WELCOME FROM PAUL CHERPEAU, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF LIVERPOOL CHAMBER

Welcome to the latest edition of Well Connected magazine.

These current times are nothing if not interesting, with a business and economic landscape strewn with challenges, worries and the occasional opportunity.

The results of our latest Quarterly Economic Survey showed a mixed picture and underlined the various pressures facing businesses in the Liverpool City Region.

There is certainly some room for optimism, but this is generally stymied by worries over taxation policies and inflation, while stagnant economic growth and President Trump’s regular tariff threats to our trading partners do little to inspire confidence.

It’s a very tough trading environment, with a myriad of moving parts and we must hope the government can nurture seeds of optimism through consistent, funded policies around skills and investment, and a clear promise that no more additional business taxes are on the horizon.

There are, of course, things we can do ourselves to boost skills and develop the local talent pipeline. Liverpool Chamber is the lead convener for the Local Skills Improvement Plan and we encourage all members to get involved and help us to better connect education providers with the real-time needs of businesses. Details can be found on the Chamber website or by contacting jane.clappison@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

As the UK’s relationship with Europe continues to evolve, there is incredible scope for Liverpool to be a leading force in postBrexit economic activity with the EU over the coming years. Spending time recently with a senior European delegation was a great way to kickstart new connections and energise existing relationships and we can look ahead to fresh opportunities to work with our continental neighbours.

We are also continuing our 175th Anniversary celebrations, with a number of events coming up in the next six months, including our annual Innovation in Business Awards in October and some special occasions to share with our members and partners across the city region.

I look forward to meeting with and hearing from many of you over the coming weeks and months.

Paul Cherpeau Chief Executive

As the UK’s relationship with Europe continues to evolve, there is incredible scope for Liverpool to be a leading force in postBrexit economic activity with the EU over the coming years. Spending time recently with a senior European delegation was a great way to kickstart new connections and energise existing relationships and we can look ahead to fresh opportunities to work with our continental neighbours.