SKILLS
EXPERIENCE THE HIDDEN HISTORY OF ANFIELD FOR FREE
Finding fun days out for the whole family that won’t break the bank isn’t easy, and finding fun days out that are completely free is even harder. But, if you or any of your family are football-mad, then Liverpool FC has the perfect activity to keep everybody entertained. The Anfield Origins Tour is a free, self-guided walk that takes you on a historical tour around the exterior of Anfield Stadium. Using QR codes and an app, visitors will be transported from the 19th Century to the present day, exploring the Reds’ remarkable past and discovering fascinating stories about the club at every stop. Tom Cassidy, Director of Tourism at Liverpool FC said: “We originally launched this experience during Covid, as a way for visitors to experience the magic of Anfield whilst adhering to social distancing guidelines. However, rather than stop the tour once we were able to re-open our
indoor experiences fully, we made the decision to keep The Anfield Origins Tour running. “We wanted to make sure that everybody could continue to come and enjoy our fantastic stadium, whilst learning about the hidden history of LFC, regardless of financial situation. So, the decision was made to make the tour completely free, to keep it accessible to all.” There is no need to book The Anfield Origins Tour. It can be taken at any time, and starts outside the Anfield Museum reception, where those taking part scan a QR code to download an app onto their phones.
Through this app, visitors will walk in the footsteps of the Reds’ founding father, John Houlding, and see where the first-ever dressing room was located. They’ll find the oldest remaining part of Anfield; discover the fascinating history of Stanley Park; learn more about some of the iconic figures who have helped to shape the club’s story. There is also chance to stop for some fantastic photo opportunities along the way. To find out more about other experiences available at Anfield, including the awardwinning LFC Stadium Tour, visit https:/ / www.liverpoolfc.com/stadium-tours.
SME INNOVATION: IT’S NOT JUST NEW PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Small businesses have always been key drivers of growth in developed economies, and the UK is no exception to this rule. However, SMEs due to their company size tend to be impacted more by the macroeconomic climate, which is characterised by rampant inflation, soaring interest rates (which are being hiked to supposedly counter the cost of living) and falling disposable income levels across the length and breadth of the UK. Larger organisations can often absorb these shocks easier. In this article, Iona Thomson, Client Director in Executive Education and Module Leader on Help To Grow: Management programme at the University of Liverpool Management School discusses the vital role that innovation plays in the survival and growth of SMEs and challenges common misconceptions about what constitutes ‘innovation’. An innovation mindset Being innovative is a key ingredient to any business’s success. However, with smaller budgets and arguably more constraints in terms of workforce and capacity, it is important that SME business leaders
Liverpool Chamber
understand that innovation is very attainable on a smaller scale. To recognise that by harnessing and rewarding an innovative team mentality, will improve the business environment and overall performance. Innovation doesn’t necessarily mean the development of large-scale initiatives, new products or services. Most innovation involves doing the things we do every day a little bit better rather than creating something completely new and different. Whether it’s executing a new marketing strategy, improving the efficiency of current processes and working practices or helping improve your customers’ experience, adopting an innovation mindset every day allows businesses leaders to look at their business operations and opportunities differently, to survive, thrive and grow. To enable innovation in your business, look at how you identify new opportunities, risk manage the development of these opportunities in stages, test new products or services, align resources and plan how to scale up.
Iona Thomson
Help To Grow: Management programme at the University of Liverpool Management School is 90%-funded by UK Government to help SME leaders enhance their leadership skills and boost innovation and growth post-pandemic. Run over 12 weeks the programme includes online face-to-face sessions, 1-to-1 mentoring and peer support. Designed to fit around full-time work, the course is designed to helps SME leaders to drive profitability innovation and growth in their business. Liverpool.ac.uk/HelpToGrow
13
