitment agency – handles vacancy promotion, shortlisting and payroll. In all, each internship represents an investment worth over £2,000 in the SME partner.

‘Our Internship Programme is only part of the picture,’ says Chris, ‘we also have a Business Clinic, wherein teams of students develop solutions to business needs, and we expect to launch a major Europeanfunded programme in January that will provide bespoke consultancy to SMEs on the difference degree-level skill can make to their future success, again featuring fully-funded internships and wellsubsidised year-long placements’.

To find out more about the LJMU Internship Programme and how to submit an Expression of Interest, e-mail: internships@ljmu.ac.uk

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SKILLS & EMPLOYMENT

An Explosion in Student Numbers–

Hope For the Future Despite the uncertainties created by the COVID-19 Pandemic and the subsequent confusion surrounding school examinations, Liverpool Hope Business School has experienced a significant increase in first year student numbers for this current academic year. Year on year figures are up by 71% across the School with Accounting and Business Management programmes experiencing increases in registrations of 100% and 60% respectively. This sharp rise in student numbers has created a positive challenge for the Business School in terms of

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delivering more classes and finding time to engage with each of its new students in a way that upholds its ethos of knowing all our students one by one.

Ian McKenna, Interim Head of the Business School stated: “Increasing our student numbers so significantly at a time of real uncertainty is a testimony to the increased profile and reputation of The Business School. We are humbled that so many students and families have put their faith in us at such a difficult time.”

A knock-on effect of this increase in Business School students is that Hope’s pool of young ambitious business students able to support local employers in implementing a wide range of business improvement projects has also grown. Most of our students possess high levels of tech and social media savviness, and can bring energy as well as high level skills to support a wide range of projects such as invigorating your social media or digital presence, undertaking competitor or market audits, managing events, and supporting the management and delivery of specific work projects.

Our Hope Solutions programme supports businesses with small teams of students working collaboratively off or on-site to deliver specific work packages with the support of a Business School academic/ professional tutor and some mentoring from the host organisation. This free service delivers great business results while at the same time developing the CVs and employability levels of our students.

For more information about how Hope Business School can support your business, please contact Lyndsey Burkert, Business Engagement Manager at burkerl@hope.ac.uk

#TaxSpecialists

2021

Cashflow Vaccine for Businesses

SMEs in Liverpool, you are not alone!

During the Coronavirus pandemic, businesses throughout the UK have been successfully claiming cash rewards from HMRC through R&D Tax Credits with Access2Funding, ensuring sustainability in this extremely difficult time.

As the government’s announcement of Lockdown 3.0 still rings loudly in our ears, many are looking at new avenues to source much needed cash or income for their businesses.

Without the right help they may unfortunately be forced to close.

We can Support you with Cashflow Access2 Access2Funding understand the huge impact that the Covid-19 crisis is having on SME’s across the country, successfully returning over £11m to business during the previous lockdown and £18m throughout 2020 was brought to businesses nationwide.

Team of R&D Tax Specialists Remotely R&D tax specialists can identify R&D activities with the expertise and resources of dedicated R&D Writers to prepare R&D claims remotely, from start to finish, delivering claims despite COVID-19.

30 minute ROI We have a 100% success rate, helping businesses from a vast variety of industries with a simple 30 minute consultaton.

Businesses who have benefited Liverpool based company who specialise in prison aftercare successfully received £19,277.12 back for Prisioner App development.

Cheese manu manufacturing firm claimed back £20,000 for creating a cocktail infused cheese.

Unusual project p scope to a sports hall within a school resulted in a £109,047.16 return to building firm.

MEMBERS NEWS

Medicash finish year with two Health Insurance Awards Leading Liverpool health insurer Medicash has finished the year on a high after being recognised as the Best Cash Plan Provider in the UK, by two leading publications.

Medicash has been named as Best Cash Plan Provider 2020 at the Corporate Adviser Awards. The awards celebrate providers that have brought real innovations to the field of workplace financial services and are judged by a panel of top industry experts.

One of the judges praised Medicash for “maintaining traditional cash plan benefits whilst combining them with a range of important, innovative enhancements.

Pricing is great and their investment in technology is clearly paying off.”

Medicash have also been named 2021’s Leading Healthcare Cash Plan Provider at the Global Excellence Awards.

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Commenting on Medicash’s success, Paul Gambon, Sales & Marketing Director said: “Winning not just one, but two prestigious awards, is a great result for the business.

Medicash was up against some stiff competition. Being recognised for the ways in which we continued to support our customers and policyholders during lockdown as well as our focus and drive on digital innovation, is fantastic acknowledgment for all the hard work put in by everybody in the business.

“Winning these awards and maintaining our 5* ‘Excellent’ rating on Trustpilot is testament to how our staff have continued to deliver exceptional service and how Medicash has continued to innovate to ensure our customers receive the best products on the market.”

During 2020 Medicash introduced a range of new services, including being the first UK health insurer to introduce a skin cancer screening app that allows users to assess their skin spots and moles for the most common types of skin cancer.

MEMBERS NEWS

Every 8 years!

Trevor Charsley, Senior Market advisor at AFEX, January 2021 Bloomberg has a currency forecasting service. Every month around 80 analysts in various banks, brokerages and financial institutions suggest where they expect FX prices to be in 3, 6, 9- and 12-months’ time. The analysts use different methods to come to the most logical conclusions.

Some look at only the fundamental picture, some only the technical picture, and some, like AFEX, a mixture of the two.

However, there is assistance at hand in the shape of cycles. Did you know that there was a cholera pandemic in 1818, a Spanish flu pandemic in 1918 and now we have the coronavirus pandemic in 2020? So around every 100 years or so we experience a pandemic.

I wondered if there might be a similar cyclical pattern for currencies, and in

particular, the pound. Black Wednesday in 1992 saw sterling unceremoniously leave the exchange rate mechanism with the pound’s value to the deutschemark falling 27% in the ensuing months. In 2000 there was the dot-com bubble, and whilst the UK wasn’t in the epicenter of the collapse, sterling/dollar (GBP/USD) dropped 16% that year. Eight years on we had the financial crisis, with London being the financial centre of the world GBP/ USD collapsed from 2.11 to 1.35 (nearly 40%) in just over 12 months. I am sure you can recall that 2016 brought the Brexit referendum with GBP/USD dropping another 20%, this time in 6 months.

USD may escape a hard and fast decline (although with a No-Deal Brexit we can still see 1.2500). However, let’s consider that Europe is handling the pandemic quite well compared to the rest of the world, and note that it is due to spend 750 billion euros on a pandemic relief package. This should stimulate the Eurozone economy and be positive for the single currency. So, whatever has been decided on Brexit, Deal or NoDeal, the UK economy at the time of reading will be adapting to a trading relationship with its largest trading partner, which is not as good as the one it had for the past 40 years. Look out for GBP/EUR declines.

If we add 8 years on from then, we get to 2024. So, can we heave a huge sigh of relief? The answer is possibly. The dollar is weak at the moment, so GBP/

To find out more, please visit www.afex.com or contact Trevor Charsley on +44 (0)207 004 3866 tcharsley@afex.com

© 2020 Associated Foreign Exchange, Inc. All rights reserved. This article has been prepared solely for informational purposes and does not in any way create any binding obligations on any party. The information provided here should not be construed as providing advice or recommendations of any kind. You should use your independent judgment and consult with your own independent advisors in evaluating whether to enter into a transaction. No representations, warranties or conditions of any kind, express or implied, are made in this document. Associated Foreign Exchange Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (Register Reference: 502593) for the provision of payment services and registered as an MSB with HM Revenue & Customs (Registered No: 12159000). AFEX Markets Plc is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 526034) to advise and execute trades in foreign exchange options. Currency options and other derivative products are not suitable for everyone. You should ensure the risks involved are fully understood before purchasing these products.

Liverpool Chamber

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COVER FEATURE

Rutherford Health is the UK’s largest network of independent cancer centres that is at the forefront of advancing precision medicine and cancer care in the UK and globally.

Mike Moran, Rutherford Health’s founder and CEO, discusses the growth of the company and what the future holds for cancer care in the UK. What does Rutherford Health do and how was it founded?

The company was founded five years ago and is now a public listed company that is at the forefront of bringing advanced cancer treatments to the UK. I was inspired to start the company after my brother

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was diagnosed with cancer. It dawned on me that the UK was significantly lagging behind the rest of Europe when it came to precision medicine in cancer care. Cancer patients had to be sent abroad to receive advanced cancer treatments such as proton beam therapy which did not seem

like a sustainable solution. Rutherford Health was founded to address that and transform cancer care in the UK. I believe we have already achieved this and are on our way to doing even greater things. We have a network of four Rutherford

COVER FEATURE

Cancer Centres, including one in Liverpool.

Three of our centres in South Wales, Reading and Northumberland provide high energy proton beam therapy, which is a type of precision radiotherapy that delivers heavily charged protons in a more targeted manner to reduce damage to peripheral tissue and organs. Its accuracy means that it can help reduce unwelcome side effects.

Our Wales centre was the first to bring proton beam therapy to the UK and we have Rutherford Cancer Centres in Reading and Northumberland.

What can we expect to see from the Rutherford Cancer Centre North West in Liverpool?

The Liverpool centre in Paddington Village became operational earlier this year and has been treating patients. It is a unique centre within our network because it will be the first to offer the MR Linac machine by Elekta, which is a form of radiotherapy with far greater accuracy due to the machine having an MRI machine incorporated within it. It allows for real time tracking of tumours. This will be in addition to high energy proton beam therapy and the conventional cancer treatments and diagnostics capabilities which are available in all of our centres. By offering all of these therapies the Liverpool centre is a unique facility nationally and globally, and we are certain it will become a centre of excellence in cancer care and innovation.

As someone who was born and raised in Liverpool, the Liverpool centre is also a source of great personal pride. This centre will continue to advance Liverpool’s reputation as a fast-emerging life sciences hub in the UK and Europe. It will also play a key role in making advanced cancer treatments more easily accessible to the people of the North West.

MR Linac will come online in 2021 followed by proton beam therapy in 2022. We are already diagnosing and treating patients with conventional treatments.

Much has been said about the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on cancer care throughout the UK. Many cancer patients have seen their treatments delayed or cancelled. How do you think we should tackle the twin crisis of the cancer backlog and Covid-19?

We all know that Covid-19 is a very serious virus and it has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people in Britain.

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The measures taken to control the virus have however had a devastating effect on cancer care. This is now a pressing emergency and without urgent action we will face a cancer crisis that will take years to recover from. We have already outlined our concerns to government and we have been proactively playing a role to help NHS Trusts deal with the cancer backlog by making our facilities available to the NHS at national tarrifs. Our Wales and Northumberland centres already have arrangements in place to treat NHS patients and these were expanded to help deal with the cancer backlog.

In addition to making our facilities available, we have been calling for the creation of Covid-free zones in cancer treatment wards as well as greater collaboration to ramp up treatment and diagnosis. Whilst treatment numbers for cancer patients are beginning to rise back to pre-pandemic levels, we still have a very serious crisis with cancer diagnostics. Not enough people are getting tested for cancer and there are tens of thousands of people who are living with cancer without realising it.

The next phase of dealing with the backlog must be to focus on diagnosis, otherwise the backlog will not get smaller. More cases of late stage cancers will continue to come through the system. All of our centres are equipped with advanced diagnostic capabilities and we also have a dedicated diagnostics division, called Rutherford Diagnostics, which is in the process of helping the NHS with diagnostics capacity.

Rutherford Health is now more than just offering cancer treatments, you also have a diagnostics and innovations division. What role do these divisions play in the fight against cancer?

Diversifying beyond the Rutherford Cancer Centres was always our plan. The company established four separate divisions very

quickly after being founded. These are Rutherford Diagnostics, Rutherford Innovations, Rutherford Cancer Centres, and Rutherford Estates. The latter being the subsidiary that does that design, programme management and through life maintenance of our facilities.

Our diagnostics division has recently secured a large investment that will see the construction of five Rutherford Diagnostics centres across the UK over the next few years. The first such centre is now under construction in Taunton, Somerset. It has already established a partnership with the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust that will see NHS patients enjoy access to our facilities from September 2021.

Diagnostics is now a crucial battleground in the fight against cancer, especially now given the damage caused by Covid-19.

An early cancer diagnosis can make the difference between life and death and its importance to fighting cancer cannot be underestimated.

We have been diversifying even beyond that. We recently launched Rutherford Direct, a pioneering new membership scheme that offers access to advanced cancer treatment focusing exclusively on comprehensive cancer care. Our customised membership plans will ensure that those diagnosed with cancer are covered for the cost of treatment across a wide range of conditions. This is the next logical step in order to expand access to the most advanced cancer treatments and facilities for cancer patients.

It is only through such innovation that we can really have a chance to win the war against cancer and give cancer sufferers the long and good quality of life that they deserve.

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INTERNATIONAL

Living and Trading in a Post Transition UK Actions you and your business should have taken to prepare for changes to customs declarations from 1 January 2021.

Businesses across the country made preparations for the end of the transition period, and on Christmas Eve Trade Deal between the United Kingdom and the European Union was agreed. The news now means there are new ways of doing business with Europe. Guidance for exports is being updated on a daily basis and Liverpool Chamber can help you to understand the latest documentation procedures. If you still need some support or guidance you can contact HMRC helpline 0300 322 9434 or DIT who is offering ongoing support; the Government Transition site continues to be the main source of information https:/ /www.gov. uk/transition and there is an enquiry service via www.great.gov.uk/transitionperiod/contact/ As a reminder of some changes in the way you trade with the EU, the Department for Business Energy and industrial Strategy reminded businesses of the following changes:

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If you buy goods for your business from EU countries and bring them into the UK, or if you sell goods to customers in EU countries, you will have started to make customs declarations for your goods from 1 January 2021.

If you plan to trade with businesses in EU countries from 1 January 2021, you should have taken these actions now: •

•

Check what customs declarations you need to make: From 1 January 2021, you must make declarations for all goods you import and export – you will need to follow the same process as used for trade with the rest of the world. If you import goods that are not controlled, you may be able to delay making import declarations for up to six months.

Prepare to make customs declarations: If you plan to trade with EU countries in January or February, we recommend getting a contract in place with a

professional customs agent or customs intermediary who can help you submit customs declarations now. This is especially important if you’re exporting or if you’re importing controlled goods, as you will not be able to delay your declarations.

When you make customs declarations, you will need to accurately record where goods have come from. If you do not provide the correct information, you may be charged the wrong amount of tax or duty and you may have to pay a penalty.

For businesses moving goods between Northern Ireland and Great Britain there is support available to help. Check the latest Northern Ireland Protocol guidance to make sure you are prepared for new rules.

If you move goods into Northern Ireland from Great Britain sign up to the free Trader Support Service to help guide you through new processes.

If you’re a VAT registered trader, you will also have received a letter and checklist from HMRC to help you prepare for the new trading rules with Europe.

INTERNATIONAL

The value of International trade Training- Avoid costly mistakes Liverpool Chamber delivers the complete international business package for all levels covering practical topics like Commercial Invoices, Packing List, documentation and licences, Customs Procedures, Agents and Distributors, Commodity Codes, completion of import and export Customs Declarations etc. Our training is British Chambers Accredited and helps you to achieve the “Foundation in International Trade”, UK wide recognised qualification.

We can organise training specifically tailored to suit your needs. Our courses are designed to equip you with the necessary knowledge to avoid mistakes and to grow your international business.

Our speakers are ideally positioned to answer your specific questions, below some of the forthcoming dates and training: 21 January – Understand Trade with the EU Post Transition and INCOTERMS2020 After the transition period companies need to be compliant and have due diligence in all their import and export transactions. There are changes in global trade practices.

This workshop, delivered by an accredited BCC tutor is designed to help you to understand the impact of Brexit in your business and how to prepare for it.

We will also cover INCOTERMS 2020 and its implications in your contracts.

This course is applicable to anybody wanting to be aware of the changes in International Trade procedures and the best way to prepare for them

Liverpool Chamber

The agenda covers topics such as The UK Global Tariff,Trade Agreements, Import & Export Processes and Licences, Northern Ireland Protocol and INCOTERMS 2020 During the workshop there is time for Q & A session open to all

3 February – Customs Procedures and Rules of Origin 23 Februay – Import and Export Procedures, EU and ROW 18 March – Methods of payment and Documentary Letters of Credit For Information on any of the above please contact export@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

MEMBERS NEWS

Race to Net Zero - Why data (and a plan) are the key to winning the race Rich Hampshire – Vice President Consulting Energy Networks, CGI UK In this race, the finish line is clear: Net Zero or maybe even net negative! But how will we know we have crossed the winning line?

And what route do we need to take to get there? How we will know we are pacing ourselves to ensure that we get there in record time and in a healthy state are still up for grabs. I therefore would like to focus on what it will take to beat climate change and reach Net Zero: an actionable game plan.

Knowing what we need to measure will enable us to identify where we are starting from, help us to plot our roadmap to the finish line and determine how we will track our progress; whether to step up our pace if we are falling behind, or to take advantage of innovative new approaches and technologies to accelerate our journey.

These important insights come from understanding what data is required to take informed decisions with confidence.

Once we know the data we need, we can

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identify what data we already have; what data we do not have and, if it exists, how to access it; and crucially, what data we need but does not exist – then we can work out how to generate it!

Breaking with the sporting metaphor, the organisations that will succeed in their Net Zero journeys are the ones that will be able to identify, capture, utilise and manage the right data to make progress towards Net Zero in a way that balances business and customer objectives with their decarbonisation objectives. It is important that your Net Zero roadmap reflects the various competing priorities and delivers your ambitions in the most cost-effective way.

For example, around energy usage, it is important to have a clear idea of the energy a business or citizen consumes, and data is key to this. This could be granular smart meter data across multiple sites or simply annual consumption data at building level. Either way, it will help justify investment in improving energy efficiency or in no-and-low carbon technologies to meet energy needs.

In the race to address the climate crisis, business leadership is not simply to seek to minimise the costs of compliance with legislation or regulation. The real opportunity is to identify how going beyond compliance delivers competitive advantage in your chosen market(s).

It is the objectives and how they are measured that matter. Whilst the adage that, “what gets measured gets managed” is certainly true, what gets measured is more important than that. What gets measured drives not just activity, but also motivation, empowerment and behaviour – who doesn’t want to be successful?

Gaining visibility of how decisions and actions contribute to climate change is the first step towards change, while access to the right data at the right time will empower business leaders to make the right decisions and deliver quantifiable value.

To discuss how access to data can help you develop your Net Zero strategy, inform your decisions and keep you on track, visit www.cgi.com/uk or get in touch now at www.cgi.com/ uk/experts/rich-hampshire or enquiry.uk@cgi.com

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PATRON NEWS

A Nightmare on Telecoms’ Street?

96% increase in analogue rental costs since 2008

Don’t be spooked by scary stories about the BT Openreach phase out of BT’s traditional telephone lines in 2025. Many stories are being passed around the industry using phrases like “cut off” or “roll out for disconnection of all business lines”. By planning now, a seamless transition is possible. use, investment has switched to new fibre technology. As fast, reliable connectivity has become widely available, the analogue service has utilised this technology to become an almost completely digital network. Over the next few years, this will lead to the end of traditional fixed line telephony users, fixed analogue services and effectively, traditional fixed lines and calls from them being obsolete. Other services also affected by this change include connectivity products, such as broadband services, payment terminals and alarm lines.

Andy MacGregor Managing Director. BT Local Business Liverpool, Chester & North Wales It sounds scary. Disruptive. Intimidating. In 2025, BT will be switching off the analogue and digital network, creating the biggest change in the telecoms industry for over 30 years. That sounds like a big change, right? And it is. But it’s also an opportunity for your business.

Telecoms is evolving, and it’s time for the next generation. In the last ten years, rental and maintenance costs for analogue services have increased by almost 100%. Due to this and the reliability being unsuitable for future

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Obsolete phone lines. Broadband services ending. Payment and alarm issues. That does sound a little scary for any business.

With the right support and advice from your telecom’s provider, you can take these changes in your stride.

Openreach are currently trialling their withdrawal and changeover systems to address these issues, and this will continue to be expanded. To support the full fibre changeover in 2025, Openreach will impose some restrictions on new supply of existing technology. What this all means is businesses need to start thinking about their next generation telecom requirements

Fibre technology benefits include faster speeds, better connectivity, security, flexibility

sooner, rather than later. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail. Best avoided, all round.

That is where BT Local Business come in.

Our local team of specialists can guide you seamlessly through this period of significant change, and ensure your business is ready for the possibilities the technology and our range of products presents. Digital technology will offer far greater value for money, faster connectivity, Cloud based telephone systems with improved remote working, better flexibility for the modern world, all backed up with our dedicated local team focussed on your business.

So, don’t be scared of the coming change. With BT Local Business Liverpool, Chester, and North Wales at your side, laugh in the face of disruption, tweak the nose of technology, and embrace the opportunities that await your business.

If you would like a free demonstration on how we could help your business with the new evolving technology and how this would benefit your business, we would be happy to help all Liverpool Chamber members and associated businesses.

Please call us on 01704 898210

We’re here We’re here to help you to help you buy, rent buy, rent sell or manage sell or manage the places the places you love. you love.

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TRANSPORT

TransPennine Express Transform Grants now open

Rail operator TransPennine Express (TPE) launches its Transform Grants Fund to community projects and charities across the North of England and Scotland.

TRAVEL WITH CONFIDENCE Each year, TPE invite applications from many charities and community groups for the Transform Grants Fund, with over £50,000 available to support projects which tackle youth unemployment, improve the environment and promote social inclusion.

Last year TPE received 74 applications for the Transform Grants funding, requesting than £300,000 for various Wear a facemore covering onboard projects across areas that TPE serve. trains andthe in stations Community projects across the North of England and Scotland were invited to apply for grants of up to £5,000 as part of the fund and the lucky recipients were confirmed after a public vote.

“Thanks to a generous grant from TransPennine Express, Alder Hey Charity funded interactive music sessions for patients at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

The vital sessions ran for six months, helping children to feel less isolated, gain skills and have fun.”

Natasha Marsay, Accessibility and Integration Manager at TransPennine Travel at quieter times.

Express, commented;

Trains have limited capacity due to social distancing “We are delighted to have been able

to support a number of fantastic organisations across our network including Alder Hey Children’s Charity.

Transform is open to registered charities, community interest companies, community rail partnerships, schools and parent/teacher associations located within 10 miles of the TransPennine Express network. Entries should be submitted via the TPE website: tpexpress.co.uk/aboutus/community/transform-grants Applications will be shortlisted and with the best from each region progressing to Buy tickets online before a vote where we the will welcome you reach stationcustomers and colleagues to show support for their favourite project.

“The next Transform scheme is due to close Winners from the Liverpool City Region on 7th February 2021 and individuals and Please be considerate others. disabilities or medical included Liverpool of Cares and Hidden Alder Hey conditions may mean not everyone can wear a face covering. groups from across the North and into Children’s Charity.

Rachel Harrison, Trusts,

TPEXPRESS.CO.UK Hey Children’s Charity said

Foundations and Research Officer at Alder

Liverpool Chamber

Scotland are invited to get in touch and apply via our website”.

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ASK THE EXPERT

3 Things Every Business Owner Should Outsource in 2021 From improving customer service to simplifying operations, outsourcing has the power to transform your business.

Outsourcing has the potential to transform a business and if done correctly, it’s your key to success. Until recently, outsourcing felt like it was only geared towards big business. However, small businesses are now perfectly positioned to take advantage of new technology and tools in every aspect of business; from capturing leads, website live chat, marketing, to bookkeeping. When outsourcing is done correctly, it enables owners and managers to save time which they can devote to the goals that really matter, like growing your business.

In this short guide, you’ll learn 3 of the best things every business should and can outsource in 2021.

Every business should make it easy for customers to ask for help when they need it. Nothing is more frustrating than hard to find contact details, long waiting times or no response from online webchats. According to research by Salesforce, 62% of customers say they share their bad experiences with others. This powerful statistic proves how important it is to get it right.

While most businesses won’t want to outsource all their customer service, there are tools and services that can help improve customer satisfaction and increase response times.

38 38

1. Website Live Chat Outsourcing your website live chat means your web visitors receive a quick response and solution to their problems proactively.

According to Face For Business Ltd, 82% of customers say they experienced an increase in conversions by having a managed live chat service. Outsourcing your live chat means your visitors will get a quick response every time.

2. Inbound Calls Many people will always skip the “contact us” form or live chat and go straight for the phone. A phone call is a good way to start building a relationship but it’s time consuming. Let’s face it, how many calls do we receive that are nuisance calls? It’s either a salesperson ringing to save you thousands on your energy bills or a recruitment agency claiming to have the perfect candidate for “only” 25% fees. Some calls are extremely valuable but how many are just interruptions to your day?

Outsourcing your calls to the right telephone answering service will enable you to free up time, focus on the most important calls, block the nuisance ones, and make sure your callers receive a fast response and great service.

3. Diary Management & Appointment Bookings Taking bookings, orders and reservations is time consuming and can be easily outsourced giving you the time to focus on other areas of your business. Successful diary management is fundamental to the smooth running of a business. The right partner can streamline your booking process, eliminate inefficiencies, and save you time and money.

If you would like more information on outsourcing your live chat, inbound calls, and diary management, please contact James Massey using 01704 898 400 james.massey@ffb.co.uk Face For Business Ltd is the UK’s leading telephone answering and website live chat service provider. #JoinAmazing www.ffb.co.uk

RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

Award success for Morgan Sindall Construction’s Knowledge Quad The Knowledge Quad, Morgan Sindall Construction’s multi-purpose learning space that is driven by innovation, people development and social value, has been honoured with the Value award at the 2020 North West Regional Construction Awards (NWRCA).

Located within Liverpool City Council’s flagship £1 billion Paddington Village development in Knowledge Quarter Liverpool, for which Morgan Sindall Construction is delivering numerous projects such as The Spine - the new £35 million northern base for the Royal College of Physicians - the Knowledge Quad uses construction to inspire local people. It instils Liverpool City Council’s vision of inclusive growth into the wider development via its pillars of Skills, Education, Employment and Discovery.

Since its launch in early 2019, the Knowledge Quad has run a range of programmes that upskill workers in trades and sectors identified as important to the future growth of the City Region. This has involved programmes on civil engineering, joinery, building envelope, painting and decorating and electrical. A Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) brickwork pilot was run in conjunction with Wirral Met College and Hugh Baird College, while

Liverpool Chamber

the Project Recce employment course enabled a pathway for UK veterans to enter employment in the construction industry.

Other initiatives delivered at the facility include jobs fairs, as well as regular lectures from educational partners. Liverpool John Moores University, City of Liverpool College and Blackburne House have all hosted sessions on site.

The Knowledge Quad has also hosted CV sessions and other employability activities which have helped bridge the gap for attendees between education or unemployment and finding work.

Outputs from the Knowledge Quad include: •

6,948 students have attended engagement events

•

1,442 volunteer hours donated via Morgan Sindall Construction’s staff and supply chain

•

30 employment programmes/ employment support events held

•

Over 1,900 apprentice weeks at Morgan Sindall Construction projects with various engagement events and additional training

The above activity resulted in the Knowledge Quad taking home the Value award at NWRCA, which celebrates projects that demonstrate positive outcomes for the owners and users of facilities. Elsewhere during the virtual ceremony, Morgan Sindall Construction won a trio of awards for its work on Manchester Metropolitan University’s Arts and Humanities building.

Following the success of the first Knowledge Quad, a second facility is to be built as part of Morgan Sindall Construction’s work for the University of Salford.

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RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

Causeway support for Merseyside mental health facility Construction Software provider Causeway Technologies has donated £200,000 for a new mental health facility in Liverpool.

The People’s Place is being developed by Everton in the Community (EitC) and will provide a focal point for its activities around suicide prevention and positive mental health.

The purpose-built centre will significantly increase mental health provision in the city.

It will be operated by EitC, working with the NHS and other partner charities, and staffed by a range of specialists. This will include General Practitioners (GPs), mental health nurses, and experts in specific areas such as PTSD and bereavement.

As well as the healthcare facilities, the building will also include spaces to deliver learning, community events, sport and other physical activities.

Everton in the Community Chief Executive Officer Richard Kenyon added: “We have been providing mental health programmes and support across Merseyside for more than 13 years, helping people with a range of diagnosed mental illnesses and promoting the risks of poor mental health to the public.

There is a real need for our services to expand, not least due to the impact of the coronavirus, and this new facility will provide an opportunity for us to do that and support more people in more ways. We also believe that once up and running it will be a model that others can follow.

Causeway selected the charity because of its track record in tackling mental health, which is particularly high within the construction sector that Causeway serves.

Liverpool Chamber

Phil Brown, Chief Executive and Chairman of Causeway, said: “Construction is an industry that struggles more than most with mental health issues. The stereotype is that it has a male dominated workforce that does not ask for help when it comes to mental wellbeing.

“Research shows that male site workers are three times more likely to die from suicide than the average male in the UK. In fact, suicide kills more construction workers than accidents. With the well documented effects of Covid-19 this year, we feel that there are likely to be even more problems, with people isolated both at work and at home.

“We hope that our support of EitC can help us to create conversations with our workforce and our customers and find new ways to address this important issue.”

Phil also has a personal link to the charity.

Born in Liverpool, he is an Everton season ticket holder and Executive Producer of Howard’s Way, a documentary celebrating Everton’s highly successful run in the 1980s under Howard Kendall. Phil is donating all proceeds from the documentary to EitC, which adds a further six figure sum to the campaign to build The People’s Place.

As well as the donation, Causeway has selected EitC as its charity for 2021. As part of the partnership, former Blues and England midfielder Trevor Steven has been appointed as Causeway’s mental

health ambassador. He will work on a construction-specific campaign for Causeway staff and customers.

“I am delighted to be working as Causeway’s Mental Health Ambassador as part of its partnership with EitC, particularly with Causeway’s customers part of the construction industry where mental health rates are so high. Hopefully, my background means that we can use the powerful voice of football to start new conversations” said Trevor Steven.

“We want to remove the stigma of this topic and help sufferers realise that they are not alone and encourage them to openly discuss and seek help for their overall mental wellbeing. It is an honour and a privilege to work alongside my old club in support of the amazing work they are doing, both in the local community and in the wider football family and industry.”

Phil added: “As a local, I know how important Everton in the Community’s work is and what a difference it makes. We’re really looking forward to working with Trevor and the team to do what we can to support the mental health not only in Liverpool, but in the wider construction industry.”

Causeway is the UKs largest provider of software solutions for construction and infrastructure companies and their supply chains, from design through to build, operation and maintenance.

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DIGITAL

Like many others, software development consultancy, Mashbo, was forced to make significant changes in 2020. Managing Director, Gavin Sherratt, explains how he’s embraced the impact of the global pandemic and transformed the business.

“It finally felt like the right time to leave that part of the business behind.” software and web applications, which is where our core skills now lie.”

As part of the business refocus, Mashbo released 15 existing website development clients, handing them over to either internal teams or other Liverpool City Region tech businesses.

“There were some really low points last year and we had to seriously consider the future of the business. Pipeline projects

didn’t materialise, existing work stalled and we had to let staff go. With a reduced team we had to weigh up the skills we had and the opportunities that were out there, to work out if it was worth continuing. We were surprised by what we found.”

Scaling back the team and making the decision to go fully remote working meant focusing on delivering projects that best aligned with its core skills. As they reviewed the options, Gavin and his fellow director, Steve Todd, decided to stop offering website design and support as a service.

“We have been reducing the number of website projects coming into the business for a number of years now but it finally felt like the right time to leave that part of the business behind to focus fully on providing consultancy services and developing

42

“It was unnerving letting go of so many clients in such an uncertain economy, but we realised that by being more streamlined and consistent in the work we delivered, we’d improve our service and productivity. Our aim was to use our skills to help our clients do the same as well - use tech to bring consistency to processes and procedures, to improve quality and efficiency and get tech to do the ‘heavy lifting’ in their work.”

This new focus created a stream of new clients and projects, including for the English Football League (EFL), Churchill and WorkPAL and it also allowed for more collaborations, working with other local tech businesses like Pixel Beard to service multi platform projects.

Speaking of its current project Ray Pendleton from work force appraisal SaaS product WorkPAL said: “Having agency partners who are focused on their core skills, as Mashbo and Pixel Beard are, is helping us develop our own focus and create a software development strategic plan to support our business in 2021.”

For more information visit: mashbo.com

“Hollywood of the North” Gets Studio Planning Boost Liverpool City Council has received planning approval to create the city’s first purpose built film and high-end TV stages.

The city council has already appointed contractor Morgan Sindall to construct the facilities, which will be ideally located being just a 10 minute drive from the city centre and the M62.

The green light was given this morning at the city’s planning committee to build two 20,000 sq ft sound studios on land adjacent to the famous Littlewoods Building, off Edge Lane.

In July this year, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority approved £17m to support the new film and TV stages, along with the Littlewoods Film and TV studios.

The approval is a huge boost to Liverpool’s strategy to cement its reputation as one of Europe’s premier film and TV production hubs.

Liverpool City Council’s Film Office, which was the first of its kind in Europe, is overseeing the scheme and is already in talks

With planning approval now granted works will begin this month and the sound stages are expected to be operational by Spring 2021.

with major global production companies over the use of the stages from next year.

Liverpool is already one of the major film destinations in the UK and is currently hosting illustrious productions such as Netflix’s Munich 38 and Sky’s COBRA, as well as recently welcoming blockbusters such as Warner Bros’ The Batman, and high-end TV drama such as Netflix’s The Irregulars and The English Game, ITV’s Viewpoint and Sky’s Tin Star: Liverpool.

Five new appointments for ArchiPhonic L to R: Harriet Powell-Hall, Hannah Faulker, Eve Greenall, Luke Rumney and Tom Gregory

Liverpool-based architectural design practice, ArchiPhonic, has appointed five new members to its team, expanding its employee base from six to 11 full-time staff.

The firm has welcomed Hannah Faulkner as architectural assistant, three new architects, Eve Greenall, Harriet Powell-Hall and Tom Gregory, and business development manager, Luke Rumney, to support its existing team and expanding client base.

Architectural assistant, Hannah Faulker, joined the team during the first national lockdown and is a specialist in residential and urban design who will work across projects in the business.

Commercial client acquisition specialist, Luke Rumney, will lead the firm’s business development strategy. He brings experience from working with blue chip clients such as The Peel Group, Bruntwood and Morgan Sindall as well as his time as a construction site manager.

Liverpool Chamber

Eve Greenall joins the team from a North West practice focused on Public Sector education projects. A specialist in interior design, CGI image creation and technical detailing, architect Eve brings significant residential sector experience, having worked on a range of projects from those delivered for private clients, to multimillion pound residential schemes.

Newly-qualified architect Harriet PowellHall specialises in concept design, feasibility studies and masterplanning, and has a passion for interior design and sustainability.

She joins ArchiPhonic from a practice specialising in healthcare, housing and transport, as well as having worked on residential, heritage and educational projects.

Architect, Tom Gregory, brings significant expertise in delivering large-scale commercial projects. His experience spans the hospitality, leisure and residential

sector and he also has a number of highprofile hotel and student accommodation projects to his name.

Speaking of the team expansion, ArchiPhonic co-director Adam Mokhtar said: “There is no doubt that last year was a challenging one. However, as a team we approached working through the pandemic with an attitude of positivity in the face of adversity, which has worked out very well.

“We have been fortunate to experience growth over the past 12 months and be in a position to expand our team so significantly. Hannah, Eve, Tom, Harriet and Luke have a wealth of skills and experience that will be essential to our plans for the coming year and beyond.”

For more information visit visit archiphonic.co.uk

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FINANCE FOR BUSINESS

Britons are ignoring estate planning tools that could help them to pass on more of their estate to the next generation.

Over recent years, property inflation and rising asset values have combined to push a higher proportion of estates over the nil-rate band for Inheritance Tax (IHT). The residence nil-rate band helps to a degree, but with the IHT threshold frozen at £325,000 per individual, and government receipts still rising, to £5.4 billion per year in the latest figures1, and £10 billion by 20302, IHT is not a tax just for the rich – or even moderately wealthy.

Despite the fact that more estates are paying IHT, there are ways to prevent families paying over the odds. For example, those with sufficient assets to trigger an IHT liability when they pass away could use the exemption which allows anyone to give away up to £3,000 worth of gifts each tax year without them being included in the value of their estate.

However, according to surveys by Canada Life, only a fifth of respondents aged 45 or over with assets worth more than £325,000 said they had gifted money3, and over half do not know that ISAs are liable for IHT4, which could result in their families paying more IHT than they need to.

Another way to minimise the impact of IHT is to take out a ‘whole of life’ insurance policy.

This pays a lump sum on death, and when the policy is written in trust, the pay-out can help offset or eliminate an IHT bill. Yet nearly three quarters of those with a potential IHT liability said in the Canada Life study that they didn’t see a need to use life insurance, indicating an acute lack of understanding.5 The research also revealed that 77% of people think IHT rules are too complicated; yet only 33% have sought professional

advice on IHT planning. Of those who sought advice, 42% wisely spoke with a professional financial adviser.6 Heir care Whilst inertia and ignorance of estate planning is good news for the Treasury, which relies on it to ensure its tax receipts, the widespread lack of knowledge will worry many potential heirs. But taking the appropriate advice can go a long way to alleviating those concerns.

A financial adviser can help families with the transfer of wealth in an orderly and tax-efficient manner, establishing trusts, life insurance and so on, while also ensuring that the person who is arranging their estate has enough income to maintain their normal standard of living.

With the right advice, more estates could be removed from the grip of IHT and bereaved families could be spared the extra heartache of paying unnecessary tax.

“There is a strong relationship between the lack of understanding of simple estate planning tools by the wealthy and the lack of take-up of financial advice,” says Karen Stacey, Head of Distribution Services at Canada Life.

“There is a perception that planning is too complicated and time-consuming, which is not the case. Writing a will is an absolute must, while gifting money is incredibly simple. Even options seen as complicated, such as setting up a trust, can be very simple when consumers know who they want to benefit from their estate and get advice from a professional on how to achieve their objectives,” she says.

Aim Target Goal Objective Purpose Destination

Letting your heir down?

“There are a wealth of solutions out there,” adds Neil Jones, Market Development Manager at Canada Life. “We’d urge people to consider meeting with a financial adviser,” he counsels. “The rewards for future generations can be enormous.”

1

HMRC for tax year 2018/19, September 2019

2

Canada Life, April 2019

Canada Life: survey of 1,001 UK consumers aged 45 or over with total assets exceeding the individual Inheritance Tax threshold (nil-rate band) of £325,000 3, 4, 5, 6

3, 5

Survey conducted: September 2016

4, 6

Survey conducted: October 2017

To receive a complimentary guide covering wealth management, retirement planning or Inheritance Tax planning, contact AJ Barnes Financial Planning on 0151 2248700 or email alex.barnes@sjpp.co.uk.

FINANCE FOR BUSINESS

What does the New Year Hold for Businesses in Liverpool?

Just as the pandemic has thrown up both winners and losers in the business world, we are currently anticipating high levels of both solvent (MVLs) and insolvent liquidations over the first quarter of 2021.

Many MVLs have already taken place as business owners called it a day at various stages throughout lockdown. Some were quick to realise their time had come, deciding to cash in their chips at the outset in the face of so many uncertainties and effectively taking early retirement. Others required more thought and/or planning, perhaps organising a sale, whereas many were in no such position and/or took a more optimistic outlook. The particularly enterprising may even have set up companies to take advantage of the pandemic on a one-off or short-term basis.

Restrictive practices have gone on well beyond what was originally anticipated and have altered the plans of those who carried on. Some markets may have deteriorated massively in that time and future trading no longer be viable or simply too marginal to risk further erosion of their net worth.

Winding up a company via an MVL (Members Voluntary Liquidation) allows for the extraction of wealth as capital, rather than income, at much lower tax rates. Already weary at the thought of coping with IR35 and as we approach the New Year, many business owners are looking at 5 April 2021 with real fear that the Chancellor, in seeking to recoup the mind-blowing cost of the pandemic, will

Liverpool Chamber

remove Business Asset Disposal Relief (formerly Entrepreneurs’ Relief), which is currently 10% for the first £1 million and 20% thereafter.

For whatever reason, there is likely to be a strong rise in MVLs in the first quarter.

Many have suffered, but, while the stronger companies or older owners can realise remaining value and feast on their spoils as it were, others are not in that comparatively fortunate position and will need to carry on somehow.

Some sectors have been hit so hard by lockdown restrictions that when government support comes to an end they will have serious issues to address.

Hospitality and retail are obvious candidates, but others caught up in supply chains will also be affected. With debt build up and ongoing trading still marginal, many will require drastic surgery. These companies (and not forgetting unincorporated businesses) will have hopefully restructured their operations and finances in all possible ways and engaging with stakeholders in the process, but ultimately, if sufficient turnover does not return quickly enough, cash runs out or the hole they are in is simply too big to dig their way out of, they will have no option but to take more formal action.

These businesses should contact restructuring professionals like ourselves without delay, either directly or via their existing professional advisers, so as to provide every opportunity to explore the options available. Things can be done to at least save the business and provide ongoing livelihood, via CVA, pre-pack admin sale or even liquidation. With family homes on the line in unincorporated businesses, or via personal guarantees, specialist input is absolutely vital before decisions are taken.

It is human nature to delay such difficult decisions and hope for the cavalry to come over the hill in some shape or form, but undue delay comes at a cost, limiting options and at worst, risking everything.

Initial advice is free, so, with nothing to lose and much to gain, the message is clear.

For more information, contact: Keith Tully T: 07969 905 654 E: keith.tully@btguk.com Jason Greenhalgh T: 07810 751 788 E: jason.greenhalgh@btguk.com

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INTERNATIONAL

It’s All in the Timing: A Strategic Partnership By, Fred Tumas Director of boomerang carnets® UK shares a quote he often heard used by his late father Bruce A. Wilson, who was also Founder of boomerang carnets®, “We are continually faced with opportunities brilliantly disguised as unsolvable problems.” He added, “No one saw Brexit coming when we began this partnership. Our timing was serendipitous.

Together we will continue to serve all businesses and individuals anywhere in the U.K. by innovating temporary export processes and anticipating the needs of businesses.”

Boomerang carnets® UK is celebrating its 6-year anniversary with the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce (LLC). Boomerang carnets® UK partnered with the LCC to provide a streamlined ATA Carnet service to all U.K. businesses and individuals. As strategic partners, we offer the most costsavings and fastest carnet delivery system in the U.K. The streamlined carnet processing saves the exporter time while the carnet itself saves payment of import-duty and -taxes on temporarily exported merchandise and goods. It’s proven to be a good thing all round.

Paul Cherpeau, Chief Executive of the LCC CIC Group said: “Liverpool Chamber is committed to servicing businesses with outstanding quality and we have certainly achieved this aspiration through our partnership with boomerang carnets® UK. Delivering carnets rapidly by electronic means has revolutionised the service for Liverpool Chamber customers and the

46

convenience provided – and the savings made – to clients has been considerable.”

This anniversary is especially meaningful since all of us have felt the impact from the Covid-19 pandemic but, even before that, we were looking ahead to the challenges of Brexit at the end of 2020. Paul Cherpeau assessed the situation: “As Covid-19 is overcome and the U.K. establishes its new trading relationship with the world in 2021, the need for specialist and convenient provision of carnets will be increasingly important. As performing arts, sporting venues, and business exhibitions open again, the demand for carnets will be considerable. The Chamber’s partnership with boomerang carnets® UK will ensure that meeting the demand for customer service and quality will continue.”

We are honored to support the LCC’s export documentation department by promoting the benefits of, and quickly delivering ATA Carnets to those businesses with temporary export needs. Curt E.H. Wilson, Managing

To meet the Brexit demand, we have expanded with a new Carnet Distribution Center located to serve the Bristol, Cardiff, and Southwest-area. This distribution center is strategically poised to deliver SAME DAY CARNET SERVICE® to the burgeoning creative screen industries and is a mere 45km east of Bristol (a 33-minute drive) making the location especially convenient for the RUSH carnets typical to this industry. In addition, a host of other industries including aerospace, medical devices, technology, sports and music entertainment, machinery and manufacturing companies will benefit from the convenience of this ATA Carnet location and especially considering Brexit.

Our mission is to help businesses expand into international markets and grow. We are happy to celebrate our alliance with the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce and look forward to the years ahead.

INTERNATIONAL

Liverpool Chamber provides a comprehensive export documentation service – offering a range of documents that will enable your business to export goods around the world.

Our knowledgeable team of export documentation experts are able to guide you through the application process, meaning that you are able to export your products abroad with confidence.

In addition to delivering a fast, efficient and professional service; members of the Liverpool Chamber receive a 50% discount on a range of export documentation services.

Please contact us on 0151 227 1234 for more information or via email certificates@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Meet the people behind the certificates Heather Whitaker Export Documentation Assistant After many years working in both the Manufacturing and Freight Forwarding industries Heather joined the Chamber in 2015. Heather has full expertise in all aspects of Export Documentation.

Lisa Noon Export Documentation Assistant Lisa joined the Chamber 17 years ago as an NVQ Apprentice before being accepting the offer of a full time position. Lisa has worked in several Departments including Events, Accounts and now the Certification Department. Lisa also speaks French as a second language.

Sarah Woolley Export Documentation Assistant

Julie Sankey International Trade Executive

Sarah Joined the Chamber in 1993 as part of a Government training scheme. In March 1996 Sarah joined the Certification Department

Julie joined the Chamber in 2014 helping SMEs in the Liverpool City Region to access funding offered by the ERDF New Markets 2 programme.

Julie supports the Certification team with processing and issuing Certificates of Origin, EUR1s and ATRs

Export Documentation Services The Chamber offers the following documentation services •

United Kingdom Certificate of Origin

•

Arab Certificates of Origin

•

Eur1 Movement Certificates soon to become a UKEur1 Certificate

•

ATR Movement Certificate

•

ATA Carnets

United Kingdom Certificates of Origin – This certificate is required to prove the origin of goods and for help to clear the goods in certain countries.

Liverpool Chamber

Eur 1 Movement Certificates – is used to obtain preferential rates of duty in the country of importation.

duties and taxes have been paid) to receive preferential import duty when shipped to Turkey.

The Eur1 can only be used for goods that originated in the United Kingdom or European Community.

From 1 January 2021 this certificate will not be available. A replacement Certificate hasn’t been approved.

The preferential duties only applies to the countries that have the agreement in place.

Arab Certificates of Origin – This certificate is required for Customs clearance in some countries to prove the origin of the goods.

From the 1 January 2021 this certificate will be replaced with a UKEur1 Certificate.

ATR Movement Certificates – This certificate entitles goods that are in free circulation in the European Union (the goods are EU originating, or on importation into the EU and all relevant

ATA Carnets – Known as a temporary passport for goods were goods can be exported to foreign countries and reimported back into the UK without paying Import Duties or Taxes for up to one year.

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CHAMBER EVENTS

Liverpool Chamber Keeping Events on Track In association with MSP 2020 has been a really challenging year for events and our thoughts and support go out to all those in the events industry.

One positive outcome however has been a more thoughtful and innovative approach to developing and delivering events.

Technology has enabled more people to attend “remote” events and allowed really high calibre speakers to engage with a much wider audience, focussing on what is really important to business.

Liverpool Chamber has always had an extensive events programme and we recognise how important it is for us to remain connected to you - our members - and to continue to discuss those things which impact most on your business.

Whatever the topic we aim to provide opportunities for you to discuss issues with the experts, source practical support and share your experiences with other members.

Whilst networking has been a lot more challenging over the last year it remains central to what we do. We have moved our monthly Well Connected series online and will continue to do so in 2021, offering break out rooms for networking

and offering members the opportunity to showcase their services to fellow members.

If you would like to be involved email Laura.Edwards@liverpoolchamber.org.uk We also held a series of Strategic Events in the Autumn featuring a range of speakers including some of our patrons, civic leaders, education directors and strategic partners all of whom we would like to thank for their excellent contributions. These included events on the Economic Recovery: A Collective Approach, Healthcare and the Future and a Strategic Approach to 2021 - you can see more details on this event below.

Events in 2021 In 2021 we will continue to offer networking opportunities and offer you the chance to connect and present to businesses across the Liverpool City Region. Our regular events will include: •

Monthly Well Connected: on the first Friday of every month

•

Strategic Events Programme: monthly strategy events discussing key topics

including economic recovery post Covid-19, net zero and skills and training •

International Trade Training and post Brexit transition: ongoing meetings, briefings and training through our international team to prepare and support businesses for new trading arrangements with Europe and additional global opportunities

If you want to host an event with us or have ideas for themes or topics don’t hesitate to contact rachael.bamptonaiken@liverpoolchamber.org.uk.

Finally thanks to MSP for hosting our strategic programme.

An insight into one of our Autumn events A Strategic Approach to 2021

Speakers Paul Cherpeau, Chief Executive of Liverpool Chamber Tony Reeves, Chief Executive of Liverpool City Council Dave Saville, Business Unit Director of Wates Jessica Bowles, Director of Strategy at Bruntwood Adam Mokhtar, Director of Archiphonic Andrew Waugh, Real Estate Sector Lead at Brabners Dave Saville of Wates said “2020 has challenged us in many ways but there have certainly been a number of positive changes that have accelerated during the course of the year. Flexible working and swiftly adapting to new site working procedures are two that spring to mind, but the one that seems to be making its way into many

48

more client conversations in the zero carbon agenda. This is a really exciting topic and one that we at Wates are extremely keen to gain a knowledge on so we can make this a reality on our projects.”

Andrew Waugh of Brabners commented “Today’s event showed just how resilient and tenacious Liverpool’s property sector is.

I’m sure everyone took a great deal of confidence from Tony’s comments and clear reinforcement of the City Council’s strong commitment to face into the challenges of the pandemic, catalyse development and regeneration, and to shape the recovery ahead. That, combined with clear alignment in thinking with the private sector speakers, bodes well for Liverpool to recover strongly through 2021.”

STAFF DIRECTORY

Staff Directory

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

Connect Support Thrive.

Paul Cherpeau Chief Executive

Jon Cranston Director of Finance & Operations

Tom Woolley Business Growth & Membership Manager

Elena Enciso International Trade Manager

Julie Sankey International Trade Executive

Ian Bulmer Programmes & Policy Manager

Sarah Woolley Export Documentation Manager

Helen Gibbons Accounts Manager

Michelle Cameron Senior Policy & Communications Advisor

Melissa Healy Office Manager

Laura Edwards Events Manager

Nathan Taylor Administration Assistant

paul.cherpeau@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

julie.sankey@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Heather Whitaker Export Documentation Analyst

heather.whitaker@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Jordan Rhoda Membership Executive

jordan.rhoda@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

jon.cranston@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

ian.bulmer@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

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

Conor Williams Business Policy & Engagement Executive

tom.woolley@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

sarah.woolley@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

michelle.cameron@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

laura.edwards @liverpoolchamber.org.uk

elena.enciso@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

helen.gibbons@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

melissa.healy@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

nathan.taylor@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

conor.williams@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

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

Liverpool Chamber

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becoming something of a logistics expert too - we grow when we are pushed and I think we have all been pushed recently.

5 things I have learnt during the Covid pandemic 1. Thriving and surviving under great pressure I have always enjoyed a deadline. It pushes me to get out of my own way and block any self doubt. We all have a niggling chimp brain that attempts to sabotage us and make us believe we are not good enough, or is that just me? I have developed a discipline of just getting stuff done, and removing any opportunity of overthinking it.

2. Innovation is key to growth Moore Media has been a thriving agency for 10 years in 2021, and our Covid-19 lockdown story is fairly typical in the City Region. We made massive losses for three months but we have bounced back better than before. We took this as an opportunity for growth and to pivot the business with the launch of four new brands in the Jayne Moore Media Group.

•

First is BerryandBay.com, which imports ethically produced Turkish, hammam towels and combines them with locally made Scry Candles and Skyn Bakery soaps, all ethically made and packaged with minimal plastics

•

MakeitGiftit.co.uk is a marketplace where makers can meet appreciators in a multi-vender, online shop that looks to compete with the likes of Etsy and Not On The High Street

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•

•

MyOddJobGuys.com is a handyperson service which is focused on employing ex military and blue light personnel who may have decided to retire early or have done their time I Am Moore - a learning brokerage which is a training provider, registered to access the Kickstart programme, giving SMEs access to the funding for new staff to support their growth

3. Always learning As I head towards that big birthday this year (21!), more than ever my attitude to learning new skills and technology is pushed. If last year taught us anything is that we must embrace change and learn new skills to remain relevant. The youngest member of my team, Lucy, has shone and adapted to develop an e-commerce brand and is now

4. Ask for help Many of you who know me saw my ranting on Twitter at the injustice of the Treasury’s grant aid programme, and if like me you missed out on most, if not all support, it was a real struggle to ask for help. Help was offered when Jacqueline Gilroy at The Growth Platform called me to see if I needed support. That support came in the form of the sparkling Angela McClelland from The Extraordinary Club, and Mark Butchard Business Solutions. I will forever be thankful to them as they reminded me of who I am and what we stand for. I’m now owning my powers, as they are a force for good.

5. Resilience Armed with my very own fresh perspective, we were off, and honestly things have never been better. We now have a group of five companies, some still in fledgling stages, but all really viable and exciting. Moore Media also has a clutch of really exciting new projects, and I have recruited some of the best experts in each sector we are entering.

I have embraced all that 2020 has thrown at me, as it has built my muscles and made me stronger. It has provided an incredible opportunity for change, and we will create a lasting legacy from it. Let me tell you already, this year is looking pretty good… watch this space, we are going to kick the door in on 2021. www.Jaynemooremedia.com

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