Well Connected Liverpool Business Magazine April 2018

Well Connected Official Magazine for Liverpool & Sefton Chambers of Commerce - Spring 2018

Inside

• Industry leaders share insight at 2018 International Business Festival

• Liverpool Biennial Where Art meets Business

• GDPR is coming What does this mean for marketing?

Claire McColgan MBE

on what's next for Culture Liverpool

Welcome & Contents

Welcome to the latest edition of Well Connected Magazine

Time to focus on the fundamentals

•

Paul Cherpeau, CEO Liverpool & Sefton Chambers of Commerce

elcome to the Spring W edition of the Chamber of Commerce’s Well Connected

publication.

As many of our business members enter into a new financial year, there is undoubtedly a sense of uncertainty at the period to come. With less than a year to the date of our proposed cessation

of EU membership, there are a multiplicity of unknowns that obscure our economic fortunes and opportunities.

In the six months since I became Chief Executive of the Chamber, it has been fascinating to talk about Brexit and the practical implications upon businesses that the ultimate divorce from the EU will have. Far from becoming another commentator on the political machinations, our intention is to enable our businesses to have access to the required expertise and knowledge about the movement of goods and services across borders along with the movement of people and labour.

We can become obsessive about the macro-economic status of the country, but we have a

Find Inside...

Contents 4-5 7

8-9 11 14-15 16-17 18 20-21 23 24 26-27 28-29

Chamber News Chamber Membership Economy International Skills News My Story International Business Festival Legal Comment Cover Feature Chamber

responsibility to ensure that the businesses who seek prosperity and success within the Liverpool City Region can also articulate their specific experiences on the ground. That is only possible with two way dialogue and my pledge to our businesses is that they will not be strangers to the Chamber or its market intelligence, data and service.

In many ways, the Chamber is delivering the fundamentals in much the same way that our economy and business environment must also deliver the same: A skills system that works for business and citizens; a transport infrastructure to mobilise the city region; and a digitally connected environment that boosts productivity and competitiveness.

NEWS

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39

Military host business lunch at secret Liverpool bunker

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CULTURE

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5 MINUTES WITH...

What is Culture Liverpool?

Contributing Editor John Dean e: john@benhampublishing.com Editorial Content Manager Zoe Bleasdale e: editorial@liverpoolchamber.org.uk Advertising and Features Karen Hall Tel: 0151 236 4141 e: karen@benhampublishing.com Advertising Sales Tony Sheldon e: tony@benhampublishing.co.uk Studio Mark Etherington e: studio@benhampublishing.com Media No.1621

Regards Paul Cherpeau

CHAMBER EVENTS

#seeyouonthemountain2018

30-31 Inspirational Leaders 32 International 34-35 Transport 36-37 Finance 38-39 Chamber Events 42-43 Members News 45 Members News 46 Ask the Expert 47 Members News 48 Staff Directory 49 New Members 50 5 Minutes with...

Enquiries Liverpool & Sefton Chambers of Commerce Number One Old Hall Street, Liverpool L3 9HG t: 0151 227 1234 e: membership@liverpoolchamber.org.uk w: www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk Publisher Benham Publishing Limited, Aintree Building, Aintree Way, Aintree Business Park, Liverpool L9 5AQ t: 0151 236 4141 e: admin@benhampublishing.com w: www.benhampublishing.com Published April 2018 © Benham Publishing

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Businesses will adapt to Brexit and all that it will entail, but businesses cannot and will not excel without focussing on these basics. We need the business voice to articulate this strongly for all concerned.

This issue is packed with great content and places the focus upon our members and their stories. Placing the needs of business at the heart of the Chamber is – again – our main purpose and one that permeates throughout everything we do.

Get the fundamentals right and there’s no limit to our success.

Enjoy the read.

Rob Jones, Managing Director Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire, Chester and Wirral

Disclaimer

Well Connected is mailed without charge to all Chamber members and distributed at all Chamber events.

All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor at Liverpool & Sefton Chambers of Commerce. Views expressed in publication are not necessarily those of Liverpool & Sefton Chambers of Commerce.

Reprinting in whole or part is forbidden except by permission of the Editor. © 2018.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in this journal, Benham Publishing and its agents can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributions in advertising or editorial content.

Benham Publishing cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in web or email links supplied to us.

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City on course for record breaking investment

Chamber News

he Mayor of Liverpool, T Joe Anderson, revealed at the city’s first Regenerating

Liverpool Summit that more than £1.4bn in regeneration construction schemes are taking place this year with increases set to take place in 2019.

Mayor Anderson told an audience of more than 100 business leaders at Liverpool Town Hall that the city had entered an “unprecedented era of growth” with £1.4bn of projects either on site or in the pipeline, creating 28,000 jobs.

Speaking at the summit, which was co-hosted with the Liverpool & Sefton Chambers of Commerce, the Mayor added: “From Liverpool Waters to Ten Streets, the Knowledge Quarter to the Fabric District there has never been more activity across so many different sectors which is remarkable when you set that against a decade of economic uncertainty.

“Liverpool City Council’s Regeneration Department has worked tirelessly to stimulate investment such as Paddington Village and the new housing

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Liverpool is on course to complete more than £1bn in regeneration projects for a record breaking 5th successive year.

company. We have some fantastic public and private sector partners who are helping to ensure the city builds on its successes in recent years.

“My focus now is to ensure all this regeneration benefits the local supply chain, and its economic impact ripples throughout the city for generations to come.”

The Mayor - who reaffirmed the city's intent to ensure regeneration works in tandem with World Heritage status - led a high profile panel of talkers which included presentations from Lindsey Ashworth, Development Director at Liverpool Waters, Denise BarrettBaxendale, Director at Everton FC and Colin Sinclair, Chief Executive of KQ Liverpool.

Mr Ashworth gave a progress update on a revised masterplan at Central Docks, with Copenhagen quoted as a big influence, followed by Denise, with Everton's intentions to redevelop Goodison Park after the club's proposed move to Bramley Moore Dock.

Mr Sinclair said momentum had reached a critical mass at the Knowledge Quarter pointing to the day's dual announcements on the council’s advertising for the KQ Gateway masterplan and Liverpool John Moores University revealing plans for a £64m student campus on Copperas Hill.

The panel were also joined

by Nick Kavanagh, Director of Regeneration at Liverpool City Council, who revealed that the authority intends to hold

“meet the buyer” sessions for local contractors in April as part of the development of the Foundations Housing Company, which was established in January with a remit to build 10,000 new homes.

Following the presentations, a question and answer session was opened to delegates, which was chaired by Professor Michael Parkinson, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Civic Engagement at the University of Liverpool.

Chamber News

Aintree wows Chamber guests again

The Chamber welcomed more than 350 guests to its day at the Grand National race meeting on Thursday 12th April. lways a hugely popular A day in the Chamber Events calendar, the Aintree event

provided a great opportunity for networking, entertaining colleagues and clients, and enjoying the incredible spectacle that is the National meeting.

Expressions of interest for Aintree 2019 can be made immediately to the Chamber Events team at events@liverpoolchamber.org.uk Photos courtesy of Antonio Franco www.antoniofranco.net

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PLACES AVAILABLE ON OUR BUSINESS START UPS MBA STARTING MAY 2018

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Membership

Membership Programme

Liverpool and Sefton Chambers of Commerce are committed to maximising membership, with an evolving programme to fit the growth of businesses in the region.

EO Paul Cherpeau is C pleased to introduce Liverpool & Sefton Chambers’ new

Head of Business Development, Lee Stanley: “I am delighted to welcome Lee to the Chamber.

He will be responsible for providing our business engagement, with a focus on delivering value to our strategic partners, and membership as a whole, as well as attracting new businesses to the Chamber.

He joins us following a very successful role as a National Relationship Manager at Bupa.”

Lee said:“ I am incredibly proud to be joining the Liverpool and Sefton Chambers’ team. I am very much looking forward to introducing myself and meeting our members over the coming weeks and months. I am also excited at the prospect of delivering a 1st Class service for our existing members, as well as welcoming new opportunities to work with businesses in our area. My ambition is for the Chamber to be recognised as a key partner, making sure we have a positive and successful impact for all our clients.”

Membership - £360 (Charities £275) Access Chamber events including an assortment of inclusive events Access employer service programme provided by British Chambers of Commerce Promote your business through the Chamber’s website and social media channels Use our hot desk facilities at 1 Old Hall Street in Liverpool City Centre Access affinity services, surveys, reports and information to boost your business performance

Membership Plus - £600

Dedicated client management to support your business aspirations Priority access to all events Inclusive tickets for Chamber’s Exchange, Construction and Executive Networking events Dedicated international trade and export network through our international trade club Participation in advocacy campaigns, promotional work and affinity services

Strategic Partnership - £2,500

Providing access to all events, including 2 tickets for the Chamber annual dinner Dedicated client management and introductions Partnership in advocacy work with British Chambers and government Marketing & Promotional work including magazine, newsletter & social media content Hosting Executive Dinner with selected businesses and contacts Provide a dedicated affinity service or discount to Chamber members Prioritisation in news, surveys, comment pieces and blogs

Existing members renewing this year will receive a discounted rate. Full details about these membership opportunities are available online at www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk where you can access details of Chamber news, reports, surveys and events. Members can also upload their own news and events content for sharing across the network.

Contact membership@liverpoolchamber.org.uk for more details.

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First Ark Social Investment provide funding up to £150k

Need a little investment to help your social organisation thrive?

Our Thrive Fund could help. We’re offering investment loans of £10,000 - £50,000 with up to 6-month capital repayment holiday.

Just the kind of capital support you need at an early stage in your growth: • Interest rates are between 7% - 14% APR • No arrangement fees • No early repayment fees

Whether you are big or small, we’re here to help you take the next step. Our dedicated team will provide guidance and support to help you get the most social value out of your investment.

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Funding and support to social organisations and charities, helping them grow and become more sustainable.

Investments of between £50,000 - £150,000 are available with up to 30% grant funding. Loan terms can be up to 5 years with up to 12 months capital repayment holiday: • Interest rates are between 6.5% - 12% APR • No arrangement fees • No early repayment fees

Before you apply for social investment, you need to be investment ready.

The Reach Fund is a grant programme that acts as a stepping stone to apply for social investment. We are an access point to the Reach Fund. Up to £15,000 grant funding is available to help you become investment ready.

Our team can help you to identify areas to strengthen your organisation, making it more attractive to social investors.

Not sure whether you meet the criteria?

Just give us a call. We can discuss your individual needs.

t: 0800 464 0797 e: investment@firstark.com w: firstarksocialinvestment.com

China is an exceptionally important market for exporting

International

The Chamber celebrated Chinese New Year in February welcoming export champions and partners to Chamber Thirty-Six in Chinatown.

ttendees sampled A excellent Chinese food and culture, whilst discussing

the challenges and opportunities of trading with China.

Participants discussed the excellent support opportunities available through the International Business Festival, the Department for International Trade, the China-Britain Business Council and the Chamber itself.

Paul Cherpeau, CEO of Liverpool & Sefton Chambers was delighted to welcome partners to the event: “China continues to be an economic powerhouse and a hotbed of export opportunities and inward investment potential.

All of our participating businesses have experience of the Chinese market, and are exemplars for those businesses considering expanding their product or service base into the country.

As with most international markets, the expansion of business into new markets is challenging but done correctly, can reap great rewards.�

China remains an exceptionally important market for many of our exporting chamber members. With the ongoing uncertainty surrounding European markets, continued

growth in China is still offering opportunities for UK companies to expand operations in the region.

You are likely to need a longterm strategy in China to achieve success. There are a number of challenges for businesses when doing this.

These include strong competition, finding and retaining the right skills in the local workforce, complex business culture and language barriers.

At the Chamber we have the right networks to help you,

for example, with your market research, and to find the right English speaking lawyers to ensure your product or service is being sold in the most appropriate way.

We can also support attendance to Trade Shows and Exhibitions with New Markets2 - a financial support for eligible companies.

Our cultural ties with China go hand in hand with our trade and economic links. The original immigrants in the 19th century who worked for businesses like Alfred Holt and Company

(the first commercial shipping line established to focus on Chinese trade) set up home near the docks in the area we now call Chinatown. Home to the largest Chinese Arch outside of China, the Imperial Arch, was the centre of Chinese New Year celebrations.

A real coup for the city in 2018 has been the arrival of the Terracotta Army at the World Museum, which runs until October. All those who have been responsible for making this happen should be applauded, with around 450,000 visitors expected to visit the exhibition.

Liverpool remains one of the most popular destinations for Chinese students in the UK and further expansion of the campus at Xi’an JiaotongLiverpool University is planned.

The city is attracting an increasing number of Chinese tourists, and more local businesses are looking at potential business opportunities in China.

So whether for business, education or culture, Liverpool is definitely the place to celebrate the Year of Dog! If you require any further information regarding trade with China please contact us at export@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

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ADVERTISING PROFILE

POWERING PRODUCTIVITY ACROSS THE REGION We are leading the way on the issues that really matter It is clear the world is changing, the energy sector is evolving at pace. The old centralised energy systems built last century are transforming into new exible, sustainable and localised energy systems.

In times of change the need to innovate to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow becomes increasingly important and it is our objective to innovate to ensure that the needs of our customers are served whilst ensuring that future challenges can be addressed. Fast, exible innovation is therefore an essential tool in weathering uncertainty in the political and energy arenas.

The UK energy sector has gone beyond any other country with its low carbon agenda.

The e ective and e cient transformation has only been possible through innovation and skills of the electricity networks sector. Over the last decade the industry and SP Energy Networks have taken great strides towards addressing current and future network challenges. From playing a leading role within the Energy Network Association’s Open Networks project and paving the way towards a Distribution System Operator model.

To deliver globally innovative projects, we continue to push the boundaries of innovation ensuring that our customers can bene t from a network which is now more reliable, resilient and exible than at any point in history and ideally placed to meet the future customer demands.

We recognise the importance of sharing our knowledge on innovation developments to make sure others can bene t from our learning, and will continue to collaborate with other UK network companies to ensure that all customers bene t from customer funded innovation trials.

We have a strong track record of converting innovation trials into practical applications that bring bene ts to customers and making

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Scott Mathieson, Director of Network Planning & Regulation our innovation spend go further by collaborating with others.

As we look into the next decade and beyond, new challenges will present themselves, from the increasing uptake of Electric Vehicles to a renewed focus on the decarbonisation of heat and some of these challenges will re ect within some key areas of the Industrial strategy report of the government.

We are expecting trends for Electric Vehicles to accelerate in the coming years as more consumers change their consumption of energy habits. The pace of change is di cult to forecast, however the recent experience of Photovoltaics uptake in the UK serves as a reminder that the uptake of other new Low Carbon Technologies, like electric vehicles could follow a similar pattern as costs reduce and public acceptance increases. Auto industry experts predict that by 2022 Electric Vehicles will be cheaper than our traditional Petrol and Diesel vehicles.

In 2012 the forecast of Photovoltaics estimated for 2030 was reached within

4 years instead of 18 years, so we could see a similar uptake with Electric Vehicles!

The electri cation of Transport is going to have a dramatic impact on the level of electricity demanded by both businesses and households. One of the key opportunities and challenges we are currently facing in the UK is the charging of Electric Vehicles.

If the charging of Electric Vehicles is uncontrolled, there is the potential that peak electricity demand in the UK could greatly increase.

SP Energy Networks are preparing for electric vehicles and are seeking opportunities to work with the business community to fully align our plans with actual business requirements We want to make sure that in terms of aiding productivity for the business community that we are at the forefront of developing and working on future projects including the infrastructure of the network and the need for increase capacity of the network and how we can ensure that this is fully operational.

We are fully committed to meeting these challenges and will seek to engage positively with Government, Ofgem, other network operators and our key stakeholders to deliver cost e ective solutions which will deliver real bene ts for our customers.

Find more at www.spenergynetworks.co.uk or email gettingconnectedupdate@spenergynetworks.co.uk

NETWORK PREPARATION FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES SP Energy Networks, the network operator for Merseyside, Cheshire and North Shropshire, are preparing for the requirements of electric vehicle charging.

The government wants all new cars and vans to have zero emissions by 2040 with predictions of 650,000 Electric Vehicles (EV’s) in our area.

This means the charging infrastructure to support these EV’s will affect the electricity network.

Total uptake of EV charging across Merseyside, Cheshire and North Shropshire will require extensive reinforcements to upgrade approximately 15% of the SP Energy Networks distribution network, including 4200 circuits and 850 substations.

Smart EV charging is an

important enabler for EV rollout

SP Energy Networks are preparing for the time when the majority of customers will want to charge vehicles from their existing domestic supply; which could double domestic consumption.

Making use of Smart/Managed charging, the estimate for required investment to our distribution electricity network across Merseyside, Cheshire and North Shropshire is £175 million - £275 million by 2040.

The existing electricity distribution network was not designed for this increase and would require significant infrastructure reinforcement and investment.

Note –figures show investment required distribution network and do not include costs of the EV charging equipment.

Without innovation, including Smart Charging, the estimated investment could increase to £550 million.

The required reinforcement of the electricitydistribution infrastructure has a key financial, environmental and societal impact which must be managed through extensive preparation and planning.

SP Energy Networks are keen to work with any organisation planning their fleet, business or domestic requirements for EV Charging Points.

Find more at www.spenergynetworks.co.uk or email gettingconnectedupdate@spenergynetworks.co.uk

Skills

Chamber Business School congratulates latest management graduates

Pictured (left to right): Gill Webster, Adrian Whitefoot and Debra Ashurst, Kalzip

Following the introduction of St Helens Chamber’s Level 5 Management Diploma in 2015 four more Managers have graduated from the programme, with another four set to complete their qualification over the coming weeks. ccredited by the Institute of A Leadership and Management, the degree level course is aimed

at senior business managers who would like to learn new management skills and techniques, whilst gaining an accredited qualification.

Recent Graduate Debbie Ashurst, Logistics Manager at Kalzip, said: “I did the course in order to bring my skills up to date.

Although I had a lot of practical experience, I didn’t have the qualifications to back it up.

“I’ve really enjoyed meeting new people and seeing what fellow students on the course were doing within their companies.

“The course itself was interesting, although at times quite taxing. Although some of the assignments were difficult you got a sense of achievement in doing them.

“Not only have we advanced and grown through doing the qualification, but Kalzip has benefitted too.”

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Fellow Graduate Gill Webster, Sales Office Manager at Kalzip, added: “Our tutor Bobbie gave us lots of support and was great at keeping us on track. She’d meet with us regularly and set us targets so we knew exactly what to do and when it was needed by.”

Spread over two years, the course is delivered through monthly taught sessions at either St Helens or Liverpool Chamber, covering specific leadership and management topics, such as managing improvements, managing strategic change and critical thinking.

Lucy Swift, Office Manager at VLC Stairlifts said: “I decided to enrol onto the course because I wanted some validation in my job role by having an extra qualification. I was also looking to improve my leadership and management skills in order to move forward in my career.

“The programme was varied and covered aspects of leadership and management that I hadn’t

come across before. I have enjoyed being able to learn new skills and apply them to work situations.

“I would definitely recommend the course, there is lots of support available from the Chamber to help complete the course, and the knowledge you learn is really valuable in a management role.”

Alongside Debbie and Gill, colleague Adrian Whitefoot, Technical, Training & Site Services Manager at Kalzip, has been working towards gaining his Level 5 Diploma and is set to achieve his certificate in the coming weeks.

Adrian said; “The Level 5 Management Diploma is a lot of hard work, but it’ll definitely be worth it in the end.

“I’m already applying what I have learnt and putting it into practice.

Through doing the course you

gain a wider understanding of the bigger issues rather than focusing in on individual areas.

“We’ve all really enjoyed the course and would encourage others to go down the same route. Bobbie has been absolutely fantastic and really supportive throughout.”

Cohorts for the Level 5 Management Diploma start three times a year in January, April and September at St Helens Chamber and Liverpool & Sefton Chambers of Commerce.

If you are looking for a more bespoke management course for your employees, our courses can be tailored to suit your businesses requirements and taught at your business premises, if suitable.

St Helens Chamber is an Ofsted Good training provider and a recent finalist in the TES Training Provider of the Year Awards.

For more information about our range of Management Diplomas call 01744 742333 or email workforce@sthelenschamber.com

Develop your Workforce It’s never too late to invest time in training and staff development.

Upskill your workforce with accredited qualifications – up to Level 5 – delivered by St Helens Chamber Business School.

Our Training Advisers can carry out a Training Needs Analysis to help identify training requirements for your business, and can even put together a bespoke training package specific to your company.

Our training is of the highest quality, designed to benefit your business.

Courses include: • • • • •

Business Improvement Techniques Management Marketing Business Administration Financial Services

• • • • •

Sales and Customer Service Information Technology Warehousing and Logistics Retail Hairdressing

• • • • •

Health and Social Care Children and Young People Manufacturing Construction International Trade

Contact our Workforce Development Team today and request a Prospectus.

01744 742333 | workforce@sthelenschamber.com www.sthelenschamber.com/business-school

In partnership with:

News

See you on the

Mountain?

#seeyouonthemountain2018 There aren’t many people in Liverpool who haven’t come across former Chair of the Chamber, John Sutcliffe.

John was a prominent and well regarded figure on the Liverpool networking scene, particularly within the construction industry.

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News

ounder of Sutcliffe engineering firm, he F joined Liverpool Chamber’s

non-executive board in 2011, assuming chairmanship of the organisation a year later.

He is remembered by all at the Chamber as a great leader, a passionate ambassador for the city and, above all, a true gentleman.

John was influential in my appointment as Board member with the Chamber, he invested his own time into my personal and professional development, and for that I will always be grateful.

Sadly John passed away in January 2017, having bravely battled with cancer for some time.

John continued as chairman on several boards including the Chamber, the Consulting Engineers Golfing Society, 24 7 Theatre Festival and the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE).

He was also governor of Merchant Taylors School in Crosby and a trustee of Homebaked. If this wasn’t impressive enough, he also continued running his own company, Sutcliffe. One of his last selfless acts saw John commit himself enthusiastically to his duties whilst hiding just how ill he was from many of us. This is just one of his many great characteristics, demonstrating his determination and sheer bloody mindedness!

At John’s funeral (and after a few glasses of wine) a group of us were talking about what we could do to remember John, to show our appreciation for what he did for us as individuals and for the city. Together we agreed, there and then, that we would do the Three Peaks Challenge in 24 hours.

This is our way of displaying our own determination and bloody mindedness in honour of John. Kingsley and Sutcliffe have joined forces and we are now looking for people to join us in our mission.

We will be raising money for Cancer Research UK and MacMillan, climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours on the 13th September 2018.

Transportation from Liverpool will be provided alongside refreshments and support before and during the challenge.

We’d love to see you all on the mountain with us.

Let’s do it for John!

#seeyouonthemountain2018

To register your interest please email natalie@kingsleyrecruitment.co.uk #seeyouonthemountain2018 Caroline Kingsley

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The transformation of UK cancer care

My Story

Mike Moran, CEO of Proton Partners International, continues his delivery of the Rutherford Cancer Centre North West

ith one centre already W fully operational in Newport, South Wales, and

two shortly to open in Northumberland and Reading, it is difficult to believe that the company was founded just three years ago. By working with the world’s leading technology partners, the centres, known as the Rutherford Cancer Centres, are equipped with the latest cancer technology providing an all-encompassing range of cancer treatments including high energy Proton Therapy.

There has been a rapid expansion in demand for proton therapy worldwide, however, only a small proportion of cancer patients have access to the treatment because of its limited availability.

The vision of Proton Partners International is to create a better future for cancer patients and to have a Rutherford Cancer Centre within 90 minutes of the front door of 75% of the UK population by 2021, meaning that patients will not have to travel for several hours or abroad for cancer treatment that is best delivered close to home.

This ambition is already well under way with the Rutherford Cancer Centre South Wales having treated the first patient in the UK with high energy proton therapy this month.

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The Rutherford Cancer Centre North West

The Rutherford Cancer Centre North West officially broke ground with Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson and Mike Moran on 8 January 2018 and is sited in the heart of the Knowledge Quarter in Paddington Village.

Equipped with the latest, most innovative equipment available, the centre will offer diagnostic imaging, chemotherapy, immunotherapy radiotherapy, proton therapy and supportive care for patients.

Protons deliver the same damage to cancer cells as radiotherapy; however, they can be controlled to stop at a defined point in the body which causes significantly less damage to the surrounding critical tissue.

There are more than 150,000 cancer patients in the UK every year who are treated with radiation therapy and at least 10% of the patients treated with radical radiotherapy could be better treated with proton beam therapy.

The Liverpool centre will see up to 500 patients a year accessing proton therapy and will be available to medicallyinsured private patients, selfpaying patients and patients referred by the NHS. Two other subsidiaries, Rutherford Innovations and Rutherford Diagnostics are also based in the region and Proton Partners’ fourth subsidiary, Rutherford Estates, is building and will maintain the cutting-edge premises required for the Rutherford group to operate from.

As well as cutting-edge treatments, the Rutherford will play a full role in research activities and educating clinicians, both existing and those yet to come, who will not have had access to delivering treatments with proton therapy before.

This allows Proton Partners International to positively contribute to the research effort without disrupting the cancer services it already offers.

Liverpool, as a result, will be at the forefront of innovative cancer treatment and play a leading role in the contribution towards the broader research effort.

By offering a variety of cancer therapies, the centres will deliver a fully comprehensive level of cancer care, including survivorship and recovery, tailored to fit the different needs of each patient.

Every cancer patient is different, and the Rutherford Cancer Centre North West will provide a holistic cancer service, offering a wide range of services, to ensure that patients receive a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. More patients will benefit from better diagnosis and newer treatments, with a greater emphasis on patient outcomes and quality of life.

The centres will be staffed by one clinical team across the multiple sites who will all work from a shared central system.

This will allow oncologists to work remotely and treat patients at any of the Rutherford centres.

The new facility will also provide skilled employment opportunities within Liverpool, ranging from administrative roles to top medical positions, and will attract highly skilled individuals to the area. The highly qualified staff from the clinical team, to the patient administrators, will bring with them a wealth of experience and knowledge, with an emphasis on ensuring the patient and their relatives are at the heart of excellent care.

Now recognised as the world’s largest developer of highenergy proton therapy centres, Proton Partners International’s ambitions are clear, and its credibility is well evidenced by astonishing growth.

Security with Business Impact Established in 2004, we provide bespoke all-encompassing security solutions that safeguard your business operations. We combine technical expertise, professional consultancy and high-quality training to protect your people and keep your assets and data secure.

CCTV systems • Access control • Intrusion detection Consultancy • Training

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About CFS

CFS offers a complete Facility management package with services from building, mechanical and electrical maintenance to Facilities Department set up and monitoring, from soft and hard services to M&E projects. We approach each project with a collective of 80 plus years of experience of providing necessary support to your business on time and within budget. We ensure that you operate at optimum efficiency whilst our team is constantly satisfying their requirements and always exceeding expectations.

Mission Statement

Our Philosophy at Cooperative Facility Support Limited is to maintain the personal touch between client and service provider throughout the duration of our professional relationship.

By maintaining this relationship, the common goal is, successfully maintaining, managing and improving the Soft and Hard Facilities Services whilst being conscious of cost reduction and not just for the moment but future proofing hence instilling a long- term legacy.

Projects

We service multi-million-pound companies with planned and reactive maintenance within the following industries: • Construction • Automotive • Semi-conductor • Pharmaceutical • Ministry of Justice We can tailor make projects to suit no matter how big or complex from design to completion please check out our projects on the website www.cfs-management.co.uk.

Our team bring a wealth of industry knowledge and Know-How of Waste Management.

They have helped their clients raise their levels of expectations and exceed their goals.

Planned Maintenance

CFS considers the most cost-effective way to avoid problems is to undertake a programme of planned property maintenance. Planned maintenance is effective in reducing any disruption and makes budget planning more efficient. For example, regular roof and gutter clearance can avoid blockages that may result in water damage to valuable stock and expensive redecorations. It is also worth remembering that research has shown a well-maintained property is less likely to be targeted by vandals and criminals.

Reactive Maintenance

CFS offer a fast and effective reactive maintenance service tailored to customer’s needs.

At CFS, we understand that poor building fabric maintenance has a negative effect on productivity and our priority is always to make premises safe and secure with as little disruption to normal trading/living as possible.

Waste Management

As part of CFS’ structure we offer a comprehensive Waste Management service; tying into the company’s ethos of Total Facilities Management and support.

CFS offers their waste services as a fully integrated or standalone product, no issue is too small together with a Can-do attitude, we can help you turn your rubbish problem into a Waste Solution.

USP

One of many Unique Selling Points within CFS is the fact that the Directors have all had experience and exposure to corporate life with national and global businesses and with that experience, it has allowed CFS to reach our internal goals with our documentation, procedures and practices much quicker than anticipated from the perspective of a young company.

That said, we, CFS can deliver an excellent service at a SME cost which has been embraced with many of our blue-chip clients. Our clients are stating that this approach is fresh and exciting.

As we grow, we will not lose focus on our clients in the sense that should they wish to speak to the MD, they do not have to go through layers of management to do so, this is not our style.

We pro-actively operate under the principal of ‘Kaizen’ meaning improvement or continual improvement. All employees are encouraged to assess what we did yesterday and improve on it today.

Contact

Phone: 0151 665 0196

Email: info@cfs-management.co.uk

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International Business Festival

Invest in knowledge: Industry leaders share insights at the 2018

International Business Festival

Whether you are an established business or an entrepreneur at the early stages of scaling up, it can be difficult to access the in-depth knowledge you need to grow.

T

he 2018 International Business Festival has the answer in the form of the Knowledge Hub, offering howto sessions and presentations for businesses that are big on ambition but short on time.

Sessions will be delivered by a collection of partners from HSBC and Innovate UK to the Creative Industries Federation and The Eden Project. The Knowledge Hub will broadly focus on three key areas:

Leadership, Talent & Skills

Investing in the best people can be one of the most important, and often overlooked, decisions for a business. Hiring the right talent at the start of your business journey is important, but retaining your workforce through growth and transition is equally crucial.

Example sessions include: • Recruiting and retaining a motivated workforce.

Leading charity, Blueprint for Business, gives insight into the importance of having a social purpose and a collective venture management approach.

• Why creatives need to get outside more. The Eden Project leads on an interactive session exploring why creatives can engage with the natural world for business inspiration.

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Access to finance

Finding the right finance to help your business scale-up can be a huge hurdle. Of the many funding options that are available, which one is right for your business? The Festival has partnered with the UK Business Angels Association to provide practical snapshots into what kind of financial support will be best for you.

Example sessions include:

Example sessions include: • Back to basics: Need to know for exporters. HSBC looks at the fundamentals of entering a new market: from cultural barriers to distribution partners.

• Doing business in China, through Shanghai. Invest Shanghai offers an overview of the Chinese market and incentives to invest in Shanghai.

• Angel investing for women. Female entrepreneurs will learn how to attract investment from Angels, and female investors will learn how to invest in the right businesses.

• Be investible. This seminar will help entrepreneurs make themselves attractive to investors and get an overview of the investing ecosystem.

International markets

In an increasingly connected world, businesses have more opportunity than ever to expand into new markets.

Knowing where, and how, to start can be daunting.

The Festival’s international partners will showcase the latest export opportunities and expansion case studies.

The 2018 International Business Festival takes place in Liverpool from 12-28 June 2018.

Liverpool & Sefton Chamber members can access an exclusive 20% discount on day tickets and festival passes by visiting Internationalbusinessfestival.com and using the code LSC2 at checkout.

Building high performance companies: An interview with the University of Liverpool’s Chris McLinden Q: Who are you?

I am the Head of the University of Liverpool’s Commercial Continuing Professional Development Team, which is part of the wider Partnerships and Innovation Division.

Q: What do you do?

I manage the team which works with companies and organisations to give them access to the knowledge base of the University, to enable them to obtain specialist workforce development courses for their staff.

The CPD team works closely with each individual employer to understand their strategic workforce development skills and knowledge needs. We then work with the relevant learning teams across the University to design, develop and ensure delivery of tailored learning programmes for the employer’s workforce.

We specialise in developing bespoke courses using input from the wide range of different areas of expertise across the University.

Taking this approach better supports the development of high performing teams and companies.

Q: What are the key challenges you frequently see in todays’ market?

•.

•.

•.

Employers are looking to improve the productivity of their workforce to help them deliver their strategic business objectives, but they often struggle to find learning providers they can trust to deliver the high level and very specialist skills and knowledge they need to give them a genuine competitive advantage.

Many employers are currently working with reduced training budgets when supporting learning for their workforce. This means that every course they purchase needs to be very carefully considered for value for money, and designed carefully to meet their skills gaps.

Time can be a major obstacle preventing many organisations from investing in CPD provision. Courses must be designed to be responsive to

a business’s working practices and incorporate delivery options such as short courses delivered online, blended and face-to-face, with flexible schedules and a choice of venues.

Q: Why should business invest in you?

The University has a strategic partnership approach to understanding a company’s needs and offers flexible learning solutions.

We design customised programmes aimed at maximising impact against business objectives, giving direct access to genuinely new and leading edge high level knowledge across a very wide range of skills and knowledge areas. Our learning programmes are high quality and delivered by the different subject experts in specialist schools from across the University. There is a wide choice of workforce development programmes with a range of accreditation options including non-credit bearing, academic credit bearing or professional institute credit bearing.

Q: Any top tips for our readers?

•.

•.

•.

If you are just starting out, there are a vast array of free resources and tools available online that you should take advantage of such as, MOOCS (Massive Open Online Courses) and TED Talks (influential videos from expert speakers). They are a great introduction to CPD for you and your staff.

For those who are further along in their CPD journey, wherever possible try and build a long term relationship with the learning providers, rather than just purchasing a course or learning on a one off basis.

Choose to co-create learning as this will allow the provider to really understand your business needs, and develop learning programmes with you which will add maximum value to your organisation. This basically means that you don’t pay for training that you don’t want or need.

To find out more about our work please get in touch:

E: cpd@liverpool.ac.uk

T: +44 (0)151 794 8358

Or come and talk to us at the International Business Festival in June at stand number 96.

www.liverpool.ac.uk/cpd/

GDPR is coming. What does this mean for marketing?

Tristan Folkard

he General Data T Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a regulation by

Head of Digital, Verb Marketing Tristan@verbmarketing.com Tel 0151 372 1234

which the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union, and the European Commission intend to strengthen and unify data protection for all individuals within the European Union (EU). Businesses will need to be GDPR compliant, regardless of what happens when the UK withdraws from the EU. A second reading of the data protection bill, which mimics the GDPR, has been prepared by the UK government, which will be invoked once the UK leaves the EU. The new regulation comes into force 25th May 2018.

You have to be ready; there are no excuses, and there are no “bed in periods”. 25th May is D Day. GDPR is about protecting the data privacy of EU citizens. This is true regardless of where the business or organisation that holds the data is based.

The wise thing to do if you are in business and hold data, is to start preparing now.

There are three key areas you should think about – Data Permission, Data Access & Data Focus.

• Data Permission Under GDPR, you cannot assume that people want to receive your marketing material. You must manage all marketing communications

(not just digital). In future, customers need to express consent in a ‘freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous’ way, which is reinforced by a ‘clear affirmative action’.

For example, instead of assuming that a customer who fills out a website form wants to receive marketing emails from you, we now must ask visitors to specifically opt-in to newsletters/offers etc. by ticking the sign up box.

No marketing material should be sent without prior opt in consent. This may mean you need to revalidate your data by getting your customers to re-opt in.

• Data Access Customers or clients shall have the right to the erasure of their personal data from your records immediately.

Businesses have the responsibility to erase personal data without delay.

You will still have a right to hold such data for legal reasons. i.e. for HMRC purposes. However, you must inform the customer about this legal reason, and the date it is to be deleted.

The right to be forgotten has become one of the most talked about rulings in EU history. It gives people the right to have outdated or inaccurate personal data to be removed and has already been implemented by companies

like Google, who were forced to remove pages from its search engine results in order to comply.

EU residents requested that Google remove 2.4 million URLs from search, primarily regarding individuals' personal information, or legal history.

As a marketer or business owner, it will be your responsibility to make sure that your users can easily access their data and remove consent for its use.

Practically speaking, this can be as straightforward as including an unsubscribe link within your email marketing template and linking to a user profile that allows users to manage their email preferences - something that most marketers have been doing for many years.

• Data Focus As marketers, we can be guilty of collecting more data than we need from a person. You should ask yourself, do I really need to know someone’s shoe size before they can subscribe to our newsletter? The answer is no, unless you are Clarks.

GDPR requires you to legally justify the processing of the personal data you collect.

This means you need to stick to the data requirements you need, i.e. name, address, telephone, email.

For Business to Business Customers (B2B) Legitimate data can be your friend.

Despite what you may have heard, GDPR does not explicitly require opt-in consent for B2B marketing activities.

The definition of legitimate interest is still a matter of debate. GDPR requires that the company must justify that their communication activities are of a legitimate interest to the individual and does not risk the privacy of the individual.

It must be noted that corporate email addresses and other contact details are personal data.

If your company is choosing to rely on legitimate interests, you are taking on extra responsibility for considering and protecting people’s rights and interests.

For example, if you’re an organisation offering recruitment software, and you collect and process data relating to Hiring Managers from a range of businesses, that individual is likely to have a legitimate interest in your recruitment software, based upon their job function and seniority within the business, and therefore is a justified approach. You must include details of your legitimate interests in your privacy notice which should be displayed on your website.

In short, whilst GDPR can be a minefield, aim to justify your actions, demonstrate a paper trail and embrace the new data era!

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Where Art meets Business

Comment

Liverpool Biennial, the largest festival of contemporary visual art in the UK, marks its 20th anniversary.

ounded in 1998, Liverpool F Biennial has commissioned 305 new artworks, presented

work by over 450 artists from around the world and, during the last 20 years, has had an economic impact of £119.6 million.

As well as delivering a citywide visual arts festival, Liverpool Biennial commissions exciting works that change the face of the city region and bring art into everyday life. From Another Place by Antony Gormley, AKA the Iron Men at Crosby beach,

to our very own ferry across the Mersey, Everybody Razzle Dazzle by Sir Peter Blake, also known for his iconic Beatles album cover Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club Band, these artworks have been loved and adopted by the city and received international acclaim.

To make these works happen Liverpool Biennial partners with businesses in the city and is seeking sponsorship for the 2018 festival, in addition to a very special new permanent commission to mark the

Weightmans / Betty Woodman

Betty Woodman’s Liverpool Fountain, a public artwork for the city in the form of a bronze fountain on the plaza of George’s Dock Ventilation Tower, was sponsored by UK law firm Weightmans.

20th anniversary. In return, the award-winning team at Liverpool Biennial will work with your business to create a bespoke package of benefits that offer visibility in Liverpool and nationally – from logo placement and digital marketing, to private tours for employees, and opportunities to entertain stakeholders.

Chris Bliss, Former Estates Director of Liverpool ONE, stated, “It’s a privilege for us to work with renowned international

artists, encouraging further visitors to come to our magnificent city.”

To celebrate 20 years of commissioning art for Liverpool, we’ve picked out some of the best examples of where art meets business at Liverpool Biennial.

If you are interested in working with Liverpool Biennial, please contact Joanne Al-Samarae on joannea@biennial.com or call 0151 203 3586.

Liverpool ONE / Mariana Castillo Deball

Building on a long-term relationship with the Biennial, in 2016 Liverpool ONE hosted Mariana Castillo Deball’s large-scale public commission, an ‘infinite’ staircase at the heart of Paradise Street, vwith seating and an accompanying newspaper for passers-by.

Merseytravel / Sir Peter Blake

British Pop artist Sir Peter Blake transformed the iconic Mersey Ferry with his dazzle camouflage-inspired design. Since launching in April 2015, it has become part of the city’s image and has been seen by millions of people.

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Arriva / Artist-Designed Buses

In this major partnership for Liverpool Biennial, three Arriva doubledeckers have been designed by artists to create fully-functioning ‘moving artworks’ weaving through the city for the next few years.

The North West.

We’re all over it.

With 42 years of specialist lending experience, Together are property lending experts. In the North West, your local expert is Kirsty Rogers. Kirsty can help meet the diverse needs of the North West with our range of property lending solutions.

Contact Kirsty Rogers on 0151 954 1064 or discover more about our expertise in the North West at togethermoney.com/localexperts For professional intermediary use only

Cover Feature

Liverpool Culture director Claire McColgan MBE

Around 40,000 people gathered on St George's Plateau for The People's Opening

What is Culture Liverpool?

Culture Liverpool is a city council department which funds, programmes, produces and delivers culture and events for the city and the wider region. It’s also responsible for the Cruise Liner Terminal, Liverpool Film Office, St George’s Hall and the Town Hall.

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Cover Feature China's First Emperor and the Terracotta Warriors © Gareth Jones

• It’s ten years since Liverpool held the European Capital of Culture title – what should we be most proud of?

Winning the culture title was transformational in every sense.

The investment it triggered saw around £4billion worth of regeneration projects change the face of the city. Liverpool rose to the challenge and 2008 was a critical triumph.

As a result, the city is now firmly on any ‘must-visit’ list, tourists numbers increase year on year, and Liverpool is a place people want to live, work and play in.

Our success resulted in the creation of the ‘UK City of Culture’ title which is hugely competitive – the rest of the UK has seen Liverpool’s phenomenal trajectory over the past ten years and they want that for themselves.

As a city we are held on a cultural pedestal and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of.

• How has the wider city region benefitted?

Without a doubt. The uplift in Liverpool’s profile had a direct,

positive impact on the economic health of the entire city region.

We set a template for how to stage events which is something we’ve seen our neighbours adopt – for example looking differently at assets such as parks as potential event spaces.

We are also committed to working with the city region for example we partnered with Wirral on the River of Light fireworks display and last year we saw crowds of 110,000 with an impact of £1.5m on both sides of the River Mersey.

• How difficult is it to make the business case for spending on cultural activities with so many other priorities?

Not difficult at all. Culture is the rocket fuel for regeneration and there is real value in this sector – it encourages investment, brings an essential boost to the local economy and connects with residents in a way which entertains, challenges and inspires them.

• Exciting programme for 2018 – what are the highlights for you?

It’s an incredible programme which will once again turn an international spotlight on the city. From the arrival of the Terracotta Warriors to the brand new Irish music extravaganza The Liverpool Feis, a huge Tall Ships Festival and Summer Social - a brand new children’s festival set to take over Croxteth Park, Liverpool 2018 is about delighting local audiences and national and international visitors with one of the best cultural offers you will find anywhere in Europe.

• How important is your team and the private sector in driving forward the programme?

I’m lucky enough to work with an incredible team who create, programme and deliver a diverse calendar of events which touch hundreds and thousands of people each year.

Their knowledge and professionalism is unrivalled and they are a team which go above and beyond to ensure that each event doesn’t just meet, but

exceeds its potential. And of course the support of the private sector is essential.

We have to think differently about how we stage events, and securing sponsorship is essential in order for us to do what we do best. Just look at the success of our Mayoral 100 Club, and it shows that businesses see the value in culture and want to be part of it.

• What next for Culture Liverpool?

There is a huge amount of competition in the culture industry – every city in the UK is competing for investment and for visitors, but we are ahead of the game and are leading the field.

We will continue to grow and build over the next decade – our ambition has no expiry date.

There are still more boundaries to be pushed and audiences to captivate. Liverpool’s creative appetite remains insatiable.

For the latest information on the Liverpool 2018 programme, go to www.visitliverpool.com/2018

The uplift in Liverpool’s profile had a direct, positive impact on the economic health of the entire city region.

Tall Ships

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Chamber

Keeping the city region moving: how you can support your staff to travel by bus Buses are vital to the economy of the Liverpool City Region with around 100,000 people using the bus to get to work every day.

he Liverpool City T Region Bus Alliance, a partnership between

Merseytravel, Arriva and Stagecoach was set up to improve bus travel across the region by providing an affordable and sustainable bus network that offers the customer a value for money and a stress free journey experience.

More and more passengers are enjoying the benefits of the significant investment made by the operators since the agreement was made, including around ÂŁ40 million in new greener buses.

Research has shown that swapping your car for the bus can have a positive impact on your health and wellbeing, the local environment and even the cost of your daily commute.

The Better By Bus website has an easy calculator which

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estimates some of the savings you can make (https://betterbybus.org)

For example, a five mile weekly commute by car can cost around ÂŁ24 (taking into account average costs of fuel and parking) compared to around ÂŁ12, if you purchase an advance ticket.

The most cost effective ticket will depend on a number of factors so it is worth checking with the operators themselves or visit the Merseytravel website www.merseytravel.gov.uk for more advice.

As an employer there are many reasons why setting up a corporate travel scheme for bus or train travel can benefit both your staff and your business. Not least by helping to reduce daily travel costs further, through a range of initiatives offered by the local operators.

Chamber

Arriva Bus Corporate Ticketing Scheme

Arriva Bus have recently joined forces with Merseytravel in creating a Corporate Ticketing Scheme, which is available for all employers who are members of the Merseytravel Employer Network.

The benefits of the Scheme include discounted bus travel to employees and the ability to set up a direct debit, giving employees the convenience of secure monthly payments, freeing up time not having to go and purchase a ticket.

The scheme can be stopped and started at any time and offers free child travel on weekends and bank holidays.

Employees using the Scheme can expect to make savings of between 10-20% against the cost of a standard weekly or 4 weekly Arriva North West & Wales Bus Ticket.

Employees within the Royal Liver Building have been using the Corporate Ticketing Scheme for 12 months and Ian Edwards, Senior Building Manager for CBRE has commented: “Not only does this scheme offer value for money to our staff, it also has a wide range of other benefits including helping businesses with staff retention.

We believe the scheme plays a part in helping to reduce traffic in the City Centre and promotes greener travel as a whole.

It has been a very useful addition for our business and I would strongly recommend other businesses in this region considering the Corporate Ticketing Scheme.”

To find out more, contact Mike Kent, Business to Business Manager for Arriva North West & Wales – kentm@arrivanw.co.uk

Stagecoach looks to launch Sustainable Travel Initiative for Merseyside businesses

Stagecoach Merseyside is also trialling a new corporate membership scheme for Merseyside companies with award winning consultancy Go Travel Solutions.

The company, which was recently rated top in the country for value for money by an independent survey, is looking to offer even better travel deals to local businesses.

The initiative is part of a drive to increase engagement with regional companies and encourage them to embrace sustainable travel options for their employees.

Companies that do engage will be able to enjoy convenient contactless payment options. Stagecoach has also invested in low emissions buses, smart ticketing and live bus tracking and all its buses are now equipped with new software that allows customers to pay for travel seamlessly at the tap of a card. The new system works with contactless credit or debit cards, as well as Apple Pay and Android Pay on smartphones.

The new corporate initiative is currently being trialled and developed before being rolled out across the region. Full details of the scheme will be circulated when final plans have been put in place.

In the meantime, for more details, contact Stagecoach direct on 0151 330 6200 or martertravel@stagecoachbus.com

Bus users in the Liverpool City Region (LCR) are more satisfied than ever before according to national research by independent watchdog, Transport Focus.

92 per cent of bus users in the LCR said they are satisfied with the journeys they make, up 2% from 2016/17.

With over 136 million passenger journeys each year, accounting for almost eight out of ten trips by public transport, buses are critical to the economic success and social capacity of the region. 100,000 people use the bus to get to work each day and twice as many people commute by bus in the LCR than the national average.

It’s estimated that bus networks generate over £2.5bn in economic benefits against public funding of £0.5bn, gained from increased access to jobs, training, shopping and leisure; in fact 1/3 of shoppers in Liverpool City Centre use the bus to get into town.

The survey results also revealed punctuality and reliability as areas passengers felt could be improved, something that is being tackled by a £25m investment by the Combined Authority to reduce congestion and roadworks in the city centre.

Read more about the Bus Alliance success and plans for the future at: www.merseytravel.gov.uk

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Did the “Beast from the East” impact on your business?

Inspirational Leaders

The recent bad weather might be topical but it’s not just the snow and ice which can create challenges for you and your team.

For example, do you have plans in place if the power goes down or your building is damaged through flooding or a fire?

Are your staff able to get to where they need to be when there are adverse weather conditions?

e asked Andy W MacGregor, MD of BT Local Business, for some

straightforward steps you can take to protect your business.

Andy’s first piece of essential advice was to have the number of your telecoms company with your account number stored securely on your mobile phone in case you need to ring and request a divert and to keep a spare sim card in the office, in an MiFi device or a mobile with mobile hotspot ability.

Even major health events like a flu epidemic can make it difficult for any business to keep their lines of communications open.

Many business customers however are looking to the cloud to ensure they keep their business running if disaster strikes.

For example:

• Cloud based systems or servers stored in data centres that just need you to be on the internet mean you could move your laptop or PC to an alternative location and access all your systems • Cloud based telephony now means you don’t have to have phone system

hardware on your premises and the system can be controlled using an internet connection even your mobile phone.

• Alternatively if you do have a phone system and its reasonably new, why not swap out your lines for SIP channels using cloud technology, which enable the system to work just as if it had lines for less cost and generally include all UK calls - in the event of a disaster you just log on to

the cloud and repoint the numbers to a mobile.

• If you do have servers or hardware it might also be worth considering a battery backup and spike protector in case the electricity supply breaks for short periods or lightening strikes!

• Broadband providers are also now supplying routers with a back up 4G sim for very little extra cost enabling connection drops on the line to be covered by the 4G network.

If you would like further information on disaster recovery for your business telecoms contact Andy andy.macgregor@btlocalbusiness.co.uk or call the local BT Local Business team in Burscough 01704 898210 who will be happy to provide further advice.

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Inspirational Leaders

MIPIM 2018 My Personal Experience

Andrew Kingsley

Since arriving back in the UK at the end of MIPIM week 2018 in Cannes, South of France, I have been asked three things: 1. “How did your week go?”

2. “What did you get out of it?”

3. “Isn’t it just a big party?”

IPIM can sometimes be M difficult to describe (and justify!) to those who have

never attended in objective business terms, but I personally think that it remains an important, unique and pivotal annual property event, attracting a diverse range from the property community both in terms of sectors they work, mixed seniority and global nationality.

Having worked in the North West property industry for over 20 years, the majority of which being in Merseyside, I first attended MIPIM back in 2004 when I was working for the highly successful Liverpool property developer, Neptune Developments, where I was a Senior Development Surveyor.

Back then, the market was very buoyant and as a client, I was entertained and schmoozed by several consultants, architects and

lawyers whilst also undertaking my own remit of discovering the next potential development site or scheme within the UK, as well as mixing with contemporaries.

If you enjoy all things property as much as I do, then walking around the stands, tented village, attending presentations & forums etc then MIPIM should be on your bucket list. There remains a real buzz about the town and considering that there are circa 20,000 people in attendance, it’s quite amazing who you will bump into from former colleagues, work acquaintances, clients, consultants, and old university friends (now clients!), CEO’s, to the rich and famous, from Gerald Ronson some years ago (Google him if you don’t know who he is!) to football stars such as John Barnes, Alan Hansen, Gary Neville

Andrew Kingsley with George Clarke or Ryan Giggs to cricket icons such as Freddie Flintoff!!

Property is the next career for a lot of these sports stars who retire in their mid to late 30’s.I even got to meet George Clarke, TV personality, which my wife was extremely jealous!

Personally, the week went very, very well. Now working as a property recruitment professional (since 2011) representing our company back in the UK, I met all those clients, candidates and acquaintances that I intended to meet over the 3 or 4 days, and many, many more.

I also attended around twelve excellent presentations, and many stands (Liverpool, Manchester, London, Warrington & Cheshire etc.) which keeps me abreast of the development activity that is occurring in the UK, which is a key advantage within

property recruitment when representing both property clients and candidates alike.

But the work doesn’t end there - like any worthwhile networking event, it’s the postMIPIM work that will be a true measure of its’ success for me and the business. I now have further meetings scheduled back in the UK off the back of attending MIPIM which is what occurs each year and it has no doubt improved my company’s profile.

There are a huge number of benefits to attending MIPIM the insights, knowledge and personal relationships initiated or further developed have, once again, been a wholly worthwhile investment of energy, time and money.

Next year in 2019, MIPIM shall be celebrating its’ 30th anniversary – I’ll be booking my flights ASAP!

31

Five ATA Carnet

International

Myths, Mysteries and Misunderstandings: Debunked, Unraveled and Explained

T

By Leslie August, Director, Boomerang Carnets

he ATA Carnet can be a handy option for temporary import shipments but there are still a few misconceptions out there about ATA Carnets and their use.

An ATA Carnet is an international customs document that allows merchandise or equipment to be imported temporarily without paying import duty and tax for up to one year. It has been around for 57 years! That said, some myths about carnets persist. So here are those falsehoods, undone.

1. Applying for an ATA Carnet is complicated and time-consuming.

FALSE: Boomerang carnets’ applications (through the Liverpool Chamber) are fullyautomated. The entire application process is done online including the carnet bond, signatures, stamps,

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seals and even delivery in some cases. There are no paper forms or applications involved. Once an online application is submitted, carnets can be printed at one of many Boomerang Carnet Distribution CentersSM in the U.K.

2. A company must be a Chamber of Commerce member to get the best rates and service.

FALSE: The Liverpool Chamber accepts ATA Carnet applications from anywhere in the U.K. and members and non-members alike get the lowest price.

3. Using an ATA Carnet only makes sense if it is used for two or more countries or two or more round trips.

FALSE: ATA Carnets are designed for any temporary export shipment where the

exporter would benefit from avoiding payment of import duties and taxes. It’s just that the economic benefit may be greater when shipping to multiple countries or using it for multiple trips.

4. ATA Carnets can only be used for hand-carried items (or ATA Carnets can only be used when cargo is shipped.)

FALSE: Both hand-carried (in-cabin and checked luggage) and cargo shipments are allowed when using an ATA Carnet.

However, there are a few countries where hand-

carried shipments may be subject to additional regulations.

5. ATA Carnets are mostly used for shipping trade show booths to international trade shows.

FALSE: While trade shows are often cited as a reason to use carnets, trade shows are not the most common use for ATA Carnets.

Showing samples, demonstrating products, testing equipment and servicing clients are all more common uses for the carnet than trade show exhibits.

The ATA Carnet international customs document is the most versatile and affordable temporary import tool available to exporters. For a quick quote or to get questions answered, contact Ms. Sarah Woolley, Export Documentation Manager at 0151 227 1173 or Sarah.Woolley@LiverpoolChamber.org.uk

Organised by:

Hosted by:

Supported by:

SAVE THE DATE

16-17 October 2018 Exhibition Centre, Liverpool

The new mobility revolution starts here...

The focus:

I Integrated door-to-door journeys I Traffic, kerbside and parking management technologies I Shared mobility solutions

I Mobility as a Service and Demand Responsive Transport

We bring together: I Transport and urban practitioners

I Engineers, designers, planners and consultants I Transport operators

I Local, regional and national government I Data analytics and open data innovations I Cleaner fuels and electric cars / charging I SMEs and start-ups I Automotive sector I Autonomous vehicles and connected vehicle infrastructure

I Digital innovators

I Undertstanding and influencing travel behaviours

I Data scientists

I Investors and business angels I Research institutes

Secure your place at the exhibition by calling Daniel Simpson on 0207 091 7861 or email daniel@landor.co.uk

www.smartertravellive.uk

I am looking forward to welcoming Smarter Travel LIVE! to the Liverpool City Region this October.

It is fitting that Europe’s main gathering of professionals working to design and deliver smarter public transport systems will meet in a city region with the ambition to improve connectivity, drive growth and deliver a fully integrated 21st century system.

This creative community is a perfect match for our innovation ambitions, and I am delighted to be able to host the speakers, delegates and exhibitors in our dynamic city region as we plan for a future that supports better, healthier and more efficient mobility choices.

Steve Rotheram Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor

Transport

hy is the campaign W relevant to regional businesses? Alongside the

positive aspects of a healthy happy workforce there’s also a strong economic case for motivating staff to get more exercise.

According to the national transport charity Sustrans, poorly staff cost the average UK company around £258 a day.

And while the average worker misses 4.5 days a year due to illness, cyclists – as an example - take a much lower 2.4 days off a year - an estimated saving of over £500 per year for each cycling employee.

Arrive Happy The case for employer engagement

Arrive Happy, a health and wellbeing campaign backed by transport chiefs across the Liverpool City Region with the support of Liverpool and Sefton Chambers, encourages employers and staff to change their daily commute to incorporate more physical exercise.

The Arrive Happy campaign is encouraging the Liverpool City Region’s thousands of workers to take a healthier commute and offering advice to employers looking to change the health and welfare culture in the workplace.

Active people, whether walking or cycling, see a drop in obesity, heart disease and respiratory problems. They’re also happier, liberated from traffic queues and the inevitable quest for a parking space.

“The Chamber has worked closely with Merseytravel over recent years to encourage

employers to promote sustainable transport,” says Paul Cherpeau, CEO of Liverpool & Sefton Chambers, “particularly as a way to reduce staff sick absence which not only impacts on an individual business but also on the wider city region economy. One of the barriers for small businesses in particular, is knowing where to access practical advice and

support and the Arrive Happy campaign will allow employers to identify the solutions which best meet their business needs, whilst at the same time supporting staff to reach their own personal health and fitness goals.”

The Arrive Happy team have produced a helpful guide which provides some simple guidance as well as local case studies.

If you would like more information or you would like your business to be involved in the campaign in any way please contact michelle.cameron@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

The future of urban mobility starts at Smarter Travel LIVE! 2018 - make sure you are there!

Smarter Travel LIVE! is Europe’s regular meeting place for the intelligent mobility community.

I

n 2018, it will see more than 700 delegates from government, academia and the transport and urban planning professions share insight and experience with mobility innovators, public authorities, transport operators, car makers, private investors, data scientists and entrepreneurs.

Smarter Travel LIVE! 2018 will be hosted by Merseytravel and Liverpool City Region, both key developers of the smart physical and digital

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infrastructure that is driving intelligent mobility across the devolved, and increasingly dynamic, North of England.

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor for the Liverpool City Region, said: "I am looking forward to welcoming Smarter Travel LIVE! to the Liverpool City Region this October for the annual conference.

It is fitting that Europe’s main gathering of professionals working to design and deliver

smarter public transport systems will meet in a city region with the ambition to improve connectivity, drive growth and deliver a fully integrated 21st century system.

This creative community is a perfect match for our innovation ambitions, and I am delighted to be able to host the speakers, delegates and exhibitors in our dynamic city region as we plan for a future that supports better, healthier and more efficient mobility choices."

In 2018 the event will explore and debate: • Intelligent Mobility • Smart City Planning • Clean & Active Travel • Urban Mobility Management • Innovations in passenger transport systems and networks For more information about this year's landmark conference and exhibition, please contact Daniel Simpson on 0207 091 7861 or email daniel@landor.co.uk

Second and final major phase of Liverpool Lime Street Station upgrade takes place this summer Liverpool Lime Street’s major transformation is vital to provide better station facilities and boost station capacity ahead of a forecast doubling of passenger numbers through the station by 2043.

T

he second and final major phase of the upgrade is part of a £340m investment in the City Region’s rail infrastructure and sits within the Great North Rail Project, transforming rail travel across the North.

The clear messages are that the Liverpool City Region will remain open for business and people can still get to where they need to go, it just means

they may need to make some simple changes to their journey.

Looking ahead these works will result in longer, better managed platforms that will accommodate longer trains, helping to provide more space and seats for passengers.

There will also be three new services per hour in and out of the station, including new direct services to Scotland from 2019.

Transport

What’s the key advice to passengers?

• The Liverpool City Region remains open for business.

You can still get where you want to go, but will need to make some changes to your journey.

• Plan ahead and allow more time for journeys. Additional journey time estimates will be given where possible to help you plan.

• Stick to public transport wherever possible to help keep the City Region moving.

• There will be lots of additional staff on hand to help at key interchanges • Liverpool Lime Street’s station concourse and underground station will remain open throughout the work.

What do changes to journeys look like?

Robust transport plans similar to Phase 1 in October 2017 will be put in place and will keep many passengers on trains where possible. Throughout the upgrade, many mainline services between Liverpool Lime Street and London, Birmingham, Crewe, Sheffield,

Norwich, Runcorn and Manchester will start/terminate at Liverpool South Parkway.

From here passengers can easily transfer to the regular Merseyrail service between Liverpool South Parkway and Moorfields station in Liverpool City Centre to complete their journey.

In addition for almost five weeks of the upgrade, 11 June to 13 July, a train service, between Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Victoria, Wigan and Preston via Huyton, will run between 6am and 8pm.

After these times a rail replacement bus service will run to all stations between Huyton and Lime Street.

Where rail replacement buses are offered, they will be high quality and offer express and stopping options.

Detailed information regarding train services and routes is available on the Network Rail website so it’s important that travellers check this information and start to plan their journeys and more information will be made available in the run up to the start of the works.

It will be important to check journey times up to a month before, in the run up to and just before you travel, as they may change.

More information on why times are unavailable now can be found at www.nationalrail.co.uk/timetablechange Information can be found at www.networkrail.co.uk/lcr and travellers are always advised to check with their train operator for the most up to date information about their services.

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Finance

Enhancing brand recognition The international marketing strategy focuses on: • Enhancing brand recognition for a1-cbiss as a gas detection equipment supplier • Identifying new distribution channels and distribution partners • Promoting competitiveness and generating sustainable sales growth within the EMEA region for Gastec gas detector tubes The DTI and Liverpool and Sefton Chambers of Commerce has been supportive in hosting seminars with access to business owners sharing their experiences, advice and lending their support to help regional businesses in achieving their international growth plans.

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How ERDF has helped a1-cbiss

By taking part in the networking seminars and gaining access to the ‘Export Savvy’ online learning tool, a1-cbiss have been able to understand local cultures, policies, regulation, and the barriers to trade.

With support from the ‘Export to Growth’ programme, a1-cbiss has developed and implemented an international marketing strategy.

"Our work with both the DTI and Liverpool and Sefton Chambers of Commerce was aimed to help us understand exporting to new markets internationally”.

As an SME with limited resources, a1-cbiss were delighted to hear of the support and funding available.

The ERDF funding has supported overseas market visits and contributed towards exhibition costs. This made the trip possible for a1-cbiss to promote business to potential international buyers.

Upon a recent visit to Abu Dhabi, the team worked together to help a1-cbiss understand the complex market place and distribution.

As a result of the trip a1-cbiss have received orders for Gastec detector tubes and identified potential distribution partners.

From our International Trade Adviser, Judith Kyle to Julie Sankey supporting a1-cbiss with the ERDF financial claim, the support from the team based in the North West region has been excellent.

“What we appreciated most about working with the DTI/Liverpool and Sefton Chambers of Commerce teams was their ability to connect our company with relevant people in market, helping us deliver our ambitions”.

Kevin Priest, Marketing Manager, a1-cbiss Ltd

What we appreciated most about working with the DTI/Liverpool and Sefton Chambers of Commerce teams was their ability to connect our company with relevant people in market, helping us deliver our ambitions.

Investing in the Third Sector

Finance

Tilney has been helping charities to achieve their investment objectives throughout our 180-year history, but our commitment to charities goes beyond investment advice. developing our own employees’ capabilities.

It provides a channel for Tilney to give back to our local communities which is an integral part of Tilney’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy.

e feel it is our social W duty to support the third sector. Although

working with charities on their investment policy statements, giving advice on investment portfolios and ethical and sustainable investment management are our ‘bread and butter’, we are also active within the sector in other ways.

From our community investment programme ‘Giving Back’, to hosting educational and networking events for chairs and trustees, we provide support for charities so that they can focus on what they do best – making a material difference to the lives of the people and the communities they serve.

‘Giving Back’, our Community Investment Programme, allows us to share Tilney’s exceptional skills and talents with other charities and organisations, helping them to achieve their goals while further

The Tilney Endowment Fund was established in July 2009, in partnership with the Community Foundation for Merseyside, to support local voluntary and community groups.

Nine years on and the fund has distributed in excess of £210,000 to 56 local projects. These projects aim to improve the lives of local young people through educational and health initiatives and through improved employability.

Some examples of the projects we have supported include the funding of apprenticeships at a social enterprise café that provides opportunities to young people out of work, funding for a self-help group that supports survivors of childhood abuse and the redecoration of a care home for people with disabilities.

At Tilney we believe that being a charity trustee remains one of society’s most worthwhile responsibilities, and members of our charities team have experience of acting as trustees for

If you would like to learn more about how Tilney can help your charity, simply get in touch with James Charlton on 0151 556 8970 or email james.charlton@tilney.co.uk

charities all across the UK. This gives them hands-on experience and real insight into the challenges facing trustees, as organisations strive to meet the governance standards set by the Charity Commission.

Given the recent and well-publicised cases of governance failures by a number of high profile charities, demonstrating exemplary leadership and governance to beneficiaries, stakeholders and supporters has never been more important.

Over the last 12 months, we have co-hosted a number of educational seminars on governance with some of the sector’s leading bodies including the Charity Commission, the Association of Chairs, Liverpool & Sefton Chambers of Commerce and Liverpool Charity & Volunteer Services. These seminars have combined governance and leadership theory with practical case studies and interactive group discussions.

We believe there is no better way to achieve the success your charity deserves than by working closely together, which is why we always aim to be seen as a trusted partner and not just as a professional adviser.

Kee Connections use ERDF Funding to help expand export business As a small, but increasingly expanding, business – one of our key goals is to ensure growth in the amount of exporting the company does. large exhibition in Duesseldorf, AGermany for (A+A Fair) is a great

way to show off new products in markets we wish to expand in. The Breathing Air market is one which we have identified as being the main market we would like to expand in the next 5 years.

Having ERDF Funding to support us was a great help and was used for us to have a better exhibition stand than if we didn’t have the funding. We believe having a better stand, or one that leaves the customer with a lasting impression, leaves you with more chance of winning a customer.

We would fully recommend the ERDF Funding to any small businesses and through Liverpool & Sefton Chambers of Commerce, the process was made very easy.

If you would like further information on obtaining this funding, please contact Julie Sankey at Liverpool & Sefton Chambers of Commerce. julie.sankey@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

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Chamber Events

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Chamber Events

Military host business lunch at secret Liverpool bunker Reserve Forces and Cadets hosted a Liverpool and Sefton Chambers of Commerce business lunch at a “secret bunker” in the heart of the city.

he North West Reserve T Forces’ and Cadets’ Association, the organisation

which supports and promotes the Reserves and the Cadet organisations in the region, hosted a Liverpool & Sefton Chambers of Commerce business lunch at Liverpool War Museum. The museum is based in the historic city centre bunker which housed the headquarters to the “Western Approaches” during the Second World War, coordinating the Battle of the Atlantic which proved vital to the allied victory.

Guests at the lunch were hosted by representatives of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force – the first time since 1945 that all three Services have been present in the building.

Last Summer, Liverpool was selected as the nation's host for Armed Forces Day, and celebrated the city's proud history of support to the Armed Forces. This support comprises not only the stalwart role that the city played during the Second World War and the Battle of the Atlantic, but also the support local businesses give to serving men and women, the Cadet organisations and veterans.

During the lunch representatives of local businesses heard talks from the museum and from Liverpool City Council, who were recently presented a Gold Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Award for their support to the Armed Forces Community in Liverpool.

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme was launched to recognise those employers who support Defence objectives and encourage others to do the same.

The support of local businesses is vital to Defence objectives, while Defence can provide businesses with access to the skills, training, experience and

ethos serving and former service men and women bring to the civilian workplace.

Prior to the event, Commodore Phil Waterhouse, Commander Naval Regional Headquarters Northern England, said: “We are greatly looking forward to welcoming the Liverpool business community to such an historic and significant venue.

Liverpool has such close bonds, both past and present, with the Armed Forces, and the city continues to provide great support to our wider community of serving men and women, veterans and the Cadet organisations. This lunch gives us an opportunity to explain to local organisations the value of

the relationship between the Services and the business community.”

Paul Cherpeau, Chief Executive Liverpool and Sefton Chambers of Commerce, said: “It is a great privilege to welcome our business guests to the Liverpool War Museum, a mere stone’s throw away from the Chamber itself, to hear from representatives of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force. The Chamber in Liverpool played a key role during both World Wars for the recruitment of volunteers to the war effort and the provision of business intelligence and information to ensure the wheels of commerce continued to turn.

“This event provides a great opportunity to promote the work of the Reserves Forces and Cadets Association and in particular the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. A century on from the end of the First World War – and the Chamber’s subsequent campaigns to encourage there-employment of returning soldiers from the battlefield – it is fitting that we once again advocate the support of business to our defence services.”

39

International Trade

Liverpool-based Colloids scoops the coveted Greater China Business Award

P

The 13th annual Greater China Awards, organised by the Department for International Trade (DIT) North West, provided the perfect opportunity to celebrate the Chinese New Year in the Year of the Dog.

aul Stowers, Acting Regional Director for the North West said: “Last year, North West firms exported more than £1.3bn worth of goods to China.

The organisations we’ve honoured at the awards dinner are setting an excellent example to other firms in the region, if they can succeed and develop opportunities in China, so can many others!

“The region has better connectivity with China than ever before, bolstered by direct flights via Manchester Airport. But entering foreign markets is not without its challenges, which is why it’s important for firms to seek advice to get the best out of doing business in the Far East. We have International Trade Advisers across the North West dedicated to helping firms along the way.”

Organisations from across the North West were honoured for their excellence

in developing ties with China at the 2018 Awards in the presence of VIP Guests PRC Consul General Manchester – Dr SUN Dali, Paul Dennett – City Mayor of Salford, and Chinese Business Representatives from the North West.

Colloids, a Liverpool-based distributor of concentrates for thermoplastics scooped the overall Greater China Business Award for consistent growth in the Chinese market. The firm, which established its own manufacturing facilities in China four years ago, expects to grow its exports to £5.9 million by the end of 2018. The Greater China Business Award is presented to companies that have made the most significant contribution to developing business or network links with Greater China, including bi-lateral trade or investment.

Education links with China are vitally important if we are to continue to foster close bonds in a global environment. The winners Intern China Ltd, have made fantastic achievements in this field, with innovative and adaptable business models built on strong track records of delivery in education, cultural and financial areas.

Manchester architecture firm AFL Architects was named the Rising Star of 2018.

The business, which specialises in sports stadia, is working with Chinese architects as the country experiences a boom in football stadia development.

AFL is currently designing a new sports village, including two stadiums and accommodation, in Kunming, Yunnan province.

The winners of each category received a business class return flight to China courtesy of Cathay Pacific.

Are you looking to grow your business overseas?

We can offer tailored support and advice through the European Regional Development Fund to nurture and enhance your international trade activity.

The programme provides tailored export support services to SMEs across the North West including expertise, events, activities and financial support towards eligible export development activities.

It is designed to help firms become better skilled and equipped to access new international markets. Through this project you will be able to exploit new overseas growth opportunities and boost your export performance.

To find out how the North West International Trade Team can support your business to grow overseas and access potential grant funding through the European Regional Development Fund please contact 0333 320 0392 or email info@tradenw.org

41

Member News

Sales soar for Medicash as more employers invest in health

More and more employers are investing in the health and wellbeing of their staff and reaping real dividends in terms of productivity and performance.

eading Liverpool cash L plan provider Medicash has seen this demand translate

into record sales figures.

The annual results reveal that 2017 represented Medicash’s strongest trading year ever following an outstanding performance in the corporate cash plan market.

2017 saw sales of new policies reach over 70,000 for the first time, an increase of 36% on the previous year and taking the total number of policyholders to 227,255.

Over 90% of all new policies sold were company paid.

The exponential growth in corporate cash plans over the last six years has seen Medicash’s corporate policies grow 10,000 in 2012 to 57,000 in June 2014 before hitting 146,000 in February this year.

A string of high profile new business wins boosted sales, including household names McCain’s and Caffé Nero. In total over 350 new corporate accounts were added last year.

Throughout 2017 Medicash has continued to invest in technology and proactively seek out partnership opportunities.

Medicash’s £4m investment in digital healthcare specialists Now Healthcare Group (NHG) will focus on the development of new online GP and pharmacy

services which are expected to have a significant impact on Medicash's product offering later this year.

Sue Weir, Medicash Chief Executive said: “We are very pleased with these results which are a reflection of the dedication and hard work of the entire Medicash team.

“Technology has also continued to play a significant role in the success of our business with over 110,000 claims being submitted via our app and online claims portal in 2017.

Both employers and employees place great value in being able to manage their policies on the move.

The Know Group

“We now expect to see a surge in interest in our products with the launch of our new online GP and pharmacy services in partnership with Now Healthcare Group.”

Sue Weir has just been named as a finalist in this year’s prestigious North West Institute of Directors (IOD) Awards. The awards are designed to recognise excellence in a broad range of areas including commercial success, contribution to the wider community, innovation and leadership.

To find out more about Medicash visit www.medicash.org

The Know Group was founded in 2014 by Steven and Nicola Hesketh, who have between them won many industry recognised awards, the focus of the The Know Group was the management of the Richmond Hotel, a 152-bed property in central Liverpool.

he Group has grown T substantially over the last four years, it now

successfully employs more than 120 people and turns over around £6m a year.

The success of the Richmond year on year has been recognised both locally and nationally with a string of awards. The increase in accommodation occupancy, rate and number of wedding and event bookings has seen the Richmond become a key Liverpool accommodation and event venue and the corner stone of The Know Group.

The Group purchased Bridgestreet Townhouse in

42

the centre of Chester in June 2017, the 31 bed Georgian Townhouse has since been rebranded to the Townhouse Hotel and has seen record breaking growth month on month with a 25% increase in occupancy. A refurbishment programme has seen the reception, restaurant and bar area restored to its’ historic roots with further refurbishment planned for the bedrooms in 2018 together with the launch of our Secret Garden and our Romanesque party pad. We have moved from 26th in Trip Advisor to 13th in March 2018.

The spectacular growth in the Hotel Group has also been complemented by the success

of our health-conscious flexitarian café brand Love Thy Neighbour. Launched in Bold Street Liverpool in late 2016 with Chorlton in Greater Manchester joining in December 2017, the popularity of this on trend brand has seen exceptional returns to the Group in 2017 with a further three outlets planned for 2018.

The Group has grown its’ UK Hospitality Academy over the past few years, offering dedicated 4-8 week training and development courses to introduce the world of Hospitality to those looking to start a career or move into hospitality. Our hands-on model is producing amazing

results with many rising stars being employed within the Hotel Group and many others placed in other hotels and hospitality venues throughout Liverpool and the wider district.

Early 2018 saw Piri Piri Express join the company, along with the founder Paulo Alves. The vision is to franchise the success of this Portuguese chicken brand into a further 12 outlets over the next year.

Further additions are already planned and underway for 2018 with the inspiration and branding we bring to our Hotel Group we will see The Know Group exceed 500 beds by the end of this year.

BDO expands in Liverpool with new lease

Accountancy and business advisory firm, BDO LLP, is set to continue to expand its office space at Temple Square in Liverpool.

he move sees the firm’s T premises treble in size from 5,500 sq ft to 17,085 sq ft in a

confident move that marks BDO’s ongoing commitment to the city.

The firm is scheduled to make the move in March 2018, taking a 10-year lease. The new facility sees the 100-strong team take occupancy across three floors with space for up to 250 staff. Over the next three years, BDO aims to enhance the capabilities of the Liverpool office through a wellestablished partnership with various institutions across Liverpool and continue to play an integral role in the growth of BDO nationally.

Mark Sykes, partner in Liverpool and head of BDODrive in the UK, said: “Liverpool has proved itself a

real success story as a city and for BDO in recent years. With access to some of the best universities in the country and a business community boasting some of the most vibrant start-ups and globally renowned businesses, we look forward to the future success of this office”.

BDODrive - which is a blend of BDO’s advisory services, expert teams and technology platforms – was founded and developed from the Liverpool office before it was rolled out across the UK.

BDODrive was brought to market to help predominantly SME businesses take a more proactive approach to address any concerns in their business and remove barriers that could be holding these ambitious companies back.

Everton FC partners with Liverpool Hope University

Everton Football Club and Liverpool Hope University’s unique collaborative research project takes shape.

ocio-Economic Applied S Research for Change, better known as SEARCH, is a five-year

collaborative research project between Liverpool Hope University and Everton Football Club. The first of its type between a Premier League club and a leading university, the partnership provides high-quality academic resources to support the Club’s research programme. Projects range from review and assessment of the social projects delivered by the Club’s charity, Everton in the Community, to fan base development and areas relating to commercial growth.

The first formal project sees Hope researchers working with Everton in the Community staff to quantify and provide detailed evidence of the social impact the Club’s charity makes within the City of Liverpool.

The findings from this research are set to provide insight that will enable improvements, by focusing resource in areas that achieve the greatest social impact.

The University’s research and analysis supports the Club to

further develop its knowledge in corporate and performance spheres, technology development and governance, all of which is beneficial in taking future strategies forward.

“Research is at the centre of Liverpool Hope University’s ethos and philosophy.”

Professor Ian Vandewalle, Pro Vice-Chancellor & Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Humanities at Liverpool Hope University In addition to the research element of the partnership, both the University and the Club benefit from knowledge exchange through guest lecturers, placements and volunteering opportunities.

Throughout the 2017-18 academic year, Liverpool Hope University students have completed professional placements with Everton in the Community, tutoring and mentoring young people from across Liverpool City Region.

SEARCH provides a vehicle for sharing ideas and skills, and encourages complementary research to blossom.

Sykes added: “The way people work is changing and our workplaces must reflect this.

Our entrepreneurial clients need us to be connected in every sense – to wider expertise within our firm, to other countries within our network and to our local business partners- to be able to help them succeed. The new office along with our on-going investment in our team and technology will allow us to evolve with our growing and ambitious clients as their business needs evolve.”

The investment in the Liverpool office will not only support the local market, but also fits with BDO’s strategy to make Liverpool the home of its Shared Services Centre.

This is exemplified in the upcoming research conference, which sees Everton Football Club’s Deputy CEO Denise BarrettBaxendale join Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram and Professor of Sports Policy Fred Coalter at Liverpool Hope University on 6th June 2018.

Making an Impact Research Conference will be the first public SEARCH event looking at valuing the Social and Economic worth of the Voluntary and Community Sector.

The SEARCH team are asking questions like “How do we empower the next generation?” and “What are the changing dynamics of local and global activism?”

The research centre was created as a vehicle to expand knowledge of and bring change to the socio-economic landscape in the Liverpool City Region and beyond.

If you would like to attend SEARCH’s upcoming research conference or find out more about the partnership, visit www.hope.ac.uk/research/resear chcentres/researchcentredetails/ socio-economicresearchcentre/.

Members News

Flexible Funding from First Ark Social Investment

First Ark Social Investment have just launched a brand new fund called the ‘Thrive Fund’, offering charities and social organisations investment loans from £10,000 to £50,000.

ith up to 6-month capital W repayment holiday, the Thrive Fund offers the kind of capital

support needed at an early stage of business growth: • Interest rates are between 7% - 14% APR • No arrangement fees • No early repayment fees With the Thrive Fund, First Ark Social Investment also offer a support service where a dedicated team will be on hand to offer guidance on applications.

You may already be familiar with First Ark Social Investment’s Invest for Impact Fund, which was launched in 2016. The £4 million fund offers charities and social organisations a blend of grant (up to 30%) and unsecured loans of between £50,000 and £150,000.

In 2017 First Ark Social Investment became an access point for the Reach Fund, a grant programme that acts as a stepping stone to apply for social investment. If your organisation isn’t quite ready for social investment, this might be a great place to start. You can apply for up to £15,000 of grant funding to help your organisation become investment ready.

If your organisation is looking to take a step towards securing investment and would like to find out how First Ark Social Investment can help, email:investment@firstark.com

43

Shop Smart.

Shop Costco.

FREE GIFT

WHEN YOU SIGN UP FOR MEMBERSHIP WITH THIS ADVERT†

Costco Wholesale is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing our members quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices. We provide a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of speciality departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one. We are confident in the quality and value of our products, and we stand behind them with our guarantee of satisfaction.

Trade Membership* The annual membership fee for Standard Trade Membership is £22 ex VAT (£26.40 inc VAT).

Individual Membership* The annual membership fee for Standard Individual Membership is £28 ex VAT (£33.60 inc VAT).

Costco Liverpool, 30 Waterloo Road, Liverpool, L3 7HY

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† Sign up for membership with this advert at our Liverpool Warehouse and receive a free gift. New members only. Offer valid until 31/05/18. * Membership Criteria applies. Please visit www.warehouses.costco.co.uk/membership for details. Accepted methods of payment: cash, debit card, cheque or American Express.

Membership must be obtained before purchases can be made.

JN17495

Mission statement

We truly believe Health and Safety doesn't have to be a thorn in the side of performance but can be a tool to enhance it.

• Don’t let your business be caught out by poor health and safety systems, include us in your 2018/2019 business plan!

Who we are

• Founded in 1995 to assist local companies meet their health and safety compliance obligations, randr has grown to provide a wider range of services, to a large client base in various industries, all over the UK.

What we do

Protect your business against the three major areas of danger according to HSE.

• Legal – meet your statutory requirements and avoid enforcement action

• Moral / Social – be a responsible employer and enhance your reputation

• Financial – avoid heavy fines and increase productivity

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• • • • • • • • • • • •

How we do it

NEBOSH Training IOSH Training First Aid Training Fire Risk Assessments Health and Safety Club – full time source of competent support Inspections, paper audits, method statements, risk assessments, mentoring …

State of the art training facilities Fully accredited and experienced course tutors Competent and experienced ex-fire service Fire Risk Assessors Ex-HSE experience Book training online Receive free reminders when your training is due for renewal

Contact details 0151 427 1678 info@randrsafetysystems.com www.randrsafetysystems.com

Quotes

“2017 was a great year in randr’s history, we invested heavily in our systems and service and our clients are seeing really tangible benefits in their businesses from the improvements we made – and that’s what it’s all about. This year we want to connect with more businesses and show them what we have to offer”.

Liam Jones (Director randr Safety Systems) “randr Safety Systems have provided us with interesting and engaging training , the content has been specifically tailored to meet our needs” Valerie McKeown, (Liverpool City Council)

“randr Safety Systems have been so helpful in providing quality and cost effective health and safety training. The feedback from staff has been great and we will continue to work with them to address our training needs going forward”.

Rachel McManniman (Liverpool Hope University)

“randr Safety Systems have provided a consistently excellent service both in terms of the practical advice they have given us, and the quality of their training.

They were instrumental in helping us to ensure that safe systems of work were in place when we reopened the Everyman in 2014” Victoria Adlard (Everyman Playhouse)

When it comes to lending on investment properties, mainstream banks prefer to stick to the conventional

Members News

Those applying for finance who have a perfect credit history, a regular salary and a large deposit buying “standard bricks and mortar” will find they’ll probably navigate through the process easily.

ut what if your clear vision for B an unusual investment property doesn’t neatly fit the standard mould and the tick-box criteria of the mainstream?

At Together we consider lending on buildings such as woodenframed homes, those made predominantly of glass, penthouse flats, thatched cottages, and even windmills, castles or converted public toilets.

There are some good examples on a recent Rightmove blog looking at unconventional properties that it has for sale via its website. These include some stunning buildings, which may make interesting investments for property professionals looking

for something a little bit quirky or different, but which may pose a problem when securing a mortgage through the usual channels.

Those who fancy converting an old church or chapel could take as their inspiration an impressive, refurbished Salvation Army headquarters in Brixton, south London.

The Rightmove property details show images of the beautifully designed interior of the £2.2million two-bedroom refurbished church, which has a library and sweeping staircase, leading to a mezzanine floor.

Initially converted for use as a photography studio, it was restored and refurbished to

create 2,800 sq ft of accommodation.

Another attractive investment opportunity could be a fourbedroom, wooden-built detached home in Scotland. The architectdesigned £550,000 property, in Inverness-shire stands on stilts in rugged countryside with stunning views across the West Highlands. Nearby beaches have been used as filming locations for TV and films, such as Local Hero and Monarch of

the Glen, and are renowned as the perfect viewpoint for wonderful sunsets over Skye and the Small Isles.

We provide specialist buy-to-let and commercial mortgages as well as bridging finance, and use our common sense to consider applications on “non-standard” properties like these, even if mainstream banks and building societies have previously turned down a lending application.

To find out more please contact your regional development manager Kirsty Rogers on 0151 954 1064, or email kirsty.rogers@togethermoney.com

www.togethermoney.com

GDPR are you on the right track?

NW Security Group releases free GDPR Readiness tool that indicates if a company is on the right track to preparing for the new regulation’s requirements.

W Security Group, a leading N provider of IP video solutions and security consultancy, has

today launched a free General Data Protection Regulation [GDPR] Readiness checklist tool to help businesses quickly and easily determine if they’re adequately preparing for the new legislation.

Due to come into effect on 25th May 2018, the EU GDPR aims to ensure the protection of Personally Identifiable Information (PII), however, according to recent figures over 50% of companies across the UK will not be ready for the new regulation by the deadline.

While awareness of the new legislation has risen in recent months, the consensus is that UK firms are under-prepared for the EU GDPR, and therefore at risk of fines as high as €20m, or 4% of a company’s annual turnover, whichever is greater.

As an expert in providing security consultancy and training, NW Security has been giving businesses across the UK guidance on how to ensure compliance by the May deadline in a series of awareness seminars. The GDPR Readiness checklist tool formed a vital part of each seminar, helping attendees determine how effective their data protection processes were on their respective journeys to GDPR compliance.

“As a provider of IP-based security systems, we have always taken cybersecurity very seriously to ensure the solutions we recommend to our customers protect the data that is generated,” states Nigel Peers, Senior Consultant at NW Security. “In recent months we have been raising awareness with companies and helping them to assess their levels of

preparedness for GDPR using our quick checklist tool. As the time frames become more urgent and levels of readiness are left wanting, we felt it would be helpful to make this free tool available to more companies across the UK. It prompts companies to think about how best to prepare themselves and their supply chains for GDPR and provides an insight of just how comprehensive a full GDPR Organisational Readiness Assessment needs to be.”

One of the seminars was held at the Wirral Chamber of Commerce in Birkenhead, welcoming attendees from a range of businesses in the region to heighten understanding of the new regulations and identify how it could impact their organisation.

One attendee Laura Cross, Director at Concentric HR, said of the seminar, “It was extremely informative and practical. We don’t feel fully prepared for GDPR but events such as this have definitely increased our knowledge on the topic and given us great learnings to take back and implement within our firm.”

Laura Cross continued, “The GDPR Readiness checklist was one of the most useful aspects of the seminar.

It really helped me to understand where our business is currently on the journey to GDPR compliance. Knowing that there are external experts out there that can support us along the way is extremely reassuring for our business.”

To use the free EU GDPR Readiness – Quick Checklist, visit: www.nwsecuritygroup.com/gdpr-readiness-quick-checklist

45

Ask the Expert

Ask the Expert

Liverpool Organic Brewery raises a glass to a bright future

Anne Scheland Hillyer McKeown Corporate and Commercial Partner

G

reat news for a well loved local business facing closure as a result of financial pressures.

Hillyer McKeown worked with Begbies Traynor, business recovery advisers, to maintain the integrity of the business pending a sale.

As a result of the work of the advisers involved, the Liverpool Organic Brewery will continue to operate in Liverpool. Based in Bootle,

the brewery launched in 2008 and has been hailed as one of the pioneering breweries in the North producing craft ales including favourites such as Liverpool Pale Ale and 24 Carat Gold.

Jason Greenhalgh, partner at Begbies Traynor, was quoted in the news: “I am delighted we have achieved a sale which will hopefully see the brewery and the various products continue to be produced in Liverpool for many years to come.”

Mark Hensby, the founder of Liverpool Organic Brewery, also stated: “I am delighted a sale has been secured by Begbies Traynor and that the Liverpool Organic Brewery brand will continue in Liverpool.”

Jeff Arundell, chairman of Circus Group, the new owners of the brewery also commented in the press: “We are delighted that we have successfully completed the purchase of Liverpool Organic Brewery Ltd from

See www.liverpoolorganicbrewery.com

If you would like legal advice for your business, please email enquiries@law.uk.com or call 01244 318131. www.hillyermckeown.co.uk 46

Paul Marsh Hillyer McKeown Insolvency Partner and Head of Insolvency Begbies Traynor within the budgets and timescales originally envisaged. May we congratulate their partners, officers, consultants and legal representatives for their userfriendly approach and for expertly steering the transaction to a successful conclusion.”

He added: “We are delighted with this deal and we are happy to play a role in continuing to stimulate the craft beer revolution in Liverpool.”

Members News

Mersey Care Life Rooms

Current economic challenges faced by the UK health system proved the catalyst for Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust to think differently about how to provide their services.

s a secondary mental health A service they are acutely aware that, in order to support service

users and carers to live a full and meaningful life after diagnosis, they need to work with external partners to address the social detriments of mental distress; creating and supporting mentally healthy communities.

Mersey Care developed the Life Rooms model to give hope, control and opportunity for those in secondary mental health care settings. The potential impact on primary care settings could also be invaluable in reducing the need for clinical intervention and admission to secondary services.

Liverpool & Sefton Chambers of Commerce is a particularly valued partner of the Life Rooms because through its connections, it enables employers to understand the current local labour market and future employment opportunities. In return, the Life Rooms staff offer Mental Health Awareness training and ongoing support for employers.

The Life Rooms model comprises six primary aims: 1. Raise the profile of mental wellbeing and contribute towards ending the stigma surrounding mental health 2. Promote mental wellbeing through non clinical opportunities 3. Improve access to meaningful occupation or employment opportunities 4. Contribute to a stronger community through partnerships 5. Promote diversity and access to mental health support for marginalised groups 6. Contribute to the development of mental health services, prioritising a community model The model actively contributes to the Five Year Forward Plan for Mental Health by creating partnerships with external organisations to address

inequalities and social exclusion.

They have over 35 well established partnerships involving the statutory, voluntary and private sectors which are governed by partnership agreements; many are cost neutral and represent the beginning of a social economy.

Through these partnerships Mersey Care are enabled to host a range of services in Life Rooms Walton and Southport: • Employment advice and support to help people get back into work, or support them if they are struggling in work; support is provided by IPS Plus (Mersey Care staff), the Chambers of Commerce, the Growth Company, Liverpool in Work, Job Centres, Women’s Organisation etc.

• A Recovery College set in modern learning rooms where people can access over 50 courses; support is provided by Recovery Learning Facilitators (Mersey Care staff), Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, and Merseyside Dogs Home etc.

• Volunteering opportunities, internal and external • Financial support; people can learn about planning and keeping within budgets and making the best use of credit and debit cards.

Support is provided by Lloyds Banking Group • Debt and income maximisation advice, as well as benefits advice; support is provided by Sefton CAB and Better off Finance • Housing support where people can access crisis support; provided by Liverpool Floating Support Service • A library, children’s library, and children’s play area • A free IT suite • Free meeting space • A café run by North Perk, a local Social Enterprise • Access to food bank vouchers.

If you are a local business and would like to know more about how you can get involved with the Life Rooms, perhaps by offering help and support around work placements or apprenticeships, or if you are carrying job vacancies, please get in touch with Jane Holland, Head of Participation and Inclusion Development on 0151 473 2764 or via email at jane.holland@merseycare.nhs.uk.

You can also contact Jane if you would like to organise mental health awareness training for your staff.

47

Staff Directory Staff Directory

Chamber staff are here to provide dedicated support for business members of the Chamber.

The directory below provides a list of contacts for members should they need to contact us.

Paul Cherpeau Chief Executive paul.cherpeau@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Jon Cranston Director of Finance jon.cranston@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Lee Stanley Head of Business Development lee.stanley@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Julie Sankey International Trade Executive julie.sankey@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Ian Bulmer Programmes & Policy Manager ian.bulmer@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Sarah Woolley Export Documentation Manager sarah.woolley@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Heather Whitaker Export Documentation Analyst heather.whitaker@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

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

Michelle Cameron Senior Policy & Communication Advisor michelle.cameron@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Jane Wardle Events Manager jane.wardle@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Zoe Bleasdale Marketing & Membership Executive zoe.bleasdale@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Richard Smith Business Engagement Manager richard.smith@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Contact Us :

Tel: 0151 227 1234 | Email: membership@liverpoolchamber.org.uk | export@liverpoolchamber.org.uk 48

New Members

Welcome to our new Chamber Members

BDO Services Ltd Helen Gibbons Accounts Manager helen.gibbons@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

0151 237 4500 www.bdo.co.uk

BHSF Employee Benefits Ltd 07818 004156 www.bhsf.co.uk

CAPACITY: Public Services Lab 0151 236 1664 www.capacitylab.co.uk Elena Enciso International Trade Manager elena.enciso@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Olivia Sebastian Business Policy and Research Officer olivia.sebastian@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Central Waste

0151 7335551 www.centralwaste-liverpool.co.uk

City Information Technology Services Ltd

www.youthmutual.co.uk

Machmade Limited 0151 545 0913

www.dyno.com/plumbers/liverpool

Pernod Ricard 07747 564372

www.pernod-ricard.com/en-uk/

Royal National Lifeboat Institution 07500 225 175

www.rnli.org.uk

Together

07957 000562 www.cjbenergyservices.com

Ventura Education Community Interest Company

CJB Energy Services Ltd Cobra Financial Solutions Ltd

0151 526 4222 www.cobrafinancial.co.uk 0845 643 6323 www.freedom-ict.co.uk/

www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk | @Lpoolchamber

07825 133695

01514333026 www.city-it.co.uk

Freedom ICT

Melissa Healy Office Manager melissa.healy@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Knowsley Youth Mutual

HUSCO International Partners LLP 01928 704248 www.huscointl.com

Hy-Ten

0151 525 1745 www.hy-ten.co.uk/

0161 333 7400

www.togethermoney.com

07423 466510

Vital Energi

01254 296 000

www.vitalenergi.co.uk

White Moss Horticulture Ltd 0151 547 2979

www.whitemoss.co.uk

Zanza Specials International Ltd 01704 807 767

www.zanza.co.uk

49

5 Minutes with ...

Minutes with...

Introduce yourself

Rob Jones, Managing Director

Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire, Chester and Wirral

What were your business highlights in 2017?

Providing over 50 buses to ensure the smooth running of Park & Ride services at The Open. We have a great team, which is key to our delivery of big events such as this.

What are you looking forward to in 2018?

Building on the great work the Liverpool City Region Bus Alliance has delivered so far, and making bus travel a real mode of choice for the majority.

50

With recent customer satisfaction results of 92% we are well on our way. The work of the Alliance has been recognised by the Department for Transport and passenger groups like Transport Focus and highlights what can be achieved when you work in partnership.*

What is the best advice you received at the start of your career?

Treat people as you expect to be treated yourself. We are a huge people business and its right that we all respect each other.

Where would we find you on your day off?

Most likely somewhere else in the country watching other people's

buses to glean best practice - some would say I'm a bus anorak!

What business achievement are you most proud of?

Managing a bus depot in East London during the 2012 Olympics, providing all the transport requirements of Athletes and Event Officials.

We had over 1,000 bus drivers on site. It was ultimately my responsibility to get Usain Bolt to the 100 meters on time!

* The Bus Alliance is a five year partnership agreement between Stagecoach, Arriva and Merseytravel which is providing significant investment to make bus services attractive, affordable and accessible for passengers.