WELCOME TO THE AUTUMN EDITION OF ‘WELL CONNECTED’

In this edition we celebrate innovation in all its forms as we look forward to our Innovation in Business awards. Innovation is at the very heart of business growth and I have been blown away by the quality of the applications for this year’s awards which made both shortlisting and judging particularly difficult this year.

Innovation is usually associated with the multi-nationals – the Apples, Microsofts and Googles of the world. Yet innovative practice happens in every business, whether introducing a new way of working, a process overhaul or the implementation of technology to drive productivity or output.

The rise of AI into mainstream business practice is becoming ever closer. The next technological revolution is here and whilst I can assure you this column is drafted using my own words and typed using my own fingers, the availability of tools like Chat GPT are becoming increasingly influential in our lives, representing the next leap forward in innovation and the next opportunity (or threat) influencing how we function as a society and operate our businesses.

Despite the exciting possibilities which innovation can deliver, these are still tricky times for many businesses. Whilst the headwinds at the start of the year

Despite the exciting possibilities which innovation can deliver, these are still tricky times for many businesses. Whilst the headwinds at the start of the year have eased slightly, there remains a groundswell of challenges to navigate, have eased slightly, there remains a groundswell of challenges to navigate, including the impending start of a General Election cycle and the implications for policy shifts by the current and future government of the day.

In recent months, several ‘big ticket’ items connected with levelling up have received substantial attention,

Paul Cherpeau. Chief Executive

including the scaling back of HS2 and the postponement of net zero targets for the country. Businesses continue to strive for a stable governing environment with policies developed with longevity in mind, rather than short-termist, reactionary decisions that require upheaval and rapid changes to business decisions. Ultimately, it will be businesses that generate the wealth and jobs required by the country. Innovation will be integral to that and the government must create the conditions within which business can prosper.

We can but hope that the principles of stability, levelling up and investment in the north are incorporated into government priorities and the respective manifestos as they emerge over the coming year.

Have a great Autumn.

Paul Cherpeau Chief Executive Liverpool Chamber