Well Connected Liverpool Business Magazine July 2019

Well Connected

Official Magazine for Liverpool & Sefton Chambers of Commerce - Summer 2019

Inside

• Trade opportunities post-Brexit

• Talent

development tips

• Transport links to transform the

Liverpool Economy

Leading to Succeed James Harper, Walton Flooring Centre

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Welcome & Contents

Welcome to the Summer edition of Well Connected magazine, featuring news, opinions, features and insights about and from our members

his edition is being finalised T just prior to the announcement of the new Prime Minister. It is fair

to say that the past three years has resulted in a breakdown of our political process and the impacts upon business have been considerable.

Our economic analysis in this edition demonstrates how businesses have been impacted by Brexit uncertainties, failures to invest in infrastructure quickly enough and the ongoing skills shortages that

remain challenging. Whoever the new PM is, it is essential that the positive role that business plays in supporting sustainable economic growth is recognised.

In delivering that growth, the focus must be on “people” to support a more inclusive economy to reduce health, economic and environmental inequalities. Whilst the current business environment might be challenging, our members are doing some amazing things which we are celebrating in this edition and which we hope will provide inspiration to other businesses.

We have been committed to the principles of responsible business for several years now, becoming a Living Wage Employer, a signatory

Find Inside...

Contents 4-5 7

Economy

24

Regeneration

26-27 Cover Feature

page

14

for good will be fascinating and we look forward to welcoming her to Liverpool.

Also in this edition, we consider the opportunities for HS2 connectivity to Liverpool, progress on the ‘Year of the Environment’, international trade challenges and connectivity proposals within the city centre.

We’re privileged to work with some outstanding businesses and individuals to help them connect, support and thrive. Please enjoy the read and get inspired to play an active role in the Chamber.

Regards Paul Cherpeau CEO

page

22

page

38

INTERNATIONAL

TRANSPORT

HS2 to transform the Liverpool Economy

Valuing International Trade: The Human Perspective

28-29 Technology

Chamber Events 30 8 Chamber 32-33 Membership 38 9 New Members 39 11 Voice of 40-41 Business 42-45 14-15 Transport 46 -47 16-19 Responsible Business 48 20-23 International

of the Armed Forces Covenant and through our Responsible Business Forum, which is a great way for members to share best practice about their activities. Over 50 organisations are now part of the group and the expertise and energy within them is palpable.

It’s a great resource for any business seeking to promote and develop a focus upon outcomes beyond financial performance.

Continuing the theme, this year we are delighted to announce that our Annual Dinner and awards at Anfield will feature a keynote address by Karen Blackett OBE, Chair of Mediacom and UK Country Manager at advertising behemoth WPP. Karen’s focus on business

49

50

Members News Health

Ask the Expert

Members News

Skills

Members News

Chamber Events

Chamber in the City

Staff Directory

page

16

RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

ASK THE EXPERT

How to treat your employees like customers

Tackling air pollution: One of the key priorities for the Liverpool City Region’s Year of the Environment

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 July 2019 © Benham Publishing

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 Catherine McCarthy e: catherine@benhampublishing.com Studio Mark Etherington e: studio@benhampublishing.com Media No.1638

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. © 2019.

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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B C ECONOM BCC MICS BRITISH CHAMBERS OF COMM MERCE

QUARTERL LY Y ECO ECONOMIC SURVEY Q2 2019 BCC) Quarterly Economic Survey – Britain’s largest and most The British Chambers of Commerce (B authoritative private sector business surv vey – based on more than 6,800 responses from firms across the UK – finds that underlying economic cond ditions remained stagnant in the second quarter of 2019.

“

h loosened a little for some firms, but the overall picture is still one of an economy in stasis.

Over the last three months, the Brexit ‘pressure valve’ has Many businesses and investors will continue to put off m major decisions through the summer, hoping for a breakthrough in the Westminster impasse before the Brexit deadline on October 31st.

The next Prime Minister must take swift and tangible steps e to inject momentum and confidence into the UK economy. Businesses want to see concrete and deliverable plans to tackle barriers to growth here at home, avoid a messy and disorderly Brexit, and restore the UK’s global reputa t tion ti as a plac l e to in i vest and d tr t ade d .

“

To boost and incentivise investment, our business comm munities are looking for a bold growth agenda here at home. The next government must hit the ground running and introduce measures to reduce the t upfront cost of doing business, deliver major infrastructure projects, and unblock the arteries of Britain’s skills and immigration systems.

Dr Adam Marshall Director General, Brritish Chambers of Commerce

Domestic Sale es

AT A G GLANCE

Positive balance (+) = growth | Negative balance (-) = contraction

0%

0% +25%

-25%

60% +25%

-25%

40%

UK GDP growth vs. QES balance of firms reporting improved domestic sales 2008 recession

2.0%

EU ref

1. 5% 1. 0%

-50% -5

+50%

-50%

+50%

20%

0.5%

0% -75%

+75%

-75%

+75%

0.0% -0.5%

-20%

-1.0% -40% +100%

-100%

+100%

-100%

...of manufacturers reported improved domestic sales in Q2 2019, down from +15% in Q1 2019

...o of service firms reported improved domestic sales in Q2 2019, up from +10% in Q1 2019

Q ES % -60% Balance 2007 2009 GDP Growth

-1.5%

GDP % Growth (ONS) 201 1

201 3

Service Sector QES

201 5

201 7

-2. 0%

201 9

Manufa cturing QES

Balance of firms reporting improved export sales 0% +25%

Ex xport Sales

-25%

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30% -50%

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20% 10% 0%

-75%

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-75%

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+100%

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...of manufacturers reported improved export sales in Q2 2019, down from +14% in Q1 2019

+100%

-100%

...o of service firms reported improved export sales in Q2 2019, up from 0% in Q1 2019

-30%

Q ES % -40% Balance 2007 2009 201 1 201 3 Manufa cturing Secto r QES

201 5 201 7 Service Sector QES

201 9

Balance of firms reporting impro ov ved e ex xport orders

Expo ort Orders

0%

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-25%

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-10% -20% -100%

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...of manu ufacturers reported improved export orders in Q2 2019, down from +10% in Q1 2019

-100%

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...of service firms reported improved export orders in Q2 2019, up from -2% in Q1 2019

-30%

Q ES % -40% Balance 2007 2009 201 1 201 3 Manufa cturing Secto r QES

www.britishchambers.org.uk | @britishchambers

201 5 201 7 Service Sector QES

201 9

BRITISH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

LOOKING AHEAD D The Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) examines business sentiment on a range of forward looking in ndicators, including investment intentions, turnover confidence, an nd prices. In Q2 2019, these indicators point to the imp pact that relentless Brexit uncertainty, rising business costs and ttougher global trading conditions are having on the UK ec economy, with continued weakness in the QES investment, ca ash flow, and domestic and export orders balances.

0% +25%

-25%

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

0% +25%

-25%

Man a ufacturing Sector 75%

-50%

+50%

-50% -5

Ser e vice Sector

+50%

59% 44%

Prices

-75%

+75%

-75%

+75%

35%

33%

32%

26% +100%

-100%

...of manu ufacturers expect their prices to increase, down from +42% in Q1 2019

16%

+100%

-100%

...of service firms expect their prices to increase, down from +32% in Q1 2019

Pay settlements Raw materials Financial costs

Other overheads

Balance of firms increasing investment in training 0% +25%

Investment

-25%

40%

0% +25%

-25% 5

30% 20%

-50%

+50%

-50%

+50%

10% 0% % -75%

+75%

-75%

+75%

-10% -20% +100%

-100%

+100%

-100%

...of manuf n acturers increased investment in training in Q2 2019, uncha anged from Q1 2019

...of serv vice firms increased investment in training in Q2 2019, up from +10% in Q1 2019

0%

0%

Q ES % -30% Balance 2007 2009 201 1 201 3 Manufa cturing Secto r QES

201 5 201 7 Service Sector QES

201 9

Balance of firms reporting improved cash flow +25%

-25%

30% +25%

-25% 5

20%

Ca ash Flow

-50%

+50%

10%

-50%

+50%

0% % -10% -75%

+75%

-75%

+75%

-20%

+100%

-100%

...of manufacturers reported improved cash flow in Q2 2019, up from -1% in Q1 2019

+100%

-100%

...of serv r ice firms reported improved cash flow in Q2 2019, up from -1% in Q1 2019

0%

0%

Confi fidence

-25%

-50% -5

+25%

-25% 5

+50%

-75%

+75%

-50%

-30% Q ES % -40% Balance 2007 2009 201 1 201 3 Manufa cturing Secto r QES

80%

201 5 201 7 Service Sector QES

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

+25%

60%

1. 5%

40%

1. 0%

20%

0.5%

0%

0.0%

+50%

-75%

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-0.5%

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...of manuffacturers are confident turnover will increase in the next 12 months, up p from +26% in Q1 2019

-100%

201 9

+100%

...of service firms are confident turnover will increase in the next 12 months, up from +26% in Q1 2019

-1.0%

-60% QES % Balance -80% 2007 2009

www.britishchambers.org.uk | @britishchambers

GDP Growth

GDP % Growth (ONS) 201 1

201 3

Service Sector QES

201 5

201 7

201 9

-1.5% -2. 0%

Manufa cturing QES

5

WORK WITH US Education and Business collaboration opportunities Find out more at www.hope.ac.uk/businessschool

6

Chamber Event

Liverpool Chamber Annual Dinner & Awards 2019 This year’s Liverpool Chamber Annual Dinner will take place on Thursday 14th November at Anfield, the iconic home of Liverpool Football Club with our Headline Sponsor Turkish Airlines.

Chamber's Annual Dinner is one of the most prestigious black-tie Thebusiness events in the city region.

It provides the perfect platform to develop relationships with existing clients and colleagues, to network with some of the most influential business leaders in the city region or simply to celebrate and recognise the contribution of your team throughout the past year.

We are delighted that our keynote speaker will be Karen Blackett OBE, WPP UK Country Manager and MediaCom UK & Ireland Chairwoman.

Karen is a proven business leader with a track record in creating vibrant cultures, energising teams and consistently delivering business growth and success. She is UK country manager for WPP, the world’s largest marketing services group, and Chairwoman of MediaCom, the largest media agency in the UK.

This year we have 8 award categories which are: • Responsible Employer of the Year (under 250 employees) • Responsible Employer of the Year (over 250 employees) • Health & Wellbeing

Karen champions diversity and equality of opportunity throughout the advertising industry. In 2012 Karen launched the first ever Government backed Apprentice Scheme for the sector.

In June 2014, Karen received an OBE in the Queen's Birthday honours and in 2015 Karen was the first business woman to be named Britain’s Most Influential Black person in the Power List.

In November 2018 Karen won the Inspirational Leader category at the Ethnicity Awards.

A special thanks to the Extraordinary Club for their support and help with finding amazing speakers such as Karen.

• Diversity & Equality • Digital and Technology • Exporter of the Year • Local Hero • Chairman’s Award Entry details will be released shortly.

You can express interest in the Annual Dinner by emailing events@liverpoolchamber.org.uk We have a number of sponsorship opportunities available for more details contact Lee Stanley at lee.stanley@liverpoolchamber.org.uk or on 07383 090348.

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Membership Update Membership Update

ith the summer upon us, W we reflect on a very busy and productive period since

the last magazine edition.

Many great events and activities have taken place which have engaged large numbers of our 700+ members.

Lee Stanley

Head of Business Development

Golf day at Formby Hall – Despite appalling weather, our golf day saw members navigate the course with enthusiasm, passion and some good fun too!

Well done to Luke Kay from ActionCOACH and his team who came out with the winner’s trophy. Thanks to everyone who participated and to Formby Hall and all the staff for being great hosts.

Strategic Partner Network Growth – We’re delighted to welcome new members to the Strategic Partner network in AJ Barnes Financial Planning and ArchiPhonic Architectural Design. Both companies enhance the expertise and quality of our partner’s network and we will enjoy working with both over the coming period. We now have more than 40 businesses comprising the network.

e’ve had a strong focus on W increasing and improving member engagement this past

Rich Smith

Business Engagement Manager

8

three months as well as developing the quality of our event portfolio.

This year’s Grand National day was a real step up in terms of quality of experience for guests - despite the dodgy weather!

We had another fantastic turnout and the new Silver Birch suite was exceptional for guests attending. We look forward to more of the same next year.

We have continued to enjoy, on the first Friday of every month, welcoming guests to our #WellConnected event, which seems to continue to grow in popularity. Our Hub Days in South Liverpool and at Baltic Creative continue to develop strongly, covering a multitude of business improvement topics. We have a great schedule of activities coming up, including our refreshed business growth programme.

1850 Club - The Double Tree by Hilton Hotel & Spa hosted our senior business development network. Sales Manager Marian Cotter and Owner Marwan Koukash were amazing hosts who provided guests a tour of the former LCC building before sipping Champagne and sampling food from the Mediterranean inspired menu in the 1883 lounge.

Other highlights included great events with the Mayoral 100 Club featuring a tour of the brand new Royal Liver 360 Experience and a behind the scenes event at HMS Eaglet at which I was proud to sit on a panel to discuss the challenges of the Royal Marine Commandos reservists. It was truly inspiring to see the effort and determination that goes into training and supporting the reserves and indeed the challenges that they are faced with when looking for support from their employers.

The chamber team are well underway with planning for the Annual Dinner & Awards evening at Anfield on the 14th November. I’m delighted that our main sponsors this year will be Turkish Airlines. I am really looking forward to working with Hulya Curtis and the team at Turkish Airlines as plans develop for the event.

Keep a look out in the Chamber newsletters and on social media over the coming weeks for details on how to get tickets and contact me to secure the final sponsorship opportunities.

Thanks again to all members who continue to make the Chamber the go to place for quality events and business development. Please contact me for details about membership of the Chamber and either joining or upgrading your business’ membership.

lee.stanley@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

07383 090348

Branching off from my work with local schools I have more recently been getting involved in sourcing job opportunities for graduates of LJMU, helping coordinate opportunities for students to meet and discuss employment opportunities within businesses operating in the Tech, Digital and Creative sector as well as in Professional Services. Engaging and inspiring talent in our business base is a core objective of everything we do at the chamber and engagement with our schools and universities is a great way of making this happen.

I would also like to thank members for the various invites I have received this quarter, including being a guest of the Hilton and this year’s international Tennis Tournament,

AFEX’s invitation to join them at the Super League’s Magic Weekend opening event and a really fascinating and eye opening look at security and counter terrorism with Nexus Protect.

Finally, I have been out of the office catching up with many of you, identifying, from the many services Liverpool Chamber provide, how we can help support individual business needs, while simultaneously collating these needs and identifying strategic ways to support the Liverpool and Sefton business community as a whole. My core focus in the coming period is to meet as many of our business members as possible to help find solutions to issues you have. Do get in touch.

richard.smith@liverpoolchamber.org.uk 07889 365925

New Members

Welcome to our new Chamber Members Strategic Partners

AJ Barnes Financial Planning Ltd www.ajbarnesfinancial.co.uk

ArchiPhonic

www.archiphonic.co.uk

Membership Plus

Good 2 Great NW

www.good-2-great.co.uk

Kate Stewart Enterprises

Charity Membership

Freshfields Animal Rescue www.freshfields.org.uk

Leadership Through Sport and Business www.leadershipthroughsport.org

Sefton Women's and Children's Aid www.swaca.com

Membership

Acm Caretaking

www.acmcaretaking.wixsite.com/ acm-caretaking

Alan Johnston Partnership www.ajpstructeng.com

Alternis Studio Ltd www.alternis.studio

Bolland & Lowe Ltd www.bollandlowe.co.uk

Booker Flowers and Gifts

www.bookerflowersandgifts.co.uk

Darling Associates Architects

www.darlingassociates.net

Ed Turner LLB Limited www.berladgrahamllp.com/ our-team/ed-turner/

Foursquare Group Ltd

www.foursquaregroupltd.com

Gladiolus

www.gladiolus-ltd.co.uk

Imagine Independence

www.imagineindependence.org.uk

Impackt

www.impackt.co.uk

Knightsbridge Property Group Ltd

www.knightsbridgepropertygroup.com

SIGMA Technology Solutions Ltd

www.sigmatechnology.co.uk

Strand Shopping Centre

www.strandshoppingcentre.com

Wray Brothers Ltd www.wraybros.co.uk

9

Chamber’s CEO, Paul Cherpeau, and other Themembers of the team, have been ensuring that the Voice of Business

voice of our membership is heard by local and national decision makers.

Voice of Business Providing a true,

trusted and authentic

voice for our members.

In addition to individual meetings and events we attend (see some examples below), the Chamber sits on a variety of local and national stakeholder and working groups including the NW Chambers of Commerce board, Liverpool BID Executive Board, LEP Professional Services Board, Liverpool City Region Air Quality Taskforce, LCR Bus Alliance Stakeholder Group, LCR Year of the Environment Stakeholder

Group, Nature Connected Board, Liverpool John Lennon Airport Transport Forum and Consultative Committee.

We have also been asked to represent the British Chamber of Commerce on a Defra stakeholder group looking at the development of targets for the Environment Bill, a key piece of future legislation which will impact on businesses of all sizes.

The Chamber’s Business Policy Committee has met three times since the last edition to consider member engagement and prioritisation of issues and campaigns. A separate meeting followed to discuss the talent agenda and ways in which we can support

employers, further and higher education providers and those entering employment or looking for opportunities to retrain. The committee has endorsed an approach to issues which prioritise transport, talent and trade as key areas of campaigning.

Our CEO, Paul Cherpeau was invited to join a distinguished panel of experts at the Westminster Social Policy Forum in Liverpool on 28 June, which looked at a range of issues relating to the future for infrastructure in Liverpool, including transport priorities, supporting local economic growth and linking development with the wider region.

Paul reinforced the imperative of co-creation between the public and private sectors to create the right infrastructure at the right time and to ensure the communicating of such schemes with business is grounded in practicality rather than taking place in the altitude of policy-making.

The BCC Roundtable on 22 May was a useful and timely event which covered a range of issues pertinent to our Members. The session on International Trade included a discussion with John Mahon, Director General for Export at the Department for International Trade and we were joined by Nick Chism,

Chief Business Advisor at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy for a discussion on Industrial Strategy. These meetings are just one of the ways in which we engage with the BCC, providing direct access to senior civil servants and Ministers to make the case for business.

The Chamber is seeking the views of members to understand the implications of proposed changes to city centre transport movement in January 2020 amidst concerns that staff journeys by bus to workplaces in the business district during peak times will be disrupted and inconvenienced. A consultation process is underway which will help inform the plans to implement the city centre connectivity scheme. The Chamber will submit a consultation response reflecting

its concerns and those of its members in the coming weeks. The consultation response can be completed by individual businesses and passengers on the Merseytravel website. https://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/travelupdates/Pages/city-centre-bus.aspx Businesses with specific concerns are invited to contact the Chamber to help inform the consultation response. Please contact policy@liverpoolchamber.org.uk with your views.

We’ve engaged the Department for Education on T-Levels and the National Re-training Scheme, the Migration Advisory Committee on immigration policy post-Brexit, HMRC on customs implications for businesses, Transport for the North and the Department for Transport about transport infrastructure

and development, HS2 Ltd about their engagement with businesses in the North, Aviva about implications of workplace wellbeing, the DWP about the skills challenges for businesses and impact of Universal Credit and the Bank of England about inflationary impacts of Brexit uncertainty.

Business Policy Committee

Westminster Social Policy Forum: The future for infrastructure in Liverpool

British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) CEO Roundtable

City Centre Connectivity Scheme

Other engagement

If you would like any information on any of the above please contact Michelle Cameron, Senior Policy and Communications Advisor michelle.cameron@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

11

The Art of Cycling Happy

Whether you’re looking for an adventure to the Highlands, a road trip across the Country or enjoying the Great Outdoors, The Be Confident Group, organises led bike rides and cycling holidays in the UK & Europe.

Design intelligence meets commercial flair Our combination of design intelligence and commerciality, as well as our collaborative approach, has helped make us Liverpool’s leading architecture practice. Here’s what keeps us busy.

e’re experts at delivering W full-service cycling tours and tailor-made programs for

your company, charity or family and friends. From Coast 2 Coast rides to Coast & Castle tours, Land’s End to John O’Groats, a North Wales cycling experience, or a dash from town to the beach, we aim to make your trip, memorable and enjoyable.

The secret for us, is to take care of you, from organising accommodation, arranging dinners, taking you through stunning scenery, building memories and at the end of the day delivering your bags to your room. Throughout your day in the saddle we provide a warm smile, encouragement, hot and cold drinks and food along your route.

We’re Liverpool based and have been providing the region with cycle training & solutions for many years, our team are experts and make your trip unique.

We can build cycle trips from 1 day to 14+ days. Everything we do is planned to perfection, so that you have all you need to enjoy your unique experience.

And if you have a plan and a route we’ll even work with you to make it come alive, whether it’s in the UK or in Europe.

Our team have many years providing cycling support to the corporate hospitality, charity sector, groups and individuals.

We’ll even help you with your pre planning from communications to even the branded cycling apparel and if you don’t have a bike we can also provide one for you and more for your team.

Whether it’s for fun, a charity, an adventure, exploring or just a challenge, we’re here to help.

Call or visit us to see how we can build your next cycling memory.

Tel: 0151 207 3140

Unit 14, Connect Business Village, 24 Derby Rd, Liverpool, L5 9PR

Student Living Efficient room planning, contemporary interiors and modern facilities ensure our clients’ developments offer best-of-breed accommodation.

Contact Stephen Fieldsend – s.fieldsend@fcharchitects.com

Offices Modern and efficient offices boost productivity and staff retention. Let us show you how.

Contact David George – d.george@fcharchitects.com

Retail and Leisure Our designs ensure developments attract customers and boost their spend.

Contact Quentin Keohane – q.keohane@fcharchitects.com

Affordable Housing Well-designed and attractive homes can be delivered within tighter budgets. We show our clients how.

Contact Mike Gore – m.gore@fcharchitects.com

Private Residential We deliver well designed housing that improves neighbourhoods and enhances values.

Contact Martin Haymes – m.haymes@fcharchitects.com

Hotels We design stylish hotels that work not only for guests and operators, but for developers, too.

Contact Adam Hall – a.hall@fcharchitects.com

Education Good design inspires learning and we create the spaces that help students fulfil their potential.

Contact Quentin Keohane – q.keohane@fcharchitects.com

Later Living Our seniors require spaces that meet their particular needs without sacrificing aesthetics or performance.

Contact Alastair Shepherd – a.shepherd@fcharchitects.com

If you’d like to explore how we can help you deliver your project then do get in touch.

Adam Hall, Managing Director: 0151 243 5800.

www.fcharchitects.com

12

ONE AND TWO BEDROOM APARTMENTS IN STUNNING ART DECO STYLE, AVAILABLE THROUGH SHARED OWNERSHIP

Contact a Redwing sales advisor to register your interest.

Call 0344 736 0062 or email sales@redwingliving.co.uk Lister Gardens, Crosby Road North, L22 0AB

Transport

HS2 to transform

the Liverpool Economy

Mark Thurston, Chief Executive Officer of HS2 Ltd outlines HS2 proposals for the Liverpool City Region

S2 is a once in a generation opportunity H to transform the Liverpool economy and rebalance Britain. Our trains, which will

serve both Liverpool and Runcorn will revolutionise travelling by rail in the Liverpool City Region (LCR). By freeing up space on our existing rail network, HS2 will enable more local services and room for freight, taking lorries off our roads and motorways such as the M62, creating thousands more seats for rail passengers every day. In total trains will stop at over 25 stations from Scotland to the South East, connecting 30 million people.

We recognise that we are not an end in itself, but an enabler for an enhanced Northern transport network - improved rail services, an upskilled workforce, and a thriving Northern economy.

That’s why we work so closely with Transport for the North (TfN) to deliver on plans for a truly national high speed network by integrating with Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR). As partners, we will create the rail network the North deserves.

Together with NPR we will enable faster, more frequent and more reliable services across the North and Midlands making it easier for people and businesses to live, work and trade where they want.

And we’re making great strides in our plans to make this happen.

Recently we announced proposals for two new junctions on our Phase Two route which will allow for NPR trains to use HS2’s

14

line and vice versa. More significantly it allows for HS2 trains to use a future NPR line into Liverpool for a quicker connection to London and for NPR trains to utilise the HS2 line into Manchester.

This opens up the possibility for Liverpool to Manchester journeys to be around 23 minutes and London to Liverpool in around 89 minutes, matching the ambition of Mayor Steve Rotheram. LCR predicts that these connections will deliver a £15 billion boost, 24,000 jobs, 11,000 new homes and 3.6 million extra visitors to the regional economy.

HS2 will also enhance Liverpool’s rich tradition in British maritime trade and industry. SuperPort already generates £1.4 billion a year and provides thousands of jobs; plans to develop it as a Global Freight and Logistics Hub are expected to increase demand for rail freight capacity which HS2 supports.

To build HS2 we will need the help of companies of all sizes and skills, and we expect that every ten direct tier one major works contracts will result in over 10,000 indirect supply chain opportunities. We’re looking for everything from engineering to catering services, designers to ecologists, and concrete to electronic components - it is not just about track and trains. I encourage any company interested in working on HS2 to look out for the opportunities on offer and we’ll work with the Chamber to promote these to businesses in the region.

We estimate that we will need 30,000 men and women to design and build the railway at the peak of construction. That’s why we also need to start planning now to help young people develop the skills and knowledge they need to play a role in HS2 and other projects such as NPR. We are confident we have a strategy for this and we want to work with the business community to achieve this.

Yes, there will be challenges but we must never lose sight of what is on offer for the LCR and the North. The prize is huge.

We look forward to working with you to help build the new railway and deliver for this great region.

he city bus hub, which is a T key component of the city council’s £45m Liverpool City Centre Connectivity Scheme, is to provide a layover facility for buses running ahead of schedule.

Sited on Old Haymarket with a capacity of 12 bays, it is estimated the hub will cut more than 900,000km of empty bus journeys out of the city centre and 2,000 tonnes of CO2 out of the atmosphere every year – as well as countless hours of congestion.

Creating a cleaner and greener city centre Work has begun on creating Liverpool city centre’s first

dedicated bus hub – as part of a major drive to tackle

congestion and cut air pollution.

Liverpool City Council has instructed contractors GRAHAM to carry out the scheme which will see on street parking bays removed and is set to be completed by mid-October, in time for the introduction of proposed new bus routes in January 2020 and the forthcoming changes to Lime Street and Queen Square bus station.

GRAHAM have already begun phase one of the LCCC scheme on nearby Victoria St and Moorfields. These package of works include the removal of bus layovers and widening of pavements, as well as tree planting and new public realm features. Expected to complete in November, phase one will also complement the new Victoria Street Car Park and the refurbishment of the Metquarter retail and leisure hub.

The ultimate aim of the LCCC scheme, which is major element in the council’s wider £500m Better Roads programme, is to re-engineer all major routes from the city’s commercial business district through to the city’s retail and knowledge districts.

The LCCC scheme is being supported by a £38.4m grant from the Local Growth Fund with city council match funding of £8.7m.

Transport Local Growth Funding is awarded to the Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and invested through the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority through its Strategic Investment Fund.

Councillor James Noakes, Cabinet Member for Highways & Environment, said: “The new Bus Hub is a vital piece of the jigsaw in creating a cleaner and greener city centre – now and for future generations to enjoy.

“It’s function as a layover will remove thousands of unnecessary miles off our roads, reducing congestion in the city centre and cutting more than 2,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions every year.

“As well as helping to make traffic flow more efficiently – alongside the other changes in the city centre connectivity programme – the real long term benefit is the improvement to our overall air quality for the city and our efforts in tackling the climate crisis.

“Liverpool city centre has undergone a huge transformation over the past 20 years but our transport network has hardly changed.

The bus hub is key to making the radical changes necessary to ensure how we travel around the city centre works for the next 20 years – to the benefit of us all and the environment.

“This is a complex piece of highways management and the demolition of the nearby Churchill Flyover will present some engineering challenges but a lot of preparation and planning has gone into this and once completed, the benefits to commuters, workers and visitors will be felt very quickly.”

“The new Bus Hub is a vital piece of the jigsaw in creating a cleaner and greener city centre – now and for future generations to enjoy.”

15

Responsible Business

Tackling air pollution is everyone’s responsibility

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One of the key priorities for the Liverpool City Region’s Year of the Environment is around improving our air quality.

cross the Liverpool City Region, 11 Air Quality Management Areas have been designated where pollution from nitrogen dioxide exceeds European standards, the main source of which is traffic and transport. Evidence of the detrimental impact on health from both the government and other sources is compelling and affects some groups disproportionately, including the poorest and most vulnerable people in society who are often those who are most exposed to pollution arising from road traffic.

The Combined Authority has established an Air Quality Taskforce (which includes Liverpool and Sefton Chamber) to bring together key partners to support collective action.

Liverpool City Council and the

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for example, delivery or HGV drivers. Improved technologies including app based solutions are starting to address issues around health protection and air pollution tracking but there are other ways in which business can play a key role in tackling the problem.

NHS have also developed a public awareness website

https://letscleartheairliverpool.co.uk

Our local transport operators are investing in clean bus and rail technologies, working with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. The recent activities on Clean Air Day on

20 June provided an opportunity to showcase some of the initiatives which are taking place locally.

Exposure to ambient air pollution can also be an occupational health hazard, including those who drive or commute in a polluted area,

All employers have a general duty of care for their employees' health, safety and this applies for those working indoors as well as outdoors.

As a responsible business, there are a number of ways in which employers can contribute including encouraging staff to make sensible travel choices including walking, cycling and public transport but there is more that we can do to help tackle the impact of poor air quality.

Outdoor Air Pollution

Air pollution is a particular problem for those working outdoors, where around 36,000 deaths a year are caused by air pollution, according to a government report. The British Safety Council has launched its Time to Breathe campaign calling on both the government and employers to take action. It has a number of recommendations which include: • Reducing the time staff work outdoors during high or very high pollution alerts

• Rotating work to reduce the time people work on or near busy roads every day, all year round

• Making staff aware that a good diet containing antioxidants such as vitamin C (for example, oranges and vegetables) can help protect against some of the effects of pollution • Highlighting the importance of exercise – pollution attacks heart and respiratory systems, so strengthening them will help protect worker health

For more information and advice visit the Time to Breathe website https://www.britsafe.org/ campaigns-policy/time-tobreathe-air-pollutioncampaign/information-foremployers/

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Responsible Business

Indoor Air Pollution

With the focus generally on traffic-related pollution it can be easy to neglect the impact on those who work indoors.

Evidence has highlighted the link between poor indoor environmental conditions and unproductive or unwell workers. British businesses lost the equivalent of £81bn as a result of ill-health related absence and presenteeism in 2018 (representing an increase of £4bn increase on the previous year) so any measures to address the negative impact on the working environment should be welcomed.

There are some simple solutions which employers can implement including: • Ensuring that your office or building is cleaned professionally and regularly, removing the opportunity for bacteria and germs to build up to dangerous levels

• Plants are another easy way to improve air quality and are widely acknowledged as a way to help reduce the level of pollution in a room as they’ll take in carbon dioxide whilst giving out oxygen • Good ventilation is also key

During the Year of the Environment employers are being urged to make a pledge to take some simple actions to support both the environment and staff health and wellbeing.

For some ideas on what your organisation can do visit http://yoe2019lcr.org.uk/index. php/my-pledge/

For more information on the Year of the Environment more generally visit http://yoe2019lcr.org.uk

“All employers have a general duty of care for their employees' health, safety and this applies for those working indoors as well as outdoors.”

Go clean, go green, go Merseyrail

Merseyrail are working hard to ensure that they are operating responsibly, sustainably and in a way that protects our environment, on both the network and in the communities they serve.

I

t is their vision to deliver a world class railway to the City Region and they are committed to providing an affordable, greener and connected transport system.

•

They have carried out a number of local initiatives to improve sustainability which include: •

•

Handing out free train tickets to celebrate Clean Air Day to encourage people to “go clean, go green, go Merseyrail”

Offering over 1,500 secure cycle spaces and hubs across our network’s stations to encourage passengers to reduce their carbon footprint, along with the option to hire bikes via their Bike & Go scheme

•

• •

The introduction of new state-of-the-art fleet in 2020 which is designed with sustainability at its heart including an energy efficient design with a lightweight aerodynamic body and regenerative braking, where energy is extracted in the braking process, stored and reused Merseyrail no longer automatically print receipts for customers – saving up to 600km of paper per year

They are also reducing their stations’ overall electricity use by 19% since 2013

Ainsdale station was completely renovated last year making it the most environmentally friendly station on the network

17

Responsible Business

Why Face for Business

answers for free for Twinkle House Being socially responsible was high on the Burscough based phone answering business’s agenda.

T

winkle House provides a support service for children and young people with disabilities or additional needs living in North West England. The centre is sensory based, but it relies on voluntary donations and fundraising to keep the centre open for its users.

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Face for Business has been actively fundraising for its nominated charity for almost 5 years. After an initial flurry of fundraising events such as cake sales, fun runs and a very ambitious fundraising dinner at a local restaurant, together with music and raffles, they made the

decision to become more involved in the day to day support of the charity. In January 2016 they began answering their inbound phone calls for them free of charge.

Support is crucial for Twinkle House and the call handing company provide a necessary back-up for when therapists are in sessions with service users.

Plus, the centre’s reception is unmanned for a large proportion of their opening hours so Face for Business provide that much needed reception support by taking details of cancellations and rescheduling information, which is essential to ensure that the rooms are available for other users. The facilities are hired out to private users to help generate income for the centre, so these crucial calls are also captured when Twinkle House staff are unavailable.

Face for Business chose to help Twinkle House as the charity is local to them and they really do rely on the fundraising efforts of local businesses (as well as nationwide grants) to keep the centre open.

Andy MacGregor, Managing Director for Face for Business, was very keen to offer his support, and couldn’t think of a more suitable way…

“Every business misses calls, and we want to ensure that Twinkle House provides a great first response and never misses any calls that could be much needed donations. We will answer the calls they can’t get to for free, helping to ensure they don’t miss any, which will also ease the pressure off the centre staff, who work so hard to assist its users.”

‘We are delighted to be working with Face for Business and having the service really does ensure that we have an effective reception and back-up’. Deirdre Mitten, Twinkle House.

If you would like to discover more about the work Twinkle House do please visit www.twinklehouse.co.uk

Judges

Responsible Business

sweet on hope students' business A business selling dissolvable drinking straws made from sugar saw Liverpool Hope University students reach the finals of a prestigious national awards for the second year running.

Now the Hope Business School students behind ‘Sweet Sips’ have finished their exams they will aim to become fully investment ready, attract sponsors and secure the Intellectual Property Rights on their products.

"We were stunned by the progress which the Sweet Sips team had made in the six weeks between the North West and national finals," said Young Enterprise National Project Officer Andy Firr.

"This is far and away the best team that Hope have produced in the eight years I have been part of Young Enterprise and they missed out on first place by the thinnest of margins.

"Congratulations to them.

They have been brilliant."

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udges at the National Young Enterprise Awards were so impressed by the environmentally-friendly alternative to plastic straws that they made the Hope team runners-up, narrowly missing out on being overall winners.

Their business, called 'Sweet Sips', has already attracted

The whole second year of Hope's Business Management degree is based around the experience of starting a business.

Hope Business tutor Rev Tony Bradley, who runs the university's Young Enterprise programme, said: "In the past two years Liverpool Hope University's Business School has won 'Business School of the Year' (Educate North) and been runners-up in the National Young Enterprise Programme in competition with 150 other student businesses.

"We are confident that further international recognition for the school is just around the corner.

"This makes the Business School at Hope one of the leading schools in the country."

significant national and international corporate interest.

The concept, inspired by the global response to plastic pollution, also won the Young Enterprise National Business Sustainability Award, sponsored by Lyreco; a global office supplies firm who are committed to sustainability.

"We were stunned by the progress which the Sweet Sips team had made in the six weeks between the North West and national finals."

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International

M

embers think that with Brexit around the corner it is crucial to keep their knowledge up to date.

Our courses equip you with the necessary knowledge to avoid mistakes and to grow your international business. We cover a wide range of topics that are essential to businesses that trade overseas including: • Understanding and completing export & import documentation • Customs declarations • Letters of credit and other methods of payment • Incoterms • Special Procedures available to importers and exporters to waiver, suspend or drawback customs duties.

Many of our delegates have achieved the “Foundation in International Trade”, a UK wide recognised qualification that can prove in an audit competence and good standards in international trade.

See below what 7 delegates who have recently achieved this qualification think of our training.

Professional standards in International Trade The international training courses that the Liverpool Chamber offers are accredited by British Chambers of Commerce.

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As a newcomer to logistics I found this course answered many of the questions I had about shipping and gave me a greater understanding of procedures and documentation. Going forward this will be a great help to myself and Sandon as we look to expand our export market.

Sandon Global

Thank you for yesterday, the trainer was excellent and very competent. I got out of the course much more than what I expected and can’t wait to put this into practice. I would definitely recommend this course. Well done Liverpool Chamber and HMRC on a very informative albeit fast paced presentation on the Customs Declaration Services.

I look forward to more of these presentations.

Associates of Cape Cod

The courses have been very helpful in gaining a greater all round understanding of International Trade. They are well taught and administered. A great learning experience. Thank you.

Trigon Snacks

I thought the presentation was very good. The venue is excellent, both location and facilities.

ChargePoint Technology Ltd

Liverpool Chamber Trade Club urge Government

International

to break Brexit uncertainty and restore export confidence

Liverpool Chamber of Commerce members at their quarterly International Trade Club have expressed the need for Government to provide a clear roadmap for Brexit to restore confidence in the export market.

lub members warned that C although there are companies around the globe looking to invest

in Liverpool and its businesses, the deadlock in Westminster is leading to delays in deals being completed.

The International Trade Club includes representative from Liverpool’s best business that are trading overseas. The members reported that the political uncertainty was causing significant challenges, with international buyers being cautious about the prospect of World Trade Organisation tariffs being applied to UK goods within the next six months.

Paul Cherpeau, Chief Executive of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, said: “It is evident that our members need clear decisions to come from Government about our future trading arrangements so they can get on with business and negotiate lasting deals.

Whatever those future terms are, it is clarity that will help them most to prepare and continue to trade successfully overseas post-Brexit.”

The group expressed their frustration that there is still no obvious direction for the terms on which the UK will leave the European Union and that, despite plenty of post-Brexit planning by companies, uncertainty was affecting cash flow for businesses now as well as in the future.

Chairman of the International Trade Club, Denis Sowler of Tithebarn Ltd, stated: “Since the end of March when we were due to leave the EU, businesses have been left frustrated at the lack of direction from Government on this crucial issue. It is no surprise that the inactivity has led our trading partners to become tentative when they know the terms may alter significantly months from now.”

Chamber members benefit from regular access to expert briefings and the Trade Club round table also included a keynote speech from HMRC. Updates on logistics, easements and procedures in case of a “no deal” scenario were discussed.

Following the HMRC briefing, Liverpool Chamber Strategic Partner Richard Hogg, tax director from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO, explained: “Although the transitional and simplified procedures that HMRC has already announced on imports in the event of a no-deal Brexit scenario provide some clarity for businesses, it is the political uncertainty around our future relationship with the EU and

other trading partners that is the major concern. Until there’s clarity on this point, business confidence and investment will continue to be affected.”

The meeting was held at Clarke Energy in Knowsley, a specialist in the engineering, installation and maintenance of enginebased power plants with operations in 25 countries across the world. The company contributes significantly to the local economy through local employment and procurement.

International trade is a major part of its business, contributing 66% of its turnover.

Alex Marshall, group marketing and compliance director at Clarke Energy and Northern Powerhouse Export Champion said: “We were pleased to host Liverpool Chamber’s International Trade Club which is quickly becoming a key forum for companies in the city region who are trading overseas.

It’s hugely beneficial to meet with peers and discuss the issues we’re facing across all sectors and to be briefed by experts in Government.”

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International

ould it be in national W interests to fire up an international conflict if two

economies were dependent on each other? Probably not.

Protecting national economic interests is a strong deterrent to conflict and even war.

In this way, international trade is not just good economically (and for quality of life) but also serves to keep international conflicts at bay.

Consider the mission of the international trade team at the Liverpool Chamber. They provide a substantial trade facilitation role plus incidental international services like Certificates of Origin and ATA Carnets. The economic benefit of facilitating exports is commonly known to international business people plus the Chamber provides education to help regional businesses understand the economic benefit of exporting. The benefit of trade facilitation and especially incidental international services to the social good is less clear.

But even an incremental reduction in barriers to trade that reduce costs and allow goods and services to be shipped and sold internationally more easily, can make a positive social difference. Trade relations increase our dependence on

22

Valuing International Trade: The Human Perspective

By Leslie Levy August, Director, boomerang carnets UK

each other thus uniting people across borders and making it more difficult to invest in conflict and destruction. Strangers (potential enemies) become trading partners who, if only for economic preservation, are less likely to engage in disputes.

The ATA Carnet system provides a vivid example. By eliminating import duties and taxes and making the customs clearance process “self-service,� entrepreneurs, established businesses, university researchers, musicians, artists and filmmakers can initiate business, experimentation and

tours abroad affordably and efficiently. Sales samples can be shown to potential customers in another country with minimal cost and hassle. New technology can be demonstrated to foreign distributors without having to permanently import it. Overseas installations can be serviced and maintained with the proper personnel and tools to do the job and without paying import duty and taxes. The cost of international concert tours is reduced, and music can unite aficionados across borders.

Universities can conduct research with partner institutions across the globe, shipping

experimental tools with ease and for a low cost. Deals can be sealed, relationships developed, and economic bonds forged; all because a unique public-private partnership makes ATA Carnets, The Merchandise Passport possible.

The ATA Carnet system began operating in 1963 under an international convention (treaty) and has grown to 87 countries and territories. It is an interconnected system of customs authorities, international guarantees and private companies that contractually agree to follow the rules of the import duty- and tax-free system.

Goods and equipment valued at over ÂŁ30 billion utilize the international temporary import export document every year.

Professional relationships forged through international economic transactions like the ATA Carnet are a network of human connections. Every shipment, whether cargo or hand carried, represents a connection between economies that ultimately serves the social good. Beyond the sale, global trade is human. It is those human connections that have us think twice about starting a lifethreatening conflict or escalating an international disagreement.

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Surge in International Trade for Baltic Creative Businesses in the Face of Brexit Uncertainty

n ongoing research project conducted by Baltic Creative CIC and Lancaster University has shown that many of Liverpool’s Creative and Digital industries are exporting far more than previously thought.

Conducted through a series of surveys and interviews with Creative & Digital SMEs based out of Baltic Creative CIC, the project has explored both International Reach and Export activities. The results show a significant increase in International Trade.

Mark Lawler, Managing Director of Baltic Creative CIC, says, “In our 2016 Business Owners Output Survey, we found that 57 per cent of our tenants were trading internationally. Figures from this new research show that this number has shot up to almost 70 per cent. That’s a huge increase.”

The Export Survey also highlighted the range of revenue being created abroad.

As Catharine Patha, Researcher from Lancaster University states, “An impressive 35 per cent of Baltic Creative tenants make over 50 per cent of their total income abroad. Another 37 per cent make between 10 and 50 per cent of their income internationally.”

However, the discoveries are tempered by ongoing uncertainty over international trade. With 90 per cent of Baltic Creative companies exporting to the EU, there is growing nervousness around Brexit.

While most businesses included are service providers, 15 per cent sell goods and services, and another 15 per cent sell goods exclusively.

Worries ranged from tariffs to customer perception and the ease of doing business after Brexit, but exporting is only half the story – one in five rely on foreign currencies for 25 per cent or more of their expenditure.

Catharine Patha explains: “Most company owners we interviewed were hit hard by the devaluation of the pound.

One said they lost £13,000 on the day of Brexit … another said he’d lost seven major European contracts since Brexit.”

All businesses exporting or hoping to currently face three barriers to international trade: Finding clients, accessing skills in that field, and language and cultural issues. And these concerns and challenges affect all businesses across the sector, irrespective of size.

As Patha says, “Even the smallest one-man-band is deeply engaged in the global economy.”

International

Local Creative & Digital companies are now far more global than we thought.

But can it be sustained?

The research collaboration is set to continue throughout 2019 and 2020, so the changing nature of these trading relationships – and the sector’s confidence in them – will be visible at every stage.

“An impressive 35 per cent of Baltic Creative tenants make over 50 per cent of their total income abroad.

Another 37 per cent make between 10 and 50 per cent of their income internationally.”

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Regeneration

SAFE Regeneration

in Bootle is shaping the future of community developments

SAFE Regeneration are on the cusp of delivering one of the City Regions most innovative community construction developments.

#

Destinationbootle focuses on the physical, environmental and social regeneration of the Bootle area - a key part of which is a major £33 million-pound community-led capital development programme consisting of work units, leisure facilities, a canal-side eatery, guest accommodation, boat moorings & water-based heritage tours of the canal. Community-led housing includes a mix of

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affordable homes for families, shared ownership and extra-care accommodation. SAFE will provide a range of creative activities and services for the new neighbourhood and the scheme includes plans for both ground source heating/Solar PV system, meeting an estimated 99% of the site’s energy requirements along with a 15-20% reduction of energy bills for residents.

Location – Lock & Quay community pub, left to right Sara Lawton (CIF), Jane Dawe (Safe), Brian Dawe (Safe), Ken Ross (CIF) In 2015 in preparation for #destinationbootle SAFE established Construction Impact Framework; a socially driven construction framework, that supports the Voluntary, Charitable and Social Enterprise sector by investing profits into community prevention and intervention projects producing social impact stories in a way that has never been seen before - placing people at the heart of regeneration, creating thriving, connected communities.

But who are Safe Regeneration?

SAFE started as a small creative arts collective in the late 1990s, winning numerous commissions from public and private sector to engaging communities in the co-production of public artworks.

In 2007 SAFE took up residence in a disused school in Bootle (the SAFE Hub); achieving rapid and sustained growth becoming firmly established as a key Community Hub in the South Sefton community, supporting thousands of local residents in a variety of ways including providing volunteering & skills for employment training opportunities. A high percentage of people who receive support

from SAFE are vulnerable, experience learning difficulties, mental health issues, addiction or have low educational attainment. SAFE further supports its Community Hub by acting as a conduit between its ‘family’ of social organisations and major anchor institutions such as Sefton Borough Council, Public Health, NHS trusts, Colleges, Universities, Housing Associations and regeneration bodies.

In addition to the Community Hub, SAFE owns and manages a canal-side community pub ‘The Lock & Quay’ and is the organiser of the Bootle Music Festival where people from across the City Region come together to celebrate quality music on the canal-side.

This Years festival which took place on 6 & 7th July included headline acts such as SPACE, THE FARM and THE REAL PEOPLE.

Brian Dawe, CEO of Safe Regeneration said, ‘Everything we have achieved, we have done working in partnership.

We would love the City Region to join us this year at the Bootle Music Festival.”

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Cover Feature

To succeed you must first of all lead…

The future of this business is down to the people we employ, they hold the key to its success.

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usiness has James was always driven and focused on achieving the most he been a could from whatever activity he was complete involved in and admits that making learning curve a good living and being able to buy over the past things for himself and others was a 16 years for priority for him then. He knew his James Harper, trade and was good at selling and Managing Director of Walton having worked for such big companies gave him a real Flooring Centre. understanding of how to truly care He was politely asked for the customer, learning what to leave school at 15 with a wealth not to do in most cases. He also of street cred but less than no realised the importance of treating qualifications. With a little bit of an employee with respect through persuasion and a slightly cheeky great communication and feedback. interview style he quickly By the time he made became the top sales the decision to open person for a number of Walton Flooring “I am a big believer high street brands, Centre, together including Carphone in giving things a try with his father it Warehouse, SCS was a complete but as soon as you and United Carpets no-brainer for realise they don’t work James, as he & Beds.

just stop!”

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“Customers are knew he could make year apprenticeship the only reason a it work, and he did. in floor installation.

The format business exists, so they The business also worked so well must be treated with works closely with that they quickly local schools to respect and cared for opened their offer work throughout their whole experience second and third and buying experience.” mentoring to young store. That was when he had to slow people, as he is passionate down and take stock, nearly about working with the local losing the whole business communities in and around the due to cash flow. locations of his stores. Growing Luckily support from talent by employing young people the local community who might not have the same meant that the business flourished opportunities as those with an but it wasn’t all plain sailing and academic route to a career, is James knew there was something extremely important to him, he needed to understand more of – nurturing them in to roles that suit working on his business, their talents and abilities. rather than in it.

For this driven and talented He began working with a coach businessman, James understands to create a vision for his future how a business is not a success business and also understand without the right people representing how he could realise his goals the true ethos and values of the with strategic planning and business. And nowadays James execution. Today he has created doesn’t sell a single square foot of an efficient and innovative business flooring. He works at leading a that comprises of three retail team of managers and stores, together with a supervisors to continue fully stocked to compete with “Being able to warehouse, those recognised distribution centre nurture young people flooring retailers, and two in to roles in our who seem to be e-commerce slowly losing their business is so businesses, footing in their own important to me.” selling artificial sector. grass and all other For James it is has types of flooring. always been about taking With such a great business chances, trying new things, being model and a clear vision bold and listening to the people he for growth comes employs to ensure they continue to many challenges for contribute positively to the success James. One of the biggest today of the business. As a leader today for the business is a skills shortage he knows how important his team for both sales people and fitters. are and that with the right guidance He has taken this challenge head and support they will continue to on and is working in partnership with grow the business for their own Liverpool College to deliver a twoprofessional and personal benefit.

Cover Feature

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his change in direction comes now with more focus because the ranges of artificial grass available have greatly improved, offering exceptional quality of grass, together with durability and ease of maintenance.

Artificial is the Intelligent Choice for worthy causes Today Walton Flooring

Centre is building a UK-wide business selling artificial

Since selling their first roll of grass in 2015, they have achieved a 300% increase in sales year on year so could see the potential for growth. This year they have already matched their 2018 sales due to the launch of an e-commerce website and it is forecast that this leap has the potential to double the turnover of their entire business by the end of 2020.

However, when it comes to profits they want to continue to live true to their values and offer artificial grass products to charitable causes for free, as part of their CSR charter. They are developing a programme that engages local causes to apply for free artificial grass.

This initiative is really exciting for the business and an incentive to the sales team to make those sales, so they can be the ones to call the worthy cause and arrange their free artificial grass. In achieving their sales goal there will be around 100 causes benefitting from free artificial grass by the end of 2020.

By building a strong and successful business over the past eight years gives Managing Director James Harper great pride in enabling him to give away part of his business to local and worthy causes.

There is hope in the future that this initiative will be rolled out UK-wide but for now it is causes in the North West who will benefit, so the team can engage directly with organisations.

If you work directly with a cause or feel there is a worthy organisation in the North West who could benefit from artificial grass, register their names via the website at www.grasswarehouse.co.uk

With huge investments being made in marketing this product, the sales achieved by online customers will help each cause to receive their free artificial grass. For every 10,000m2 sold, a further 100m2 will be given away for free.

grass to both domestic and wholesale customers.

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Rutherford Diagnostics

Technology

agrees major international 10-year deal with Philips to improve diagnostic outcomes for patients

he collaboration will utilise Philips’ innovative T technology and Rutherford

Diagnostics’ healthcare expertise in building and operating state-of-the-art diagnostic centres in a major boost to healthcare in the region.

The agreement sees both companies working in partnership to deliver first class, patient-centred diagnostic services. It is expected the new partnership will help expand access to diagnostic services for local patients in a costeffective way that supports the best possible patient outcomes and experiences.

Rutherford Diagnostics, an innovative clinical diagnostics company with headquarters in the Knowledge Quarter, Liverpool, has announced a 10-year international strategic partnership with leading global health technology company Royal Philips.

Dr Steven Powell, Chief Diagnostic Officer of Rutherford Diagnostics, explained:“Our focus is to change the current healthcare paradigm from a reactive model which responds to disease, to one that is proactive and preventative with far reaching long-term benefits.

Our purpose built centres are focused around the patient experience, using the latest technologies, operated by highly skilled clinical experts.

“We required a strategic partner who will complement our diagnostic service offering with technological innovation. Philips is closely aligned to our vision and can manage complexity while remaining flexible and is the right partner to support us on this journey.”

Rutherford Diagnostics, was established to fulfil the unmet national demand for screening services: PET CT, MRI, CT,

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Ultrasound and Endoscopy, helping to take away pressure on current services and improve patient outcomes.

Rutherford Diagnostics’ service will be enhanced by the 10 year partnership with Philips who will be providing state-of-the-art imaging equipment, management and technology utilisation reporting, continuous training and a joint research and innovation program.

Stephen McMillan, Solutions Lead for Philips in the UK, said:"For Philips, a successful managed service uses technology as an enabler to drive improved clinical practices and patient outcomes through innovation and sustainability.

“We believe this partnership with Rutherford Diagnostics is an opportunity to deliver a truly patient-centric diagnostic service with high levels of staff satisfaction. Philips already has a number of innovative managed service agreements with NHS partners here in the UK, so this is an exciting expansion of this service for us, as we partner with our first private provider.”

Rutherford Diagnostics is expected to welcome its first patients in the Knowledge Quarter, Liverpool in 2020 with a further four centres around the UK following it by 2021.

Technology

“Our work is driven by our values” As a software development consultancy working across multiple sectors, the team at Mashbo knows that technology has the power to not only drive business growth and profitability, but also improve the lives of our clients’ employees and customers.

“While we use technology to do this, our work is driven by our values.

We have seen the positive effects of applying our values and embracing new and emerging technology and development techniques in many of our projects. By completely automating the administrative processes of a busy student lettings agency, using our property management platform, PropertyCloud, the hours spent on laborious admin processes by staff have been reduced, removed the need for late nights and provided more opportunities for flexible working meaning happier, healthier employees.

By taking the company car park of international nutrition brand, Danone, and creating a staff app that manages booking of its spaces, occupancy has increased, lateness has reduced,

staff morale has improved and opportunities for car sharing have had a positive impact on the environment.

Our values-driven approach to technology has even helped connect almost 30,000 people to vital mental health support, via Chasing the Stigma’s ‘Hub of Hope’ app, an online database with more than 1,200 local, national and grassroots services, accessible at the click of a button.

As a business we build things that people use. But as a responsible business we aim for more than just that.

We seek to use technology and our skills to change everything that we touch for the better. It’s an approach we share with and encourage from our clients, as much as our own team - and it works.”

Gavin Sherratt, Managing Director, Mashbo

To find out more about working with Mashbo visit: mashbo.com/vision-and-values

Keeping it Mashbo Make a positive difference

Change everything you touch for the better and deliver positive impact to people, organisations and communities.

Push the boundaries Never stop exploring, playing and pushing the boundaries of our technical ability.

Be go-givers Pursue and embrace opportunities to help others and encourage education, collaboration and knowledge sharing for the greater good.

Have self-belief Take on any challenge with the knowledge that you have the skills, support and capability to succeed and deliver. Know your worth and respect the worth of others.

Say it as it is Ditch the small print and be honest.

Build relationships on a strong foundation of trust and transparency.

Keep it Mashbo

Commit yourself to doing the right thing, in the best way possible, in everything that you do.

29

News

Getting back in the saddle

Action Events

How attending a free Chamber Event could be the first step in scaling your business and helping Luke achieve his goal of 1000 Merseyside jobs

P

roperty developer Gabriella Atkinson needed a new project to keep her busy after her personal circumstances changed.

And when she first saw Bedgebury Park, it was love at first sight. The 125-acre site, complete with National Trust pine forest and 700-year history, was the perfect residential-meets-holiday let development, with space for her other passion: horses.

A horse lover since she was a child, Gabriella rapidly immersed herself in the equestrian world when she moved to the UK from Canada, training and showing ponies with her daughter.

And horses provided therapy after her marriage ended. "They teach you all about commitment, hard work and coping with disappointment," she muses insightfully.

Despite a long history of successful developments, when it came to applying for finance, many lenders saw an issue: all of Gabriella's previous properties had been in her husband's name.

Seeing the potential in the project, specialist lender Together backed Gabriella with a bridging loan to get the project started, before then providing a commercial loan for its ongoing development.

The redeveloped Bedgebury Park will offer yoga classes and massage therapy, and provide a welcoming space for families, too. Gabriella's zeal for fitness, fashion and the great outdoors informs all her work and is, she believes, something conventional developers neglect.

"I am never looking at a project just from a financial point of view, but what will make people feel good.

“It’s been nine years so far, and it’s my life’s work.”

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R

One of our other Strategic Partners said, “A really useful kick up the ar*e! Lots to review and action.”

enowned for his passionate, lively delivery and no-holds-barred accountability, Luke Kay is delivering quarterly events – keep an eye on the Chamber website for details – and expects to deliver over 1000 coaching sessions to over 50 businesses over the three-year campaign.

Following the success of recent events at Liverpool’s Town Hall and the South Liverpool Hub on ‘Keys to High Performing Teams’ and Marketing, Luke is keen to point out that these events are a great way to meet & mingle with other ambitious business leaders in the City region, making connections that would be impossible to make any other way.

ActionCOACH in Liverpool is offering attendees to these Chamber events the opportunity to attend a free first-time place on their planning days (subject to availability) where the wealth of resources in

the ActionCOACH toolkit are brought to bear on the issues around successfully scaling businesses. Ambitious business owners with 3 – 50 employees looking to grow a n already profitable business to the next level are the ones who get the most from Luke’s arsenal of tools, techniques, advice and uncompromising encouragement.

Client Spotlight: A 7-figure business took the opportunity of coaching with ActionCOACH in Liverpool and from Q4 to Q1 has increased revenue by 50% and profit by 300%!

This is what the commitment to create 1000 jobs looks like in practice!

Recent attendees at the Town Hall event commented “Inspiring and Motivating.

Ideas to work with the team to increase productivity and, more importantly, involvement of staff within the business” and the buzz of business being done was great to see.

Coming along to one of these Chamber Events is free to Chamber members or through ActionCOACH in Liverpool and make a great standalone networking & CPD opportunity, but for a select few, it can be the start of their journey in taking their Company to the next level.

It’s not easy and it’s not supposed to be. Every aspect of Company & personal performance is scrutinised under the harsh glare of Luke’s gaze but working with the business owner & Senior Management Team, there’s huge benefits to be had.

It’s all part of Luke’s very real commitment to the City LEP and to his fellow City Business Leaders so get some immediate actionable steps by attending one of ActionCOACH in Liverpool’s Business Planning Days.

Free to Chamber Members or by calling Luke on 0151 346 2040.

FUNDING THAT’S MORE ON YOUR WAVELENGTH The funding solution for growing SMEs Only by fully understanding a business’s ambitions can we provide a funding solution that’s right for its specific needs. It’s why we’ve built a team of experts across the UK ready to engage with you and your clients in person. It’s how we’ve helped fund businesses with more than £350 million so far – with a further £800m standing by.

Whether your clients are looking to fund growth, an acquisition (including Management Buy Outs or Buy Ins), capital expenditure or refinance existing loans we share the same goal: helping UK entrepreneurs realise their potential.

Bespoke business loans from £250k up to £15m

Visit thincats.com or call 01530 444 061 ThinCats is a trading name of Business Loan Network Limited (BLN). Registered in England & Wales No. 07248014. BLN is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (No. 724062).

Health

Medicash acquires health & wellbeing specialists Health@Work

• Buyout will boost Medicash’s range of services, skills base and generate new client growth for both organisations.

• The deal follows a £4 million investment in Now Healthcare Group in 2017.

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Sue Weir welcomes Kevin Yip, Senior Consultant at Health@Work iverpool based health insurer L Medicash has announced that it recently acquired Health@Work Consultancy Services for an undisclosed sum. The deal was completed on 22 March 2019. Since then the Health@Work team have moved in to Medicash’s head office at One Derby Square, Liverpool.

The merger supports Medicash’s growing focus and strategy on developing a more rounded health and wellbeing offering and will allow both organisations to take advantage of a greater range of service and product offerings and increased skills base.

Health@Work was established over 25 years ago as a fullservice consultancy whose aim is to help firms improve the health, safety and wellbeing of their employees.

Health@Work’s services include health and safety assessments, policy reviews and training; wellbeing audits; mental health awareness training; health checks; as well as first aid and defibrillator training.

For the past 10 years Health@Work have developed and delivered the nationally recognised Workplace Wellbeing Charter, helping to improve the health of businesses and organisations such as BAE Systems, Kenwood, Everton Football Club and United Utilities.

Sue Weir, chief executive of Medicash and Health@Work, said: “Health@Work is a wellestablished and highly regarded consultancy with an excellent reputation for its Workplace Wellbeing Charter. This merger presents significant advantages and opportunities for both firms, our people and our clients.

“With a new board and new executive team, we look forward to exploring the opportunities that these organisations can offer and bringing new products and services to the market inthe near future.”

Health@Work and the Workplace Wellbeing Charter will continue to operate under their existing brands.

Health

F

or the first time, a group of over 100 guests were invited to a special preview evening of the state of the art facility, that will open its doors to patients in May next year. Hard hats and heavy boots were packed away, as canapés and mocktails were served on level six of the building, which will become the chemotherapy suite. With arguably some of the best views across the city, builders Laing O’Rourke even ensured the stunning outdoor terrace was available for those attending to take in the spectacular Liverpool skyline.

The new specialist cancer hospital is part of an £162 million development which includes planned improvements to the Trust’s Wirral site.

It will expand the care given to people with cancer across the region, improving access and treatment for up to 70% of patients who come from north of the River Mersey.

Look Inside Liverpool’s first Cancer Hospital Last month, The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity gave its first glimpse of the new Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in Liverpool city centre.

Patient Sophie Mulligan who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2015, spoke movingly of how important Liverpool’s first cancer hospital is to her.

She said: “This new hospital is so important for the people of Merseyside and Cheshire.

I wouldn’t want to be treated in any place other than Clatterbridge and we are so lucky to have this brand new facility on our doorstep. It isn’t a nice thing to go through but to have the best facilities will be a big help to patients like me.”

Liz Bishop, Chief Executive of The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre said: “We are delighted to be able to show off our

fantastic new facility to the people of Merseyside and to confirm that we will be opening in May 2020. This will be Liverpool’s first cancer hospital and will be a huge boost to cancer care in the area, with modern facilities and improved accessibility for a huge number of patients.

“A lot of people have worked incredibly hard to bring the building to life and once open it will help us deliver even more vital treatment, more lifesaving clinical trials and more innovations.”

The new hospital will be in addition to The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre’s existing centres in Wirral and Aintree,

and its chemotherapy and outpatient services in other hospitals across the region.

The preview evening marked the one year countdown until the hospital opens its doors to patients, but with £5m left to raise, the Charity also took the opportunity to urge Liverpool’s business community to give their support; and ensure that the city makes the most of this once in a generation opportunity to build the best hospital possible.

It will be by raising the final £5m that this difference can be achieved in so many ways – from having the best equipment, the best environment and the best opportunities for research.

To find out more about sponsorship and naming opportunities in the new Clatterbridge Cancer Centre Liverpool, contact Jade Palmer on 0151 556 5566 or jade.palmer7@nhs.net

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New-look Edward Pavilion launched at Royal Albert Dock Liverpool

More than 280 business people explored Liverpool’s new-look Edward Pavilion last week as a special launch event took place.

ffice space for occupants O of all sizes was unveiled at the Grade I-listed building, situated

within the city’s landmark Royal Albert Dock.

Celebrations took place from the afternoon into the late hours to celebrate the arrival of the state-ofthe-art workspaces, which are a result of Castleforge Partners’ multi-million pound transformation of the property.

LFC Catering served an exclusive long table fine dining lunch (pictured) to more than 40 VIP guests in the building’s 25,000 sq ft top floor unit, which is currently under offer.

The lavish three-course meal was later followed by an evening of celebrations, as Edward Pavilion’s doors were opened to companies and individuals looking for a new place to start or move their business.

Potential occupiers, alongside bloggers and corporate guests, were welcomed with Champagne

and given the opportunity to look around the building and its iconic waterfront setting in the sunshine.

DJs, gin bars, fun photo booths and jukeboxes made it a summer party to remember, and guests left the event with Liverpool-themed goodies including illustrated cans of beer and tote bags.

Whilst fizz and canapes were consumed, staff from Castleforge Partners and the team from Clockwise, the first occupier at Edward Pavilion, showed guests around the office building which provides space totalling 70,000 sq ft.

Serviced office provider Clockwise will operate on two floors, offering contemporary private offices and shared workspace with flexible membership plans.

Rachael Pittaway from Castleforge Partners says: “Since acquiring Edward Pavilion in December 2017, we have stopped at nothing to ensure the building becomes the latest destination in Liverpool for businesses to operate from.

Kerri McKenna Clockwise Edward Ltd General Manager kerri.mckenna@workclockwise.co.uk 0151 318 1143

“There is a real demand in Liverpool at the moment for grade A office space and so we’re delighted to be able to meet this need and offer a unique work place in the city.

“We are overwhelmed with the interest we have received so far and with 25,000 sq ft currently under offer at the site, only 8,000 sq ft of traditional office space remains available at this landmark location.

“With Clockwise on board we can also continue to offer serviced space for businesses with workforces of two to 20 people.”

Kerri McKenna from Clockwise adds: “Our successful launch event has prompted some very promising interest moving forward, and we have already had enquiries from companies within the professional services sector and the creative and digital industries.”

Worthington Owen is the appointed agent for the development.

IT FEELS GREAT TO ACCELERATE BDODrive accelerate programmes, designed to deliver what ambitious businesses really need.

Focused workshops to help you: X Identify sources of funding X Prepare for investment X Maximise your business value X Identify funding requirements X Improve management reporting X Define steps to realising growth X Plan for global growth X Develop meaningful sales plans

Our workshops are high impact and ideal for busy business owner who want real outcomes.

For more information contact Mark Sykes, Head of BDODrive Accelerate on mark.sykes@bdo.co.uk, call on +44 (0)7791 397 544 or visit our Liverpool office.

BDO LLP Liverpool 5 Temple Square, Temple Street, Liverpool, L2 5RH Tel + 44 (0) 151 237 4500

bdodrive.co.uk

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We’ll beat any like for like quote

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Ask the Expert

Ask the Expert

How to treat your employees like customers

Olga Fahey, Director of Bamboo

by HM shares her thoughts on why

treating employees like customers

is your best performance strategy.

2 – Making it easy for employees to feel comfortable to speak up

I

n the 1980s the Japanese had the concept that if you put employees first, you would reap the benefits of increased productivity and customer satisfaction. When you think about it, this makes sense. I bet everyone has worked for that great boss who made them feel valued, I certainly have, and I thrived under them. I did all I could for that boss and the business.

With employment levels high, the current talent war means that employers have to stay ahead of the game to attract and retain quality people.

Here are my three tips on how to treat your employees like your customers.

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1 – Finding out what employees want

Knowing what customers want helps you to adapt and meet their expectations, so why not put equal importance on asking your staff? The perception is that the conversation will become about money or demands that cannot be met.

This isn’t true. Asking isn’t about taking requests; it’s about: • understanding where the employee is coming from

• what they hope to achieve in their career • how the business might be able to support that.

We know that an emphasis on customer service and feedback leads to continuous improvement, so why not create a mechanism to collect anonymous feedback from your employees?

Allowing employees to share and receive rapid acknowledgement from leadership can help to build a culture of confidence in which everyone is more comfortable with having real conversations.

3 – Encouraging your employees to become your brand ambassadors

Your people are your biggest opportunity to promote your company to the outside world.

If your company comes across as a fantastic place to work,

and you align your employees’ wants and needs with the company culture and values, employees will become your best brand ambassadors to help attract and retain top talent.

When people love where they work, they are empowered and will talk enthusiastically about their job, posting positive messages on social media.

They will also be more likely to recommend people for future vacancies.

bamboo by HM (previously HM Growth) is a group of experienced Directors coming together as a Virtual Board of Directors on a mission to help every business be better.

Find out more at www.youarebamboo.com

Liverpool Chamber partners with Inspired Energy plc

Member News Member News

Inspired Energy plc have been announced as the latest major patron supporting the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, offering a wide range of utility services to help members lower their bills and reduce usage.

Energy plc is one of the UK’s leading energy Inspired consultancies, working with corporate and SME businesses to optimise the value of every pound spent on utilities.

This is achieved through a range of specialist solutions aimed at lowering bills and protecting businesses against rising energy costs and changes in legislation.

Through this new partnership, all Liverpool Chamber members are entitled to a free energy assessment. This no-obligation service provides peace of mind at no cost; either confirming that your energy and utilities are performing well or unearthing ways that they may be costing you money unnecessarily.

Start saving money on your energy bills today!

Please contact Ben Beetham on 01772 689 250, email chamberutilities@inspiredenergy.co.uk or visit inspiredenergyreferral.com for more information.

It’s time to take the hassle out of managing your energy bills The energy market is complex, time consuming and at times frustrating for businesses. Let us take the pressure away from you, and give our experts the challenge of negotiating your next electricity and gas contract.

01772 689 250 chamberutilities@inspiredenergy.co.uk INSPIREDENERGYREFERRAL.COM

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Skills

Liverpool John Moores University Graduates Exhibit at the New Designers 2019 Graduates from the Product Design Engineering programme at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) went to London in early July to showcase their work at New Designers 2019.

ew Designers is the UK’s N leading graduate design show and the focal point for the top design

programmes from across the country to meet industry employers, buyers, the media, trend predictors and a design hungry public.

The event offers graduates a professional platform to find work, placements and commissions as well as offering networking opportunities with industry professionals and sponsors and participants have the opportunity to win prestigious industry sponsored awards.

As well as showcasing their own work, graduates had to design their own exhibition stand as part of the event and the LJMU team decided to use sustainability as their theme.

“The LJMU New Designers team believe that sustainability is one of the most important issues facing the modern world and so we decided to produce our stand with this in mind,” explains James Parry, the LJMU representative for the Product Design Engineering graduates.

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“Our stand this year was made of reclaimed materials from the waste streams of the LJMU Byrom Street Campus. This minimises the environmental impact and enabled it to be returned to the appropriate waste streams when no longer needed.

“This design constraint required innovative thinking to produce a high quality finish that presented student work in the best possible environment as well as create a compelling experience for visitors.”

Every student project presented at New Designers 2019 was produced by researching a ‘first order’ problem and distilling its core factors into a design project achievable within the timescale of a university year.

Projects ranged from environmental and social in nature, all the way through to medical solutions to modern day healthcare issues.

For more information about the LJMU design team or any other university projects, please get in touch with the LJMU Employer Engagement team at employerengagement@ljmu.ac.uk

Skills

he fresh pledge comes as T Wates awaits the eagerly anticipated planning decision

on Liverpool City Council’s Cruise Terminal Hotel, which is set to create extensive trainee, apprenticeship and work experience opportunities for local people.

Wates was appointed to the Liverpool Cruise Terminal Hotel project in September last year via Major Works UK, part of Scape’s National Construction framework, which has been designed to deliver significant levels of local economic engagement as well as extensive community initiatives.

Wates is currently developing its social value strategy for the new project, which will also include engagement with local schools as well as the appointment of local supply chain partners to create a a positive economic impact across Liverpool.

Subject to planning, the new Cruise Terminal Hotel will

Wates Pledges Construction Skills Investment Leading contractor, Wates Construction, has made a pledge to boost opportunities for construction skills training in Liverpool as the business looks to grow its project portfolio across the city.

comprise a 200-bedroom accommodation complex, including a lobby bar, cafe, restaurant, business suite and back of house facilities as well as visitor and coach parking, and a taxi pick-up and drop-off point.

The new hotel is intended to

support and supplement the city’s new cruise liner terminal at Liverpool Waters’ Princes Dock, which once built will accommodate the world’s largest cruise ships and create new jobs and generate wider economic benefit to the city region.

David Saville, Business Unit Director at Wates Construction North West, commented: “Every new project presents an opportunity to positively affect those around us and this is something we are very keen to bring to Liverpool through our project portfolio across the city.

We have a dedicated team that is currently drawing up a detailed community engagement strategy for the new Liverpool Cruise Terminal Hotel and we very much look forward to hearing the planning decision on this flagship development and taking forward our plans to invest in local training and employment.”

The new Cruise Terminal facility is supported with £20m from the Local Growth Fund, which is awarded to the Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and invested through the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Strategic Investment Fund.

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Member News

ArchiPhonic announces Strategic Partnership with Chamber

Architectural design firm ArchiPhonic has announced its Strategic Partnership with the Liverpool & Sefton Chamber of Commerce.

he city centre based practice T was established almost seven years ago by directors Adam

Mokhtar and David Banister.

In that time it has expanded its team from two to eight people and has undertaken a wide range of commercial architectural design projects, working with developers and contractors to deliver airport lounges, restaurants, office space and large-scale residential and mixed-use schemes.

The partnership with the Liverpool & Sefton Chamber of Commerce will now allow them to take an active role in shaping the future of the city’s built environment, urban planning and commercial space, through thought leadership, knowledge sharing and contribution

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to the Chamber’s campaign activities.

Speaking of ArchiPhonic’s new role as Strategic Partners, Director, Adam Mokhtar, said: “There has never been a more exciting and important time to be working in our sector in Liverpool.

With the current consultation on the new Commercial District plans and the city’s recognition as an economic hub that is attracting investors from all over the world, we feel it is important to use our experience and voices to drive and shape those changes.

Our strategic partnership with the Chamber will allow us to share our expertise with the organisation and its members at this time of amazing growth for the city.”

Director, David Banister, added: “Since we established ArchiPhonic we have seen our sector and the city of Liverpool itself change dramatically. We have been honoured to work with countless domestic and commercial clients on projects and we are certain that this strategic partnership will only support our success on the next phase of this exciting journey.”

The firm seeks to bring about positive change through architectural design. They work with contractors, developers and property professionals to understand the challenges they face - from restrictive budgets and complex sites, to constrained environments and high client expectations.

With this understanding and the team’s collective decades of crosssector experience, it creates buildable, sustainable and profitable solutions with long-term functionality.

Paul Cherpeau, CEO of Liverpool and Sefton Chamber of Commerce, said: “ArchiPhonic has a history of delivering considered and sustainable architectural design solutions, which take into account the impact the built environment has on its inhabitants. We’re looking forward to working with them as strategic partners.”

ArchiPhonic’s current projects include a 34-unit apart-hotel and a student accommodation scheme in Liverpool City Centre, the refurbishment of Victorian terraces into 24 luxury apartments in Wirral and seven-flat scheme in Wallasey.

For more information visit archiphonic.co.uk

Members News

Is your business working too hard?

Growth Partners grow UK businesses through SMART Employment. Having opened their new office in Liverpool’s centre, their Payroll, Pensions and Employee Performance services have hit the ground running.

"Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great."

Or so the old saying goes by the epitome of success, John D. Rockefeller himself.

Good is fine, sure. It’s safe and nice. Static, unexciting. Great though, ‘great’ is all about mounting potential. Moving on up. In today’s current climate, where reports of the economy going down the pan are as rampant as they are conflicting, it can be difficult for small businesses to find adequate support to reach this higher tier of potential.

Last year, the number of businesses that survived dropped by 27,000, making it the first year-on-year fall since the year 2000 (BEIS). It’s the prevailing worry of any

responsible entrepreneur looking to kickstart a business venture: timing. When’s the best time to capitalise on a good idea, to take the plunge, and with the political climate being in its current shape, it seems the worry is as prevalent as ever.

But taking the plunge doesn’t have to be a gamble. The SMART Employment model, new to the UK, is changing the game for business owners looking to grow. If you’re a small business trying to get ahead, it might sound strange, but now is the time to pause. To take stock and review. Running headfirst into the storm you plan to create is never smart strategy.

Especially if you’re carrying last year’s baggage.

As with Rockefeller’s opening line, the leap from ‘good’ to ‘great’ demands that you first work out what’s holding you back. What is your business baggage? What functions take up more time than they’re worth, cost more than they should?

A recent report by Sage revealed that the average small business spends 120 hours a year on admin and 5.6% of staff time wrapped up in back-office tasks.

If this rings true for a business like yours, the question to ask is how to cut back on wasted energy and productivity lulls?

If you’d be in better shape without the burden of the paperwork-heavy must-dos like Payroll, Pensions, the HR remit tasks, then why hold onto them?

Having found a second home in Liverpool’s centre, Growth Partners’ CEO Paul Bresnihan states: “Outsourcing is nothing new. IT support, marketing, staff training, the list goes on, to some degree or other outsourcing has become a key part of modern business strategy and the next step for the UK market is SMART Employment.”

Like to know more about how SMART Employment can grow your business, contact Growth Partners today.

Email: d.mcmanus@growthpartnersplc.co.uk Or call: 07950 900 632 www.growthpartnersplc.co.uk

43

Members News

client of Nationwide Fencing A will have to place a large amount of trust in their ability to

The precautions required for

Temporary Hoarding Solutions Nationwide Fencing Services is a

business that has achieved great success due to the efficiency of the service offered and the quality of products and solutions available, due to the majority of their

products being manufactured on-site within their factory, based in Aintree.

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deliver each project safely and on time, due to the nature of the work and never more so than when installing temporary hoarding as a perimeter for a new construction project or refurbishment.

Temporary hoarding is a solution that ensures everything within the boundaries are out of sight, and people are also less likely to venture into a property. When erecting hoarding, it is paramount that health and safety is taken into account. Precautions are always put in place for a change in conditions, including wind calculations and Temporary Works Design, to safeguard the personnel and equipment working on that site.

As part of this challenge, when it comes to creating boundaries for a property perhaps located within docks, on high ground or close to other operational businesses is securing the hoarding in a way that isn’t cumbersome and can withstand the forces of nature.

That is why Nationwide continually innovates, developing products that

do precisely this. One of their temporary hoarding products is called FREE-Stand; it is a temporary hoarding that is counterbalanced by weighted drums. Each drum is filled to the correct height based on wind calculations and site locations.

Since the launch of this product, it has become their most popular choice for temporary hoarding solutions for their clients and is erected on a daily basis throughout the UK.

Who would have thought there was so much involved in building a perimeter fence for a commercial property or construction site.

For the team at Nationwide, they always put people first and guarantee all of their products for the entire length of a project.

Recently it took the team by surprise when watching the Liverpool homecoming parade, after the champions league win, seeing their FREE-Stand hoarding via a helicopter camera on Parliament Street in Liverpool City. It was nearly as exciting as seeing the coach itself!

Bringing a fresh approach to Management Services for Vinci Construction Members News

Liverpool based business Nationwide Management Services is delighted to be working with the French company Vinci Construction as part of their ÂŁ70m Warrington town centre scheme.

T

hey will be involved in managing a range of services for the construction giant and are delighted to have been chosen as their new partner, after a 15-year relationship with their previous supplier.

The services being provided by Nationwide include CCTV operation, biometric access control for personnel and visitors, night officers, banksmen, together with drone surveys of the client site, a new innovation being taken up by large construction companies not only for security but also to help reduce manual 'at-height' work, and to improve safety outcomes.

Nationwide has also been contracted to manage all cleaning services for Vinci on this project, which is set to last nearly two years.

James Battle, Development Director of Nationwide comments,

“We feel very privileged to be

awarded this contract after such a long partnership with the previous supplier. We know that we can bring a fresh approach to the

security services we offer and look forward to forging a long term partnership with Vinci, having

already been awarded further contracts with them in both Wigan and Manchester�.

Nationwide Management Services pride themselves on the support

they give to their local communities both from an employment and training perspective. Their

commitment to corporate social

responsibility is both aligned and

supported by their new client Vinci

Construction and is something they both look to develop further in the years to come.

45

Chamber Event

Liverpool Chamber Golf Day

On Thursday 13th June the Chamber held a Golf Day at Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa. hamber members braved the C rain to play the full 18 holes followed by a three course

dinner. The event provided a great opportunity for networking in a relaxed but competitive environment where new contacts were made.

46

Congratulations again to the winning teams:

• First Place: Action Coach • Second Place: Nationwide Fencing • Third Place: PMC Final congratulations to Ross O'Neil who won the Nearest Pin on the 16th hole and Adam Turner who won the Longest Drive.

Chamber Events

Join colleagues and friends

at Chamber events and networking opportunities

24 July 25 July 26 July

Property & Construction Exchange Lunch

Baltic Creative Hub Day

#WellConnected

- Liverpool Chamber of Commerce Monthly Networking Event

11 Oct

How to Win Friends and Influence People

15 August

Digital Skills Training

6 Sept

19 Sept

Baltic Creative Hub Day

04 Oct

#WellConnected

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26 Sept

An Extraordinary Conversation... (Date tbc)

Economic Business Breakfast

02 August

August

25 Sept

- An Introduction to Social Media Marketing and AI

Charity Networking #WellConnected

- Liverpool Chamber of Commerce Monthly Networking Event

South Liverpool Hub Day

14 Nov

- Liverpool Chamber of Commerce Monthly Networking Event

- explore the lessons from the bestselling business book

Liverpool Chamber Annual Dinner & Awards

Book your place today at

www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk events@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

0151 227 1234

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Take a look Chamber in the City

at what the Chamber and our members have been up to over the past few months.

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1. This quarter’s Property & Construction Lunch with guest speaker Sue Grindrod.

2. The recent QES Panel included Stephen Gregson from Moore and Smalley, Gavin Sherratt from Mashbo, Lynn Collins from TUC North West and Jonny Clark from LCR Activate.

3. The Chamber’s Lee Stanley and Jon Cranston were invited for a tour of the brand new RLB360 experience by the Mayoral 100 Club.

4. Baltic Hub Day featured a Cyber Crime masterclass.

5. We had our first joint event with new Strategic Partners, The Extraordinary Club. A room full of attendees learnt all about digital skills, innovation, web presence and more.

6. We visited Inspired Energy, our new Patrons, head office.

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7. We helped Malmaison Liverpool promote their #MalSunnies over the bank holiday weekend.

8. Baltic Hub Day #5, ‘Growing your Team’ with LJMU Enterprise.

9. The new Clatterbridge Hospital looked amazing, paving the way in innovation and cancer research.

10. An Extraordinary Conversation with Rob Lowe, Senior Global Director of Digital Consumer Engagement at LEGO. Held at Sensor City in partnership with The Extraordinary Club.

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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

Jon Cranston Director of Finance & Operations

Lee Stanley Head of Business Development

Elena Enciso International Trade Manager

Julie Sankey International Trade Executive

Ian Bulmer Programmes & Policy Manager

Sarah Woolley Export Documentation Manager

Helen Gibbons Accounts Manager

paul.cherpeau@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

jon.cranston@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

julie.sankey@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

ian.bulmer@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Heather Whitaker Export Documentation Analyst

Lisa Noon Export Documentation Assistant

heather.whitaker@liverpoolchamber.org.uk lisa.noon@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Richard Smith Business Engagement Manager

richard.smith@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Laura Edwards Events Manager

lee.stanley@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

sarah.woolley@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

elena.enciso@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

helen.gibbons@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Michelle Cameron Melissa Healy Senior Policy & Communications Advisor Office Manager

michelle.cameron@liverpoolchamber.org.uk melissa.healy@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Zoe Bleasdale Marketing Executive

Muj Miah Administration Assistant

laura.edwards@liverpoolchamber.org.uk zoe.bleasdale@liverpoolchamber.org.uk mujahid.miah@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Contact Us :

Tel: 0151 227 1234 | Email: membership@liverpoolchamber.org.uk | export@liverpoolchamber.org.uk | | www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk | Lpoolchamber | 49

5 Minutes with ...

Minutes with...

Marwan Koukask

Owner Doubletree Hilton Liverpool and Koukash Bar and Restaurant

My name is Marwan Koukash, I am the owner of Doubletree Hilton Liverpool and Koukash Bar and Restaurant. Our hotel is the hidden jewel of Liverpool, with 87 beautiful rooms and a brilliant inner city spa. Koukash restaurant can be described as Mediterranean meets the Mersey with delicious food, warm atmosphere and always a night to remember.

What is a typical working day?

A working day for me starts at 5am, I get up and get a sweat on in the gym. I head to the hotel and have a brief with the GM.

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I will then have numerous other meetings or events to attend. My day always involves lots of coffee or G&T depending on what we are working on.

What advice to your teenage self?

I would say to my teenage self, believe in yourself. As a refugee I had to find inner strength within me to create my own opportunities and the first step to doing this is believing in yourself, you set your own limitations or you can choose to live your life without limits completely.

Where would we find you on your day off?

On my day off you might find me at Chester racecourse cheering on my horses, my new horse 'the new marwan' is definitely one to watch! Or I will be spending time with my children ferrying them around in "dads taxi" to their favourite restaurants.

Liverpool is a brilliant vibrant city with plenty of opportunities, the charm and character of the people of Liverpool gives it an edge over other cities!

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LIMITED OPPORTUNITY FOR LIVERPOOL CHAMBER MEMBERS

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