DQ 14: The Downtown Manifesto

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IFB16 We take a look at what’s coming up at the International Festival for Business in 2016.

OTALLY

RANK

Downtown’s CEO Frank McKenna talks The General Election, Single Issue Campaigners & changing the football schedule.

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owntow MANIFESTO issue

dq icon Leader of Manchester City Council, Sir Richard Leese.

cool list We’ve selected the mustsee, the must-visit and the must do from across the North!

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plus THE

TAYLOR REPORT

JUST

JIM

UPTOWN

JUST

GIRL

JONAS

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LEADING

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THIS MAGAZINE IS WRITTEN, DESIGNED AND PRODUCED BY THE DOWNTOWN IN BUSINESS TEAM, AND PRINTED BY CALLPRINT © DOWNTOWN IN BUSINESS. Downtown in Business can accept no responsibility for the veracity of the claims made by the advertisers. The views expressed are not necessarily the views of the publisher (DIB)

IN THIS ISSUE

CONTENTS COLUMNS Totally Frank

6

The Taylor Report

9

Just Jim

11

Uptown Girl

12

Leading of Leeds

15

Just Jonas

17

F E AT U R E S DQ Icon: Sir Richard Leese

18

The Downtown Manifesto

22

What Business Wants!

28

City of Liverpool College

32

Signature Bespoke

34

What We Learnt From Q1

35

IFB 2016

39

DOWNTIME Rise & Grind

40

Limitless: Developing a Business Growth Mindset

42

DQ Cool List

44

Downtime

47

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DQ

EDITOR’S WELCOME A few words previewing the forthcoming General Election; reflections on the devolution deal that has been struck by Manchester; a Knight of the Realm as the DQ icon; a new feature looking back on the FIRST quarter of this year; and regulars such as the Cool List, Uptown Girl and the Leading of Leeds make up a jam packed first DQ edition of 2015.

The New Year has certainly got off to a flying start for Downtown. Already the business club with attitude has hosted two awards dinners, a unique ‘Limitless’ conference for high growth businesses, and a range of other business gatherings that have welcomed among the guests Sir Howard Bernstein, Shadow Treasury Minister Rachel Reeves and Liverpool’s elected mayor Joe Anderson.

And it is in the area of Downtown’s conversation with political leaders and decision makers that this DQ focusses, as we produce Downtown’s very own ‘MANIFESTO’.

Influencing policy agendas to improve the lot of businesses and the North of England has been the key objective of Downtown in Business since it launched back in 2004.

The Manifesto continues the narrative that

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DQ MARCH 2015

we believe represents the views of the bulk of our membership who have a culture of ambition, growth and enterprise.

The momentum of travel on so many fronts is certainly in the direction of Downtown.

From the ‘Northern Powerhouse’ agenda through to new ways of supporting high growth companies, politicians from all parties are talking the language of Downtown members on a whole range of issues. We will be following with interest the various debates and discussions over the course of the next few weeks – and beyond.

Business and politics aside, we still have time to bring you up-to-date with what is hot and happening across the region with our guide to the best bars, restaurants and hotels in the north – and you can also find out about the new services and packages available from Downtown in 2015.

Read on, enjoy and remember, it doesn’t matter who you vote for – so long as you vote.

Best Wishes, Jack Hunter DQ Editor

CONTRIBUTORS @DowntownFrank

@MarpleLeaf

@JimHancockUK

@vbrownhpc

Frank McKenna

Michael Taylor

Jim Hancock

Victoria Brown

The founder and chief executive of Downtown in Business, Frank was a politician for twelve years before setting up his own business. He was leader of the Northwest Regional Assembly, Deputy Leader of Lancashire County Council and a Parliamentary Assistant. He was also the chairman of economic development agency Lancashire Enterprises. He was described as the most influential politician in the region by Insider magazine in 1998; and he is now recognised as one of the best connected business leaders in the north of England. Frank is a member of the International Festival for Business Board. He has presented his own business radio programme on City Talk 105.9fm for five years.

Michael Taylor is the chairman of Downtown Manchester in Business. He is an events host, broadcaster and award winning business journalist.

He has started a new venture called Discuss which hosts topical debates. He also works with clients on brand and communications strategies, these include governmentbacked coaching service GrowthAccelerator, Deloitte, the ICAEW, Seneca and the Prince’s Trust. Previous to that he was the editorial director of publishing group Insider and won many awards for his investigative journalism and business commentary.

Jim Hancock has held the top jobs in political journalism at Granada and BBC North West.

Now he’s working with some of the country’s top companies in hosting their conferences. Recent commissions include facilitating a national conference for HS2 Industry Leaders Group attended

by Lord Deighton and Sir David Higgins and hosting a conference of international companies which make up the consortium building the Mersey Gateway bridge. Ever versatile, he is soon to host a global conference on antibiotic resistance supported

by AstraZeneca and Redx Pharma. Other clients include the Information Commission and United Utilities.

DQ’s award winning Uptown Girl started her first business at just 17, sold her second business at 30 and is the Managing Director of the HR outsourcing company High Performance Consultancy which she established in 2007.

Entrepreneur Victoria is about to embark on her next business, OneHR, an innovative and comprehensive online HR and administrative system that has already secured users from major UK and international companies.

You would not be advised to play mind games with her anytime soon either – she has a degree in Psychology and a Masters in Occupational Psychology. Pity her husband!

@tomriordan

@RPJonas

Tom Riordan

Roger Jonas

Tom is responsible for the overall coordination and management of the council’s activities. He supports the Leader of the Council and Executive Board and ensures delivery of their policies and objectives, in particular the delivery of the council’s Business Plan and City Priority plans. He is the named Returning Officer for Elections and also has a role in terms of supporting the leadership of the Leeds City Region.

Roger’s work life started in professional theatre with a sweeping brush! Following a 10 year stint in design and production management, he moved to Liverpool to open Easy Street Arts Centre in the City centre. Following this, Roger moved into teaching stagecraft to mature students before he was approached to design and manage the Masque Theatre in Seel Street, and has since managed a number of venues in the city. He joined Downtown in 2008 to support the development of our ambitious events programme throughout the North. He is passionate about working for a business that makes a difference and is recognised for its effectiveness in supporting local economies.

A Special Thanks to

Bill Addy, Dr. Victoria Handley, John Leach, Maggie O’Carroll. Christine Oxenburgh, Lawrence Gregory.

Design & Artwork Graphic Design: Jack Hunter Technical Editor: Chris Wilcox Photography: David Longstaffe, Deana Kay Photography, Adam Kendrick Photography, Marmalade Toast, LA Multimedia

MARCH 2015

DQ 5

Totally Frank.

So, What Happens Next?

The General Election is now a matter of weeks away, but before any of you get carried away into believing that the hourly diatribe of political comment, commentary and noise will soon be over, I’d warn you not to be too sure.

All of the polling evidence would suggest that we are heading for another hung parliament, and it is more than possible that the largest party, most likely the Conservatives in my opinion, will reject the notion of another coalition and attempt to govern alone.

This strategy is unlikely to be sustainable beyond a couple of months, which will lead to a second General Election in the autumn. By then, the Tories will have dumped David Cameron as leader with Teresa May being crowned as the new Queen of their party, and she will go on to win an overall majority.

There are, of course, alternative scenarios that are worth considering. Labour may do better than many are anticipating, despite Ed Miliband, and if he was to lead his party to the biggest number of seats then there are any number of deals that he may consider. The most obvious would be an unholy alliance with the Scottish National Party, who are set to grab up to 50 Westminster seats in May. Prime Minister Ed Miliband, supported by Deputy Prime Minister Alex Salmond, may be the stuff of nightmares for some of you, but it is a possibility.

If either of these predictions come true, remember you heard it here first. If they are widely off the mark, remember a week is a long time in politics.

Single Issue Campaigners are not Political Parties.

The uncertainty surrounding May’s poll is due to several things, among them the less than inspirational leadership we are being offered by the leaders of the three mainstream parties; but largely it is because of the surge in support the minor political forces have enjoyed in recent months.

It sounds somewhat patronising, and perhaps even a little politically snobbish to say this, but those who are seriously thinking of putting their ‘X’ in the box marked Green, UKIP, Independent or, to a lesser extent, SNP, are clearly not too concerned about the detail and range of policies that are required for government.

These fringe parties are basically single issue campaigners who have decided that forming a ‘political party’ gives them more legitimacy and a bigger voice than by simply sticking to what they actually are – protest groups.

The Greens are anti- nuclear; anti- fracking and, apparently, anti-enterprise. They have no clue about economic policy, defence or indeed a whole manner of things that should concentrate the minds of any political party with aspirations to govern. Do those who are planning to vote Green really 6

DQ MARCH 2015

appreciate that they want to abolish the army in favour of ‘civil defence’ volunteers? Or that they wish to kick the Queen out of Buckingham Palace and stick her and the Corgi’s in a council house?

Outside of immigration and their anti-EU agenda, have UKIP got any policies that bear scrutiny? Certainly on both the NHS and economic policy they have been found desperately short of ideas and credibility.

And, outside of using the proceeds of North Sea oil to prop up some kind of Scottish Utopia, how are the SNP proposing to govern their nation if they do ever get full blown UDI? With oil prices now plummeting, you can only see their mismanagement of public services getting worse if they were to be given the powers they crave.

Single issue pressure groups should be just that – or we end up in the dangerous position that we now find ourselves, with a turned off electorate choosing to back parties with one idea rather than a Manifesto to govern.

FRANK MCKENNA

Saturday at 3pm.

The next round of television rights for the product that is the Premier League is about to be negotiated, and various proposals are being presented by the media companies that will give the once ‘beautiful game’ even greater riches in exchange for even greater flexibility as to when games are played; and the notice period that has to be given in announcing televised fixtures.

Potentially this means that we will see ‘live’ games on TV from Friday through to Monday evening.

We have already witnessed the further dilution of our once feted FA Cup this season, with TV insisting on 3rd Round ties being played on a Tuesday night – meaning that the 4th Round draw had taken place before some of the previous round of games had been completed. Now, night time kick offs and even more bizarre kick off times look likely to be introduced as FA Premier League bosses prioritise the chasing of the shilling over the interest of supporters.

There is no doubt that the Premier League has been more of a force for good, with greater investment in stadium facilities; a more family friendly environment at most grounds; and a competition that is the UKs most successful export product.

Nevertheless, the Television viewing public, whether they be in the pubs of Moss Side and Walton or the bars of Delhi and Shanghai, are as hooked on the ‘product’ not simply because of the unpredictability of the result and the patchy quality of football on offer, but by the fabulous atmosphere that is generated by fervent, bonkers supporters of English football clubs.

If the powers that be continue to mess around with fixture planning and kick off times, then attendances will, sooner or later, begin to be hit – and when that happens the FA will find themselves in a much more difficult round of negotiations with the media outlets than has been the case thus far.

There is a simple solution to all of this nonsense. We should go back to the entire weekend programme being played on a Saturday at 3PM. The argument that this would adversely affect attendances is patently nonsense now, as any football supporter who wants to watch a game live via a TV, iPad or laptop can easily find a channel that is streaming the game of their choice – or find a pub that has a foreign channel showing the game.

Saturday at 3 O’Clock is the traditional time for football in England. It fits with our culture, and offers supporters the certainty of planning their matchdays, whilst also significantly reducing the number of ‘domestics’ as fans justify to their partners why they are having to leave the family home at 8.30am to watch a football game that starts at 11.30am (Man City vs Everton a couple of seasons ago).

There is a case for playing a ‘headline’ game on Sunday at 4pm, but other than this, for me, it’s Saturday’s all the way.

And if we could also convince UEFA to see the sense of re-introducing a knock out UEFA Cup, played on Wednesday night, rather than the crazy Thursday evening Europa League, we’d really be making some progress.

MARCH 2015

DQ 7

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M I C H A E L TAY L O R

The Taylor Report.

The MHS And Why Devo Manc Is Deadly Serious.

I missed the party. How was it?

You know, the one that celebrated the announcement that Greater Manchester’s devolution settlement was edging ever further to bringing local control closer to our needs?

The one that toasted how Devo Manc isn’t a sleight of hand, but seems to be bringing real power, real budgets, real control and real autonomy to a city region government, controlled in time by a directly elected Mayor. That party?

I jest, but we have witnessed something seismic, again. Make no mistake, the direction of travel for devolution is firmly going in the way we have been consistently arguing for.

But there is still widespread apathy and a lack of understanding for what it might mean. “More deals with the Tories” was a typical reaction I got.

The creation of an “MHS” for Manchester as it’s been dubbed by absolutely no-one, still offers the promise of tackling the biggest elephant in the political room – properly integrated health and social care. The high levels of diabetes, mental health problems and heart disease in our city region are a national disgrace requiring radical action. The work on the Greater Manchester Healthier Together campaign asks some tough questions about longer term preventative approaches to deep health issues in Greater Manchester.

An identified £1.1billion funding gap couldn’t be addressed under existing arrangements.

The report that really raised the bar for an audacious devolution

settlement was Andrew Adonis’s Growth Review. That was in time trumped by Respublica’s DevoManc project, which the Combined Authority commissioned, and had a contented seal of approval from the most powerful figures in the city region Sir Richard Leese and Sir Howard Bernstein.

When I sat round the table with a number of stakeholders from the region last July, with the Conservative Prime Minister and Chancellor and the Labour Mayor of Liverpool, as well as the Chief Executives of Leeds and Manchester, the question I asked of them was how serious is this appetite for devolution and how far can it go?

I made the point then that the biggest issue still to crack is education.

Greater Manchester’s economy requires a level of joined up thinking to address two problems that aren’t meeting in the middle – low pay and skills shortages. We’re educating our young people for the wrong type of jobs.

These should be exciting times.

But trust is broken in so many institutions of civic life. Cynicism and scepticism are running rife.

Manchester’s pragmatic political culture is technocratic and focused on outputs rather than grandstanding.

We are probably better off, on balance for that, if it is indeed a choice. But it remains the task of the elected Mayor to build public legitimacy and enthusiasm for devolution. Philip Blond, the author of DevoManc, said on BBC Radio 2 that this is a bottom up reform. For most people it isn’t really. It’s still something that’s happening “to them” and conducted by “them up there”.

MARCH 2015

DQ 9

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JIM HANCOCK

Just Jim. Dangerous Constitutional Times?

Two dozen seats in Yorkshire and the North West will play there part in the looming General Election car crash.

Will the Lib Dems hold on to Sheffield Hallam (Nick Clegg’s seat). Will the Tories keep Wirral West?

Will Ed Miliband take that vital Yorkshire quartet of Keighley, Dewsbury, Pudsey and Elmet and can UKIP gain a foothold (Heywood and Middleton?).

To understand the situation that could confront our political leaders on May 8th, I’m going to give my forecast for the actual seat allocation. I will be back in the next edition of DQ to eat humble pie. Actually the figures I wrote down over Christmas are not that far out from esteemed psephologist Peter Kellner. So here it goes.

The Tories are given credit for the economic recovery and lose just a dozen seats bringing them down to 290 leaving them as the largest party. Labour make tepid advances to 280 hindered by cheap petrol taking the wind out of their cost of living campaign and the Scottish Nationalists getting 20 MPs. The Lib Dems siege strategy around their safer seats means they hold about half their constituencies. I’ve probably been too generous to UKIP giving them 9 because their balloon is likely to gently deflate in the run up to polling day. I’ve got the Greens on two, but they are putting in a late spurt in the election race and may do better. In Northern Ireland I’ve forecast a repeat of 2010. The significant party here are the Democratic Unionists with 8 MPs. They are significant because they are the only realistic allies for the Tories if the Lib Dems walk away.

Labour have a host of parties they could conceivably work with from the Scot Nats and Lib Dems to the Greens and

Plaid Cymru. So where does the danger lie in my scenario? If I’m right and the Tories are just the largest party they may want an agreement to form a minority government with support from the Lib Dems and Democratic Unionists.

If Nick Clegg wants to agree to this, there might well be a challenge from his more radical colleague Tim Farron.

As one of the few northern survivors he may well lead of revolt to do a deal with Labour. He might argue that the Tories plans on the economy, immigration and particularly an EU referendum are unacceptable. Furthermore, he might suggest that 5 more years supporting the Tories might finish off the Lib Dems altogether.

But if Ed Miliband were to walk into Downing Street with an agreement with the Lib Dems and Scot Nats in his pocket, the anger on the Tory benches would be profound. The party with the largest number of MPs and popular vote thrown out of power.

So the north, or parts of it stand by to play their part in the greatest political drama of our time. Those Yorkshire Tory constituencies like Pudsey and Elmet and their Lancashire equivalents like Rossendale and Morecambe hold the key. So do the neighbouring Lib Dem seats of Hazel Grove which is losing its long serving MP Andrew Stunell and Cheadle where Mark Hunter hopes the citadel strategy will work.

Business people will have to take comfort in the general economic upturn because their desire for certainty in the direction of government policy is unlikely to come with the conclusion of this General Election.

MARCH 2015

DQ 11

Uptown Girl.

Looking at the past...

When the coalition came into power they promised a bonfire for the red tape surrounding business... it has been more like a small campfire. This has been coupled with legislative/regulatory changes born out of Employment tribunal cases and judgments from the European Court of Justice. Below are a few of the highlights over the period;

Changes to TUPE Regulations The promises of radical changes to the TUPE regulations to make them more simplistic and aid the transfer of businesses did not transpire.

The changes do not address the fundamental issues. This is a complex piece of legislation and people are still unsure of when TUPE applies.

Unfortunately this will continue to be defined through ET cases.

Family Friendly Policies The introduction of Shared Parental Leave – an overcomplicated piece of legislation which is not going to encourage parents to share leave.

Introduction of ET fees There has been a massive decrease in the number of claims coming through since the introduction of fees which can be seen as both a positive and a negative. The positive is that it deters people with frivolous claims or those that are unlikely to succeed. The negative being argued by many trade unions is that it allegedly doesn’t allow for justice for people when they have been treated badly by companies.

However, the introduction of the Pre12

DQ MARCH 2015

Conciliation process before going to an ET has supported this, as it allows for companies and employees to come to a settlement at an early stage with minimum time and cost to either side.

They have also used the opportunity to reduce the amount which can be awarded to be based on an employee’s wage. Whilst this is good and attention grabbing the average ET award is around £10K so it doesn’t necessarily save a company money.

Change to length of service before submitting an ET claim Increase of length of service required before taking a claim to an ET from 1 to 2 years. This has been seen as a welcome change for many business to enable them to manage poor performers within the company.

However, it still allows for people to submit claims on the grounds of discrimination and relating to a statutory right. Employers therefore should always adhere to best practice and not cut corners in a process.

V I C TO R I A B R O W N

Looking to the Future...

The main political parties in the UK have held their last annual conferences before the General Election. Their manifestos have been laid out, policies explained and pledges made. Whilst there are many issues that the election trail will cover, I have looked specifically at the pledges they have made surrounding employment law;

Conservatives

Minimum wage – a promise to reach their next goal of £7 per hour (currently £6.50) in the near future.

Zero hour contracts – exclusive zero hour contracts to be scrapped. The Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill was introduced to Parliament in June 2014.

It contains provisions to define a 'zero hour contract' and prevents use of exclusivity clauses and sets a maximum penalty for underpaying the national minimum wage on a per worker basis rather than per notice.

Human Rights – Repeal of the Human Rights Act 1998 (which gave effect to the European Convention on Human Rights in the UK) and the introduction of a British Bill of rights and responsibilities. This will make the European court of Human rights judgments ‘advisory’ only, and they will not be binding on the UK Supreme Court.

Minimum wage – to increase to £8 per hour by 2020. Labour will also introduce fines for employers who fail to pay the minimum wage, and a tax rebate to employers who sign up to pay the living wage in 2015. In addition, listed companies will be obliged to report on whether or not they are paying the living wage.

Labour

Zero hour contracts – Employees will be given new rights including a right for employees who consistently work regular hours to receive a fixed hour’s contract automatically. There will be a ban on exclusivity provisions, as well as requiring atypical worker availability on the off chance that they will be needed. If shifts for such workers are cancelled at short notice, employers will be required to pay compensation.

Employment Tribunal – the current system to be abolished or perhaps reformed.

Apparently a new system should be put in place which ensures all workers have ‘proper’ access to justice. I could spend the rest of my column discussing this as it is a topic that I have regular first-hand experience of and I have witnessed some horrific vexatious claims submitted by employees against my clients– what about ‘proper’ justice for the Employer also?

Liberal Democrats

Minimum Wage – A proposal will be made to the Low Pay Commission for a single national minimum wage for 16 to 17 year olds in work and first year of apprentices. This will also ensure that younger workers are protected from discrimination. In addition, a national minimum wage enforcement section will be introduced to HM Revenue and Customs.

Enforcement – the Working Time Directive section of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will combine with both the Employment Agency Standards inspectorate and the Gangmasters licensing authority to become a new ‘Workers’ rights agency.’

Whoever is walking into Number 10 on 8 May will no doubt keep me busy with the ever changing wonderful world of Employment Law!

OneHR for all DIB members As you may recall from previous editions I have been working tirelessly with the OneHR development team to get version 2 live and available to the open market. I am delighted to announce that this version will be released in March and we have teamed up with DIB to offer all members this product for free.

Your local BDM will be in touch shortly to get you set up, however if you have any queries or would like a demo then please call the OneHR team on 0844 8005932 or email contact@onehrsoftware.com. www.onehrsoftware.com MARCH 2015

DQ 13

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Leading of Leeds.

As we edge closer to spring, the economy of Leeds continues to show encouraging signs of health. The South Bank of the city is about to undergo a transformation, linked to the regenerative impact of HS2, and masterplanned by globally renowned architecture practices Jan Gehl and Arup.

Outline plans for a major mixed-use development on the former Yorkshire Post site, a key gateway to the city, are coming forward.

When it comes to economic growth, recent research has shown that the city created more private sector jobs (4,200) between 2010 and 2012 than any other core city in the UK. This has been followed by recent announcements by companies such as Sky, who plan to create 300 jobs in the city as it has chosen us as a base for its technical services operation. And for businesses in the city centre, the Business Improvement District ballot is now open (until 26th February). Both the Leader of the Council and I see the BID as a critical element in the ongoing transformation of the city centre, and I hope you will give it your fullest consideration. You can find out more at www.bid4leeds.com.

It’s not just in Leeds that the news is improving. You may already have read that the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has secured a further £54.6m Growth Deal funding from government to create jobs and support business growth in Leeds City Region. This new funding is on top of the £1 billion deal agreed in July 2014 which saw the Leeds City Region awarded the largest settlement of any LEP area in the country.

which I recently spoke about at Bettakultcha event. www.bettakultcha.com/2015/01/tom-riordan-anindependent-north/.

We also continue to press for powers to deliver jobs for all in a NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) free, innovation-led City Region. What we require here is a single, long term skills and labour market agreement to devolve skills and employment funding to the City Region, enabling our businesses to create 20,000 high quality jobs, supported by the higher level skills and apprenticeships needed to drive future economic growth.

As our success with the growth deals shows, the signs of further devolution to the city and city region are encouraging. It is critical now that we keep the momentum up, and in partnership with the other UK core cities, we have recently been meeting with the main parties to lobby for increased investment in the regions, and much greater devolution of power. As always, we need the voice of business to be part of this dialogue. You can help us in two ways – telling us what it is we need to lobby Government for – such as a better skills system and more effective transport infrastructure – but also to stand alongside us in taking that message to Government. The work that Downtown does in lobbying for devolution for Leeds and the North is an essential part of giving Government a clear and united signal, from the public and the private sector, that we are geared up for growth and ready to deliver.

Across the city region, this funding will be invested in programmes to support business growth, whether that be support more local small businesses to reach their full growth potential, boost innovation and enterprise in manufacturing, healthcare, digital and other fast-growing sectors, and invest in low-cost, efficient local energy that will make our region a global leader in the low carbon energy revolution. It will also enable us to build more good quality, affordable homes to meet current and future demand, help reduce energy bills for local people and small businesses, and invest in world-class college facilities to help our young people to develop the skills they need to thrive in a fast-paced labour market.

And while this new funding is very welcome, we are already asking for more. That ‘ask’ includes a transformational City Region metro system to maximise the impact of HS2, and which allows us to invest in infrastructure alongside a suite of powers and funding relating to local bus franchising, investment in smart transport technology and the ability to manage strategic highway and rail networks. Collectively, this will deliver our ambition to become the hub of a single, independent Northern economic zone including Manchester, Sheffield, Liverpool, Newcastle and Hull,

MARCH 2015

DQ 15

Welcome to Liverpool One Bridewell, the city’s best kept secret.

Offering some of the finest food and drink in the North West, Liverpool One Bridewell is a welcoming cultural oasis in the heart of the city. Set in a unique Grade II listed building, this 1850s former gaol and police station has been attracting high profile guests ever since Charles Dickens spent a day here while researching a novel back in 1860.

These days, loyal customers return time and time again for the friendly service and all their home comforts in the unusual setting of the historic cells.

However, if it’s al fresco dining you crave as we head into summer, Liverpool One Bridewell’s gorgeous walled garden is one of Liverpool’s hidden treasures, providing the perfect setting to eat and drink in the sunshine. With a new summer food and cocktail menu launching in May, and the best staff in town, Liverpool One Bridewell is the perfect place to enjoy the warmer nights.

And for life’s bigger celebrations, including weddings and private parties, Liverpool One Bridewell is available to hire.

Liverpool One Bridewell, 1 Campbell Square, Argyle Street, Liverpool, L1 5FB www.liverpoolonebridewell.com Tel: 0151 709 7000 Email: paul@liverpoolonebridewell.com Liverpool One Bridewell

@Lpool1Bridewell

ROGER JONAS

Just Jonas.

Learning From The Past, Planning For The Future.

In 2014, Downtown achieved substantial growth. We’ve dealt with the growing pains and the infrastructure change that comes with expansion, and now we are fighting fit for the 12 months ahead.

Our intention, year on year, is to be more ambitious than the previous year, in order to deliver the expectation, still maintaining the focus on quality over quantity.

Having said this, our proposed events agenda for 2015 has increased across all Downtown regions, all designed to help disseminate the volume of diverse issues, initiatives and innovations that will impact on the business communities as confidence becomes more tangible. There are many conversations to be had, much knowledge to transfer and digest over the coming 12 months, and a few feathers to ruffle (in the right places of course!).

Downtown in Business definitely does what it says on the tin! Our one constant is to support business and economic growth, and in realising our own achievements, we have been able to reinvest in our own development.

it’s more about the appetite of every team member within the business.

Downtown has never been stronger, and appetite is infectious.

Downtown’s success boils down to what we ourselves have banged on about for years now. Engage people who have different skill sets that are relevant to the needs of the business, research what works and do more of it, and, put initiatives in place to ensure that time management is effective.

Without wanting to sound like a scratched record, this year is without doubt our most ambitious yet. The fact that we have said the same thing each year for the past 10 years, highlights the rate at which we have grown, and our understanding of forward planning and achieving realistic and proportionate development and stability.

Being part of the Downtown conversation and engaging with us as part of your own growth plans is a sensible decision. We look forward to working with you in 2015

We don’t measure our success by the number of staff we have, although our numbers have increased significantly, it’s not about the resource we can throw at the demands of the business,

MARCH 2015

DQ 17

DQ icon

Sir Richard Leese speaking at Downtown Liverpool In Business’ Property Conference.

SIR Richard leese

Words by Michael Taylor

18

DQ MARCH 2015

“The aim for us was the change the city’s infrastructure and to change the image of Manchester.”

In making Sir Richard Leese our DQ icon we are recognising not only the incredible strides the leader of Manchester City Council has made for his personal reputation, but for what he has achieved for his city, because uniquely in politics, that single role is what defines him over 20 years. While national politicians flit between portfolios and jobs, here is a towering figure in public life who commands universal respect across the political fault lines.

For the Conservative Chancellor George Osborne to regularly demonstrate such civility and respect towards a Labour politician, as he frequently does when he shares a stage with Leese is remarkable. That the words he often uses are pragmatism, innovation and realism makes it triply so.

Yet this isn’t out of any ideological alignment or kinship. Michael Heseltine made common cause with many Labour civic leaders, who met in the centre ground. That’s not what is happening here. Politically Leese is unashamedly on the left. Leese is prepared to work with any government to deliver for Manchester, but is equally quick to point out that while relations with central government remain cordial, the city council still faces a horrendous task to deliver savage cuts to services.

He could be identified as a Labour moderniser for embracing private sector engagement, but was never really New Labour. He certainly never liked Tony Blair, but is a close friend and ally of former Labour leader Neil Kinnock. He has never been afraid to stand up in public to put Manchester before party interests and castigated national Labour politicians, for example, Alistair Darling when he was transport secretary for scrapping the Metrolink.

That self-confidence is partly borne out of his own personal resilience but also from electoral stability where Labour is wellentrenched in Manchester’s body politic. And it is his position as a leader in local government innovation as head of the Core Cities Group of local government leaders that led to Ed Miliband asking him to chair Labour’s Local Government Innovation Taskforce, the outputs of which should find their way into Labour’s final manifesto.

achieving a new level of devolved power, culminating in the signing of an agreement with the Treasury to gain greater control over budgets in exchange for a political structure that includes a directly elected metro-Mayor for Greater Manchester. Politically, the centre of gravity continues to be Manchester Town Hall, where the council is now totally Labour. The deep thinking and all the hard negotiating is led by the chief executive Sir Howard Bernstein and

by Leese, but also by an extremely capable tier of officials like Mike Emmerich and Eddie Smith and a cadre of councillors he has persistently and assiduously encouraged.

The most important part of his legacy is that Greater Manchester’s move to the Combined Authority has not been handed down from the centre, it has grown from within, it has been an evolution. The city region has grown structures that work. Leese frequently resisted all calls for a “London-style Mayor” because it would have represented a reduction in powers and failed to build on what had already been created. What he consistently argued is that the maturity of these structures required more power over the distribution of state funding and therefore a direct degree of democratic accountability.

But aside from his intelligence, his enormous capacity for detail and thoroughness, there lies within him too a politician of great personal force. He isn’t a showman, or a stand-up joker of the Boris Johnson or Nigel Farage style so beloved of political commentators today. But he has a steel about him.

If you have ever witnessed him at a debate then you will appreciate what a force he can be, especially when it matter to Manchester. He is unrelenting, sparing no quarter and he pulls no punches. He is ruthless in his destruction of the arguments of opponents, be the subject be the congestion charge or HS2 or just another party.

On panels with private sector organisations he is always inclusive, stubborn and polite.

This is where you start to see the important differences in what the party hierarchy see Leese as showing the lead on, and what the Conservatives see as a successful city which provides them with a number of quick wins. The Northern Powerhouse is important, but to take it a stage further Leese sees an integral link between devolution and his wider mission to tackle inequality through better governance.

As he said in the New Statesman last year: “Given that the old levers of a centralised state have reached the limits of their efficacy, a more decentralised statecraft is now a more realistic means of achieving change: in a complex world distance is a hindrance.”

Throughout the last year enormous strides have been made towards Greater Manchester MARCH 2015

DQ 19

Electorally his hard graft and door knocking all over the city has contributed to the one-party council that Manchester City Council now is. He is frequently asked whether it is healthy or right that there are no Tories or Liberal Democrats in the council chamber. It’s not his problem that they are ineffective, he will say, and he particularly bristles that such dominance represents an unhealthy “one-party state”.

As he told the Manchester Evening News last year: “It has been - I think misleadingly - described as a one party state. That’s a misrepresentation and an insult to the electorate. It seems to suggest the electorate can’t properly decide who it is they want to represent them and who they don’t want to.

“Syria is a one-party state. Manchester isn’t a one party state.

We hold free and fair elections. We had 12 parties standing in the local elections in Manchester this year.”

As we know, most politics is done behind the scenes. His style is best described by a colleague who said he manages to create the illusion of having a tight knit inner circle, when he actually doesn’t, it’s just that lots of people think he does and that they’re all in it.

So what next? It is widely anticipated that he would be the ideal candidate to be the first directly elected Mayor of Greater Manchester. He would be suited to the role, it is he who has been most closely associated with the development of Greater Manchester on the national stage and would see the new structure through to his own retirement, whenever that might be.

20

DQ MARCH 2015

You frequently hear it asked, what will the city leadership look like in the era after Sir Howard Bernstein and Sir Rich ard Leese?

It’s a fair question, but when you see the pair operate they do not give anything away that even hints at a retirement plan.

When he was briefed before a Downtown event just after the Scottish referendum result in September 2014, he discussed how he would answer that question if it came up (it didn’t, by the way). He would have pointed to a growing talent pool across the Labour group, a generation of councillors emerging and gaining experience of statecraft.

Many draw the succession parallel with Manchester United. A botched transition we all know about. The new man brought his own backroom staff, failed to motivate the key players and made some catastrophic decisions.

If you want a better metaphor in football for local government, then Howard and Richard’s club, Manchester City is a far better guide. An infrastructure, a strategy, a future vision and a top team at every level. Look at what happened when Roberto Mancini left City, off went David Platt and the Italian bloke with the curly hair, but that was it.

It is a lasting legacy to the leadership that Leese has and will bequeath, a city more beautiful and prosperous than when he found it, as the ancient Athenians pledged. Neither are rubbing their hands and saying “job done” but continue to create the structures that have more capacity to deliver more devolution, more growth and a better city.

0151 709 4044

THE EPSTEIN THEATRE ENCOURAGES BUSINESSES TO PUT ON A SHOW DURING CONFERENCES & CORPORATE EVENTS Following the city’s increased demand for conference and events space, The Epstein Theatre has launched a selection of new corporate packages.

The iconic Hanover Street venue will now provide business delegates with a unique range of corporate hospitality facilities, which cater for occasions such as panels, awards, ceremonies and private parties.

Depending on the nature and scale of the event, businesses can opt to host their functions in either the grand auditorium or the popular Brian’s Bar. General Manager Rebekah Pichilingi said: “It’s been a busy month for the venue as not only have we recently acquired a wedding licence, we have also launched our new conference and corporate events packages, and already we have received such high demand from both local and national businesses.

“As a Grade II listed building, our venue provides a truly unique, timeless and historic appeal, which offers the perfect way to make a statement and create interest when hosting a corporate event or conference with us.”

Conferences held in the auditorium are available for either the full day (10am-5pm) or half day (9am-12pm).

Both include full use of the bar, foyer, theatre facilities, a technician, projector hire and power supply, as well as

additional extras such as fresh flowers, food and conference supplies. Likewise, corporate events held in Brian’s Bar take place between 10am-5pm, and enable full use of bar and foyer facilities together with a power supply.

For those wanting basic light refreshments or a breakfast banquet, external catering from local independent suppliers can also be arranged to meet all dietary requirements.

Rebekah added: “To add to our venue’s quirkiness, delegates can also make use of our backstage dressing rooms.

The five novel rooms are ideal breakout spaces, as they are all equipped with kettles, refrigerators and WIFI. “We really are a venue that has something a little different to offer, compared to many other standard conference spaces. With that in mind, we hope to become one of the city’s most sought-after and forwardthinking conference and corporate events providers.”

The Auditorium seats up to 80 people and is priced at £900 +VAT for a full day (10am-5pm) and £600 +VAT for a half day (9am-12pm). Brian’s Bar holds up to 70 people and is priced £300 +VAT for a full day (10am-5pm).

For more information visit www. epsteinliverpool.co.uk or contact events@epsteinliverpool.co.uk

WWW.EPSTEINLIVERPOOL.CO.UK

THE FIRST COUPLE TO GET MARRIED IN tHE EPSTEIN THEATRE

THE

D

N

owntow MANIFESTO

The five key ‘asks’ from Downtown to government have been presented as a ‘Manifesto’ in this issue of DQ, and they very much chime with what our members have been calling for in recent months.

We could have added ‘Secure the UK’s place in the EU’, ‘Improve the management and delivery of the education & skills agenda’, and the old perennial business shout of ‘Cut red tape and bureaucracy’. However, we have focussed on issues that exercise the minds of businesses and entrepreneurs here in the North, rather than the more general agenda. Because Downtown is the only legitimate, independent business voice for the North, and if we don’t do it, no other business organisation will.

22

DQ MARCH 2015

1 metro

mayors The government should significantly reduce the number of councils and councillors currently in existence across the North of England. Lancashire is an example of three tier local government that is out of control and out of date, with a county council, two Unitary Authorities, ten borough councils and over 900 elected politicians. Add to this a Local Enterprise Partnership, and a range of quasi-public sector bodies and is it any wonder that business find existing structures both confusing and frustrating. Worse, they are ineffective.

Sadly Lancashire is the rule, rather than the exception.

Manchester aside, there is little common agreement on the big important strategic issues relating to business support and economic development in other city regions, unless there is a carrot in the form of additional financial support.

Despite the best efforts of the coalition government in recent months to encourage moves towards streamlined local governance arrangements and greater transparency and accountability with the establishment of elected Metro Mayors, both Leeds and Liverpool have turned their face against this modernising option.

Turkeys do not vote for Christmas, and it is clear that unless central government has the courage to force through these much needed radical changes, then they simply will not happen. There needs to be a genuine review of local government structures and boundaries; elected mayors should be introduced for city and county regions and many responsibilities currently being delivered by a myriad of external agencies should be managed by this new modern government structure.

We are trying to develop a 21st Century economy with 19th Century structures, and it is not good enough.

MARCH 2015

DQ 23

2 grow

your

The number of business start ups in the North of England is still woefully short of where they need to be. In Liverpool alone they are 24,000 businesses short of where the city region needs to be, and the picture across the north is little better. Indeed the very latest Centre for Cities report showed that over the past decade, for every job created in this part of the world, twelve jobs were created in the South. Not good.

So how can we start to address these longstanding challenges? Over the past five years, there has been a focus on supporting and encouraging existing businesses that have high growth potential. Nothing wrong with that, and indeed we would support the continuation of innovative programmes that offer the ‘hyper-growth’ companies the maximum possible opportunity to reach their potential and meet their ambitions.

There has also been a push from all major cities, over many years, to aggressively pursue inward investment that can help with the jobs growth agenda. This strategy has had limited success in the north, although we recognise that advocating an abandonment

24

DQ MARCH 2015

own

of significant spend and resource on an inward investment strategy in any city region would be viewed as heresy, particularly by those with a vested interest.

Nonetheless, the case for us to place more emphasis on ‘growing our own’ and genuinely pursuing the creation of an ‘enterprise culture’ in the north should win more attention, more support, and more resource.

We should focus the majority of our economic development efforts on supporting start-ups and SMEs. It is realistic, rather than defeatist, to suggest that for inward investment we can’t compete with London; but we have businesses and people who, given the right environment and support, will have a go and start a business, or take additional staff on to grow their own company.

We are not suggesting that we give up entirely on inward investment. Simply that we are more pragmatic in accepting where this issue should be in terms of priority and in the resource it attracts in the future.

3 a

bank

for

the

The north south divide is getting bigger. No matter how fast Manchester and the rest of the North pedals to keep the momentum, London just keeps growing.

Most graduate jobs are within a 3 square mile area in the centre of our capital.

Those kind of jobs just don’t exist here in any kind of volume. Our business base is made up of small and medium sized businesses and a smattering of larger firms in the financial and professional services sector.

Their recruitment processes don’t require detailed psychometrics and numeracy tests. So preparing graduates for graduate jobs inevitably accelerates this drift to London. Depressing. It makes us ever more determined to keep the pressure up on what needs to be done to create real business growth, wealth and fulfils the ambitions of our young.

If the challenge of re-balancing the economy is to help businesses, then the biggest issue that needs addressing is investment.

Since 2011 investment by banks into small and medium sized businesses has dropped by 14 per cent.

That amounts to a drop of £20.7billion. Private equity isn’t bridging the gap, crowdfunding is a drop in the ocean, invoice discounting is a short term fix to get you access to your own money. Jonathan Diggines of

north

Enterprise Ventures (EV), one of the region’s foremost venture capital investors, says business has never had it so tough: “I cannot recall it ever being as difficult for them to raise money as it is now.”

Even when you pause to applaud the £100million investment over the last three years by the European backed North West Fund, which EV partly manages, at zero cost to local government or the Treasury – it barely touches the sides.

What it has proved is a good social return and tangible economic returns. A new government needs to embrace this and go further and deeper with the ambition to draw on funds to invest in our next generation of businesses.

A really radical investment plan needs to strengthen political and economic institutions at a city region or pan-Northern level. Frankly, it doesn’t matter which.

What we need is a Northern investment bank, rooted here, not beholden to London or Edinburgh. Not a brand name, but something authentically of the North.

It would be a far better investment than the billions currently being frittered away on business support by what passes for the Regional Growth Fund.

MARCH 2015

DQ 25

4 take the

politics

out

of

planning

On the face of it, this proposal may look and sound anti- democratic, but trust us, it is anything but.

Downtown has a significant number of members in the property sector, and we have yet to meet one of them operating in most cities that would privately express anything other than frustration and dismay with the planning processes that are currently in place.

Unfortunately many councils, council Members and indeed government ministers, have great difficulty in viewing planning applications objectively.

The fact is that a Councillors first priority is often to get re – elected, and therefore if a planning application is considered unpopular in key electoral seats, however compelling, it will be rejected by elected Members.

Political whims and parochialism take precedent over the merits of any proposed scheme.

What we need is less political influence over planning issues, not more. Councillors should be consulted in the planning process, enabling them to transparently

26

DQ MARCH 2015

argue against applications where their constituents are in opposition. However, the final outcome ought to be delegated to a panel consisting of independent experts who can, genuinely, come to a fair conclusion.

Recent decisions in Liverpool in respect of the development of the city’s Welsh Streets, approved by a Planning Inspector but knocked back by Minister Eric Pickles MP; and on fracking in Lancashire are further evidence that we will see costs to both developers and local authorities continue, as appeal after appeal is lodged against negative planning decisions.

With a few notable exceptions, Manchester springs to mind in the Northwest, councils do not have the capacity to deal with complex and sometime controversial planning matters. It would be a massive step in the right direction to take politics out of planning.

5 trains planes

and

automobiles A ‘One North’ railways strategy that will potentially see a £15 billion investment in transPennine infrastructure, High Speed Rail projects that increase capacity and reduce travel times between northern cities and London and city deals that will continue to enable Lancashire, Liverpool, Leeds and Manchester to improve the road infrastructure are all welcome initiatives on the huge agenda that is transport.

Nonetheless, more needs to be done, and the pace of these planned investments must be accelerated.

The motorway network of the region is creaking. If you are travelling on the M62 you instinctively add an hour to your predicted journey time because of the volume of traffic that use this road at all times of day and night – sorting this out ought to be a priority.

The roads within our cities are resembling very large car parks, particularly, but not exclusively, around peak hours. The introduction of a modern and efficient Tram system has not solved this problem in Manchester and it is unlikely that the Trolley Bus scheme in Leeds will be sufficient to address congestion there. Liverpool does not appear to have any strategy to un-clog its roads. It may be time for us to seriously look at

the controversial ‘congestion’ charge across the region, with all monies raised ring-fenced for these much needed improvements.

Our regional airports also need to be supported.

Manchester, as the only international airport in the north, will continue to grow, consistently increasing routes and passenger numbers; and a planned enterprise zone led ‘airport city’ being developed.

Elsewhere though there is a real need for us find ways of supporting our airport network and the most obvious change that needs to be made is in the area of Airport Passenger Duty. It cannot be right that Scottish Airports will benefit from Zero APD, whilst northern airports are hamstrung with this additional tax. We should also be investing in international marketing campaigns to promote the greater utilisation of the wider airport network across the UK. Most crucially though, the devolution of transport policy, strategy and spend must be part of a modern 21st Century governance restructure.

We can no longer allow Whitehall mandarins to dictate and decide where resources ought to be targeted in the North of England.

MARCH 2015

DQ 27

WHAT BUSINESS WANTS! MAGGIE O’CARROLL To support business, the next government needs to consider the value that SMEs make and not just the large businesses and corporations.

SME’s are creating jobs continually contributing to the economy. To support this, the next government should introduce grants, and continue start-up loans to help those in the initial stages of starting a business, have these foundations managed locally and teamed with a full package of support to ensure the sustainability of the business, and give tax breaks to businesses within their first 12 months when they are struggling to turn a profit.

These changes will substantially improve their chances of remaining in business, and continuing to support the economy.

The new government should separate real employment support from the stress of claims and sanctions that

are continually happening in Job Centres across the country; funding support elsewhere which is tailored to help people become self-employed. This should be co-ordinated by true experts in the field instead of employability agencies ticking self-employment boxes when they can’t offer specialist support.

Furthermore the next government needs to be promoting entrepreneurship as a viable option. Introducing real business role models, particularly pushing forward positive women entrepreneurs and other underrepresented groups. Then supporting these women who are working on a self-employed basis, ensuring they can claim help towards childcare costs so they are not held back from growing a business through concern about family commitments.

bill addy With less than 100 days to the General Election, the political parties of all shades are now finishing their manifestos and I am fearful that business support is low on all their agendas. This year’s general election will be won or lost on the issues of Europe, Immigration and the NHS and it appears that post election the political landscape will be little changed with a continuation of coalition government.

As the CEO of Liverpool BID (Business Improvement District) Company I would hope to see a government that recognises that the British economy needs healthy business at its core, creating investment, Jobs and with stable growth. Businesses need to be able to plan for the future and need an environment that encourages risk taking .

For me, any government that provides the following will get my vote: • • • • •

Enterprise and start up support through tax incentives Business rate relief Corporation tax relief start ups Improved and reduced bureaucracy More de-centralisation

Business is starting to recover from the ravages of the crippling recession and financial meltdown, here in Liverpool we have a strong but fragile recovery and we need the next government to ensure that is sustained.

We also need a government that continues to ensure that as a country we recognise our responsibilities which are not just to our own country but are also to our neighbours both in Europe and beyond. Europe in or out, should be dealt with, like the recent Scottish question, once and for all.

28

DQ MARCH 2015

DR. VICTORIA HANDLEY State provision for people to redress wrongs through the courts is the hallmark of a civilised society. The government's increase in court fees (due to come in from April 15) will price the public out of the courts and leave small businesses saddled with debts they are due but unable to afford to recover.

The Law Society has calculated that: • • •

Cases brought by individuals are likely to fall by around 35%.

For small and medium sized businesses the reduction is 49%.

For larger companies the reduction is expected to be around 27%.

The increase in court fees (some by 600%) will prevent small businesses from accessing the court system. This will lead to small business insolvency. Unpaid invoices of £10,000s or £100,000s mean cash flow and overdrafts are already stretched. For some companies, insolvency will be the only option. It allows big businesses to avoid paying its debts knowing that smaller businesses cannot afford to do anything about it.

The next Government must support small businesses and abandon plans to increase court fees. Poor cash flow is the single biggest reason that businesses cease trading. No business can survive long without enough cash to meet its immediate needs. This becomes especially important when it is not easy to obtain credit. When the economy is in recession, the banks are reluctant to lend money. Borrowing becomes more expensive as interest rates are raised to partially offset the risk of borrowers not paying back loans. Controlling cash is essential and procedures should be in place for chasing up outstanding debts.

The next Government must facilitate the civil procedure necessary to have debts paid in a timely and cost effective way.

john leach Irrespective of who leads the Government going forward, it is vital that public and private sector play to each other’s strengths when it comes to supporting business growth. Ultimately the best source of advice comes from trusted individuals who have empathy with an entrepreneur’s chaotic life and growth journey. Specialist ‘quality assured’ advice around strategy, funding, marketing, leadership, legal matters, HR, recruitment and board development are best left with the private sector and more specifically those who have been there and done it.

The public sector’s core strengths lie in the housekeeping that goes into applying for and administering the much-needed funds required by the next generation of growth businesses. Public sector should give particular preference to helping those companies who have the ambition and who show all the signs of becoming the big employers of the future - in other words businesses that can scale. This requires a particular skill set, one that can only be found in the private sector. The public sector need to understand intimately who these high quality businesses are and work closely with the private sector to deploy the services and expertise vital to releasing their full entrepreneurial potential.

The danger is that public sector will try to deliver the services themselves through developing their own internal capability. History has told us over and over again this does not work. There are already signs of a new brigade of quango’s emerging and that's very dangerous to business support going forward. Public sector should be commissioners of services, keeping their overheads low and utilizing their skills in contract and performance management to ensure private sector delivers local and regional economic growth.

MARCH 2015

DQ 29

christine oxenburgh The economy of this country is based soundly on the construction industry which took a beating in 2008 from which it has not properly recovered. There is a significant shortfall in the housing stock in terms of numbers and quality.

The next Government should fund the construction of 250,000 houses per annum for 5 years to be sold or let to people of average income and wealth. In addition, low grade housing stock should be improved and empty shops and offices in town centres should be redeveloped for housing and neighbourhood shops to revitalise town centres.

That will: • • •

•

Provide jobs with an income level where tax will be paid; Support small businesses in the construction trades; Ensure that people have somewhere suitable to live at the Right price and in the right location; Create opportunities for businesses ancillary to construction.

Business pays a disproportionate share of Council tax. The levels push business to have more online than physical presence which leads to a reduction in jobs. Reducing tax levels will lead to more use of office/ shop premises and encourage town centre development which is a virtual spiral. More people in town will require not only somewhere to work but also somewhere to play.

Finally, the prosperity of our cities comes not from the people who live in them but the businesses that work in them. Ensure that business has democratic say in the running of the places in which they operate.

LAWRENCE GREGORY There are a wide range of methods which the government could introduce to help individuals who are running a business, and to improve the chances of it prospering. Significant improvements in the business community will in turn improve the Governments tax revenue.

I would like to see the following introduced by an ideal government: • • • • • • • • •

Reduced business rates Introduce an incentive to employ more staff by possibly reducing National Insurance A reduction in Corporation Tax Improve the apprentice hiring process Simplify the process for gaining finance for expansion, with lower bank rates introduced Banks to waive charges if the company is struggling financially Make it easier to access business grants and loans without huge penalties and added interest Lower VAT to 15% Companies should have better business rate for fuel consumption

I hope the next individual, or indeed ‘individuals’, that occupy 10 Downing Street help the business community to reach its maximum potential and listen to the people that make the UK the dominant force in the business world.

30

DQ MARCH 2015

From Bestselling author of The Snowball Effect and The Jelly Effect

BECOME

TOP DOG and

IMPRESS and

INFLUENCE EVERYONE YOU MEET

As business people, we have to meet with, impress and influence important people every day – our clients, prospects, bosses, teams, referrers… …and the more successfully we do this, the more successful we are.

But influencing these people – these Top Dogs – isn’t easy. After all, Top Dogs hold all the power. So conversations go the way they – not you – want.

Fortunately, it’s easier to impress and influence them than you think. Local sales expert Andy Bounds – winner of Downtown’s Liverpool Business Personality of the Year – has a new book out, showing simple ways to master this critical skill. In it, he shows you how to: • • •

•

•

•

Persuade Top Dogs to say ‘yes’ when they could easily have said ‘no’.

Feel more confident going into these important meetings.

Impress them from Minute One, using impactful intros that work but aren’t cheesy.

Prepare to have outstanding meetings and interactions which appear spontaneous, but are actually well-rehearsed.

Talk less about what you do (“I’m a tax expert”) and more about the impact you cause (“I’ll slash your tax bill”). Top Dogs love stuff like this.

Prepare communications, proposals and presentations that achieve what you both want.

‘Top Dog’ has had rave reviews from the likes of the Head of a Bank, Virgin Money and the Founder of BNI who said: “My advice to you? Read this book before your competition does”

Sounds useful, doesn’t it? You can buy it on Amazon, or email Andy at andy@andybounds.com Also, to join Andy’s online video club and receive an hour of new sales tips and techniques every month, go to www.andyboundsonline.com

R O NS URE O T SP EA F

SKILLS FOR GROWTH The City of Liverpool College Group is playing a pivotal role in the future growth of Liverpool, shaping the skills agenda to ensure the city and the region has the workforce to drive economic success.

The College Group is a partnership of the City of Liverpool College, one of the largest FE colleges in England and First4Skills, a national leader in training solutions.

The City of Liverpool College caters for more than a third of all the 16-18 year olds in Liverpool and works with some the North West's big businesses including Peel and Laing O'Rourke.

First4Skills is the groups national training arm and one of the leaders in training solutions for sectors including retail, hospitality, warehousing and logistics, customer service, business administration, team-leading and management.

Elaine Bowker, Principal at the City of Liverpool College said: "The partnership of the college and First4Skills to become the City of Liverpool College Group has given us an unrivalled position, particularly in the apprenticeship market, we have the scope to work with businesses nationally, to influence the skills agenda and ensure education is delivering the training that employers need both in this city and nationally."

Skills and training is playing a pivotal role in Liverpool and the wider city region's growth and the college and First4Skills are working closely with the public and private sector to align the curriculum with the key planks of Liverpool's economy.

Elaine Bowker said: “Skills are what will fuel the engine of economic growth in Liverpool City Region and nationally. We are working with business organisations, the Liverpool LEP, Liverpool Vision and the City Council to really shape the skills agenda and bridge the gap between the demand for skills and the training being providing by education.

“We want to ensure that Liverpool has a well equipped local workforce which will help businesses recruit from within and also act at a draw for businesses to come to Liverpool and access the pool of skilled people available."

The college group has a huge choice of courses and options but there is a particular focus to develop the curriculum around key growth areas in Liverpool's economy. These include sectors such as the Superport, the Visitor Economy, the Low Carbon Economy and the Knowledge Economy.

Elaine said: "We are working with the private and public sector to build education around these key growth areas, identifying what the job and skills needs are now and what they will be in the future, shaping courses and training to match these needs. This includes developing our own academies and schools, from the Glaciere Maritime Academy which is 32

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providing vital training for workers in the ports sector and those that service offshore wind farms, to our green training centre for the low carbon industry to our top performing arts, catering and Hospitality, Travel and Tourism schools, all offering training opportunities to match the needs of the Visitor economy."

According to Elaine, apprenticeships in particular will play a vital role within this work.

Elaine said: "The apprenticeship model is vital to the future of the skills agenda in the city and by working closely with businesses we can develop students with both the academic knowledge and practical skills needed."

Apprenticeships are widely recognised as one of the most of successful ways to start a vocational career, with recent figures from the Office of National Statistics showing that 85% of students who complete an apprenticeship will stay in employment, and over half stay with the same employer with which they did the course.

The apprenticeship model is a compelling argument for businesses also, with apprentices delivering around £1.8 billion of net economic benefits to UK organisations last year according to the latest research from the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT). The report found that apprentices offer UK businesses a significant return on their investment, with economic output often exceeding average wage and training costs.

Despite this, according to the college group, there is a still a lack of awareness around the benefits of apprenticeships and the support, training and subsidies on offer. Elaine said: "Apprenticeships are traditionally viewed as being in construction sectors but the reality is that the apprenticeship model can be applied to any industry and job role. The apprenticeship model offers employers funded training with the chance to develop staff with the skills and experience they need, it's a model that we are encouraging more businesses to use."

The college group is also championing 24+ learning loans which offer a great opportunity for employers/employees to access loans to fund training in professional qualifications.

24+ Advanced Learning Loans are backed by the government, not mean tested and are only required to be paid back once the student has a job paying £21,000 or more.

Elaine Bowker said: “The 24+ loans offer a great way for mature employees to get funding for professional courses which will help them progress in their careers. The college can help students access the financial support and assess whether they can also qualify for extra financial support."

To find out more about the range of training options available, including apprenticeships, 24+ loans and professional qualifications visit www.liv-coll.ac.uk, or call 0151 252 3000.

BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS The college has forged some unique contracts and partnerships with businesses to help provide job and work experience opportunities for students and this is something they are looking to develop further this year

900 ORDERS A DAY FOR APPRENTICES IN THE ALDER HEY IN THE PARK CANTEEN City of Liverpool College students have been making their own contribution to the new £237m Alder Hey in the Park hospital, providing food to the hundreds of people delivering the build.

Apprentices from the college are running and working in the onsite canteen, handling between 800 and 900 food orders a day.

The six apprentices working in the kitchen are just a few of the 29 apprentices currently employed through the construction of the new Alder Hey in the Park hospital. Other students are working as apprentices in general construction, plumbing, electrics, steel fixing and business administration.

Andy Thomson, Laing O’Rourke’s project director for Alder Hey in the Park, said: "Laing O’Rourke is committed to driving training and employment through our projects, so having the catering college working with us on the Alder Hey in the Park project fits perfectly with our ethos. We are giving local apprentices and students in the hospitality sector invaluable industry experience, which will be a huge benefit once they qualify."

Elaine Bowker, Principal and CEO of the City of Liverpool College said: "The job market is a competitive place but partnerships with international firms like Laing O'Rourke give our students both the experience and qualifications they need, improving their employability prospects."

COLLEGE TITANIC DEAL

The City of Liverpool College has partnered with the Titanic Hotel to provide training opportunities for students.

This partnership sees students in a number of sectors building experience and gaining vocational qualifications.

Student bakers who hone their skills in the College’s Bread and More shop are now creating fresh, bespoke bread for the Titanic’s guests and before the hotel opened the college acted as a training centre for Titanic employees to learn bar skills like mixology plus kitchen and silver service skills.

Students were also given the opportunity to learn the skills needed to deliver housekeeping services in high-standard hotels – often the first rung for those looking for a career in the industry – and received training in order to fill casual work vacancies to gain extra work experience.

Elaine said: “Our partnership with the Titanic Hotel is a perfect example of how businesses and colleges can work together to increase skills in the regional workforce while strengthening the regional economy. By building this relationship we are able to offer our students valuable work experience and high quality vocational qualifications across a range of careers."

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R O E S N R O TU SP EA F

Photos by LA Multimedia @LAMultimediaUK

“SUIT UP” Words by Tom Woolley, Head of Business Support

When I was first invited to visit Signature Bespoke for a tailored suit fitting, I was instantly reminded of the character Barney Stinson from television’s “How I Met Your Mother”, a man whose love of suits was so unequivocal that he regularly implored everyone around him to “Suit Up” and even famously performed a musical number detailing his love for suits and suiting up in general.

fabrics interwoven with 24 carat gold, platinum and even diamonds.

If suiting up is Barney’s religion, then Signature Bespoke’s India Building office in Liverpool would be his heaven. It’s a place where this passion for bespoke suits is very much shared and every detail is exquisite, with an incredible range of suits, shoes and every conceivable accessory on display, an exact replica of Signature’s Saville Row office.

“We’ll stick with the lower end for now please Mo.”

I’ve arranged to meet the company’s founder and master tailor Mo Adass, whose 15 year career in luxury fashion, following the completion of his training with a master tailor from Canali, has spanned exclusive haute couture designers such as Giorgio Armani, Dolce and Gabbana, and Louis Vuitton.

During our meeting we pore over dozens of suiting books, during which time Mo tells me of his passion for sourcing the best fabrics from around the world. I’m shown books including Scabal, Loro Piana, Bateman and Ogden to name but a few.

Mo even shows me the Scabal treasure box, although the term “treasure” really doesn’t do justice to the contents: the box contains

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The thought of arriving at Sexy Networking in a suit containing diamonds makes me consider whether my offspring really needs to go to university, but the memory that said two year old taught me to use my iPad before she could use a potty brings me crashing back down to earth.

After I’ve selected a fabric I like, Mo takes a range of measurements, which he explains will be sent to his factory in Italy, with details right down to the linings, edges and buttonholes set to my exact specification.

This is the great thing about Mo and the Signature Bespoke team, even though they cater for international clients who would regularly order from the highest end of the market, a suit tailored with the same care and attention can be purchased without being prohibitively expensive or much more expensive than buying a designer off-thepeg suit, with prices starting from £750 for a made to measure suit or £1150 for a fully bespoke outfit.

Downtown members are also afforded a generous 10% discount.

This outlay for something that not only fits you perfectly, but isn’t going to be out of date in six months’ time seems a fantastic investment, so give Mo a call today and to quote Barney, “Suit Up!”.

Signature Bespoke, 2-4 Holts Parade, India Buildings, Water Street, Liverpool, L2 ORR 0151 236 2122/07805 093836/ enquiries@signaturebespoke.co.uk

wHAT WE LEARNT FROM

Q ONE In this new, regular feature DQ looks at things we found out during the past quarter about the issues that impact on business, politics and life…

THE EU ISN’T AS UNPOP

ULAR AS WE THOUGHT To hear the Murdoch dominated tabloids, UKIP and most political commentators talk, you would think that the vast majority of Britons cannot wait to walk away from the European Union. In fact, the latest YouGov poll showed record support of 45% for staying in the EU, against just 35% who said they would leave. Indeed when people are asked whether they want to remain in a renegotiated

EU, support is around 3-1 in favour. Add to this the calming of Eurozone nerves with a deal on Greek debt, and healthy-ish growth figures for many of the EU nation states, and it is difficult to see how Nigel Farage and the antiEuropean brigade will get anything but a ‘non’ should they ask for a UK exit anytime soon.

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G

MANCHESTER IS MAKING THE RUNNIN Whilst city regions across England whine about ‘democratic deficit’ and being bullied by the chancellor into accepting the very sensible notion of ‘metro mayors’ Manchester has once again demonstrated its ability to get on and JFDI! Following the initial agreement announced towards the end of last year that gives Greater Manchester greater control over planning, transport, housing and some aspects of welfare, the next proposed devolution package gives

Manchester responsibility for £6 billion of health and social care services. The ‘MHS’ initiative is genuinely ground breaking, potentially breaking down the artificial barriers between different types of healthcare that are so baffling to patients. On a broader point, Manchester’s transformational gains may just get the parochial politicians from other Northern regions to get their act together and go for gold – but don’t hold your breath.

THE UK IS GETTING MORE ENTERPRISING Britain is getting great at starting business again and rediscovering its entrepreneurial spirit. The latest statistics on start up’s show an all- time record for new company incorporations here – a massive 581,173, which is an increase of almost 10% on the previous year. That bastion of enterprise that is most often held up as the example to us all, the United States, suffered 70,000 more business closures than start- up’s in 2014. Government initiatives such as entrepreneurs’ relief and the Enterprise Investment Scheme, introduced by the last Labour government and continued by the coalition, have also helped small businesses grow. And get this – according to the Centre for Entrepreneurs one reason Britain has become such a hotbed for start-up’s is immigration. A survey

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it undertook last year showed that one in seven businesses here are run by migrants. Finally, a ‘hats off’ to StartUp Britain and the more recently launched GREAT campaigns. Both organisations are doing a damn fine job in promoting all that is good about starting your own business, and growing it!

POLITICS MAY NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN As you will read elsewhere in this edition of DQ, the opinion polls are suggesting another hung parliament following the General Election in May. Our very own Frank McKenna is predicting that such an outcome will result in another election shortly afterwards to try and get a conclusive result. However, the traditional two party fight that has dominated British politics in its modern history may well be at an end. Support for fringe parties make the chances of multi – party government becoming the rule rather than the exception for the foreseeable future.

The old ‘class’ battle lines of capital vs labour have all but evaporated; leaving both Labour and Conservatives with a

bit of an identity crisis that has allowed upstarts like UKIP and the Greens to fill the perceived vacuum. It may be time for us Brits to get used to the monthlong negotiating and horse trading that has gone on for years in other European countries post- election time. How will the country survive for such a lengthy period with the civil servants in charge of the levers of power?

FLOP.

THE FILM WAS AS BAD AS THE BOOK There is no doubting the genius of the author of ’50 Shades’ in brilliantly marketing and promoting what was felt by many a critic as little more than a ‘porn-plus’ Jackie Collinsesque work of fiction. The sales of the book certainly justified the hype, and good luck to EL James, who also managed to convince Universal Pictures to turn the tale of a virgin being used and abused by a billionaire into a film! However, as a work of art, or indeed simply as a 90 minute ‘chewing gum’ movie, the picture left an awful lot to be desired. In what was expected to be the only silver screen adaptation that was better than the book, this woeful interpretation of a poor novel couldn’t even do that. A sequel? Probably, but don’t reserve any of the DQ team any tickets.

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MOURINHO IS A WINNER He is coming towards the end of his second season in his second stint at Chelsea Football Club, and it is apparent that Jose Mourinho is, as he claimed at his very first press conference as the Manager of the Londoners, ‘the Special One’. He has just picked up the first domestic trophy of the season with a comfortable Wembley win in the League Cup Final over Spurs; and at the time of writing his side look likely to be the only English team to reach the Quarter Finals of the Champions League – and they are odds on favourites to win the Premiership title too. He may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but like all winners, he doesn’t really care.

MIPIM IS WHERE IT’S AT The property festival that is MIPIM has become an annual event that is now ‘must attend’ for any city that is serious about having a presence on the world stage. Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and Liverpool all joined London at the Cannes jamboree to show their wares to the thousands of delegates from across the globe.

As importantly, it is also the ideal showcase for businesses who are looking to connect with decision makers from the public and private sectors in a unique environment. Downtown in Business is now working with the private sector partners who have been part of the MIPIM programme to maximise opportunity from their visit. The series of Downtown MIPIM legacy events begin at the end of March.

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BUSINESS SECRETARY UNVEILS 2016 LANDMARK OPPORTUNITY FOR UK BUSINESS The UK’s International Festival for Business 2016 (IFB 2016) was launched on Wednesday morning by the Rt. Hon Vince Cable MP, Secretary of State for Business.

The Festival will bring thousands of businesses together in Liverpool next summer, providing a platform for ambitious companies from throughout the UK to make global connections and do deals. It follows last year’s inaugural IFB, from which, as a direct result, more than £300m of trade and investment deals and 10,000 jobs are expected by 2017.

Supported by Government and part of the GREAT Britain campaign, IFB 2016 will reinforce the UK’s international credentials as a global leading business and trade destination of choice. Research from UKTI has shown that the UK attracted the highest-ever recorded level of inward investment in 2013-14.

The preview event will focused both on the experience of international brands in Britain, and the aspirations of growing UK companies with export ambitions: two key audience groups for the Festival.

Max Steinberg CBE, Chairman, IFB 2016, added: “IFB 2016 will be a unique opportunity for thousands of businesses to open a new frontier: forging global connections, sharing ideas and exploring the potential of deals with new international partners.

“The first International Festival for Business was successful in stimulating over £200m of investment deals by 2017 and we aim to exceed this next year. IFB 2016 will bring together the world’s business community to deliver a first class showcase that represents the global marketplace and reinforces Britain’s international reputation as a destination for trade and investment.”

IFB 2016 will take place 13th June – 1st July 2016 in Liverpool.

The chief executive of Downtown in Business Frank McKenna has been appointed to the national IFB16 advisory board.

For more information, please visit the website: www.ifb2016.com

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “The success of the inaugural International Festival of Business in 2014 was a demonstration of our determination for the UK to remain a top destination for foreign investment, and I’m sure IFB 2016 will be an even more ambitious event.

“Our economy is outperforming many of our rivals and now more than ever investors are looking for opportunities in Britain, from large infrastructure projects to small, innovative startups.

“Last year I was lucky enough to attend several IFB events and the array of British businesses, especially in the manufacturing sector, showcasing their offer and looking to grow abroad was hugely impressive.”

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RISE & GRIND When guests start to arrive before you do, for an event that you have organised, you know it’s going to be a good.

The title might be a little tongue in cheek, but it definitely works. Downtown’s second Rise & Grind at Huntleys in Preston was a complete sell out.

Upstairs at Huntleys was bursting at the seams, with nearly 100 of Lancashire’s great and good from the regions business community.

Guest speaker, David Paton from Third Phase Coaching, eloquently highlighted the values and benefits of working with a business coach, and explained the impact that sailing a yacht through precarious waters had in relation to his leadership skills.

Huntleys demonstrated the quality of their farm shop products with generous helpings of delicious chipolata sausages and Danish pastries for breakfast, (in separate dishes of course) and a gallon of rich roasted coffee for each guest.

Many solid business connections were made on the morning. Many experienced Huntleys for the first time, and will without doubt be returning to sample their fantastic menu, and, based on the terrific feedback, everyone is very much looking forward to the next Rise & Grind!

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www.marmaladetoast.com

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limitless developing

a

hyper

g row t h

Over 100 business owners and entrepreneurs came together for a very special conference in March to hear how they can meet their ambitions to grow their businesses.

The event, hosted by Downtown in Business in association with the government’s flagship business support initiative Growth Accelerator, focussed on the growth journeys of a range of successful business leaders, including Jan Peters of marketing agency USP Creative, Lorna Davidson the CEO of Mothership, Alex Dymond of Seneca and business guru Andy Bounds.

For more on the conference visit www.downtowninbusiness.com

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mindset

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S P O N S O R E D B Y:

COOL LIST

GAUCHO Laid-back afternoons and glitzy evenings are equally well spent in this elegant restaurant and bar.

Sophisticated, stylish and always welcoming, it’s a venue you’ll come back to time and time again.

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Although the beef is always sourced solely from the Pampas plains of Argentina, at Gaucho Leeds they also champion local produce. Bringing a subtle northern twist to their Argentine fare, They’re proud to use chicken, lamb and cheese from the surrounding area.

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Since it’s inception in 2008, Liverpool Sound City has grown into one of the most important and wellrespected cultural events in the UK. Known as the ‘first music festival of the year’, Sound City sets the standard for all music festivals to follow by bringing you the very best breakthrough acts and major names before anyone else.

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THE MILTON CLUB The Milton Club is a luxurious modern day members club located in the heart of Manchester. Since opening the doors to this grand venue in 2013, The Milton Club has built a well-deserved, fun and alluring reputation with members and guests alike.

With an exceptional choice of cocktails & spirits on the impressive main bar, there is something to suit everyone. From classic cocktails, to contemporary creations, we can cater to any taste preference. The club also has a specialist bar, with a vast array of rare & premium spirits for even the most discerning palette. Our menu changes seasonally and we proudly showcase a featured cocktail every month.

SOUND CITY 2015 Nominated for best UK metropolitan festival for the 5th year running, Liverpool Sound City is an unrivalled 3-day festival of incredible live music and arts, capturing the city of Liverpool and reinforcing it as the cultural core of the UK. With a groundbreaking 2-day music and digital industry conference running in tandem, showcasing some of the most influential people from the creative industries, Sound City is one of a kind.

CITY OF LEEDS BUSINESS AWARDS 2015 Downtown in Business will host the inaugural City of Leeds Business Awards gala dinner on the evening of Thursday 4th June 2015 at The Centenary Pavilion, Elland Rd. This unique awards ceremony will celebrate the successful entrepreneurs, businesses, business owners and decision makers who have helped the Leeds City Region such a fantastic place to work, rest and play!

Baluga Bar is all about the service, offering a relaxed ambience, comfy sofas and excellent product range. From Grey Goose vodka to the likes of Desperados to crystal champagne or try one of our signature cocktails, whilst still offering customers the experience to enjoy our fabulous bar and its surroundings during the evening and enjoy the sounds of Preston’s most renowned DJs. The club located downstairs offers customers to book VIP booths which incorporate personal waitress service throughout the whole evening, so you can enjoy the comfort of your own booth throughout the night to enjoy the music and soak up the atmosphere without the hassle of going to the bar.

FUEL STATION Everything Health and Fitness. Fuel Station is your one stop shop for all of your nutritional needs.

Whether you are looking to burn fat, gain muscle, increase your stamina or just lead a healthier lifestyle then we’re here to help.

From our popular juice cleanse programmes to our delivered diets, we want to help you achieve your goals and become a better you. Have a look through our site to see why we are already the number one choice for thousands of customers including professional athletes. Then come in to one of our stores and have a relaxed chat with our staff and enjoy our gourmet fitness food.

BALUGA BAR

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DUNKENHALGH HOTEL & SPA The 4 star Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel and Spa is a 175 room property. This Blackburn hotel is a converted 700 year old country manor in a tranquil setting, with contemporary Classic, Executive & Privilege rooms. Enjoy the international cuisine of the Cameo Restaurant or light dishes and drinks in the Cameo Bar. An indoor pool and modern fitness centre await you in the Spa, and the hotel has 14 meeting rooms, which can sit up to 400 guests.

NEIGHBOURHOOD A New York eatery and bar inspired by Manhattan’s definitive neighbourhoods. Honing their unique take on casual fine dining, luxury ingredients & industrial chic aesthetics in the heart of Spinningfields.

C O O L L I S T AVA I L A B L E O N P I N T E R E S T You can check out all of the stuff that’s been in our DQ Cool List on Pinterest! www.pinterest.com/dqmagazine/dq-cool-list/

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We’ll have something that’s suited to you...

VIP MEMBERSHIP A SS O C I AT E S P O N S O R S H I P SEASON TICKET AND MORE...

VIP MEMBERSHIP

A S S O C I AT E SPONSORSHIP

SEASON TICKET

The exclusive Downtown VIP 100CLUB membership is suitable for entrepreneurs, business owners and senior executives of high growth companies, and businesses with the business potential for high growth.

For companies that are looking to maintain and raise profile, get genuine help and support in meeting potential customers, and getting the opportunity of presenting products and ideas to the region’s leading business owners, decision makers and opinion formers, this package is perfect.

Only TEN corporate season tickets are available to purchase in each Downtown region. Season ticket holders will get additional branding, profile raising and marketing activities; have tickets at Downtown’s annual gala dinners secured; and secure DT100 VIP membership as part of the package.

VIP 100CLUB members have access to a large and constantly growing audience of the regions businesses and key decision makers.

For more information visit: www.downtowninbusiness.com

DOWNTIME

I N A S S O C I AT I O N W I T H

ABode Manchester T: 0161 247 7744 E: reservationsmanchester@abodehotels.co.uk W: www.abodehotels.co.uk

EastZEast Riverside T: 0161 834 3500 E: info@eastzeast.com W: www.eastzeast.com

Sapporo Teppanyaki T: 0161 831 9888 E: Manchester@sapporo.co.uk W: www.sapporo.co.uk

ACC Liverpool T: 0151 703 7268 E: kate.nolan@accliverpool.com W: www.accliverpool.com

Epstein Theatre T: 0151 709 4044 E: info@epsteinliverpool.co.uk W: www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk

Signature Living T: 0151 236 0166 E: info@signatureliving.co.uk W: www.signatureliving.co.uk

Alma De Cuba T: 0151 702 7394 E: info@alma-de-cuba.com W: www.alma-de-cuba.com

Everyman Playhouse T: 0151 706 9115 E: development@everymanplayhouse.com W: www.everymanplayhouse.com

Manchester House T: 0161 835 2557 W: www.manchesterhouse.uk.com

Aloft Hotel T: 0151 294 3970 E: danielle.garrigan@aloftliverpool.com W: www.aloftliverpool.com

Everyman Cinema T: 0871 906 9060 W: www.everymancinema.com

Malmaison Liverpool T: 0151 229 5000 E: ssimons@malmaison.com W: www.malmaison-liverpool.com

Fazenda Liverpool T: 0151 227 2733 W: www.fazenda.co.uk/liverpool/

Neighbourhood T: 0161 8326334.

W: www.neighbourhoodrestaurant.co.uk

Fazenda Manchester T: 0161 834 1219 W: www.fazenda.co.uk/manchester/

Novotel Liverpool T: 0151 702 5100 E: h6495-sl@accor.com W: www.novotel.com

Angelo’s T: 01772 257 133 E: info@angelospreston.com W: www.angelospreston.com Atlantic Tower, Thistle Hotel T: 0871 376 9025 E: Scott.Montgomery@thistle.co.uk W: www.thistle.com Barton Grange T: 01772 867070 E: stay@bartongrangehotel.com W: www.bartongrangehotel.co.uk

Fazenda Leeds T: 0113 247 1182 W: www.fazenda.co.uk/leeds/ Glovers Bar T: 01772 561410 W: www.gloversbar.com

Blackhouse Grill Leeds T: 0113 246 0669 E: www.blackhouse.uk.com

Grill on the Alley T: 0161 833 3465 W: www.blackhouse.uk.com

Bierkeller T: 0845 533 3000 E: jademorris@burningnightgroup.com W: www.liverpool.thebierkeller.com

Gusto T: 0151 708 6969 W: www.gustorestaurants.uk.com

Palm Sugar Lounge T: 01517076654 E:Rachael.clarke@chaophraya.co.uk Piccolinos T: 0161 835 9860 E: piccolino.manchester@piccolinorestaurants.co.uk W: www.piccolinorestaurants.co.uk Radisson BLU Leeds T: 0113 236 6000 E: natalie.boyne@radissonblu.com Radisson BLU Liverpool T: 0151 966 1500 E: info.liverpool@radissonblu.com W: www.radissonblu.co.uk/hotel-liverpool

Bridgestreet Apartments T: 0207 792 2222 W: www.bridgestreet.com/Liverpool.htm

Hard Days Night Hotel T: 0151 236 1964 E: enquiries@harddaysnighthotel.com W: www.harddaysnighthotel.com

Chaophraya Manchester T: 0161 832 8342 E: manchester@chaophraya.co.uk W: www.chaophraya.co.uk

Hilton Liverpool T: 0151 708 4200 E: lauren.leonard@hilton.com W: www.hilton.co.uk/liverpool

Chaophraya Liverpool T: 01517076323 E: Rachael.clarke@chaophraya.co.uk

Hotel Indigo T: 0871 942 9242 W: www.ihg.com

Chaophraya Leeds T: 0113 244 9339 E: leeds@chaophraya.co.uk W: www.chaophraya.co.uk

Il Forno T: 0151 709 4002 E: info@ilforno.co.uk W: www.ilforno.co.uk

Crowne Plaza Liverpool T: 0151 243 8000 W: www.cpliverpool.com

La Tasca Leeds T: 0113 244 2205 E: emma.cottam@latasca.co.uk

Royal Exchange Theatre T: 0161 833 9833 E: box.office@royalexchange.co.uk W: www.royalexchangetheatre.org.uk

Crowne Plaza Leeds T: 0871 942 9170 W: www.cpleedshotel.co.uk

La Vina Liverpool T: 0151 255 1401 E: donna.davies@fiesta-nights.co.uk

The Grill on New York Street T: 0161 228 1444 W: www.blackhouse.uk.com

Cote Manchester T: 0161 834 0945 E: manchester@cote-restaurants.co.uk W: www.cote-restaurants.co.uk

La Vina Manchester T: 0161 835 3144 E: emma.cottam@latasca.co.uk

The Milton Club T: 0161 850 2353 E: info@themiltonclub.co.uk W: www.themiltonclub.co.uk

Dunkenhalgh T: 01254 426800 E: H6617@accor.com W: www.mercure.com EastZEast Ibis Hotel T: 0161 244 5353 E: info@eastzeast.com W: www.eastzeast.com EastZEast Liverpool T: 0151 707 9377 E: info@eastzeast.com W: www.eastzeast.com EastZEast Preston T: 01772 200084 E: info@eastzeast.com W: www.eastzeast.com

Legacy International Hotel T: 0844 411 9028 E: res-prestoninternational@legacy-hotels.co.uk W: www.legacy-hotels.co.uk/legacy-preston Liverpool Empire Theatre T: 0151 708 3200 E: JayneLloyd@theambassadors.com W: www.liverpoolempire.org.uk Liverpoool One T: 0151 232 3100 E: enquiries@liverpool-one.com W: www.liverpool-one.com Lucha Libre T: 0161 850 0629 W: www.lucha-libre.co.uk

Restaurant Bar & Grill Leeds T: 0113 244 9625 E: rbg.leeds@therestaurantbarandgrill.co.uk W: www.individualrestaurants.com Restaurant Bar & Grill Liverpool T: 0151 236 6703 E: rbg.liverpool@therestaurantbarandgrill.co.uk W: www.therestaurantbarandgrill.co.uk Restaurant Bar & Grill Manchester T: 0161 8320082 E: Cherryl.Pinnington@ircplc.co.uk W: www.therestaurantbarandgrill.co.uk

The Richmond T: 0151 702 5820 E: info@therichmondliverpool.com W: www.therichmondliverpool.com Thistle Hotel T: 0871 376 9025 W: www.thistle.com Tickled Trout Hotel T: 0844 879 9053 A: Preston New Road - PR5 OUJ Signature Hotel Tel: 0151 236 0166 E-mail: info@signatureliving.co.uk Web: www.signatureliving.co.uk

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the business voice for the

#NoRTHErN POWERHOUSE www.downtowninbusiness.com