INNOVATION IN BUSINESS AWARDS

With our Innovation in Business Awards just around the corner, it’s been fascinating to hear our members interpretation of what innovation means to them; from simple changes for good within a business, to complete overhauls to their ways of working. Innovation is at the forefront of business growth and success; without it, businesses would simply stagnate.

So, what does innovation mean and why do we celebrate it so much as a Chamber?

Most importantly, we celebrate because it positively impacts the future of member organisations, and therefore positively impacts the Chamber itself. Innovation is relevant to every member, from a sole trader, looking to improve their service or ways of working, to multinational companies, revolutionising their entire industry. Innovation is at the forefront of progression within every business.

The business landscape today is very different to that when Liverpool Chamber was founded by a group of local merchants back in 1850. Fast forward 169 years and the COVID-19 pandemic led to a wave of innovation across the business community, the likes of which hadn’t been witnessed for decades. While this innovation was forced, due to measures beyond our control, it demonstrates the adaptability, not only of Liverpool businesses, but those across the globe. We learnt to communicate in new ways, work in new environment and for many of us, how to simply keep our heads above water in an extremely challenging market.

But now that most of us are back to ‘business as usual’ we can’t take our foot off the gas when it comes to innovation. From developing skills to improving staff health and wellbeing, creating a more inclusive environment, forging new business relationships or improving ways of working to reduce our environmental impact, innovation should be at the forefront of business decisions.

Our shortlist of nominees ranges from individuals, making waves in their own industries, to large businesses, demonstrating the impact that, often small, changes can make. From product and services, to wellbeing, from businesses across the city. Our shortlist of nominees ranges from individuals, making waves in their own industries, to large businesses, demonstrating the impact that, often small, changes can make. From product and services, to wellbeing, community impact and beyond, our nominees showcase innovation is possible in every industry.

So, how can you follow in our nominees’ success and drive innovation in your business?

Well, there’s no better tool to have in your arsenal than being a Chamber member. Our Chamber Four Services, provided by Quest, offer free support to businesses and an expert ear, just a phone call away:

• Looking to hire more staff or innovate ways of working? Chamber HR are on hand with HR support and hundreds of HR documents that you can use

• Changing operational processes or upgrading your workplace? Chamber Health and Safety can advise you on how to remain compliant with Health & Safety regulations

• Wondering about the legal implications of any changes, Chamber Legal can help you to protect your business and stay ahead of legal requirements

Details of all Quest services can be found on the Chamber website, or alternatively one of the team are always here to advise.

By ensuring that you’re signed up to our mailing list, you’ll not only receive news of our upcoming events, you’ll also receive news from your fellow members via our weekly e-newsletter, as well as the Voice of Business newsletter. You’ll hear about the ways in which members are innovatively growing their businesses, whether these be huge changes or day to day improvements. These examples will get your creative juices flowing to think about ways to improve, grow and innovate in your company. And last but not least, our International Trade team are on hand, should you wish to expand your trade horizons.

And so, onto our awards; the city’s biggest celebration of innovation in the business community. The Liverpool Chamber Innovation in Business Awards take place on the 26th of October at St George’s Hall. We look forward to welcoming 500 guests,

If you’re an existing member or a none member who would like to join the Chamber, our membership team, Helen, Tom and James, are always here to help; the kettle is always on if you’re looking for someone to bounce innovative ideas off. Please drop them a message membership@liverpoolchamber.org.uk