Liverpool Chamber Magazine Issue 38 Spring 2013

Liverpool Chamber (Print) ISSN 1757-7705 Liverpool Chamber (Online) ISSN 2051-9540

The business magazine for Liverpool and Merseyside • ISSUE 38 • SPRING 2013

Let The Games Begin!

The 2013 World Corporate Cup of Soccer Kicks Off at Anfield Inside:

the ATLANTIC tower

BY THISTLE

Celebrating 40 years in Liverpool city centre

Also:

ANNUAL DINNER

The first details of the Chamber’s biggest event of the year

www.liverpoolchamber-magazine.org.uk

LIVERPOOL JOHN LENNON AIRPORT LIVERPOOL SOUND CITY HEALTH ADVICE UPCOMING EVENTS AND ALL THE LATEST NEWS ISSN 1757-7705

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Contents 3. CHAMBER 4. MEMBER BUSINESS 5. TRANSPORT 10. THE BIG INTERVIEW 16. OPINIONS 19. HEALTH 22. EVENTS 26. MEMBER NEWS 31. CHARITY 32. RETAIL 33. APPRENTICES 34. MEMBERSHIP

Contact Points Advertising

For details on advertising opportunities in Liverpool Chamber Magazine, contact Caroline Ackroyd on 0161 661 4151 or email caroline.ackroyd@ excelpublishing.co.uk Liverpool Chamber Magazine is produced on behalf of the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce CIC by Excel Publishing Co Ltd. It is distributed to members of the Chamber and other qualifying businesses free of charge.

Editorial If you have any news or views you would like to share with other Chamber members, contact Mark Armstrong on 0151 227 1234 ext. 2017 or email mark.armstrong@ liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Membership For more information about membership of Liverpool Chamber, visit www. liverpoolchamber.org.uk or call the membership team on 0151 227 1234 and choose option 3.

Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in Liverpool Chamber Magazine, neither the Chamber nor its publishers can accept any responsibility for any omissions or inaccuracies it may contain.

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CHAMBER

Local economy comment Liverpool Chamber has announced that its next QES Business Breakfast will take place on Friday 12 April.

This event looks in-depth at the results of the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) on both a national and local level, and features a prominent panel of experts offering the news about the local economic condition.

The QES Business Breakfast will begin at 08.30 am at the Authority Chamber at Merseytravel, 1 Mann Island. We’re delighted to welcome John Young (North West Agent, Bank of England; pictured) as Keynote Speaker. We are also pleased to have Stephen Cox (Mott MacDonald) to present the results of the QES, and to have Paul Brant

(Deputy Mayor of Liverpool), Brian McCann (Partner at MC Vanguard Corporate Finance), Louise Ellman MP (Labour/Co-operative MP for Liverpool Riverside and Chair of the Commons Transport Select Committee) and Mike Palin (Executive Director of Strategic Economic Development, LEP) as our panel members.

The first QES Business Breakfast, held at Merseytravel this past January, was a huge success.

Over 60 delegates listened to John Longworth, Director-General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), explain the importance of the data and the implications for our local businesses.

Bookings for the next QES Business Breakfast are now available from the Chamber Events team.

Book online or email events@liverpoolchamber. org.uk.

Could you mentor a start-up business?

Liverpool Chamber, along with its members, has been helping to guide local people into self-employment.

Many have benefitted from the ERDF-funded project called ‘Enterprising Merseyside’ since its inception, helping over 670 local people unlock their entrepreneurial spirit with access to free business workshops, low interest start-up loans, opportunities to network, and one-on-one business mentoring.

Despite the growing success of the project, Liverpool Chamber is still looking for enthusiastic local business people to join the 50+ already volunteering a small amount of their time to guide

would-be-entrepreneurs into self-employment; a potentially very rewarding role which will make a huge difference to a potential entrepreneur and the local economy.

To find out more, you can contact Richard Smith, Business Start-up Co-ordinator, by telephoning 0151 227 1234 ext. 2214 or by emailing richard.smith@liverpoolchamber.org.uk.

Liverpool Chamber launches The Little Green Book app Businesses in Liverpool now have an app to help them reduce their carbon footprints.

Liverpool Chamber of Commerce has developed the app to help companies boost their eco-friendly credentials.

The Little Green Book app is a directory of organisations, private companies and government resources available to help businesses adapt to a low carbon economy.

The app also provides up-to-date information on news and events which are relevant to environmental issues.

Produced by Liverpool-based creative agency Springboard Design, development of the app follows the successful launch of The Little Green Book directory and website and launched during Climate Week (4th – 10th March 2013).

Currently available in the Apple Store for iPhone and iPad, and in Google Play for Android, Liverpool’s Green App brings with it all the environmental facts and figures featured in the Book, as well as the chance for your business to submit content for the App. Maresa Molloy, head of policy and external affairs at the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, said: “We want to make it as easy as possible for companies to reduce their carbon footprint, and the new app will

benefit those wanting to make a change.

“We have already seen success from the Little Green Book website and directory, creating the app was the next logical step in helping businesses become more ‘eco-savvy’.”

Tim Moore, Cabinet Member for Transport and Climate Change in Liverpool City Council, is a keen advocate for the new app: “The Little Green Book was initiated by Liverpool Chamber and the City Council; it’s great to see this innovation particularly at a time when we want to see SMEs benefiting from initiatives like the Green Deal. The App demonstrates the city’s vibrant and dynamic low carbon economy.”

To list your company or organisation in The Little Green Book free of charge, please contact the Policy Team by emailing policy@liverpoolchamber.org.uk or by telephoning 0151 227 1234.

Visit the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce website at www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk

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MEMBER BUSINESS

@ACCLiverpool It’s our 5th birthday! What an incredible first five years, thank you to everyone who has been a part of our journey. pic.twitter.com/ZeQBx8HE

ACC Liverpool appoints Butterworth Spengler

L-R: Alan Tune, Butterworth Spengler; Gerald Andrews, ACC Liverpool.”

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ACC Liverpool is an important asset to the city and it is imperative that its insurance requirements are met efficiently and effectively.

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ACC Liverpool has appointed Chamber Patron Butterworth Spengler Insurance Group as its insurance brokers.

The Old Hall Street based company, one of the UK’s longest established independent brokers, will provide advice and support on insurance solutions to the waterfront venue, home to BT Convention Centre and Echo Arena.

Alan Tune, associate director of Butterworth Spengler, said: “ACC Liverpool is an important asset to the city and it is imperative that its insurance requirements are met efficiently and effectively.

“We look forward to using

our experience and expertise to provide advice to the ACC Liverpool team on the insurance related solutions most suited to the ACC Liverpool business.”

Gerald Andrews, finance director of ACC Liverpool, added: “We are delighted with the appointment of Butterworth Spengler.

“Given the type of businesses we operate, having the correct type and level of insurance cover is absolutely vital and we are confident that Alan and his team will more than meet our expectations.”

Butterworth Spengler is the partner insurance broker of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce.

Members can now submit their own news items by logging into www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk

@BobBlackmanMP Interesting visit to new Terminal 2 at Heathrow – great to see the progress there

TRANSPORT

One hub or none

Colin Matthews

A guest contribution by Colin Matthews, Chief Executive, Heathrow Airport:

Chief Executive, Heathrow Airport

Heathrow is the UK’s only ‘hub’ airport. As such, it pools demand from around the UK with that from other nearby countries. By combining local passengers with transfer passengers, Heathrow can support many more long haul destinations than any other airport in the UK. ‘Point-to-point’ airports - such as Manchester or Birmingham, and Liverpool John Lennon, are great airports but they cannot use transfer passengers to supplement the ups and downs of local demand. That means they cannot support frequent, direct links to far-flung economies.

These connections are vital for regional development, facilitating economic growth through trade, foreign investment and tourism.

Liverpool, a city built on global connectivity, already exports £24.7 billion worth of goods each year, £7.3 billion by air. But the UK’s competitive advantage will end sometime in the next decade as Heathrow is overtaken by Paris,

Amsterdam, Frankfurt or Dubai as the busiest airport for international passengers.

That’s because Heathrow is full; with no spare capacity. Routes from airports such as Liverpool John Lennon, which has no direct links to Heathrow at all, have been pushed instead to the likes of Charles de Gaulle and Schiphol, to the extent that there are now many more routes from local point-to-point airports to foreign hub airports than there are to Heathrow.

These flights could be helping to make the whole of the UK a more attractive place for business and foreign direct investment. Instead, they’re helping to make other countries more competitive than the UK. It is in the interests of the whole of the UK to support a UK hub rather than a foreign hub.

Of course, it’s not just exports that arrive by air. A hub also makes it easier for tourists from long-haul destinations to visit the UK. Without the demand to operate many direct long-haul

services from smaller airports, these visitors rely on an international hub, such as Heathrow.

But by 2021, without new hub airport capacity, there could be 5.8 million fewer tourists coming to the UK each year.

In setting up its airport commission, the Government has recognised that maintaining the UK’s aviation status is critical to economic success. Some argue that if having one hub is good, having two, like Stansted and Heathrow, must be better. In reality this will not work.

Splitting the pool of transfer passengers available to fill flights undermines airline routes.

The UK needs a single hub. The Government has three options: add capacity at Heathrow; close Heathrow and build a new hub airport elsewhere; or do nothing and see our GDP suffer. We are currently working with Liverpool Chamber to organise a debate for the city’s business leaders to discuss how aviation policy can best serve the needs of your city and the country. It promises to be a lively debate.

ADVERTISEMENT

A date for your diary A key highlight of the Merseyside social calendar returns in April, when The 2013 John Smith’s Grand National festival gets into full swing.

All eyes will be on Aintree Racecourse from Thursday April 4, when Grand Opening Day gets the festival underway, followed by Ladies Day on Friday April 5 and Grand National Day itself on Saturday April 6.

The world’s most famous race meeting kick starts what promises to be a huge sporting weekend for the city, with Liverpool and Everton playing respective home and away fixtures on Sunday 7 April as both teams vie for a place in Europe.

Grand Opening Day features a host of live entertainment, including chart-topping girl group The Saturdays, electro classical stars Escala, The Red Devils parachute display team and local dance act MD Productions, plus appearances from Olympians such as David Price and Natasha Jonas.

There will also be top class racing, with the prestigious John Smith’s Aintree Hurdle switched from its traditional Saturday slot with a record prize fund of £200,000.

Aintree is, of course, synonymous with fashion and this year is no different, with the popular Matalan Fashion Show now extended over all three days, in addition to the traditional Ladies Day style contest on Friday April 5.

Classical singer Katherine Jenkins will perform the National Anthem at Saturday’s Grand National Day, which retains its global appeal and is expected to attract a worldwide TV audience of 600 million people.

For further information on tickets and hospitality packages for the three days, please visit www.aintree.co.uk or call the ticket hotline on 0844 579 3001.

Tickets from just £21 and ing restaurant din m as packages fro little as £120

it’s the best day of the year

it’s the Grand National 4th - 6th April 2013 Ticket Hotline 0844 579 3001

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Follow the new Liverpool Chamber Google+ page by searching for Liverpool Chamber of Commerce at plus.google.com

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Thank you to Liverpool Chamber for carrying our story for Top Tips... http://fb.me/2CkPRDfhM @Harddaysnight1

TRANSPORT

Merseytravel Employers Network The Employers Network links businesses across Merseyside and provides access to bespoke consultancy support to enable staff and visitors to make more sustainable choices about how they travel to and from their workplace(s).

The Network aims to alleviate congestion and car parking pressures, increase staff wellbeing and give organisations the best advice in order to maximise productivity.

By joining the Employers Network, businesses gain access to support and resources that will help make a positive impact on profitability, image (internal and external), health, wellbeing and carbon reduction. Smarter Choices Officers are working in partnership with District Councils and the Chamber to help create a supportive and productive environment in which employees and business can flourish.

As well as access to expert consultancy support, there are a host of useful and free resources available to members including access to capital funding, invitations to networking events, sustainable travel marketing and guides and access to complementary schemes and cycle and travel incentives for staff. Many organisations have benefitted from bespoke support and involvement in the network.

Simon Mansfield, Energy and Environmental Manager at Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, said: “Our staff have really got behind cycling whether it is at work or outside work. There is a real passion to help improve our environment amongst our staff with Green Champions now at each of our community fire stations. The support of TravelWise has been great to encourage more to get on their bikes.”

Members of the Network can also access Transport Solutions packages, supporting unemployed people to ensure that accessing transport is not a barrier to undertaking employment. Benefits include personalised travel planning, free travel passes and access to free bike and loan to buy scooter schemes.

For more information and to register for the Employers Network, visit www.LetsTravelWise.org/EmployersNetwork and complete the registration form, or call 0151 330 1253.

The Network is part funded by the Department of Transport’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund.

Did You Know?

Is your business on the right track?

Merseyside has received almost £25 million from the Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF) to develop schemes to support economic regeneration and address climate change.

Grants are available for businesses (subject to eligibility) to support staff and improve access to their workplace by public transport, walking, cycling, car sharing or simply by reducing the need to travel.

Liverpool Chamber now has a dedicated Business Travel Advisor, Michelle Cameron, who can work with you to identify the travel issues affecting your business and to develop a free travel action plan.

The Chamber is providing support primarily for SMEs, but is also working closely with Merseytravel to support the Merseytravel Employers Network, linking businesses across Merseyside.

For your free company travel survey, call Michelle on 0151 227 1234 ext. 2235, or email michelle.cameron@liverpoolchamber. org.uk.

Mike Dewey (pictured), general manager of the Hard Days Night Hotel, cycles to work every day.

Mr. Dewey explained: “I started cycling four years ago – the main reason for doing so was that it was easier than running.

“In 2008, I finally took the plunge and decided to buy myself a bike. One evening when we were sat around the dinner table, I told my wife and two sons about my recent purchase.

Rather than reassurance or encouragement, the three of them burst into a fit of laughter.

“Since that day, I have used it as my main mode of transport, cycling five days a week.

“It takes me just under half an hour and not only does it reduce the level of stress – in the form of busy trains or car traffic – it has also saved me a lot of money.

“The only major problem is that, although I have been riding my bike for a while, I actually don’t know how to repair a puncture. If I ever get one I have to take it to a shop!”

Find out how the Local Sustainable Transport Fund could help your business and make your travel to work more sustainable at www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk /lstf.aspx

Advertisement

“Apprenticeships Make Business Sense”

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By Peter Cosgrove, General Manager, Glendale Liverpool Ltd. Glendale Liverpool is a joint venture company owned by Glendale ( a national grounds maintenance company and green services company) and Liverpool City Council. The company was established in 2006 to maintain the city’s parks, cemeteries and outdoor recreational facilities through a unique 12 year partnership arrangement.

In October 2006 over 175 employees transferred into Glendale Liverpool from three organisations with a particular set of challenges; an ageing workforce with an apparent lack of skills and abilities, a variety of attitudes,culture and values and a significant gap in the organisation for succession planning. In addition the available resources for training and development was minimal.

Early in 2007 a “workforce sustainability strategy” was developed to achieve three main objectives; • To introduce 30 apprentices to the organisation over a five year period.

• To up-skill every employee to the service requirements within one year and to increase the skill level to employees who wished to advance their knowledge and career opportunities within three years.

• To be in a position not to consider advertising externally for vacant positions.

Six years on we are delighted to have achieved our objectives, and what was most pleasing was to see our “first cohort” of apprentices graduate last November after completing their five year apprenticeship programme. Subject to achieving the set criteria we hope to see a further 24 apprentices graduate between 2013 and 2015.

In 2006 Glendale Liverpool made a commitment to the City Council to improve the standards of maintenance across the city, to help them deliver

significant savings, to introduce employment and training opportunities and to create an organisation that serves the residents and visitors of Liverpool through a true purpose and a sense of civic pride. I can honestly say that without the introduction and integration of apprentices we would of found it difficult to re-engineer the workforce and achieve the commitment we made to Liverpool City Council.

Our strategy for the next six years is to continue with our succession planning but to shift the focus from a modern apprenticeship programme with no age limit to attracting 16 to 18 year olds into the industry by introducing a 12 month pre apprenticeship programme. The work based programme will expose the young persons to gaining valuable work experience supported by achieving academic milestones such as NVQ level 1, Numeracy, Literacy & Employability skills as well as participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award. We currently employ 13 young people who were previously NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training). Match funding for the these came from the Liverpool Youth Contract Grant Initiative as a part of the City Deal negotiated with Government. We hope that we are able to sustain employment opportunities beyond the 12 month period by offering at least six of the pre-apprentices a five apprenticeship programme in November 2013.

In recognition of our achievements to date we have been nominated by the Liverpool City Region for the “Apprentice of the Year (16 – 24 yrs)” and “Apprentice Employer of the Year” at the Apprenticeship Awards to be held in March at St Georges Hall. It would be a fitting tribute to all our apprentices and the people within Glendale Liverpool who support the programme if we were to secure these prestigious awards.

Wayne Dowling - apprentice who has been nominated for apprentice of the year (16 - 24 yrs)

Will Flynn who graduated last November; “After completing my five year apprenticeship programme, I now find myself with a set of skills and qualifications that can get me a job as a greenkeeper on a PGA golf course”

Andy Harding, a year five apprentice; “My hobby turned into a career when I joined Glendale Liverpool at the age of 24. Four and a half years on I am a proud apprentice Team Leader with the responsibility of maintaining a cluster of parks in the north of the city”

Wayne Dowling, a year four apprentice; “I have been on other apprenticeship schemes before I joined Glendale Liverpool, and I a can honestly say that this is a proper programme with real career opportunities. I am now maintaining the grass football playing surfaces at Walton Soccer Centre that once graced the likes of Wayne Rooney and Stevie G”

Connor Fagan, preapprentice, age 18;

The pre apprentices with Councillor Nick Small, Cabinet Member, Employment & Skills and the Liverpool City Council Apprenticeship Team..

0845 838 6619 info@glendale-services.co.uk

“For the first time since leaving school I’m working for someone who treats me like an adult and who are putting me through proper training that is going somewhere. I’ve grown more mature and learning new skills in and out of work and getting a good wage for my efforts. I hope that I can impress Glendale Liverpool enough to get on the five year apprenticeship programme later in the year”

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TRANSPORT

Did you know we are on Pinterest? Why not follow us to see all our latest pictures and destinations, visit here ow.ly/hDvpT to view @LPL _ Airport

A chat with . . .

Liverpool John Lennon Airport

L

iverpool John Lennon Airport recently appointed Matthew Thomas as CEO at the airport. Liverpool Chamber Magazine spoke with the new man in charge about the airport and its future.

When did Liverpool John Lennon Airport first open, and how was it used in its early years?

Liverpool is one of the UK’s oldest airports and this year marks our 80th Anniversary, having first opened to commercial operations in July 1933. In those early years, Liverpool was the dominant airport in the North of England and also played a vital part in the war effort being home to a number of squadrons during the Second World War. The original terminal of the airport was replaced in 1986 (the site is now taken by the Crowne Plaza Liverpool John Lennon Airport Hotel). Can you tell us more about the decision to add a new, modern terminal?

The decision to move from the old terminal to the current site was more about the runway than the terminal itself. In 1966,

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the Airport opened a new, longer runway capable of accommodating larger aircraft in what was referred to as the southern airfield and which remains the site of all airport operations today. Sadly, it wasn’t until a further 20 years that investment went in to build a terminal building adjacent to this runway.

From serving just 3 scheduled destinations in the mid 1990s to around 60 destinations today, the airport has seen a period of rapid expansion in recent times. What has this meant for the City Region and what new services can we expect to see added in the future?

The contrast between the airport of the early 1990s and the airport today is selfevident when you look at the league table of busiest UK airports. In 1995 Liverpool was 20th; today we are 10th having seen a tenfold increase in passenger traffic. More passengers and more destinations mean more employment, both on site at the airport and off site through increased levels of visitors, tourism and inward investment.

Today the airport has a key strategic role in

In 1995 Liverpool was 20th; today we are 10th having seen a tenfold increase in passenger traffic.

The size and vibrancy of the airport truly stand out.

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Matthew Thomas, CEO at Liverpool John Lennon Airport

the connectivity of the Liverpool City Region and its continuing renaissance.

We are looking all the time to increase the range of destinations and to grow the number of operators. For example, Norwegian, Europe’s third largest low cost airline start their new three times weekly service to Copenhagen from Liverpool in April and we hope that the region’s business community will support this service and take advantage of this new direct link.

The airport has seen further improvements to the facilities at the airport in recent years.

Can you tell us more about these additions to the airport’s services?

The Airport owners have continued to invest in the business, with majority shareholder Vantage Airport Group investing over £12m in recent years, significantly improving the passenger experience. These improvements have included a 20,000 sq ft expansion of retail space, with several new shop units.

A new passenger security search area has also been created which is three times the size of the previous area, with new and additional latest generation passenger screening equipment, which has helped to reduce queuing times during peak periods.

Most recently we have seen the opening of

Visit the Liverpool Chamber website at www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk

TRANSPORT

The airport provides a range of shops and services.

the new ‘ASPIRE’ premium lounge, following an investment by the Airport and Servisair of over £500,000.

Feedback from passengers is now proving the value of these latest improvements with 94% of passengers surveyed telling us that they are very satisfied/satisfied with the airport overall and that 93% took less than 15 minutes to get through security (88% say they took less than 10 minutes).

JLA has a variety of airlines operating. How does the process work by which JLA considers and adds a new flight operator?

These remain particularly challenging times for the aviation industry, and we are in competition for new business both with other airports in the UK and across Europe too. We are in constant talks with a variety of airlines about potential new services from Liverpool.

Some can progress with new business in the short term; others can take years before coming to fruition. However, it’s not just about what the airport has to offer and it is for this reason that the airport works closely with stakeholders from across the region including Liverpool Chamber of Commerce to promote demand for services from the business

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it’s not just about what the airport has to offer and it is for this reason that the airport works closely with stakeholders from across the region including Liverpool Chamber of Commerce. community along with the region’s fantastic tourism offer as we try to entice airlines to consider operations from here.

You began as CEO on March 1. Can you explain to readers about your background?

I started work as an investment analyst with banks in the Stock Market, where I trained as an accountant. Then I worked for Macquarie Airports at Copenhagen Airports and Newcastle, where I was involved in its privatisation, and then as part of the team that doubled passenger numbers in the first three years after privatisation.

Prior to working at Liverpool John Lennon Airport, I held the position of Commercial Director of Larnaca and Pafos Airports in Cyprus where I was responsible for the

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commercial development of the award winning new terminal buildings at both airports.

Most recently, I was Commercial Director for the Vantage Airport Group with 12 airports across 3 continents before being appointed CEO for Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

What are your hopes for Liverpool John Lennon Airport in the future?

I naturally want to see the Airport grow both the number of airlines that operate from here and the range of destinations served; however, I’m most passionate about making JLA the airport of choice that the people of Liverpool and the City Region are proud of.

E-mail policy@livepoolchamber.org.uk for event details.

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What do people think of our new look logo commemorating 25 years of the Corporate Games? @corpgames

the big interview

The Big Interview with Corporate Games L-R, Ben Sedgemore, and Doug White Corporate Games

The World Corporate Cup has become an annual event which benefits local and international companies alike. First held in 2008, the event has attracted businesses from the North West of England, the UK in general, and places as far away as Australia and the United States. Ben Sedgemore and Doug White of Corporate Games, the organisers behind the Cup, recently spoke to Liverpool Chamber Magazine about the history of the tournament, its appeal to businesses of all sizes and locations, and why this year’s event will be the most successful to date.

C

an you explain the concept of the World Corporate Cup?

Corporate Games have staged major multi-sport events across the globe for 25 years. They are predominantly aimed at businesses, with a focus on sport and tourism. In 2010, we held our multisport event in Liverpool and, having

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spoken to representatives at Liverpool Football Club, we decided to bring the World Corporate Cup to Anfield, where it has been based ever since. It’s about bringing people together, and it has grown and grown; there’s lots of Liverpool-based teams and North West teams, but also lots of international squads too.

We offer a full weekend of sport and enjoyment, and we send people away with a smile on their faces.

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When was the first Cup held?

The first Cup was held in 2008 at Old Trafford, home of Manchester United. The following year, it was held at Eastlands (now the Etihad Stadium), the home of Manchester City. Since 2010, though, we have held the Cup at Anfield.

How would you describe the success of the Cup since its inception?

It has been a fantastic success in so many ways: there are lots of international visitors who wouldn’t normally come to Liverpool, but after playing in the Cup they have since returned to the city with their families because they love Liverpool. We get a lot of people who stay until

Jenny Stewart, COO at Liverpool Chamber, joined the Corporate Games team at Anfield, host of the 2013 World Corporate Cup.

Visit the Liverpool Chamber website at www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk

@corpgames Congrats to everyone who helped to deliver the 18th UKCG...and an even bigger thanks to those who participated! http://fb.me/Owtp2mx2

All of the participants have a good time at the World Corporate Cup.

the big interview

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Every team who plays on the Anfield pitch treats the game as if it’s their final, regardless of its position.

Some companies provide a number of squads.

Action from the 2012 World Corporate Cup.

Monday or Tuesday to make business contacts, to shop, or to explore the city. All in all, everyone enjoys themselves: it’s a very professionally run operation with the involvement of such organisations as the Liverpool County FA. It’s a feel-good weekend of sport for everyone.

Liverpool County FA to the staff at Walton Sports Centre, to the medical team at St John Ambulance who are all really great. Not forgetting Liverpool Chamber of Commerce who are the most proactive Chamber we have worked with in our 25 year history. Every participant loves it and some companies like Cern have been represented for 6 consecutive years: even non-Liverpool fans, people who support the likes of Arsenal or Everton, have told us that if the Cup were ever to be moved to another Premier League stadium, they doubt whether anything would ever beat the Anfield experience. The atmosphere is as good as anywhere you’d find around the world. And it’s not just the players: it’s a dream come true for the referees, too. So, there’s a fantastic partnerships in all respects.

What made you decide to host the Cup at Anfield?

Having hosted the event at Old Trafford and Eastlands, we thought about hosting it at Anfield, as it’s such a famous football stadium.

And we really enjoyed having it there, as did the participants who love the opportunity to play in a worldwide competition at such a well-known football venue. Anfield is a spectacular destination and each element of the Cup works brilliantly from the Grand Parade of Teams around the pitch, to the top quality suites, the first team changing rooms, the Trophy Room and just the positivity and professionalism of Liverpool Football Club – we can’t speak highly enough of them.

Has Anfield now become a crucial aspect of the Cup and, if so, why?

We enjoy such a positive relationship now with Liverpool Football Club that it will be tough to move on. Additionally, we have great partnerships with a host of local partners who help to make the competition happen, from the

How many teams can participate in the Cup? There are various opportunities to be involved and different sizes of squads. We can accommodate 24x11-a-side teams, 8x6-a-side women’s teams and 40x6-a-side men’s teams.

There are also a number of places reserved for the 30+ age range for both 11-a-side and 6-a-side men’s squads.

What have been the standout moments from the Cup over the years?

In terms of playing, every team who plays on

Follow Liverpool Chamber on Twitter @LpoolChamber

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the Anfield pitch treats the game as if it’s their final, regardless of its position in the qualifying tournament. The Closing Awards Ceremony is always a fabulous experience. The international teams really add to the atmosphere as they bring their own chants and songs which we may not recognise, but they ensure that the atmosphere generated is really something to cherish. There’s a great spirit and great camaraderie to the competition which really makes the whole experience so memorable.

Regarding the Closing Awards Ceremony, can you explain which awards are on offer?

All of our events celebrate participation as the major goal, so the most highly prized Award is the Patron’s Cup; this goes to the company who enters the most participants, recognising their commitment to the health and fitness of their staff. Then, there are Cups for each competition, from 6-a-side women to 11-a-side 30+ men. And there is the World Corporate Cup itself, which is awarded to the organisation with the most points across the five competitions (many businesses enter teams into more than one category).

How important is it that both men and women can participate?

This is essential. In the history of the Cup, we have had the founding principle of ensuring

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THE BIG INTERVIEW

Congratulations to everyone involved in the Mexico Corporate Games for making it a huge success. http://fb.me/18VSej6MJ @corpgames

Representatives met former Liverpool player Ian Callaghan (front row, far right), who holds the club’s all-time appearance record.

“

There’s a great spirit and great camaraderie which really makes the whole experience so memorable. that there are equal opportunities regardless of gender, race, age etc. Everyone is treated equally, and as a result it brings everyone together, which makes people enjoy it that much more. The standard is always totally mixed too with some impressive players at one end of the spectrum and some are just coming back to activity and football after a long time away. Universally though, they all play the Game the right way whoever they are.

What are the key differences between six-a-side and 11-a-side from a player’s perspective?

From a player’s perspective, the game is different due to the size of the Anfield pitch; many players will never have competed on such a large playing surface. Other than that, the main difference is that some 11-a-side teams really enjoy the full use of the whole pitch, especially if they are used to playing together as a squad, whereas the game is faster for 6-a-side matches due to the compact area. Either way, it’s still a fabulous experience to grace a pitch which has been played on by so many legends. Incidentally, we have found that British teams tend to do better in the 11-a-side matches, whereas foreign sides succeed more

”

frequently in 6-a-side, which may be down to the style of play overseas, and how the game is more intense and fast-paced in Britain.

Tell us about your involvement with Woodlands Hospice.

Woodlands have participated the last three years, and they’re really genuinely nice people and great ambassadors for the Charity. We wanted to shine the spotlight on them, and so in the case of ten teams who apply to participate this year for the 6-a-side competitions, half of the payments will be going to Woodlands. We hope this event is very successful for them.

How do you see the Cup growing in the years to come?

We have other Corporate Games, and even other football Corporate Cup’s; for example, in 2012, we held a new Cup at Dinamo Stadium, the home of Dinamo Bucharest. We also stage a successful Corporate Cup of Tennis in Turkey.

There’s just a massive growing network of Corporate Games in places like Istanbul, Bermuda and Cape Town. And we’ve had approaches from other clubs to host Cups on their grounds. We always consider these

options but either way, our relationship is so strong at Anfield that it will continue; we get teams from the likes of Australia, Spain, France and USA coming over just to play at Anfield.

One team from Croatia continuously asked if they could really play at Anfield – they were still asking even the night before and it was a special feeling to enable them to fulfil their boyhood dreams. The whole tournament can offer people an experience that they never thought they would have.

To conclude, explain why this year’s Cup will be the most successful yet?

There are so many international and local companies getting involved for all of the events. If the balance is right, there will be a lot of foreign groups interacting with local businesses, and this ensures that the games are played in a fantastic spirit. There’s a lot of networking, which is a particularly good opportunity for local businesses. All in all, we offer a full weekend of sport and enjoyment, and we send people away with a smile on their faces. We are confident that with the range of entertainment that will be provided, and a good mix of companies, this year’s World Corporate Cup should be the best yet.

The World Corporate Cup of Soccer 2013 will be held at Anfield from May 31-June 2. For more information, visit www.worldcorporatecup. com or call 01733 380 888 to secure one of the last remaining 6-a-side places.

Browse the upcoming events held at the Chamber and by members at www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk /events.aspx

Advertisement

COMPASS is a Merseyside-based charity established 40 years ago to provide affordable, professional counselling to people over the age of 18. The qualified and experienced team of counsellors give their time voluntarily. The organisation is also a centre of excellence for continued professional development and provides a significant range of training courses and inspirational workshops.

“

We pride ourselves on providing innovative and inspirational seminars and conferences led by national and international experts and leading thinkers of our time.

”

Compass 151 Dale Street Liverpool L2 2AH Registered Charity 700335

COMPASS is led by CEO Tony Medlicott and supported by two Counselling Service Managers, Margaret Harvey and Rosena Kirke who are both qualified counsellors.

COMPASS offers an annual programme of training which is not only relevant to practising counsellors but can also be beneficial to people working in other professions. We pride ourselves on providing innovative and inspirational seminars and conferences led by national and international experts and leading thinkers of our time.

We are also able to tailor training specifically to the needs of organisations. Some examples of training that we have provided include ‘Recognising and Handling Stress’, ‘Basic Listening Skills’, ‘Telephone Skills’, ‘Critical Incident De-Briefing’ and ‘Bullying in the Workplace’.

The COMPASS AQA level two introduction to Counselling Concepts course, is an introduction to some of the knowledge, attitudes and skills related to counselling.. It enables participants to develop a basic ability to listen and respond sensitively and effectively to the needs of others.

This is an invaluable resource to anyone working in a place where there is contact with members of the public. Listening is so important that many top employers give regular listening skills training for their employees. Good listening skills can lead to better customer satisfaction, greater productivity with fewer mistakes and increased sharing of information which can lead to more innovative and creative work.

COMPASS Anger Management Training aims to work with individuals to help them understand and deal with anger in a constructive way. Often employees are dealing with stressful events in their own lives and the resulting anger can carry over in to the workplace. Learning to deal with anger constructively can make someone a more desirable and promotable employee. Compass can take referrals from organisations or individuals who are experiencing difficulty with anger at home or at work and are also able to provide customised training in the workplace to help staff to better manage situations of conflict.

Emphasis is given to developing good communication skills, confidence and assertiveness.

Details of all the training offered by COMPASS can be found on the website www.compasscounselling.org.uk or by telephoning 0151 237 3993.

As a non-profit making organisation, all income generated by COMPASS training courses is used to maintain the charitable Community Counselling Service which is free or low cost at the point of contact to all Merseyside residents.

COMPASS is also a long-standing provider of Employee Assistance Programmes for statutory, commercial and voluntary organisations in the region .The service is confidential and competitively priced and employers can negotiate the contract on an ‘as and when’ basis with no initial financial outlay. All counsellors working for the service are qualified and experienced and offer brief therapy, in an accessible city centre location, to staff and managers. The programme aims to: • Improve emotional health • Manage psychological and mental health issues • Assist employees with work or personal difficulties • Speed up the rehabilitation of those absent from work • Help the organisation fulfil its duty of care to employees All employers, under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 are required to ensure welfare at work for employees. This includes minimising the risk of stress-related illness or injury.

COMPASS was recently awarded the contract to provide counselling for the 10,000 staff employed by Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council as part of their occupational health service.

Investing in either Training or Employee Assistance Programmes provided by COMPASS is an investment in an invaluable resource for Merseyside, because all profits are re-invested into the charity which continues to provide free and low cost counselling to people in need in the region.

13

14

CONFERENCE & EVENTS

Advertising feature

Conferencing in Liverpool Delegate friendly initiatives Liverpool has long been regarded as the friendliest destination for delegates and buyers, a fact backed by numerous accolades including the city winning Condé Nast Traveller UK’s Friendliest Destination in 2010 and 2011, Group Leisure magazine’s Best UK City 2011, and Britain’s Best Nightlife Destination 2011 awarded by TripAdvisor.

Behind this are Liverpool Convention Bureau’s Delegate Welcome and Delegate Goodnight schemes. One of the first bureaus to introduce such initiatives, together they ensure all delegates are warmly received into the city with discounts for Virgin Trains’ high speed service from London to Liverpool, signage at entry points into the city and a free dedicated accommodation booking service. The Delegate Goodnight completes the experience with recommendations for event spaces with panoramic views, restaurants and bars in which to wind down after a conference or host gala dinners, and attractions to view the city’s skyline as part of a social itinerary.

In 2012, the Bureau also launched an airport transfer service in conjunction with INTX Corporate Transport and Logistics. The only Bureau to offer this service, it provides an online pre-bookable site for delegates to book transfers from Liverpool John Lennon

Airport and Manchester International Airport. No fee is levied on organisers for operating the transfer service and no minimum or maximum numbers apply.

Kate Currie, Interim Liverpool Convention Bureau Manager, comments: “With a growing number of international conferences taking place in the city, we felt it was the right time to incorporate airport transfers into our product offering. Liverpool is renowned for offering the warmest welcome to all its visitors, and this service further highlights our commitment to ensuring that all delegates are made welcome in the city and that all their needs are met”.

Not ones to rest on their laurels, this year has also seen the launch of the first online bidding tool in Europe, which streamlines the process of booking conferences within the City Region, and an initiative to encourage all hotels to offer free Wi-Fi in guest bedrooms and public areas.

Foresight Centre

A warm welcome awaits you at the University of Liverpool The intelligent choice to accommodate your meetings and events throughout the year Think teambuilding or training, networking or conferencing... ....think University of Liverpool

Located in the Knowledge Quarter of Liverpool City Centre, the multi-award-winning Grade II listed Foresight Centre is one of Merseyside’s premier business conference and meeting facilities for up to 170 delegates.

Victoria Gallery & Museum The beautifully restored Grade II listed ‘redbrick’ Victoria Gallery & Museum is the ideal venue for conferences, drinks receptions, dinners and special events.

Vine Court Offering contemporary sustainable bedrooms and meeting space in the heart of the University’s city campus, our new award winning Vine Court development is the perfect choice to accommodate large conferences during the summer months.

For more information and to place your enquiry:

Carnatic and Greenbank Conference Parks

www.liverpool.ac.uk/conferences conference@liverpool.ac.uk 0151 794 6440

Set in a private landscaped parkland setting, Carnatic and Greenbank Conference Parks are ideal for residential or day conferences for up to 900 delegates during the summer months.

Visit the Liverpool Chamber website at www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk

16

@5Day _ ActionPlan Doing business around Liverpool?

Are you following their Chamber of Commerce? @LpoolChamber

opinions

Avril Howarth How Consulting

Liverpool Chamber Magazine is giving members the chance to discuss a topic relevant to their business. This issue, our guest speaker is Avril Howarth (pictured), from How Consulting, who discusses her experiences since joining the Chamber.

I want to share my experiences as a new member. My initial meeting with Jenny Stewart made me realise it was an opportunity that I could make the most of.

It seemed that there was always something going on. Plenty of emails kept coming through to welcome me and invite me to an event, lunch, breakfast meeting – food seemed to be a key theme. I realised that dieting wasn’t an option for a new member!

I firstly attended ‘Meet and Eat’. This definitely sounded fun and not too intimidating. I had instructions – bring plenty of business cards, find interesting people to meet, eat lunch and have fun!

I networked with some amazing and interesting people, obtained numerous business cards, had been invited to a breakfast seminar by Hayes and enjoyed a tasty lunch with inspiring award winners.

Then a television producer phoned me. “How

did you get my details?” I asked; “Liverpool Chamber of Commerce” was the reply. Later that week, I was ‘mystery shopping’ at a Liverpool business, then I went to a film studio in Manchester with two other business women to provide advice and opinions for business improvements on camera! All will be revealed soon on Channel 4!

I then went along to a ‘welcome evening’, and Jenny had me in front of the other new members sharing my extraordinary experiences.

I am still a Chamber ‘rookie’, and My New Year’s resolution is to make the most of my membership, meet other professionals, have stimulating conversations, network widely, acquire new knowledge, help others and have an enjoyable time with new friends at the Chamber!

You won’t know everybody at a networking event. But if you see one of these people at an event in the future, here are some conversation starters . . .

About Me Name

Carol Burns

Organisation

Denise Chilton

Phil Hardman

Elena Enciso

Yankee Candles

Denise Chilton Ltd

Everton Football Club

Liverpool Chamber of Commerce

Manageress

Managing Director

Head of Partnerships

International Trade Executive

Worked in Susie’s Cards for 30 years

Have a Blue Peter badge

Ich spreche Deutsch

Although I’m Spanish, I was made an “honorary Scouser”

Pets

No

None, but I love cats

None

None, I have had fish and hamsters

Favourite colour

Pink

Lemon

Has to be blue!

Indigo

Favourite food

Traditional Roast

Chicken

Pizza

Very spicy Indian food

Favourite drink

Vodka & Coke

Starbucks’ Filter Coffee

Chang!

Martini Red with lots of ice and a green olive

High Street / Online

High Street

Definitely High Street

Both have their merits

High Street, nothing beats trying something on before buying & seeing the atmosphere in the shops

Facebook / Twitter

Twitter

Twitter

Twitter

Twitter

PC / Mac

PC

Definitely PC

Mac

PC

9-5 / Flexitime

9-5

Flexitime

Flexitime

Flexitime

I really like . . .

Simon Cowell

Stephen Fry

Karl Pilkington

Pierce Brosnan

I can’t stand . . .

One Direction

Probably Lady GaGa

Piers Morgan

Brian Cox

One Born Every Minute

Downton Abbey

An Idiot Abroad

The Graham Norton Show

Keeping Up With The Kardashians

Anything political

Emmerdale

Celebrity Big Brother

It’s A Wonderful Life

Notting Hill

In the Name of the Father

Out of Africa

Any modern-day comedies

Sci-fi movies

Hell Comes to Frogtown

Pulp Fiction

Musicals

Anything by Gabrielle

While My Guitar Gentle Weeps; George Harrison

Imagine by John Lennon

Position Did you know that I

Favourite TV show Least favourite show Favourite film Least favourite film Favourite song Least favourite song

Any rap songs

I hate country & western

Anything Justin Bieber

Candy by Robbie Williams

Ideal place to live

Liverpool; I’m happy where I am

Got to say Liverpool

New York or Barbados; can’t decide

Switzerland

Myself in a word

Helpful

Fabulous!

Grounded

Unique

Learn about the services provided to Chamber members at www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk /services.aspx

Advertisement

San Carlo and Aldo Zilli – The True Taste of Italy As winter moves slowly into spring, great Italian cuisine and a warm welcome provide the perfect antidote to chilly days and dark evenings. Winner of the UK’s Best Italian Restaurant (Italian Food Association), Liverpool’s stylish San Carlo on Castle Street embraces the best in authentic Italian fare with dishes created to celebrate the change in seasons.

Set in individually designed, sophisticated surroundings with an expertly crafted wine list, the indulgent menu has been inspired by the best in Italian regional dishes using only the finest seasonal ingredients many of which are flown in from Italy. Now the exceptional menu is even better thanks to the arrival of Italian born celebrity chef Aldo Zilli. The flamboyant chef has joined forces with the leading restaurant group and is already thrilling diners with his superb additions to the menu.

Renowned for great food and a star- studded clientele from

celebrities and sports stars to business leaders and high profile politicians, the Liverpool restaurant is part of the multiaward- winning San Carlo Group

of Italian family-owned restaurants. A further thirteen destination restaurants are located in Leeds, Roundhay, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol,

Leicester, London, Kuwait, Beirut and Bangkok.

San Carlo Group is proud of its many accolades, as well as being named Best Italian Restaurant in the UK, in November 2010 The Observer newspaper’s revered food critic Jay Rayner wrote, “San Carlo has the ingredients others can only dream of.” The Group has also received the industry-leading Les Routiers in Britain Hospitality and Service award, a listing among The Times Top 10 Italian Restaurants, as well as praise from gourmet critic Lord Bradford, who features the restaurants on his website.

Open 365 days a year from noon until late, San Carlo restaurants nationwide are always a lively hub of activity and booking is highly recommended.

For reservations telephone 0151 236 0073 or for more information visit the San Carlo Group website at www.sancarlo. co.uk. For all latest news follow us on twitter @SanCarlo_Group.

“Our family has worked hard to ensure the true Italian traditions remain at San Carlo. Our staff are part of the family and we’re proud to welcome TV celebrity Chef, Aldo Zilli, to the team.”

Aldo Zilli | Celebrity Chef

Carlo Distefano | Chairman

Originale Cucina Italiana 41 Castle Street, Liverpool L2 9SH Tel: 0151 236 0073 | www.sancarlo.co.uk AWARD WINNING RESTAURANTS

liverpool@sancarlo.co.uk |

@sancarlo_ group

San Carlo IS NOT A THEME RESTAURANT. With Italian directors, management and chefs, using the finest fresh produce; the majority of ingredients are imported from the markets of Milan. Each restaurant displays its own unique style in food due to the individuality of our creative chefs and management supervised by the directors.

San Carlo | Birmingham Bristol Leeds Leicester Liverpool Manchester Rome

Liverpool Chamber Magazine V2.indd 1

Signor Sassi | London Kuwait Beirut Bangkok

28/02/2013 11:10

17

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@NHSLiverpoolCH Great response from so many staff who’ve donated 30 boxes to the Food Bank appeal. Appeal inspired by our Health Visitors & @lucianaberger

MEMBER NEWS

LCH staff appeal for foodbank

Bernie Cuthel, LCH.

In early December, LCH launched a staff-wide appeal for food parcels to be donated to local foodbanks in order to help support members of the local community who find themselves in crisis this winter.

Staff from across the Trust have been generously donating non–perishable food items to foodbank collection points which are now located around a number of our staff buildings across Merseyside.

There are over 200 foodbanks now operating throughout the UK, including five in Merseyside, and each one is run entirely by local community groups and volunteers.

The UK’s leading foodbank charity, The Trussell Trust, recently reported an astonishing 100% rise in the number of people needing to access support from foodbanks nationally, and foodbanks here in Merseyside told LCH that they are struggling to meet demand.

Bernie Cuthel, Chief Executive of LCH, explains: “Everyday, people in the communities where we live and work experience food poverty because of problems such as sudden redundancy, high or unexpected bills, and delays in benefits payment.

“Many of our staff work in frontline community healthcare roles and regularly see families who are affected by these issues, so as a Trust we decided that we

wanted to do more to help families that are struggling this winter, and the response back from our staff has been incredible.”

More than 30 large boxes of food were donated by staff to local foodbanks since the appeal was launched.

Paul Edwards, Manager of Central Liverpool Foodbank, said: “We really want to say a massive thanks to all of the staff at Liverpool Community Health for their incredible generosity in donating all this food to us this winter. We simply can’t thank them enough!”

A number of staff members from the Trust have also volunteered to go and lend a helping hand at their local foodbank distribution centres during their own time.

The Trust was first introduced to the foodbank by Luciana Berger, MP for Wavertree, who said: “I’m

Luciana Berger, MP for Wavertree.

delighted that the LCH appeal has been so successful and I want to add my thanks to all the staff that made a donation.

“Having visited foodbanks in Liverpool and across the county I know that contributions like this make such a difference to people’s lives. Everyone involved should be very proud of what they’ve achieved in such a short space of time.”

For more information, please visit: www.trusselltrust.org.

ADVERTISEMENT

Alison Featherstone Founder – Liberating IELTS Liverpool • Liberating IELTS Liverpool is NOT a language school • It does NOT offer elementary, intermediate and advanced English lessons • It does NOT provide teenagers’ English learning Summer camps • It is NOT set up to provide adults’ English conversation lessons Liberating IELTS Liverpool is a specialist organisation set up to deliver a single service for overseas students: preparation for IELTS provision.

IELTS is the International English Language Testing System which tests English proficiency throughout the globe. Conducting 1.7 million tests globally, IELTS is the world’s most popular English testing system. A high score in this test is required by most UK universities as a condition of entry if your first language is not English.

IELTS training also aims to improve the advanced English language skills for those international students wishing to work or train within a professional or academic environment.

Alison Featherstone pioneered IELTS teaching at Blackburne House in Liverpool before moving on to start her own city based project. She started her career as a radio announcer in Florida; she then went on to work as a senior personnel officer for the John Lewis Partnership where she held positions in nine department stores throughout the UK before switching her focus to EFL teaching. She is currently training and teaching with REACHE (the Refugee and Asylum Seekers’ Centre for Healthcare Professionals Education) based in Salford Royal Hospital.

Alison holds a BA honours degree in English Language and Literature, two MA degrees, a PGCE from Oxford University and a CELTA qualification from Cambridge (via Liverpool Hope University).

However it is not her qualifications but her passion for IELTS teaching which makes her contribution special.

LIBERATING IELTS LIVERPOOL We are dedicated to a single goal: supporting international learners to achieve a high score in IELTS (the International English Language Testing System) • •

• •

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WHY IELTS? ARE YOU: An overseas student applying to do a first degree at a British university?

Topping up your degree obtained in your home country by applying for a postgraduate course?

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Looking for a supportive, academic learning environment in which to practise advanced English language skills?

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We offer personalised attention, either one-to-one or within small groups of four to six students at any of the following locations: • • • •

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Contact us either via voice mail to our mobile phone or via e mail. On receipt of your enquiry we will arrange a personal interview for you so that we can hear what your needs are and then address them.

LIBERATING IELTS LIVERPOOL 07901 870940 liberatingielts.com afeatherstone@waitrose.com

19

20

ADVICE

LCH has been nominated for an award for Best Media Campaign for our Staff Flu Campaign #flufighters #LCHBoard @NHSLiverpoolCH

Stubbing It Out

By Julie Travis, Stop Smoking Coordinator for Liverpool Community Health (LCH) NHS Trust Smokers in Liverpool who are considering quitting as part of National No Smoking Day are being urged by health experts to give it a go.

Set to launch on Wednesday 13 March, this year’s campaign is all about what smokers will gain when they quit – as well as improved health, they’ll have extra cash to spend on whatever they like!

Smoking is still one of Merseyside’s biggest preventable killers, claiming the lives of around 4,700 people every single year. I think many people still underestimate the serious damage to their health caused by smoking, which ultimately prematurely kills half of all long-term smokers.

The call to quit follows a hard hitting Department of Health campaign, launched earlier this year, that featured TV ads showing

a tumour growing on a cigarette as it is smoked, which is designed to show that every single cigarette is potentially harmful.

If you are a smoker, the simple fact is that stopping smoking is the single most important thing you can do to improve your health this year.

Quitting smoking helps significantly reduce your risk of diseases such as cancers, heart disease and stroke – and in the more immediate term it can help you ward off nasty chest infections, colds and flu better, reduce breathlessness and help you look and feel much fitter.

We know that the majority of smokers do want to quit, but it can be incredibly hard without the right support.

Statistics show that smokers are four times more likely to give up smoking when they do it with

NHS support, rather than going ‘cold turkey’ and doing it alone .

Anyone wanting help to kick the habit for good can contact FagEnds now for free advice and support on: 0800 195 2131 or visit www.stopsmoking.org.uk.

Alternatively, you can also visit: www.smokefree.nhs.uk for more information, advice or to order a free NHS Quit Kit. In addition, here are some top tips for quitting.

3. If you are a long-term smoker, you may associate smoking with certain activities or times of the day. Changing your routine will help. For example, why not have a piece of fruit rather than a cigarette straight after a meal?

4. If you used to smoke with colleagues at work, try taking a short walk around your office building as an alternative break from work demands.

1. Put the money you save from not buying cigarettes in a tin – and if you’re tempted, go and look at it to remind yourself how much you are saving.

5. If you’re going to quit, or have recently quit, make sure you throw away all your ashtrays, matches and lighters.

2. Remember why you’re quitting – whether that’s for a family member, to save yourself money, or for your health and fitness.

6. Don’t undo all your good work by thinking ‘one cigarette won’t hurt’- it could make your craving worse and knock you off track.

Ten Top Tips on Complimentary Medicine

Penny Moon A Quiet Place

By Penny Moon, A Quiet Place Sometimes called Alternative medicine, it is any practice claiming to heal “that does not fall within the realm of conventional medicine.” It may be based on historical or cultural traditions, rather than on scientific evidence.

Here are a few tips to help you explore the world of complimentary medicine: 1. Physical Massage – There are many different types of massage such as Aromatherapy; the Alexandra Technique; Cranio; Osteopathy; Shiatsu/ acupressure; Reflexology; and Remedial massage.

2. Acupuncture – Very good for pain; if you don’t like needles, try

acupressure, Shiatsu or Thai massage. Needles are most effective and don’t hurt really.

Moxibustion takes it a stage further, find a good acupuncturist and put their number in your diary.

3. Applied Kinesiology – Muscle testing; checking the muscle reactions for strengths and weaknesses to a variety of toxins physical and emotional, often used for allergy testing.

4. Ayurvedic – Indian medicine; includes Yoga practices, diet and herbal remedies.

5. Herbal medicine – Includes Chinese-for all conditions; please use a specialist.

6. Homeopathy – Originated in 1796 by Samuel Hahnemann based on the doctrine of “like cures like”, according to which a substance that causes the symptoms of a disease in healthy people will cure that disease in sick people (not unlike the theory underpinning vaccination). The following methods are considered by some to be very effective: Arnica; Bach flower remedies; and New Era Tissue salts.

7. Exercise – Keeping a reasonable exercise regime is a tonic in itself; Eastern practices which cover all areas of good health and Well Being include Yoga; Tai-chi; and Xi gong.

8. Hypnotherapy – IBS, smoking cessation and weight loss.

9. Nutritional – Many claims are made for supplementation; it can be very expensive, but in general they are available from a local supermarket chain; examples are CoQ10; a multi vitamin and mineral supplement; Omega 3 Sunflower, starflower, cod liver and krill oil; Anti-oxidant, green tea and Vitamin C&E; and Brewers Yeast, Hawthorn and Garlic.

10. Healing – Includes spiritual healing, Reiki and many others; if you are going to use a healer, get a personal recommendation.

Usually they make no charge but for their time. Please be careful about the more dramatic forms with audiences; examples include Reiki; Spiritual; Christian; and Shamanic.

For advice on health, insurance and other queries, visit the Chamber Services page on our website at www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk /services.html

22

EVENTS

We are at the cathedral for our annual dinner. It looks spectacular! http://t.co/GNjXPt7n @LpoolChamber

Cunard comes home for Chamber Annual Dinner

“

Peter Shanks is an exceptional addition to the wonderful calibre of keynote speakers we have welcomed to this event.

”

Liverpool Chamber of Commerce has announced details of its prestigious 2013 Annual Dinner.

The black-tie dinner, which is the Chamber’s biggest event of the year, will take place on Thursday 5th December at the Anglican Cathedral and we look forward to welcoming another bumper audience to the flagship business event in the city’s calendar.

We’re also delighted to announce our keynote speaker, Mr Peter Shanks, President and Managing Director of Cunard Line, today based in Southampton but once a staple of Liverpool’s shipping industry and heritage.

Mr Shanks is responsible for the global operations of Cunard Line and reports directly to David Dingle, CEO Carnival UK. Peter

has been with Carnival UK for 10 years, having joined in 2002 as Senior Vice President for Cunard in Europe. Prior to that, he was Managing Director of Distribution for the Airtours Group in the UK and spent time as Commercial Director for Thomas Cook.

In recent years we have welcomed such luminaries as Martin Broughton, former Chairman of Liverpool Football Club, Charlotte Hogg, Head of Retail Distribution and Intermediaries at Santander UK PLC and Sir Stuart Rose, thenExecutive Chairman of Marks & Spencer.

Jenny Stewart, Chief Operating Officer of the Chamber, expressed her delight at the announcement: “Peter Shanks is an exceptional

Peter Shanks, General Manager at Atlantic by Thistle.

addition to the wonderful calibre of keynote speakers we have welcomed to this event. We look forward to welcoming our members to the Anglican Cathedral for what is certain to be another memorable evening.”

Browse the upcoming events held at the Chamber and by members at www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk /events.aspx

BUY LIVERPOOL.... boost business

Advertising feature

Buy Local – Buy Liverpool There is nothing new in “Buy Local” campaigns. Those of a certain age will recall the “Buy British” campaign sponsored by the Harold Wilson government in a vain and somewhat belated attempt to help UK manufacturers hold the flood of good from the Far East at bay.

That particular campaign failed because it was seeking to persuade people to buy inferior products at higher prices. And yet the idea remains powerful, particularly in a recession.

All businesses are part of the community and if the community sticks together and purchases materials and services within the community then it will become more robust.

This was seen, most notably, in Manchester during the late 1980s and early 1990s when the area’s largest firms were slowly persuaded to buy legal services from Manchester and Liverpool rather than London. Within a decade Manchester which had previously been a legal backwater became the second most important legal centre outside the capital and Liverpool saw its legal sector transformed.

local farmer’s market and found that twice the money stayed in the community when people bought locally.

Indeed, says the NEF, local economies are struggling not because too little cash comes in, but as a result of what happens to that money.

It goes elsewhere.

Councils around the country have recognised this and may have now implemented successful buy local policies. So if the council can do it why not the local business community?

The argument that the area does not have EVERY outside skills and services needed by businesses is valid, but it has at least 95 per cent of them. Why buy office paper from a supplier outside the area when by using price It can be done. matches within the area it is possible to On Merseyside, a buy local policy by deliver additional benefits to the local business would add literally tens of millions of community? pounds into the local economy, create One of the sectors where Liverpool is thousands of new jobs and lead to an influx of strong is in fashion and retail and companies new skills. such as BHS form a key part of the city’s A number of researchers have looked at how money flows, and have found a significant fashion furniture & homewares offering and the Lord Street store is amongst the city’s economic benefit of keeping money local. The biggest. - modern living made easy.

London think tank, The New Economics Liverpool should be a focal point of any Foundation, compared what happens when 2174_OSS Advert #5_Layout 1 22/02/2013 11:57 Page 1 “buy local” campaign not least because of its people buy produce at a supermarket vs. a

attraction as a tourist destination. There are numerous visitor attractions and events such as the Grand National and museums such as the Tate keep the visitors coming.

Many company’s need security services and equipment and Liverpool has one of the top names in OSS Security. Oriental Security Systems Limited was established in 1981 and in 2000 was rebranded to trade as OSS Security to encompass the multi range of disciplines it installs within the fire and security industry The management team have 83 years experience between them in the design and installation of security systems.

The concept applies to even the most mundane services -need your office cleaned then why not go local?

The beauty of buying locally is far more than the economic benefits, it means that support can be given to that most threatened species - the family business.

Buy Local does not have universal support.

The right wing think tank, The Adam Smith Institute, believes it is counter-productive, saying: “Buy local is not a sign of confidence in a local economy (if it was, there’d be a Buy London campaign!). Rather, it is evidence that a local community lacks confidence in its ability to trade with the rest of the world for mutual advantage.”

This surely misses the point. Buying locally is not about buying inferior goods and services because they happen to be local - it is about realising that with a little effort on the buyers’ part goods and services of equal quality and price can be sourced at a county level - and the more this happens the stronger the local economy.

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At @LFC for #ExportingWorks, breakfast networking currently taking place, speakers & Q&A coming up! http://t.co/3972OQKz @LpoolChamber

INTERNATIONAL

Exporting Works

“

Over 20 business people came together to discuss exporting, and was led by a panel of key speakers.”

”

BCC Accredited: Incoterms and Agents & Distributors Thursday, April 11 2013 • 09.00-12.00 & 13.00-16.00 Liverpool Chamber These two half-day workshops cover Incoterms in the morning and Agents & Distributors in the afternoon; delegates are welcome to attend either or both. The workshops cost £200 for members and £250 for non-members. www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk/eventitem.aspx/show/556

Qatar Trade Mission Sunday, 21 April 2013-Friday, 26 April 2013 Liverpool Chamber will host a multi-sector market visit to Doha to coincide with the World Chambers Congress, organised by the International Chambers of Commerce & supported by Qatar Chamber. http://www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk/eventitem.aspx/show/793

The Exporting Works seminar, organised by Liverpool Chamber and UKTI, was held at Anfield on February 7.

This event allowed for best practice sharing amongst exporters, covering such topics as bribery, business culture, freight, shipment and documentation. Over 20 business people came together to discuss exporting, with a panel of key speakers from within the membership.

The panel included Harry Parry, MA Logistics; Dina Railean, Express Language Solutions; Paul Gilbert, The Export Network; and Paul Grover, WYG. Harry gave an account of his exporting experiences. Dina explained the difference between interpretation and translation. Paul Gilbert cited examples of why it is crucial to research markets and to know your product. Paul Grover emphaised the importance of branding and shared some tips on moving into markets.

The panellists discussed their export experiences and provided advice for the delegates. Guests were also able to quiz the panel on a variety of exporting-related topics in a Q&A session.

Export Sales – Winning Orders Overseas Thursday, May 30 2013 • 09.30-16.00 Liverpool Chamber Delegates will learn how to plan and action sales strategies geared to closing the deal and ensuring profitable export growth for their business. This course costs £200 for members and £250 for nonmembers. www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk/eventitem.aspx/show/473

Surviving Customs Audits Thursday, July 4 2013 • 13.00-17.00 Liverpool Chamber This explains how HMRC work, what paperwork they want evidenced during an audit and how exporters and importers should maintain their records to meet criteria. This course costs £125 for members and £175 for non-members. www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk/eventitem.aspx/show/557

For more information on International Business, email export@liverpoolchamber.org.uk or visit www.liverpoolchamber/org.uk /home/international.aspx

DID YOU KNOW. Since we started in 2008, Creative Businesses attending Sound City have generated £12M of business? senmusi.cc/VAlftr @SoundCity

EVENTS

A Closer Look Ever attended an event or visited a company where you thought “How do they do that?” We look at the upcoming Liverpool Sound City and ask just that.

Rebecca Ayres, Liverpool Sound City

If there’s one thing that Liverpool is known for the world over, it’s music. Over the last few years, though, there has been an added element to Liverpool’s reputation as a central hub for music: Liverpool Sound City.

Liverpool Sound City is a three-day music festival and conference which takes place every May. Beginning in 2008, it has grown in size from attracting 200 artists, mostly Liverpool-based, to this year

attracting 350 artists from over 23 countries.

Rebecca Ayres, Chief Operating Officer at Liverpool Sound City, explained: “The event acts as a great way to promote both the local and international music scenes.

Many artists involved are relatively new, and have only played before small audiences. But Liverpool Sound City is the showcase by which these acts get noticed.

An example of one group who succeeded is Florence + The Machine, who played in front of around 100 people at the 2008 event.”

A crucial aspect of the festival is the conference, which attracts key people from the music industry, including record labels, managers and live booking agents. There were 3,082 industry players at the 2012 conference, and Rebecca expects 3,300 to attend this year’s event.”

“The business side is as important as the performing side,” said Rebecca. “Small, unknown acts can sign deals which turn them into household names. Some of the speakers have included Seymour Stein, who originally signed Madonna and Echo & the Bunnymen; a member of Lady GaGa’s legal team; and Psy’s manager (Gangnam Style).

Rebecca also described the work that goes into Liverpool Sound City each year: “As soon as Liverpool Sound City finishes, we begin our early band wristband and delegate pass offer for the next year and start speaking to all the venues to book them in for the next year.

“Around November/December, we look at which artists are touring and start booking them. In January/February, we

begin announcing artists and speakers and just before the festival, we put our production together and create our venue specifications.

“For the festival itself, we go from our eight core people, who work for us all year round, to around 20 staff, as well as around 100 volunteers. The volunteers are key; we couldn’t do it without them as they help in various ways, from looking after the acts to handling our social media.”

The event has now expanded to other locations, albeit on smaller scales. But Liverpool remains the flagship location, and the main and biggest event for the crew.

This year, Liverpool Sound City takes place on 2-4 May. Rebecca said: “Fans can find out more by signing up to our mailing list on our website, and by visiting our Twitter and Facebook pages. We also run competitions online, with the prizes varying from a signed guitar to free event wristbands to meet and greet sessions with the acts.

“Every year, more and more people hear about it, and we get even bigger speakers and acts. We get really interesting people from overseas, as well as up-and-coming bands of the future. And we add elements too: our screen poster exhibition will be bigger this year, and we’ll be having film screenings too. Every year it gets better and better, and we want to keep improving.”

You can find out about Liverpool Sound City on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ liverpoolsoundcity. You can also learn more on Twitter @SoundCity, or visit the Liverpool Sound City website at www. liverpoolsoundcity.co.uk.

If your company wishes to discuss a topic in Liverpool Chamber Magazine, email mark.armstrong@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

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Member NEWS

Head over to www.wilsonhenry.co.uk to see our brand new website @WilsonHenryLLP

HW Chartered Accountants choose 2013 charity partner

Haines Watts Chartered Accountants have chosen The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association as their chosen charity for 2013.

The team of more than 20 staff and four partners will take part in a series of fundraising activities over the next 12

months in an attempt to raise valuable funds for the national organisation, which was founded back in 1934.

Des Veney, partner at Haines Watts, said: “Each year we raise money for a different charity and the team decided that this year they would like to do something for The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. The work that they do is remarkable and can really change a person’s life.”

To mark the announcement, Penny Williams from the charity and retired guide dog Faith visited Haines Watts’ Victoria Street office to meet the whole team.

“It was great to meet Penny and Faith and to find out a bit more about what they do”, said Des. “It’s dogs like Faith that help to enable both blind and partially sighted people to get around on their own, giving them that vital sense of independence.”

P2P Lending – The answer to SME Risk Capital Funding?

Wilson Henry LLP knows how hard is can be for established smaller businesses to source risk capital in the current economic climate.

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) lending offers such a solution and is essentially about matching private individuals prepared to lend to

Wilson Henry LLP are entering their 40th year as a Chamber member. At February’s Discover Liverpool Chamber event, Peter Alcock was presented with a special gift from the Chamber.

If your company is celebrating a milestone year, or a Chamber milestone, and you want to let members know, email mark.armstrong@liverpoolchamber.org.uk.

businesses requiring risk capital through a dynamic online auction platform. One of the UK leaders in this market, Funding Circle (www. fundingcircle.com), has already completed deals of over £70 million in the short time since its inception. Typical average interest rates are in the range 8-10% pa.

Peter Alcock (pictured), Head of Corporate Finance at Wilson Henry, commented: “P2P lending offers the nearest thing we have yet to democratisation of the whole issue of SME risk capital at the lower end, by matching non-institutional willing lenders with willing borrowers where the interest rate is determined through a transparent on line auction process.”

Whilst still in its infancy, P2P lending could herald a new dawn for SMEs seeking funds as it offers investors a better return on their funds than conventional savings and the borrowing process is relatively hassle free. However, the risk needs to be factored into any lending proposition and it’s still early days to properly assess average borrower default rates.

If you have a need for risk capital at any stage of your business development, you can email peter.alcock@wilsonhenry.co.uk or telephone 0151 264 8888 for more information.

For advice on health, insurance and other queries, visit the Chamber services page on our website at www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk /services.html

File: 199418-3-3-Liv Aintree Ad size: XL A4 Top Business Venue Template (57mm wide x 132mm high)

TOP BUSINESS VENUES 27

Not only is Aintree Racecourse the home of the iconic Grand National race meeting – we also boast a number of suites to accommodate a range of events from Conferences, Seminars, Training Days to large exhibitions. Also why not hold your family celebration here in rooms steeped in the history of the world famous race.

Website: www.aintree.co.uk Ticket hotline: 0844 579 3001 Hospitality: 0151 522 2911

Fully supported by a high quality in-house catering, bars and technical services the Floral Pavilion Theatre & Conference Centre offers a flexible, multi-purpose space for hosting a variety of events from small meetings, conferences to graduation ceremonies, exhibitions and gala dinners.

Situated with breath taking views of the Mersey Estuary this really is a venue for all occasions.

Website: www.floralpavilion.com Telephone: 0151 606 2965

195383-LVPL FLORAL.indd 1

The Stobart Stadium Halton is your number one venue for conferencing and meetings. Situated at the heart of the motorway network and close to John Lennon Airport, plus all the major rail routes makes the Stadium your ideal venue of choice for a small meeting to a large conference.

File: 200357-3-LVPL Partnership Ad size: XL A4 Top Business Venue Template (57mm wide x 132mm high) Website: www.stobartstadiumhalton.org.uk

Telephone: 0151 510 6000

20/11/12 10:46:11

Partnership for Learning Charity offers state-of-the-art training, conference and business facilities.

Situated off the A561 linking Liverpool, Knowsley and Halton and within 5 minutes drive of Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

Free Parking – Free WiFi – On site Catering Quote CHAMBER when contacting us to receive 25% discount on room hire.

For exclusive offers for Liverpool Chamber members here’s our guide of Top Business Venues To advertise in this section please contact sales on 0161 236 2782

Email: helenbosward@p4lcharity.co.uk Website: www.p4lcharity.co.uk Telephone: 0151 288 2103

200357-3-LVPL Partnership.indd 1

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FEATURES

With the lobby and reception being redecorated over the last few months, the refurbishment of Thistle Piccadilly is now completed! http://fb.me/BhP0Fclr @ThistleHotels

The Atlantic Tower by Thistle celebrates its 40th anniversary

Alistair Risk General Manager The Atlantic by Thistle.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of one of Liverpool’s most iconic hotels, The Atlantic Tower by Thistle. Liverpool Chamber Magazine checked out – or should that be checked in – for a history lesson.

Atlantic by Thistle remains as eye-catching a hotel now (above) as it did when it opened in 1973 (right)

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listair Risk, General Manager at Atlantic by Thistle since January 2011, said: “We are very excited about celebrating this milestone year. The Atlantic Tower has been providing a high level of service and hospitality to the great city of Liverpool for 40 years and we are now seen as one of the ‘Grande Dames’ of the local hotel scene.”

Back in 1973, the Thistle Hotel Group spent what was described as “a bold £2.8 million” to build a new flagship hotel (a huge amount of money then, not to say that it isn’t something to be sneezed at today either).

The aim at the time was “to capture a major share of the luxury hotel trade, not only in Liverpool but throughout the North West England Region”.

When it opened on June 19, 1973, the hotel offered customers a double room with a bath for £11. A suite would cost you £15.

It’s safe to say that if you were offered such prices for a hotel stay today, you probably wouldn’t need to be asked twice.

Jimmy McMahon has been employed at Thistle for 30 years. He has worked for the

hotel since September 1983, and was 30 when he first joined the company. He has two children and has lived in L1 all of his life. He joined the company as an Assistant Store Man and got the job after being told about it by his then wife who also worked at the hotel as a chambermaid.

Jimmy explained: “I only thought I would be doing the job short-term; I never thought it would be something I would do for the rest of my life. It has always been such a great company to work for. The biggest change I have seen is the effect technology has changed my role; back in 1983, everything was done with pen and paper. Now, it is all done by computer and that is something I have adapted to over the years.

“In my 30 years, I’ve never really taken time off sick – just a couple of days with a bad back a few years ago. I don’t like being off. Plus, I’m needed by members of the team to give general advice, answer questions or just be there for support. It’s a great feeling to be a part of the team. I think that is what’s made the hotel so successful and what’s made it develop it such a way. I really couldn’t see

myself doing anything else or working anywhere else.”

Alistair added: “There has always been a strong local flavour to our team, which has helped to create our renowned personality.”

Over the years, Atlantic by Thistle has welcomed millions of guests, although some turned more heads in the hotel lobby than others. Amongst those who have stayed are Michael Jackson, The Osmonds, Kenneth Branagh, Kylie Minogue and Rita Ora. As well as hosting famous faces, the hotel has won its fair shire of awards, such as a 4 star AA rating for the past 4 years and the Gold award from Thistle for Breakfast.

Perhaps the greatest achievement for the hotel is how much it has expanded since 1973.

It now has a workforce of over 100 employees, and it boasts 225 bedrooms, which includes a number of suites, eight air-conditioned meeting rooms and a huge 120 people theatre-style meeting space, which is increasingly popular amongst those wishing to book conferences, parties and weddings.

In addition, Atlantic by Thistle has recently undergone a significant refurbishment as part

Find out about all upcoming events at www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk /events.aspx

@ThistleHotels The Atlantic Tower by Thistle celebrates 40 years in the heart of Liverpool!

Read more about its history here: . . . http://fb.me/1YtX7S25L

of a five-year plan, which, when completed, will have seen over £5 million spent on such areas as its Vista Restaurant & Bar, and across its various suites and rooms on all floors.

Alistair continued: “Most areas of the hotel will, or have already seen, a full refurbishment or a redecoration upgrade. For us it’s about keeping all of the original features that our customers love and bringing in new designs that will give the hotel a 21st century feel.”

Looking back on 40 years of history, Alistair

concluded: “The hotel has changed dramatically over the four decades, but one thing that has continued to stay the same is the level of passion and dedication from the team that work here.

FEATURES

“We are really looking forward to welcoming as many guests as we can throughout the next 12 months. They can help us to celebrate what will be a very special anniversary year.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Wine Time at Scatchards The Scatchard name has been synonymous with wine, particularly Spanish wine in Liverpool for over 50 years. Today the ‘Spanish connection’ remains strong as part of EWGA, a well established Lancashire-based wholesaler and importer. These days other wine producing countries are equally well represented too as we import directly from Australia, South Africa, Chile & New Zealand as well as Spain and the majority of the major European wine producing countries.

Managed by Jon Atkinson who worked with David Scatchard for many years, Wine Time at Scatchards started trading in 2010 as the Liverpool, retail & corporate arm of EWGA. From our base at 209 Great Howard Street we are able to offer a full range of services to corporate clients in the city centre and beyond as well as offering an enticing range, friendly knowledgeable service and regular tasting events for retail customers plus there is ample parking on site (particularly handy for North Liverpool residents on their way home!).

We don’t just sell wine, we know wine.

• Corporate account facilities • Excellent range of styles & prices • Free local delivery • Sale-or-Return • Expert advice • Free glass loan service • Function / party planning • Wine tasting events • Special rates for Liverpool Chamber members

Please contact Jon Atkinson or Angie Walker for more details on (0151) 207 1134 or jon@ewga.net or visit www.winetimewines.co.uk.

Unit 1, 209 Great Howard Street, Liverpool, L5 9ZH

Find the members that you want to do business with at www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk /members.aspx

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MEMBER NEWS

Centriforce announces landmark agreement with John Lewis to recycle all plastics waste from John Lewis & Waitrose @Centriforce

Centriforce signs landmark recycling agreement with John Lewis

Mike Walters, John Lewis Partnership.

Centriforce Products has signed a landmark agreement with the John Lewis Partnership to recycle all plastics waste from John Lewis and Waitrose stores in a deal thought to be a first for any UK retailer.

The contract will guarantee that thousands of tonnes of plastics waste from John Lewis and Waitrose stores are recycled into useable products at Centriforce’s Derby Road manufacturing centre.

The John Lewis Partnership has

consolidated the recycling of all its waste plastic in a single contract with Centriforce, the UK’s largest independent plastics recycler. It is thought to be the first time any retailer has made such a move to retain complete control of its plastics waste stream in the UK. The deal has been made possible following Centriforce’s bold investment in its own mixed plastics sorting line earlier this year, a facility vital to guarantee the processing capacity needed for the John Lewis Partnership’s waste.

Centriforce has the capacity to recycle more than 20,000 tonnes of plastics waste a year to produce plastic sheets, boards and profiles.

These offer a durable alternative to wood and traditional materials and could find a wide range of use in stores.

In addition, Centriforce will work with the John Lewis

Adagio Aparthotels Adagio Aparthotels open their new Aparthotel in the transformed former Lewis’s building in March 2013.

It is ideally located five minutes from Liverpool Lime Street Station, two minutes from Central Station and a short distance from the City Centre.

The 126 apartments feature a living area and separate kitchen area (with dishwasher, microwave, hob and refrigerator), free Wi-Fi, iron and ironing board, safe and television with international channels.

The Aparthotel also includes a large breakfast room and lounge area along with a fitness room, laundrette and two meeting rooms.

The Adagio Liverpool Centre is the first business to open as part of the Central Village Development.

Partnership to extend so-called ‘closed loop’ arrangements in which products manufactured by Centriforce, such as plastic planks and sheeting, can be reused in future store construction.

“We are working with Centriforce’s innovations team to explore ways in which we can reuse more recycled plastic products in our stores in future, especially for new store construction,” said Mike Walters, Recycling and Waste Operations Manager for the John Lewis Partnership. “We already have recycled plastic furniture made by Centriforce outside most of our Waitrose and John Lewis stores.

Centriforce planks and posts were also used recently in an employeeled project to build a boardwalk through historic woodland close to our Bracknell headquarters.”

“We are delighted with this agreement, which marks an

Simon Carroll, Centriforce.

important development in the continuing expansion of Centriforce products and helps us to guarantee a quality raw material for our manufacturing,” said Centriforce’s Managing Director Simon Carroll.

“The John Lewis Partnership is taking a visionary approach to its plastics waste management which is an example of good practice not only for other retailers, but for any businesses with multiple outlets or sites nationwide.”

New Nanoinvestigation Centre at Liverpool

The University of Liverpool recently opened its new Nanoinvestigation Centre (NiCaL).

Launched by Louise Ellman MP in November 2012, NiCaL provides qualifying regional SMEs with free technical assistance, including access to the latest state of the art microscopy instrumentation, together with experienced analysts and material scientists.

NiCaL is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and aims to help SMEs to improve their productivity and competitiveness by linking them to technology and expertise that will improve their product and process design.

Electron microscopy can add value to almost every manufactured physical product,

yet SMEs are often unable to make use of this technology because of its prohibitive cost.

NiCaL has been established to remedy this by providing access to the University’s most advanced and powerful electron microscopy facilities, along with basic advice and full technical support, at no cost to qualifying companies.

If you are an SME manufacturing in the North West of England and want to improve a product or related process, you can contact the NiCaL team by telephoning 0151 794 5380 or by emailing nical@liverpool.ac.uk.

Alternatively, you can contact Lynn Allan (pictured), Centre Administrator at NiCaL, by emailing lynn.allan@liverpool.ac.uk.

Like Liverpool Chamber on Facebook by searching for Liverpool Chamber of Commerce at www.facebook.com

@Hampson _ Hughes Check out our latest Zumbathon update: MD Productions Join Us and Sony Donate A PSP http://tinyurl.com/al3lha9

CHARITY

Members do their bit for Comic Relief At press time, a number of Chamber members were preparing to go the extra mile to raise funds for Comic Relief.

Amongst those members were Hampson Hughes Solicitors, who were hoping to raise around £15,000 from ticket sales, raffles and participant sponsorship, in a Zumbathon at Lifestyles Tennis Centre.

Lisa Pearson, Marketing & Business Development Director for Hampson Hughes Solicitors, said: “Everyone here at Hampson Hughes was excited about what we were going to achieve for such an important cause.

The team at the Wavertree Lifestyles Fitness Centre have also been incredibly supportive of the event.”

Kesiena Ovien, Zumba Instructor & Hampson Hughes Solicitors Paralegal, added: “The help and support offered by the local Zumba community – from both instructors and class participants – has been amazing! As an instructor, it’s something I’m extremely proud to be a part of.”

In addition, Mill Promotions are making their own contribution to the Comic Relief cause. The company has invested in new

in-house printing equipment and are therefore able to offer some in house promotional items to their customers, with the organisation donating 20% of every sale of in house printed Durham mugs to Comic Relief.

Sahir House pleased with response for World AIDS Day Sahir House have expressed their satisfaction with the response they had from World AIDS Day on December 1.

Pauline Jelliman, Service Lead for Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust’s HIV Specialist Nursing Team, said: “Because there have been so many medical advances in the treatment of HIV, a lot of people mistakenly think that the issue of HIV has gone away. But sadly, there are now more people than ever living with HIV in the UK – so educating people about how to protect themselves and others is still really important.”

The activities included 19 HIV awareness sessions; fundraising at Homotopia; a performance by What We Did Next Theatre Company; the illumination of the red on the Liverpool University Active Learning Lab building; free and confidential HIV Testing at Sahir House & St Helens Millennium Centre; a cheque from Newstart for £100 (pictured); the world’s longest AIDS ribbon at Anfield; and a special event at St Georges Hall Concert Room.

The Great Chamber Bake Off Georgie Betts, an apprentice serving as Events Assistant at Liverpool Chamber, will be running the 2013 London Marathon to raise funds and awareness for her chosen charity.

As part of her fundraising, Georgie arranged for a unique event at Liverpool Chamber on February 25. The Great Chamber Bake Off saw Chamber staff create the most eye-catching and delicious cakes, the winner of which was chosen by a judging panel.

The event also included a raffle, and the cakes were then sold to staff and members.

The morning was a huge success, raising £250 which was then matched by the Chamber. It definitely left a nice taste in everyone’s mouth.

Find out about all upcoming events at www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk /events.aspx

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RETAIL

@Anyascloset Here’s to an amazing 2013! Exciting times ahead can’t wait to share

Retail focus on Anya’s Closet

Nadia Altairy, Anya’s Closet

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nya’s Closet opened in October 2010. Putting a high emphasis on quality, and taking into great consideration the wishes of its customers, the store has been quite a success. But how did it come about?

Nadia Altairy, Anya’s Closet, explains: “I had been thinking of a boutique store in Liverpool for quite a while. At the time, there were no stores that sold glamorous, evening wear or classic pieces for independent working women. I travel a lot, and I noticed that this was especially true in comparison to the likes of Manchester, London and Paris. I wanted to create the idea of a boutique store which would cater for anything from cruises to a day at the races.

“Originally, we targeted ladies aged 25 and

over, who know their own style, who are confident, and want to look good but aren’t afraid to be different. However, since the store opened, we’ve also had a lot of younger girls, around 16, maybe even younger, looking for prom dresses. Not to mention that we have had a lot of couples, and many people from outside the city, whether it be St Helens, Preston or international customers.”

This is no doubt influenced by the approach that Anya’s Closet takes to customer service. “We talk to customers, chat as if they were friends of ours, which we consider them to be by visiting our store. We provide advice on what looks best, and we put them at ease.

We’re friendly, approachable people, and we want the store to reflect that. And, from this, we not only ensure that our customers have

enjoyed coming to the store, but they become regular customers.”

The friendly nature is also adhered to via its social network pages: “We chat to customers through Facebook, but we refer to them by their first names, to show that we’re friendly and sociable; we want to be on first name terms with customers. We do similar things on Twitter, and we also regularly post imagery on Instagram too.”

Nadia has plenty of ideas for the future, though: “I personally hope to launch a new label and clothing lines. More than anything, though, our motto is that we provide up to the minute trends with good old fashioned customer service, and as long as we can continue to do this, then the future looks bright for Anya’s Closet.”

Find the members that you want to do business with at www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk /members.aspx

Here at Liverpool Chamber we like to mark Apprenticeship Week with a special open day @LCTraining2

apprenticeships

Apprentice Profile

Apprentice Profile

Liverpool Chamber of Commerce Administrator

C&D Properties Ltd Business Administrator

Luke Mythen

Starting date: 15 October 2012 Description of current role: To provide administrative assistance to the recruitment team, the training team and the contract support team.

How long have you worked at Liverpool Chamber of Commerce?

I have worked here for five months.

What was your first role here?

My first role here was to print off interview, employer packs and start up packs for the different departments. I also worked very closely with my training manager to make sure the Technical Certificate paperwork was ready for the next day.

Jessica Bird

What qualifications did you earn as part of your Apprenticeship?

I hope to earn a Level 3 in Business Administration.

What would you say to those who are considering an Apprenticeship, and to companies considering hiring Apprentices?

I believe that an apprentice can offer so much to a company, they have new ideas and a willingness to show off and improve. To whoever is considering an apprenticeship, I would say that it is a fantastic way to improve your skills in a manner of different ways, plus it gives you valuable experience about work you might never get going to University.

Starting date: 11 September 2012 Description of current role: To keep things running smoothly within the office, organise property viewings for people, and produce paperwork.

How long have you worked at C&D Properties?

I’ve been working here for 5 months and I’m enjoying and progressing gradually every day.

What was your first role here?

My first day was really nervewracking, but it wasn’t as bad as I thought it’d be as I started off doing basic roles in the office to get me used to things.

What qualifications did you earn as part of your Apprenticeship?

I’ve achieved my technical certificate qualification. At the end of my apprenticeship I will have achieved a Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Business Administration. I also took part in a one day first aid course with St Johns Ambulance; I am now the emergency first aider within the workplace.

What would you say to those who are considering an Apprenticeship, and to companies considering hiring Apprentices?

Go for it as it’s a big advantage: getting the skills and support to be successful, gaining qualifications and building your confidence in the work environment. It’s a great opportunity for a company to pass on their skills and knowledge.

Apprenticeship Week Liverpool Chamber Training held a series of unique events during Apprenticeship Week, ranging from an Open Day to You’re Hired, a course wherein one lucky student earned a Chamber apprenticeship. More on this in our next issue . . .

Organisation Moves Chris Connor and Alum Ullah to Scott Rees & Co

Chris Brown to Liverpool Vision (Head of Marketing Liverpool)

Ken Alexander to The Royal Court Theatre (Artistic Director)

Elizabeth Graham to Brabners Chaffe Street (Partner)

Kate Benham to Wilcocks & Associates (Associate Partner)

Alistair Fletcher to Liverpool Law Society (President)

Nicola Dickinson to Scott Rees & Co (Partner)

Simon Evans to Duncan Sheard Glass (Corporate Business Director)

Gareth Peate to Wilson Henry (Tax Director)

Lauren Leonard promoted to Sales Manager at Hilton

Lucy Connell, Jennifer Lewis and Natalie Verdin to Kenyon Fraser (Account Managers of Marketing Team, and Senior Account Executive within PR department) Ian Adams to Aldermore Invoice Finance (Regional Sales Manager) Leann Hearne to The Riverside Group (Group Director for Care & Support) Dan Cutts and John Schorah to Weightmans (Senior Partner & Managing Partner) Mark Trousdale to DTM Legal (Director)

Gaynor Lanceley to Paul Crowley (Associate Solicitor)

Delyth Lloyd to Liverpool Innovation Park (Innovation Manager)

Find out more about Liverpool Chamber Training at www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk /home/training.aspx

33

New Members December 2012-February 2013

34

Welcome to our new Chamber members! Visit www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk for further contact information.

Adagio Liverpool Centre

eCosway

Lifestyle Magazine

RMK Business Solutions

1 Fairclough Street, L1 1FS www.adagio-city.com

Unit 16 Central Station, L1 1QE www.ecosway.com/uk

2 Barnhill Road, L15 5BE www.lifestylemonthly.co.uk

33 North Sudley Road, L17 0BE www.rmkbusinesssolutions. co.uk

Advoco

2nd Floor Gostins Building, L1 4LN www.advocolaw.co.uk AECOM Ltd

Exchange Court, L2 2ET www.aecom.com All Saints Catholic Centre For Learning (CCFL)

Roughwood Drive, Kirkby L33 8XF http://allsaintschs.org.uk Appsworld Ltd.

35 Reeds Lane, Wirral CH46 3RH http://theappsworks.com Bananafish Management

The Arts Village, L1 5BS www.bananafish.co.uk Belgravia House of Gifts CIC

Fifth Floor Horton House, L2 3PF www.belgraviagifts.com Bikers For Neurosupport

Exquisite Hotel Solutions Ltd

100 Old Hall Street, L3 9QJ www.equisitehotelsolutions. com External Perspective Business Solutions

5 Maunders Court, L23 9YU www.externalperspective. org.uk G & J Cash & Carry Ltd

29 Devon Street, L3 8HA www.gandjbaby.co.uk Gpg Sales Ltd T/A Total Cubicle Solutions

Unit 7 Luton Street, L5 9XR www.totalcubicles.co.uk Hackett Equity Solutions

6.03 The Plaza, L3 9QJ www. hackettequitysolutions.com Ibis - Dale Street

56-57 Dale Street, L2 2HJ www.ibishotel.com

Lifestyle - Liverpool Fashion Week Edition

2 Barnhill Road, L15 5BE www.lifestylemonthly.co.uk Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival

Royal Haskoning

Liverpool Organic Brewery Ltd

Securitas

Unit 39 Brasenose Road, L20 8HL www. liverpoolorganicbrewery. com London Stock Exchange plc

35 North Drive, L15 8JF www.mycena.co.uk

13 Derby Hill Road, Ormskirk L39 2XH www.silvercloudtherapy. co.uk

Northern Rail Ltd

63-67 Tithebarn Street, L2 2EN www.cdproperties.co.uk

KBC, Lancaster LA1 4WA www.infolab21.lancs.ac.uk

4 Travis Street Ground Floor, Manchester M1 2NF www.northernrail.org

Cass Associates Studio 104

26 Pall Mall, L3 6AG www.iraq-uk-gateway.co.uk

The Croft, Tarporley CW6 9DB

7th Floor 88 Church Street, L1 3AY www.qualitysolicitors.com/ jacksoncanter

Clean Reach Ltd

Jan McDermott & Co. Limited

Unit 5 76 Stephenson Way, L37 8EG www.cleanreachltd.com

Third Floor 51 Hamilton Square, Birkenhead CH41 5BN www.janmcdermott.co.uk

Chappelle Construction Solutions

Clark Events Catering

PPL Group

16 Dempster Building/ Atlantic Way, L3 4BE www.thepplgroup.com Polaris Media Management Limited

Kurt Geiger Shoes

Riverside Laundry Services Ltd

Engineering Department Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YR www.lpdu.lancs.ac.uk

Timotheus Creative Media Ltd

Kingham Chambers, L1 5DW www.timcreative.co.uk Tryfan Consultants

33 Carkington Road, L25 8TA Turnaround UK

Unit 3 Holmesfield Road, Warrington WA1 2DS www.turnarounduk.com Unity Associates

92 Unity Building, L3 9BZ www.unityassociates.co.uk

Springboard Design Ltd

USP Creative Limited

1A Allerton Road, L18 1LG www.springboardda.com

19 Old Hall Street, L3 9JQ www.uspcreative.com

Store First Liverpool

Victoria Hall Ltd

Unit 23-33 Liverpool Estuary, L24 8QR www.storefirst.com

29 Hatton Garden, L3 2EZ www.victoriahall.com

Street League

Young Person’s Advisory Service

Life Health Centre, L12 9HH www.zoes-place.org.uk/ liverpool

Resurrection

DBH House, L5 9YJ www.dbhservicedoffices. com

Second Floor, 20 Chapel Street, L3 9AG www.threepointone.co.uk

Kingham Chambers, L1 5DW www.sunsetdawn.com

32 North John Street, L2 9QJ town.centre@jkoptician.co. uk

Lancaster Product Development Unit

Three Point One

31 South John Street, L1 8BJ www.pullandbear.com

Coaching For Excellence

DBH Serviced Business Centres - The Liverpool Film Studio

99-101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN www.salvationarmy.org.uk

Sunset Dawn Festivals CIC

8 Valentine Grove, L10 8JH jackiereidsprop@hotmail. com

27-31 Church Street, L1 1DA www.kurtgeiger.com

The Salvation Army

Pull & Bear

Reids Property Development

The Corn Exchange, L2 0PH www.dbhservicedoffices. com

Bahama Close, St. Helens WA11 9XN www.solarkingcommercial. com

15 Cases Street, L1 1HW www.thesalonliverpool.co. uk

36 Bolton Street, L3 5LX www.ypas.org.uk

86 Devonfield Road, L9 3BH www.jbacoustics.co.uk

DBH Serviced Business Centre

Solarking Commercial Ltd

The Salon

Units 3.01-3.05 Canterbury Court, London SW9 6DE www.streetleague.co.uk

JB Acoustics

www.wendymoffatt.co.uk

4 Water Street, L2 3SX www.shaunajhappan.co.uk

Walnut House, Wallasey CH41 1FL www.pickledwalnutcatering. co.uk

Pioneer House, Ellesmere Port CH65 1AD www.polarismedia.co.uk

4 Stanley Court, Birkenhead CH42 3YL www.clarkeventscatering. co.uk

Jonny Goggles

10 Carstairs Road, L6 8NN www.sharethecity.org

Silver Cloud Therapy

InfoLab21

Jackson & Canter Solicitors

Share the City

Mycena Ltd

University of Liverpool Ground Floor, L69 3GL www.liv.ac.uk

The Tea Factory, L1 4DQ www.cassassociates.co.uk

Unit 114 Tower Street, L3 4BJ www.securitas.com

Shauna Jhappan Wealth Management

Hutchinson House, L15 8HY www.imapservicedoffices. co.uk

Iraq-UK Gateway

Stanley Hall, L3 9NG www.royalhaskoning.com

10 Paternoster Square, London EC4M 7LS www.londonstockexchange. com

Imap Business Centre Ltd

C & D Properties (Liverpool) Ltd

Management House, Wirral CH47 4FF www.roofmanagement.co

The Bluecoat, L1 3BX www.arabicartsfestival. co.uk

Nanoinvestigation Centre at Liverpool

Norton Street, L3 8LR www.bikersforneurosupport. co.uk

Roof Management Ltd

The Pickled Walnut Fine Food Company

17-19 Bold Street, L1 4DN www.resurrection-online. com

Unit 205 Century Buildings, L3 4BL www. riversidelaundryservices. com

Zoes Place Baby Hospice

Sure Save Ltd

Unit 9 Meridian Business Village, L24 9LG www.yoursuresave.com The Best Of Liverpool Ltd

Bullock House, 10 Rumford Place, L3 9DG www.thebestof.co.uk/ liverpool The Florrie - The Florence Institute Trust Ltd

377 Mill Street, L8 4RF www.theflorrie.org

Find the Chamber member that you want to do business with at www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk /members.aspx

We’re going eco-friendly.

Go on, get on board too.

33 NEW greener, better, hybrid electric buses on your Cross River Services.

Arriva Merseyside is delighted to announce the introduction of 33 new diesel-electric hybrid buses on our popular Cross River Services. Operating between Liverpool and the Wirral via the Mersey Tunnel, our new, green, eco-friendly fleet illustrates our commitment to providing sustainable transport in the community.

In addition, they will provide a positive contribution towards the region’s air quality action plan.

The new vehicles are part of Arriva’s ongoing investment programme and represent a major contribution in delivering commuters and businesses across Merseyside high quality, more comfortable and greener public transport.

arrivabus.co.uk/greener-buses