#EDiT2 2014

stylish business 06/14

The Healthcare revolution

the family business leading with innovation

Selfridges

The Beauty Project

Men’s Style

Oliver Sweeney - Get The Look

Inbound marketing

what’s all the fuss?

The

Big Thing?

How retail giant Next is still getting it right.

Z e r o TW O

Contents

Welcome to #EDiT ‘the’ Digital stylish business publication for the Northwest. With a long held belief

that style and business should not be mutually exclusive we have combined the two and curated a magazine that represents the best of both worlds. In our May edition we look ahead to the International Festival of Business 2014 by profiling some of the fantastic businesses that are leading the way in their field. We also look back at the success of the High Street ‘juggernaut’ NEXT who maintain a strong presence in LiverpoolONE and continue to push the boundaries of retail excellence.

In this edition enjoy a round up of this seasons best skirt trends, a get the look from fabulous brand Oliver Sweeney, plus a retail #EDiT of some of the best grooming products for men.

With a review of our ‘table for two’ at Salthouse Bacaro and the lowdown on our stay at the beautiful Linthwaite House Hotel we truly are showcasing and celebrating the best that the Northwest has to offer.

In this issue of #EDiT

Features: Zerofou r The Healthcare Revolution - a family business focused on innovation and patient care Z erote n

Inbound Marketing - What’s all the Fuss? Bryan Adams, MD of Ph Creative tells us why more businesses need to embrace the concept

Fi ftee n

Liverpool BID and the ‘Broken Windows Theory’ the success and impact of Liverpool Commercial BID District

SixTe e n

Then.Now.Next - the retail juggernaut that is Next Plc

E ighTe e n

The Art of ‘Leaning In’ - KnowledgePoint360 team approach for business success

style: T wentyNINE Best foot forward - A round up of this seasons styles

by Oliver Sweeney T wenty eig ht

Skirting the issue - the best of this seasons skirt trend

Other: A table for two - Salthouse Bacaro Thi rTEEN T w enty fou r

Travel: Pack a bag: Overnight luxury stay at Linthwaite House

Send your news stories to: newsroom@hashtagedit.com Tel: 0151 550 4520 #EDiT is published by LittleBird Agency Limited.

Designed by Mako Creative www.makocreative.co.uk Photography by Adam Kenrick www.adamkenrick.com

Fundraising efforts contribute £8000 to East Cheshire Hospice KnowledgePoint360 Group have been thanked by local charity, East Cheshire Hospice, for donations that totalled over £8000 for fundraising efforts in 2013.

The agency, which manages educational and communication programmes for the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry, employs 270 people across their Macclesfield sites at Peakside House and Victoria Mill, and raised the money through a series of fundraising initiatives. In-house events included raffles, quiz nights, cake sales and even Easter egg painting!

Speaking about their fundraising efforts, Melissa Piper, Group President said: “We may be a global organisation but we have firm roots in the local

area and as an organisation we feel passionately about supporting charities on a local level.

We’re delighted to have been able to support the essential services provided by East Cheshire Hospice. We see how important these hospices are to so many people and see how they touch the lives of our own employees and their families.

Our fundraising was a combined effort, and I am personally so proud of the commitment and enthusiasm shown by the KnowledgePoint360 team, who have all played their part in raising this fantastic sum of money for the hospice. We have a busy year ahead, with our sights set on further growth across the Group, however we are looking forward to interspersing our hard work with a calendar of fundraising events that will contribute further financial support for the Hospice in 2014.

CHESHIRE

Significant win for Chester agency Chester based creative agency, Entyce Creative, have been appointed by one of the UK’s leading construction companies, Watkin Jones, to design and manage all digital and printed campaigns for group schemes and developments.

Watkin Jones, the largest builder of homes in North Wales and one of the largest providers of student accommodation across the UK, has briefed Entyce to design and develop a new website for the Watkin Jones Group, a dedicated new homes site and a suite of marketing materials to support, Cestria, the new multi million pound development in Chester city centre.

Kerry Williams at Watkin Jones, said: “Initially we looked at five agencies both in London and in the North West but when we met Entyce we knew we had found the right combination of ideas, skills and knowledge and the right people to manage our projects.”

Entyce creative director, Jane Entwistle, described the win as ‘a significant success for the agency’ which recently celebrated its seventh anniversary.

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The Healthcare Revolution As the NHS and Healthcare industry gear up for a revolution we take a look at how one family business is innovating by getting closer than ever to their patients and putting the ‘care’ back in the community.

Words by Debbie Edwards

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here aren’t many of them about - or at least there have been fewer in recent years. Yes, I am referring to the lesser spotted ‘success story’, a tale of longevity in business, surviving countless ups and downs with the type of tenacity that many start ups across the UK dream wistfully about. With over 150 years in business Bullen Healthcare owns this story and then some. Bullens (as they are fondly known by their customers) have a long and colourful pedigree and have remained loyal to their Liverpool roots throughout.

Sitting in the boardroom at their new HQ in Kings Dock there is a real sense of where their future lies. A modern, open plan, high tech space that has been lovingly developed by current MD Paul Bullen and his team to enable the next level of growth for the business. ‘It is amazing to look around and consider what the next 150 years may hold. Being part of a family business that has such a long history is a rare thing and something that I don’t take for granted.’ He continues ‘As children we would be party to business discussions across the dining table and would often do odd jobs in the offices - we grew up knowing it inside out - it’s just part of who we are.’

After a brief stint in recruitment in London Paul returned to the family business in 1996 and has worked there alongside many other family members ever since. ‘ Those who run family businesses will know that it comes with its own particular ups and downs but it is testament to my dad and those before him that we have survived and thrived despite the challenges.’

Bullen Healthcare is an Independant Dispensing Aplliance Contractor (a bit of a mouthful we know) within the Urology, Stoma and Woundcare market, providing a Home Delivery Service for customers across the UK delivering appliances and medication direct to their homes. It is a competitive marketplace - rival companies come with a global presence and an infrastructure to match, making it even more important to stay one step ahead. ‘We compete against vast global companies with large numbers of staff and huge marketing budgets - we therefore have to be innovative in the way that we set ourselves apart and for us it was a simple strategy, always putting the needs of the patient first.’

As the NHS puts increasing pressure on its already burgeoning infrastructure to become more ‘patient focused’ whilst still making cost savings there are many who see this as completely unachievable, but perhaps they are overlooking the power of collaboration partnerships with the private sector who can innovate on their behalf.

‘A key component of our business model includes a proactive stock check - a simple telephone call made by one of our customer service teams to every patient each month to ascertain what appliances and medication they have used, meaning that we only then order a prescription for what they actually need. The proactive model offers a better level of patient care, reduces automatic repeat prescriptions and wasted medicine and therefore significantly reduces costs to the NHS.’ The formation of Clinical Commisioning groups (CCG’s) has made this even more significant as they now have the power to reinvest any cost savings made back into their service provision within the community. ‘ There has been a seismic shift in the management of healthcare budgets and whilst our model originally, and is still, focused on the needs of the patient this has had a dramatic influence on the governing bodies involved in that patient care too. CCG’s are tasked with securing the best services in the most cost effective way and the transparency of our proactive model enables this to create significant cost savings.’

than just momentary buzz words.

Patient focused, cost savings, reduce wastage - all deliverables that have been slowly working for Bullens over a number of years and delivers on a more important level - the patients are happy.

Happy that their care is taken care of, happy that someone they know calls them every month and knows the names of their families, even the names of their pets and happy that they can trust someone with something that is important to them - their health.

It is a personal service that many companies endeavour to emulate but quite often fall short, simply because they are not listening.

‘We are are benchmarking ourselves against other brands not necessarily the competition but other recognised brands who continue to innovate. We hold a staff forum every month and in one of them a member of staff mentioned that they received fantastic service from Next and her face lit up with the experience that she had - we need to be ensuring that we illicit that same response from people who receive our services - that is more than just brand values it is about engendering a culture of excellence and this is the only way in which we can compete today - service is everything.’

They are also ensuring they are creating an infrastructure that will continue to enhance the patient experience. ‘We have recently moved to a purpose built facility at the dock and our investment in IT and telephony over the last four years means that we have an infrastructure that is robust and scalable. Coupled with a network of fifteen branches around the UK this has given us a foundation on which we now have the capacity to be able to fulfil the orders of thousands of patients.’

It is exciting to listen to and let’s be honest - it is ticking some major boxes that are highlighted in the press at the moment, but this is more Zer o f I V E

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MANCHESTER THE PEEL GROUP’S OCEAN GATEWAY STRATEGY DELIVERS MAJOR BOOST TO NORTH WEST ECONOMY An independent review of the first five years of Ocean Gateway reveals that it has delivered more than £2 billion of private investment and thousands of new jobs.

The report by the economic and regeneration specialists, AMION Consulting, concludes that more than £1 billion of investment by The Peel Group since 2008 has leveraged an additional £1 billion of other private sector investment, along with more than 11,000 permanent jobs.

Ocean Gateway – more than 50 projects over 50 years with £50 billion of investment – is a pioneering approach to the renaissance of the strategic corridor encompassing Manchester and Liverpool with a focus on the regeneration of land and assets fronting the Manchester Ship Canal and the River Mersey.

Ocean Gateway projects embrace ports; logistics; retail and leisure; residential; commercial development; media infrastructure and renewable energy. Signature schemes include MediaCityUK, Manchester; Liverpool Waters; Wirral Waters; Port Salford; Liverpool John Lennon Airport, the planned expansion of Scout Moor wind farm and Liverpool2, the £300 million investment programme to expand and develop the existing Port of Liverpool. Liverpool2 will become the UK’s largest transatlantic deep-sea port and container terminal.

In total, AMION says Ocean Gateway has created net additional GVA (Gross Value Added) of £1.14 billion for the North West economy since 2008.

John Whittaker, Chairman, The Peel Group, said: ‘Ocean Gateway is at the heart of what we do – it aims to maximise the potential of the North West as a globally significant region and a major driver of the UK economy. Peel takes great pride in our policy of long-term investment and, as the AMION report shows, it is making a major impact only five years after the launch of Ocean Gateway

Pop-up coding courses launched in Manchester A series of innovative pop-up coding courses have been launched in Manchester to help introduce web and app design skills to individuals of all ages.

Curated by Lovecode – a company focused on providing affordable, accessible coding education – the one, two and three-day courses offer easy-to-learn first-step training in HTML5, CSS, JavaScript and PHP. In line with national initiatives launched by the Government and the BBC to emphasise the importance of coding skills in the UK, the Lovecode courses introduce beginners to a wide range of web development techniques and helps communities establish a foundation for digital knowledge.

Ian Surry, co-founder of Lovecode, said: “Awareness of the importance of digital literacy has become a national priority. However, affordable first-step coding courses that are accessible to individuals of every age are not widely available outside of London. Lovecode’s courses allow anyone, from students to pensioners, to develop an understanding of how to code and practically apply this knowledge to every day personal and professional situations.“

The initial full-day coding courses will be held on 4-6 June at the Studio in Manchester.

Surry added: “ The North West has become a vibrant hub for startups and established tech-focused companies. It is essential that we offer affordable educational opportunities to individuals in the community that provide access to the digital skills that regional employers need to stay competitive.”

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Apprentice recruitment drives growth at Vigo IT Solutions Birkenhead based IT service consultancy, Vigo IT Solutions, has quadrupled its office space in order to keep pace with its growing customer base.

Following solid growth over the past five years, Vigo identified ideal premises at The Workshops, Birkenhead. As well as providing their team of engineers with much needed space for day to day requirements, the additional floor space will also allow Vigo to continue its programme of apprentice recruitment. Kurt Beaumont-Jones, Director said: “We’re really happy with the quality of apprentices we’ve been able to recruit so far, their skill levels and appetite to learn have actually taken me completely by surprise. It was always our intention within the business to train up a large proportion of apprentices to ensure they learn our particular way of working which is heavily focused on customer service as well as technical expertise. The new premises will allow us to double our workforce over the next three years. Apprenticeships

will continue to be a key element of achieving this ambition and we’re extremely proud that all of our full time engineers are timeserved apprentices.

wirral Firm sets sights on

gr

h t ow

Hillyer McKeown LLP, who employ 70 people including 25 lawyers, plan to grow their team by 100% as part of an ambitious 5 year expansion plan.

The firm provide legal services to private individuals and growing companies throughout the North West, with particular specialisms in Debt Recovery, Agriculture, Technology and Transport and have just reported another year of sustained growth. The business, which has expanded in recent years, credits its success to investing heavily in people and technology across their North Wales, Cheshire and Merseyside offices and now wants to position the firm for the future.

Steve Harvey, Managing Partner, said: “Our business objective is to enjoy continued success and growth through the delivery of creative and technically excellent legal services. Our ambitious expansion plans will be achieved by continuing to develop and add to our talented team and by remaining committed to ensuring our clients’ satisfaction remains central to our core offering. These are exciting times at the firm.

We are working towards ABS status (Alternative Business Structure), which will open up opportunities for the firm to expand both within and outside of the Legal sector, thereby strengthening our portfolio of client services. Through our strategic and planned approach I’m confident that we will achieve our targets for growth.”

Steve added: “ Timing is everything, and now is the right time for the firm to take positive steps to respond to the challenges that lie ahead.

We want to employ lawyers who fit within our defined plans and share our values. As the firm has grown so have our expectations of our team. We are focusing on nurturing talent through our development programme to ensure we reward and retain rising stars. The market is undergoing great change and the lawyers we employ are encouraged to be dynamic and entrepreneurial. We want to raise the bar and expect all of our staff to meet that challenge.”

As part of the build-up to the International Festival For Business in Liverpool.

REAL ALE &

PLOUGHMAN'S FRIDAY 23RD MAY - TICKETS £16

Anselmians Rugby Club, Malone Field, Eastham Village, CH62 0BJ STARTS 12:30PM

TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE: www.bit.ly/IFB14

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inbound Marketing What’s all the Fuss?

Marketing has never been an easy industry to be part of - just the word itself illicits a variety of responses, some positive, some negative, mainly due to the increasingly sophisticated (and often confusing) routes for business owners to get their products and services to market. If it is not the latest social media trend then there will always be a ‘buzz’ word thrown into the mix that will send the more ‘traditional’ businesses into a tail spin. Some are only just venturing online and many are critical (with a small ‘c’) of the alleged results.

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egardless of their opinion on the pros and cons the world of marketing is changing at a pace. Consumers are more mobile and savvy, demanding personal service by whatever means, and it is this shift in behaviour that has created the need for the latest development in marketing strategy - Inbound Marketing. Although a fairly new concept in the UK Inbound Marketing is nothing new, with Liverpool hosting the largest Inbound Marketing Conference (IMUK) in June last year. The success of this inaugural event has led to a second, with a date confirmed for June 2014, and it looks set to become one of the spotlight events during the International Festival of Business week with delegates coming from businesses across the UK, and possibly beyond, as quality event speakers continue to be announced.

The visionary behind this event is Bryan Adams, MD of PH creative and recently named as one of the 250 ‘companies to watch’ as part of last years Accelerate 2013 event. He talks to Debbie Edwards about why Inbound Marketing is here to stay and most importantly how and why businesses should embrace it.

Can you tell us a bit more about Inbound marketing and what it means for businesses?

Inbound marketing is nothing new and although it is a fairly new concept in the UK it is just a new label for a well rounded, holistic approach to marketing that puts the customer first and meets business needs both on and offline. However, it is far removed from traditional marketing as it is not about selling - it is about tuning in to customers needs and creating loyal brand ambassadors.

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What are the essential ingredients for implementing successful Inbound Marketing Strategy Lots of companies out there are trying really hard to get people’s attention in the digital space, yet a lot of it is becoming noise, with content and assets that no one really wants or uses. Some companies are still relying heavily on ‘interruption advertising’ and are not even asking the question “Is this working for me?” as typically it can also be hard to measure. Inbound Marketing provides a great opportunity to develop measurable campaigns that are contagious and creative with the potential to disrupt the marketplace - in essence it gives the control back to the business by helping them to stand out above the ‘noise’ and get results.

So do we just need to change the way we think?

As marketers it is our job to change the way we think and start to really understand and care for our audiences. Instead of constantly pushing messages out to them we need to create relevant content that draws them to us - something that entertains, engages or educates your audience. Let’s face it - no one has ever disrupted the marketplace with a 500 word blog and average website or a traditional brochure!

How does the use of video factor in your strategies?

The use of video has worked really well with maverick start ups and guerrilla campaigns - most recently though we have noticed big brands embracing the world of contagious content. Take Kmart, the American chain of discount stores, whose ‘Ship my Pants’ campaign has generated over 20 million views on YouTube http://youtu.be/I03UmJbK0lA There’s plenty of other examples of remarkable, disruptive videos out there - if these still don’t convince you to give video a go, then perhaps knowing thatYouTube is the second largest search engine and the third largest social channel in the world might just do the trick. YouTube is the biggest online platform in the world – we just can’t afford to ignore this fact.

Bringing Inbound Marketing to the UK Although it’s really taken off across the pond over the last couple of years, the UK has been much slower in keeping up with the trend.

Yes we’ve embraced social media, email, SEO, and the fact that mobile is here to stay, but The UK is taking time to realise that working in harmony, these tactics will deliver the best results.

This was the primary reason for launching Inbound Marketing UK (IMUK) earlier this year so that marketing professionals, CEOs, and business owners across the UK can come together to draw on the knowledge of industry leaders, authors, experts and world class brands.

In essence IMUK brought the latest and greatest insights into inbound marketing to Liverpool and we were really proud to welcome brands

like Google, O2, Tate, Innocent Drinks and Moneysupermarket as speakers. The aim of the conference was to promote education, to inspire, and share best practice, as well as growing a community to empower and enable UK businesses to thrive in the digital space. Interview about Inbound marketing:http://youtu. be/62wi89sKwGw What does the future hold for Inbound Marketing within the UK? I think the future of inbound marketing in the UK is a really bright and exciting prospect.

We’re seeing brands become more confident with how they choose to deliver their message and I think the best is yet to come. After waiting for senior managers and business leaders to build confidence enough to throw their hat in the social ring, we’re set to see a flurry of new and exciting social experiments that will shape the future of marketing for the next 5 years.

As an audience, we don’t hate advertising, we just hate poor advertising.

Digital content marketing proves this point and the lines between being sold to and entertained, inspired and educated are being blurred because marketers are being forced to think, care and love their audience more. This can only be a good thing for business in general.

Good ideas won’t be good enough, remarkable ideas will win the day and they’re only possible if you care enough about the brand to truly understand what’s valuable to your customer.

A table for two: Salthouse Bacaro

Table for Two Inspired by the savoury Venetian bar snacks known as ‘cicheti’, Bacaro’s offering is small plates. Think authentic dishes such as: pastas, risotto’s and pizzets.

Another Italian on the scene? We went to try Liverpool’s newest eatery to find out if it could live up to the reputation of its siblings.

So firstly we need to come clean. We love Salthouse Tapas and Hanover Street Social (the older sisters of newbie Bacaro), in fact its because off our affection for its sister venues across town, that we felt unusually apprehensive about reviewing this much anticipated restaurant.

The welcome was warm and we were shown straight to our table. Bacaro has the feel of an established New York neighbourhood restaurant, a mix of young and old, suited and booted, girls glammed up for a night out and the ‘date night’ couple brigade that we fell into!

We opted for the recommended 6 small plates between two.

The chargrilled fillet of beef with chicken liver parfait was as indulgent as it sounds (and equally as mouthwatering).

The fritto misto, was as good as any we’ve tasted in Italy and as for the slow roasted sausage and red wine ragout – think momma’s home cooked comfort food on a plate.

Each dish arrived at the table as it was are ready which made this a really enjoyable and (rather refreshing) relaxed dining experience. We enjoyed chatting over the first two dishes whilst yet more food appeared from the kitchen (it can get a little bit like a challenge from ‘ The Cube’ when you have all 6 dishes to negotiate on a table for two!), but as for the service, our waiter was friendly and unobtrusive – the perfect combination.

So is this just another Italian restaurant, hustling for its place in Liverpools competitive restaurant scene? We don’t think so. There’s something different about this place. Bacaro oozes confidence. The decor, the menus, the team. This restaurant isn’t hidden down a back street or stuck in a suburb, its there as bold as day on Castle Street, in the heart of Liverpool’s financial district. This restaurant isn’t showing any signs of suffering from ‘new girl’ nerves, in fact it has all the makings of head girl and now has a firm place on our favourites list.

Pay them a visit: www.salthousebacaro.co.uk

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ON LOCATION Liverpool BID and the ‘Broken Windows Theory’

As other cities close to home, such as Chester, debate over the benefits of achieving BID status to boost to their local economy we assess the success of Liverpool’s Commercial BID district and review the impact it continues to have on the businesses and individuals within the city.

Years ago I read an article on Rudy Giuliani, then the newly elected Mayor of New York City, detailing his aspirations to turn the renowned ‘large, unruly and unmanageable’ New York State into a more ‘manageable’ and ‘prosperous’ city. No, it did not sound like an easy challenge to me either, but I was intrigued - where would one man start, and how long would it take to see a difference?

Interestingly he didn’t focus on tackling crime but instead implemented a concept called ‘ The Broken Windows Theory’. The Broken Windows Theory is built on the premis that ‘something as simple as a building with a broken window signals abandonment, a lax attitude toward property, and therefore an absence of respect for the law’. You can imagine how the rest of the theory goes, and I am not for one minute likening the centre of Liverpool to New York, but there are significant parallels in what has been achieved from within both cities.

Set up in 2011 the Commercial BID District is not a government or council led organisation - it is independent, which in itself provides a sound basis for it’s aspiration to become ‘a world class district’.

Money raised is controlled solely by the commercial BID district and is used to fund services over and above those provided statutorily by the public sector and this is where it’s strengths lie.

An ability to respond commercially and astutely to local needs and a desire to not be bound by red tape or political agenda has meant that in recent

years millions of pounds of regeneration money has been invested in areas such as Old Hall Street and Castle Street signalling the start of a dramatic renaissance.

The larger projects are significant and easily identified but it is more likely that these greater achievements started from more humble aspirations - to simply improve the overall experience of those who live, work and visit this vibrant city. Tackling graffiti, street security and even parking may not attract the same press coverage as multi million pound developments but it is without doubt the ‘anchor’ from which Liverpool Commercial BID has built a sustainable future and earned them the support of business owners, commercial partners and city dwellers who have benefitted from their ‘grass roots’ approach.

It’s an exciting time in Liverpool for enterprise - you can feel the build up as we start to see the effect that the International Festival of Business might have on our local economy. But what we haven’t realised is that there has been an undercurrent of economic development for a lot longer than this headlining event will bring - the commercial BID district has been quietly, and sometimes not so quietly, putting enterprising roots down across the city centre that will have longer lasting effects on business growth, and ultimately pride, in our city as we prepare ourselves for showcasing Liverpool on a global stage.

ON LOCATION F i ft een

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Then.Now. It is a love affair...albeit a secret one, that has now spanned thirty years and is still as strong as the day it started. No, this isn’t an admission of infidelity, more a tale of clandestine moments that have shaped my adoration and admiration of the retail juggernaut that is next Plc. Why so secret you might ask? Well, I don’t wear head to toe Next clothes, my house is not littered with Next products and quite often I may go months without even paying a visit - there, I said it. As with every good relationship though, each time I return it feels as though I have never been away and we take up exactly where we left off. We also know each other well - Next knows that I will buy key items that suit the rest of my wardrobe without it looking too ‘matchy’ and accessorised within an inch of its life. I am subtle in my choices but never a season goes by without a selection from their collections and there are plenty of good reasons why this will continue.

Launched in February 1982 the first store opened with an exclusive, coordinated collection of clothes, shoes and accessories for women. Collections for men, children and the home quickly followed and they now trade from more than 500 stores in the UK and EIRE and almost 200 stores in more than 30 countries overseas. I paused when describing Next as a juggernaut but I am only three paragraphs in and I realise I may have already underestimated them.

Their High Street presence, and ongoing growth, is bucking the trend that has seen many large brands retreating to the safety of out of town retail parks or sadly their demise entirely. So how have Next managed to secure such a foothold, not only in the retail space but more importantly in the hearts of the majority of British and, it seems, international households?

Looking back at its history I can see exactly how they have managed to achieve where others have failed - they took their entire operation from the high street and into people’s kitchens, bedrooms and living space through the development of their groundbreaking mail order catalogue offering in 1988. To most this may not seem groundbreaking.

We all remember that there were other large, catalogues that landed with a thud on our doorsteps at the same time, Littlewoods and Grattan to name just two, but there was something even then that was different (apart from the fact that they weren’t selling the usual mix of toasters and girdles).

Their catalogue was hard backed and glossier somehow, always choosing high profile models to wear the clothes and making us feel that ‘the look’ was both achievable and affordable. It was ‘responsive consumerism’ at its best - subtly replicating whatever we were devouring at the time from SJP and the Carrie years to Mad Men and even the Royal Wedding.

Even their operation felt more personal and customer service always seemed to be high on the agenda - something that may have seemed inconsequential to their competition at the time but an element that became critical as the online generation emerged a decade later.

it is something much simpler than a title that requires the word ‘strategy’ at the end of it to work - everything that they do has the customer firmly centre stage and people love them for it. Their latest development, next day delivery service as standard, may have been overlooked as being more about postage than strategy but we can already see that it has taken them another step away from their competitors.

Yet again they have defined themselves as not just responsive but intuitive to the needs of their customers seemingly knowing what we want next without us even having to ask.

They continue to bring stylish convenience to our homes and whilst I may never dress head to toe in Next (yes I had to wait until the final paragraph to admit to this!) I always return for great basics, quality kids clothes and an increasingly stylish homeware department. From a business perspective I eagerly await their developments in the mobile space as I have no doubts that they will lead the way, propelled by their quest to continue to be a ‘global people business’. Then.

Now.Next.Watch.This.Space

The Next online store was introduced in 1999 and their entire catalogue became available to shop from on the Internet, page by page - another first in home shopping in the UK. Next Directory now services customers in around 60 countries around the globe and last year turned over 3.5bn.

I know, I know - you are probably reading this and thinking that Next sound a little bit to perfect. They are the girly swot of retail. The straight A student who is not only bright as a button but who is also (damn it) really nice to you. I have tried to find the fly in the ointment but I can’t, and looking at their recent developments I can only see their growth continuing.

So what is the real secret to their success? Although I am sure it has been part of some giant retail master plan the evidence suggests that

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The Art of ‘Leaning In’ Interview by Nic Spindler

Nikki Aaron, TV News anchor with China View

I

have an aversion of being ‘told’ to do anything. It started at a young age and still (even now with a few years of maturity under my belt) I smart a bit if I feel instructed on how I should think, feel or act. More recently I have seen my aversion rise - suddenly my whole ‘being’ as a woman in the workplace is up for grabs again and I don’t like it. ‘Lean in’, ‘sit at the table’, ‘don’t leave before you leave’ are all courtesy of Sheryl Sandberg... Can someone let me just leave the house with my car keys and sanity intact and allow me to go off and do an ordinary days work?

I don’t want to be told what to do or how to behave as a woman in the workplace - but I do want to be quietly inspired by individuals and organisations who are writing their own rules for their teams and not feeling the need to adhere to someone else’s ‘textbook’ theories.

Thankfully, I did not wait long to be inspired - after a recent visit to KnowledgePoint360 HQ, I gained an insight into the realities of workbased flexibility and empowerment from a group of senior managers who are leading the way.

KnowledgePoint360, now part of Ashfield Commercial & Medical Services (a global organisation dedicated to providing outsourcing solutions to the pharmaceutical industry) is based in Macclesfield, Cheshire, where they employ over 270 people, with a truly worldwide reach and HQs in both the UK and the USA. The group is a leading

global provider of multichannel healthcare communications solutions and advisory services for both pharma and biotech industries and healthcare professionals alike. Their core team has a highly skilled and qualified leadership team – all of whom have consciously decided to base themselves in the North West – choosing the organisation as a place to flourish and drive forward their careers.

“It’s very important for us as an organisation that we nurture our unique culture for talent” said Melissa Piper, Group President of KnowledgePoint360. “We’ve worked extremely hard to create a business which provides strong opportunities for aspiring leaders. For us, it’s invaluable to be recognised as a leading

employer and therefore vital that we continue to invest in the development of our team.

We have directly benefited from having strong leaders, with backgrounds spanning healthcare professionals, academia, industry professionals as well as those who have chosen an agency route. Working at the top of their game, we’re delighted that in choosing to be part of KnowledgePoint360, we have been able to retain talented and inspiring individuals in the NorthWest, bringing growth and opportunities to this region.”

Communications. “ The in-house culture for ideas, knowledge-sharing and community has seen KnowledgePoint360 succeed year on year.

We know that our success depends upon our people. With our own academy and mentoring programs, and a truly flexible approach to work-life balance, we’re able to nurture talent in our own way and in doing so, have created a unique platform and work environment that allows everyone the chance to realise their potential and play their role in being part of this highly creative, winning group.”

“For me personally, the enjoyment of working here comes through being surrounded by this incredible energetic, adaptable and focused team. It’s infectious.” says Anne Clare Wadsworth, Global Head of Gardiner-Caldwell

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2 Course Brunch WITH BUBBLES SERVED FROM 11AM

£15.95

A glass of sparkling cheer followed by either: Pork sausage, grilled smoked bacon, roasted vine tomatoes, portobello mushrooms with black pudding and baked beans served with toast.

Or Smoked salmon and scrambled eggs served on a toasted muffin dressed with a peashoot garnish.

Dessert

Passion fruit & champagne mousse with chocolate chip cookies.

‘On The Hoof’ SANDWICHES 5-7PM

£7.50 Each

Our chef and his team will be serving hot sandwiches from the restaurant just to keep your energy levels up for the evening ahead.

Slow cooked shoulder of pork Or Cajun chicken with minted yogurt Or Slow cooked brisket of beef All served on a white or brown baguette with accompanying sauces.

Linenhall Races Why not get your race day off to a flyer this year we are serving brunch from 11am or come and celebrate a successful day by joining us for dinner from 7.30pm.

Or if it’s just a quick bite to soak up the liquid after the races we are serving our “On the hoof” sandwiches from 5-7pm.

There will be live music to keep you in the party mood straight after the last race, so make us your first stop and tell us all about how you beat the bookies!

Race Day Menu SERVED FROM 7.30PM

£25.95 - 2 COURSES • £29.95 - 3 COURSES

Starters

Mains

Dessert

Salad of warmed confit duck leg served with a plum and star anise relish and wilted pakchoi.

10oz Rump steak with portobello mushroom, roasted vine tomato and chunky chips served with horseradish butter.

Caramelised lemon tart with vanilla clotted cream.

Breast of chicken with fondant potatoes served with a creamed leek & pancetta sauce and seasonal vegetables.

You can reserve a table behind the bar, via email info@linenhallbar. co.uk or call us on (01244) 316-100.

Cured smoked salmon with apple and fennel slaw served with a mustard dressing.

Poached pear, garstang blue and spiced pumpkin seed salad served with a chicory and pear liquor reduction. (v)

Fillet of bass with candied ginger and pineapple salsa served with wilted greens, roast sesame and new potatoes.

Red wine rosemary and goat’s cheese risotto served with candied beetroot and a house salad. (v)

Strawberry and shortbread stack with a mint, mango and passion fruit.

A selection of cheeses with house chutney, grapes and biscuits.

PLEASE NOTE WE WILL ONLY RESERVE A BOOKING WITH A 50% DEPOSIT.

Electric wins L’Oreal Colour Trophy Men’s Image Award Patrick Wilson and David Halsall from Electric Hairdressing Liverpool have won the L’Oreal Colour Trophy Men’s Image Award and are through to grand final.

The L’Oréal Colour Trophy Men’s Image Award category is in its 59th year and continues to uncover the UK’s most creative hairdressers.

Electric’s Patrick and David created a current but achievable final look on their model James Atherton.

Speaking about the look they created, Patrick Wilson said: “Inspired by forthcoming trends for

AW14, we kept the colour natural by creating a mixture of lighter tones, giving a seamless finish.”

This year, the L’Oréal Colour Trophy Grand Final takes place at the prestigious Grosvenor House in London on 23rd June.

LIVERPOOL 25th anniversary for local firm A local business is celebrating 25 years trading this year. WC Testing, the company owned and headed up by Liverpool business woman, Jo Hampson, has built its reputation as one of the leading PAT testing companies in the region, and with a client base that now stretches across the UK, the company is focused on growth in this their landmark year.

schools, colleges and Universities, we now have strong presence in the Hotel and Leisure sector, with many North West bars, restaurants, hotels and salons now WC Testing clients.”

Speaking about their achievement, Jo Hampson said: “Its amazing to have reached our 25th year in business. We owe a huge amount to our loyal clients who have stayed with us and who have been happy with our service and confident in referring us to other business and organisations. When we started out we specialised mainly in schools, but as the years have gone by, whilst a large percentage of our client base is still made up of nurseries,

Insurance companies do make regular checks and can void insurance should this not be implemented, reading the small print on your schedule is alwasy advised.

PAT testing (Portable appliance testing) is an important part of any health & safety policy. According to the Health & Safety executive over a quarter of all reportable electrical accidents involve portable appliances. Employers are legally responsible for ensuring that they comply with the provisions of the regulations and take reasonable practical steps to ensure that no danger results from the use of electrical equipment.

Jo added: “We often hear of businesses disregarding their obligations to implement regular routine inspections.

Systematic maintenance, inspections and testing needn’t be expensive and ensures peace of mind that you, your staff and customers are protected.”

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The Beauty Project SELFRIDGES LAUNCHES THE BEAUTY PROJECT On the 1st May Selfridges launched The Beauty Project, the biggest celebration and issue-raising initiative ever staged by the store on the subject of beauty.

Selfridges continues its commitment to providing customers with extraordinary and beyond-shopping retail experiences with the launch of The Beauty Project. This is set to be a multi-faceted and thought-provoking exploration on the definition of beauty and what it means in today’s society. Six central themes – all representing key aspects of the on-going beauty debate - have been chosen to articulate the Beauty Project – from the windows scheme, to the special product selection and in-store services, to the talks and workshops staged throughout the Beauty Project. They are Men and Beauty, Age and Beauty, Adornment/Extreme Beauty, Global Beauty, Androgyny and Natural Beauty.

All 6 themes are illustrated by a new and un-retouched advertising campaign shot by German photographer and filmmaker Norbert Shoerner, showing the faces of unknown characters next to the line: Hello Beautiful. Each character embodies an aspect of beauty today. Everyone will be invited to comment at #beautyproject and at Selfridges.com where the project takes over the site. Here’s the lowdown on The Beauty Project:

The Beauty Project debates: At the heart of The Beauty Project is The Salon and its thematically curated programme. Based on the concept of the French literary and philosophical gatherings popular during the 17th and 18th centuries, The Salon at Selfridges seeks, like its illustrious predecessors, to debate and entertain its attendees.

Over six weeks, and with exclusive contribution from over 100 speakers and experts, The Salon will tackle big questions such as the History of Beauty and Ugliness (exploring how the concept of what is beautiful has

They include: Male Grooming - A true male grooming destination with everything covering the basics of shaving to haircare, skincare, well-being and anti- ageing products. changed overtime), How to Look Good at 100 (or can there be beauty in old age and how to achieve it, or is beauty only the preserve of youth or perceived youth?).

Intelligence Squared, the world’s premier forum for debate and intelligent discussion, and beauty guru Sali Hughes will hugely contribute to curating some of the most searching talks at The Salon at Selfridges. The Salon has been organised through an exclusive collaboration with Dove, which brings its considerable understanding of women and their relationship with beauty and body image to bear through weekly day-long curated discussions and workshops.

The Salon, Selfridges Ultralounge Among the 100-plus contributors and panellists are personalities as diverse as Labour MP Diane Abbott, plastic surgery artist Orlan, interior designer Nicky Haslam, editor Dylan Jones, Times Magazine journalist Robert Crampton, former Apprentice and social commentator Katie Hopkins.

Film: As part of its multi-faceted approach to the project, Selfridges commissioned filmmaker and curator Kathryn Ferguson to produce a series of four incisive and impactful interview-based mini documentaries on themes such as north and south divide in beauty attitudes in the UK; the return of natural hair in Afro-Caribbean women and body modification. The films will be showcased on selfridges.com where viewers will be encouraged to engage with each film and exchange views on all the elements of the Beauty Project.

Fragrance no. 149 The Beauty Project stimulates the senses - The Fragrance Lab The Beauty Project at Selfridges follows in the footsteps of Harry Gordon Selfridge* and once again, reinvents the way to experience and shop fragrances with the launch of the Fragrance Lab. An exclusive collaboration with the famous trends forecasting consultancy, The Future Laboratory, and Givaudan, custodian of one of the world’s most impressive collection of ‘Nez’ (perfume makers), the Fragrance Lab is a unique tri-dimensional olfactive journey into perfume during which the customer’s own particular character traits and reactions will define the perfect bespoke fragrance formula to match their personality and preferences.

The Beauty Project beautifies As well as diving to the heart of beauty issues, the Beauty Project also celebrates the diversity in beauty, the plentiful ways it can be changed, enhanced, transformed and gives customers the means to explore their own beauty journey to their superself – the best they can or wish to look.

Thousands of products and dozens of treatments and services have been reviewed and edited to showcase the most up-to-the-minute, powerful and original available in 2014, anywhere in the world.

The Travel Shop – the most diverse assortment of travel size products from the beauty world’s best brands. No more decanting!

The Rude Boyz Barber Shop – a new old fashioned yet unbeatable shaving destination for men.

The Tattoo and Piercing Parlour – ...And if permanent tattoos are a step too far, customers will have the alternative to choose from Henna by Pavan (the world’s fastest henna artist) or a specially commissioned collection of temporary tattoos from fashion brands.

The Face Gym – simply put, a gym workout for the face. It is based on the anti-ageing, energising and collagenboosting finger moves developed by the experts behind this new technique.

Beauty and the Feast at Selfridges’ Food Halls – You are what you eat. Beauty is not just what you put on. For the Beauty Project, Selfridges’ food buyers have sourced the best brands and produce to provide customers with edible solutions to their beauty and well-being ambitions. Most everything good-for-you will be on offer including a whole selection of sugar-free, gluten-free, dairy-free foods and dieticians on call.

Visit your local Selfridges store or join in the debate online at selfridges.com From 1 May to 12 June

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TRAVEL

Linthwaite House

Pack a weekend bag Mention lake district hotels and I shudder. You see my experience to date is that there are two types of lakeland hotels.. expensive dilapidated ones and ‘trendy soul-less’ ones that look as though they have been dipped in glue and rolled in a boutique stereotypical mood board; feature wallpaper, flock furniture; quirky lighting....

So, you’ll understand my delight when we (the hubby and I) checked into Linthwaite House, a building built in 1900 originally as a private home. It was a blustery, rainy weekend outside, and being greeted by a huge crackling fire in the hallway got things off to a good start.

The reception rooms are cosy, tastefully decorated, and from Linthwaites lofty position there are wonderful views down to lake Windermere. Yes it feel’s like a boutique hotel in parts (designer bathrooms, flat screen TV’s), but curled up on the sofas in front of a roaring fire, leafing through the Sunday supplements, I almost forgot I was in a hotel at all – it felt homely.

Little touches like the wellington boots lined up in the porch for guests to borrow to take in the extensive grounds, the reading library, and the extensive DVD collection for rainy ‘in room’ cinema afternoons – show the thought and consideration that has been put into creating memorable experiences for guests.

The service was exceptional. An unwavering professional (but not standoffish) approach to ensuring that each and every guest had every whim catered for....and with delicious locally sourced produce featuring on extensive menus – you definitely won’t go hungry.

If you’re craving time away to relax and re-charge then Linthwaite House should be your next stop. www.linthwaitehouse.co.uk

L

TRAVEL Close to home: Merebrook hotel

Looking for Edwardian glamour , luxurious accommodation and service that makes you feel more like family than guests then look no further than Mere Brook House, the 5 Star Gold rated B&B nestled on the edge of the picturesque village of Thornton Hough. Recently awarded ‘Accommodation of The Year’ 2014 at The Wirral Tourism Awards Mere Brook House is an oasis of calm that has been lovingly renovated and extended, retaining every inch of its Edwardian splendour. Each of their eight bedrooms have been individually designed making it feel like your own touch of luxury. With views spanning four acres including beautiful manicured gardens, paddocks and woodlands we cannot imagine a better place to wake up. www.merebrookhouse.co.uk

See you in a week...

Amalfi Coast Positioned in one of the most

beautiful stretches in the Mediterranean, the Almafi Coast provides a truly luxurious destination with a backdrop of stunning scenery and azure sea.

For those who can stomach the hairpin bends and narrow stretches of road, the coast is best viewed by taking an exhilarating drive along the ‘road of a thousand bends’.

Just a short flight (under 3 hours) from the UK, this is the perfect destination for couples and families, with many family friendly resorts. With beautiful towns and villages of historical and cultural interest, authentic restaurants serving fresh local dishes and the beautiful and dramatic scenery of the coast, this the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Perfect places to rest your head: Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria - Luxurious hotel in Sorrento. This year they celebrate 180yrs in business – 96 beautiful rooms and suites, plus holistic spa and panoramic views.

Palazzo Avino- Positioned 1000ft above the sea, amongst the cobbled streets of Ravello, this stunning romantic residence has a two Michelin-starred restaurant. With 32 rooms and 11 suites in total, you can be rest assured you’ll be holidaying in complete exclusivity.

Travel to the Amalfi Coast with ITC Luxury Travel: www.itcluxurytravel.co.uk Twe nt yF I V E

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Nicola

Saverimutto Work Life

We all strive for the perfect work life balance. Getting up every day and doing something you are passionate about has to be the ultimate in career satisfaction. Here we talk to North West florist Nicola Saverimutto about her passion for all things floral:

Interview by Nic Spindler

Why Flowers? What made you want to become a florist?

I’ve always loved flowers and think they can make the most simplest of interiors fabulous or add an immediate theme to an event. I loved flower arranging at home and experimenting with different styles, textures and colours; it became my passion and so in 1995 I decided to take the plunge and enrolled on a course with top celebrity florist Jane Packer – and I guess I’ve never looked back since!

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

I love visiting Covent Garden flower market, I get down there as often as I can. It’s literally like a Pandora’s box for a florist and I discover something new each time I visit.

I keep up to date with all the latest trends and top ideas from leading floral designers from across the world and weave in my own passion for fashion and interiors into a lot of my creations.

That said, I find inspiration in the simplest of things from the natural environment and even certain films and work of art.

Which flowers are hot right now?

Hydrangeas are hot, hot, hot right now. There big blousy blooms fit well with the current trend for all things vintage. Less is definitely more here, don’t mix these high impact flowers with anything else, simply stack them in a simple vase or country style jug and let them do the talking.

The old 80’s favourite Gypsy Grass is also making a comeback too, but again think simple. I recently created a stunning bridal bouquet made entirely from masses of gypsy grass, bound with black satin ribbon; it really was to-die-for.

Which North West Venue would be your ideal blank canvas?

For traditional charm and stunning surroundings it has to be the new lakeside marquee at Thornton Manor. It oozes style and I just love working with brides and event planners here to create something really special.

If uber cool and quirky is your thing though, Camp and Furnace in Liverpool is head and shoulders above the rest.

Most Memorable Bouquet Ever Sent and the Story Behind it?

This actually happened very recently. A lady from New Zealand by had Reiss got in touch to sayPhotography her Aunty been put into a nursing home because she had fallen and broken her hip and with no family to take care of her she had to be admitted even though she was relatively young.

The story touched me so much, I actually went the extra mile and along with the flowers and chocolates the lady had ordered, I waited for my two children to finish school for the day; bought a birthday cake, candles and wine and turned up at the nursing home to surprise her aunty in style!

We took lots of pictures and sent them off to New Zealand and I can safely say the Aunty had a birthday that she will hopefully never forget!

If we sent you flowers, what would be on your wish list?

They have to be fresh first of all....I love a real natural look so again I would love either a simple handtied bunch of blooms that look like they have been gathered from a summer meadow, or just a simple bunch of one flower – that says it all for me.

Well Groomed The complete box for maintaining and styling your beard.

Contains beard brush, scissors, comb, moustache wax, beard moisturiser & the expert guide to having a mighty good beard. £65.00 Available from: www.murdocklondon.com

Face5 intensive eye treatment by Rituals Active botanical complex reduces puffiness and dark circles.

Contains anti-oxidants to firm eye contour.

Specially developed to sooth delicate eye area.

Fragrance free. Dermatologically tested. £20.50

Breathe new life into hair that is looking dried out or stressed with this advanced, super-moisturising shampoo.

A nourishing, creamy formula, packed with moisture-rich ingredients, retains optimum hydration in your hair and intensifies its natural shine.

Available from: http://www.electric-hair.com £17.50

Invigorating Body Wash – Lime & Pomegranite

By Baxter of California Washes away dirt and debris from the body without robbing skin of moisture. Mild cleansers and skin-softening agents keep skin smooth and soft.

Available from Utility, Liverpool. £15.00

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style news

We’ve got our eye on an emerging luxury brand.

M

erging the functional with the aesthetic, Archibald Optics is an emerging luxury eyewear brand, redefining the luxury eyewear market with their ability to combine sophisticated British design with exquisite Japanese craftsmanship at a competitive price. Archibald Optics take inspiration from vintage styles of British design, to create bold, brave and unique frames, eloquently fashioned to reveal the inner eccentric within. Opting to embrace luxury and unique design as one of life’s essentials, Archibald Optics began its journey with a vision to create luxury glasses without the luxury price tag. This vision came from a sudden awareness that fashion brands too often license their names to a great selection of production companies, eliminating the essence of bespoke artistry.

With organic designs, distinctive uses of patterns and shapes and a quirky sense of form, the results show quintessentially British designs, manufactured by the most skilled craftsmen in Japan. During the design and production period, a beautiful idea struck in terms of sales.

Freeing themselves of licensing fees, distributors and large advertising costs – Archibald Optics sell directly to their customers online, enabling consumers to benefit from drastically reduced mark-ups, creating the world’s first direct-to-consumer brand operating in the luxury space.

Although Archibald Optics may be new to the fashion and accessories industry, they have already adopted a strong and growing celebrity fan base that includes; Tinie Tempah, Labrinth and Jude Law. We believe that Archibald Optics are not only a must have fashion accessory, but a stylish essential which helps us to see the beauty in life with a clear view, and we’ll certainly be keeping our eye on this emerging luxury brand.

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Skirting the issue The skirt is the key item to have in your wardrobe this spring. Spring Summer 14 collections were championing this feminine trend; from the full 50’s skirt to the demur pencil skirt - a statement skirt can transform a look. So if you’re feeling brave enough to bare your legs then show off with a statement mini, but if you’re not feeling ready then opting for a flattering midi skirt is the way to go!

If the sunny-one-day-cloudy-the-next weather has your fashion planning in a spin then fear not – stick with spring skirts, and simply team with woolly tights and boots.

Agnes Fit and Flare Skirt £125 www.whistles.co.uk

Billie Print Skirt £69 www.mintvelvet.co.uk

Alise Link Print Skirtgrey print £95 www.reiss.com

Black Check Mesh Skirt £48 www.next.co.uk

SOCIAL Our Monthly Spotlight on North West events

What’s at Sixty Two

Colin Bordley (Albert Dock) & Guests Richard Eastwood (R2Architecture) & Family Jon Crofts (Site manager Waverley maintenance) & Guests Suzanne Watson (BDM for What’s at Sixty Two) & Guests Suzanne Watson (BDM), John Cunningham (GM) & What’s at Sixty Two hostesses

What’s at Sixty Two is a new offering from What’s Cooking serving southern style American dishes for breakfast lunch & dinner.

In oder of appearance

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SOCIAL ...continued

Gala Evening at the Williamson Art Gallery

Deputy Mayor with his postcard by David Jones with Deputy Mayoress of Wirral

Naomi Horlock, Chair of the Friends of the Williamson, The Singh Twins and Alison Bailey Smith

The Oxton Artists called for creative input for their initiative “Extraordinary Postcards” to support the Friends of the Williamson Art Gallery and were delighted when 850+ postcards arrived from around the world and from notable artists and authors such as The Singh Twins, Terry Duffy and Berlie Doherty.

Oxton Artist, Laura Weston who suggested the idea for the fundraiser and had great determination to make it work, said: “Small things can make a difference.”

Laura Weston with her clipboard of adminstration!

Artists were asked to create a postcard (or postcard sized work in canvas, wood, wire, fabric etc) which were available for sale for £20 each at wonderful gala evening at the gallery on the 1st of May. Music was provided by the young people of Pacific Swing and The Night and Days, and the Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress of Wirral were in attendance and even purchased a postcard by Brombrough artist, David Jones. 450 people came to the gallery and over £7000 was raised for the charitable works of the Friends of the Williamson, which supports and enhances events at Williamson. The council run art gallery and museum has been under threat since September 2013 of proposed budget cuts. The recent good news is a portion of the cuts has been delayed for 12 months to allow the newly formed WAGM Shadow Strategic Board to investigate the future for the building and its activities.

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