liverpool chamber magazine issue 39 summer 2013
DESCRIPTION
Issue 39 of the magazine that allows Liverpool Chamber of Commerce to promote its membersTRANSCRIPT
CHAMBERS
DOHA, QATAR 22-25 APRIL 2013
ICC WCF
CONGRESS
8THWORLD
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL
ISSN 1757-7705
Liverpool Chamber (Print) ISSN 1757-7705Liverpool Chamber (Online) ISSN 2051-9540
The business magazine for LiverpooL and merseyside • issue 39 • summer 2013
LIVERPOOL HOPE UNIVERSITYWe speak to Professor Gerald Pillay, Vice-Chancellor at Hope University
ACCELERATEWhat can we expect from Liverpool’s newest business festival?
LCT MANAGER RETIRES AFTER 26 YEARSA CHAT WITH FACT100 YEARS OF KIER CONSTRUCTIONUPCOMING EVENTSAND ALL THE LATEST NEWS
www.liverpoolchamber-magazine.org.uk #wellconnected
InsIde: Also:
Mayor addresses World Chambers Congress
liverpool makes its mark in doha!
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Contents3. CHAMBER4-7, 16. NEWS8. INTERVIEWS14. TRAINING18. HEALTH24. INTERNATIONAL25. EVENTS30. OPINIONS32. RETAIL34. MEMBERSHIP
Contact PointsAdvertisingFor details on advertising opportunities in Liverpool Chamber Magazine, contact David Whitehead 0161 661 4154or email: [email protected] 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.
EditorialIf 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 [email protected]
MembershipFor 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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Come to #ACCELERATE2013 to put your business in the fast lane. Book your spot now: bit.ly/l3uLv7Z @Accelerate2013
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As a Chamber member, you’re well connected
Welcome to the summer 2013 edition of Liverpool Chamber Magazine.
These are exciting times at Liverpool Chamber of Commerce; we are delighted to be working with an increasing number of members on issues of policy, representation and international trade. All three issues have been prominent in these past weeks and present great opportunities to our members in the coming months.
My visit to the World Chambers Congress in Qatar with Mayor Anderson and other city leaders is well documented in this edition. We visited the Congress to promote the International Festival for Business taking place in Liverpool in 2014 and were blown away by the goodwill and standing of both our City and our Chamber on this international stage. It is absolutely vital that we capitalise on this standing to boost our status as a world city which is open for business.
We are now one year away from the International Festival of Business in June and July of next year. It is a fantastic opportunity for companies of all sizes to contribute to, and benefit from, 61 days of activities that will inspire, educate, inform and succeed. I wish to urge all of our members to use this opportunity to demonstrate that you have the skills, talent,
innovation and credibility to do business on the world stage.
Providing opportunities to our members is fundamental to our Chamber of Commerce. We are delighted to be supporting the ACCELERATE event at the Arena & Convention Centre on 27 June with an Export fringe event in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses. The collaboration with a fellow trade association demonstrates that we are committed to encourage export as an economic driver for our region, and we encourage potential export companies to join us for ACCELERATE 2013.
Finally, I wish to reinforce the key message that the future success of this Chamber is dependent upon the support and contribution of our member companies. Every member of this Chamber has a stake in the company, a voice to contribute to our policy work and an opportunity to connect with fellow members. We do not face challenges alone; we succeed together.
Join the Chamber; use the Chamber; support the Chamber.
As a Chamber member, you are well connected.
Jenny StewartChief Operating Officer
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Mayor addresses World Chambers Congress in Qatar
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson has told a global gathering of business leaders that Liverpool is Britain at its best and urged them to visit the city during next year’s International Festival for Business (IFB 2014).
Mayor Anderson told delegates at the World Chambers Congress (WCC) in Doha, Qatar, that Liverpool and its Chamber of Commerce will be the centre of the business world in 2014 when the city hosts the 61-day IFB 2014 on behalf of the UK.
Speaking at the Cities session at the 8th annual WCC, he said: “In Liverpool we are looking to the future differently.
“Building enterprise, driving innovation and encouraging ambition are the most effective ways to release human potential and boost our economy.
“For Liverpool and for the UK, the International Festival of Business is about realising the potential of economic recovery. It’s about building business. It’s about creating relationships so that we can make the most of opportunities. It’s about creating success.
“Next summer, Liverpool will be a portal through which the world can discover British business at its best.
“IFB will be an arena where
pivotal industries come together to trade ideas, products and contacts, attracting more than 250,000 people from around the world. If there is one place to do business next year, it’s Liverpool. It’s Britain.”
Mayor Anderson also explained that IFB 2014 will also look at the fundamental role cities have in stimulating innovation and driving economic growth in a series of themed events, the highlight of which will be a Global Leaders Summit, debating urban best practice and shaping the global economic future.
Mayor Anderson, accompanied by Mayoral Development Corporation Board member David Wade-Smith, was the guest of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce which is helping Liverpool Vision deliver IFB 2014 with the British Chambers of Commerce and
UKTI and other partners.He added: “The Chambers’
input is truly holistic – before, during and after as export advisors, organising tailored trade visits to 20 key partner chambers in high growth markets, and helping us maximise the festival’s legacy long after the festival finishes.”
Liverpool Chamber will play a key part in next year’s International Festival for Business focusing on increasing exports from the UK.
Jenny Stewart, Chief Operating Officer at Liverpool Chamber, said: “Our vision is that Liverpool Chamber can be an “export hub” providing vital and practical support for businesses to engage with the world’s high growth emerging
For all the latest Chamber and member news, visit www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk/news.aspx
@joeforliverpool Addressing the World Chambers of Commerce Congress in Doha telling the whole world why Liverpool is the place to be. pic.twitter.com/fyJc4Xs6ysNEWS
markets.”John Sutcliffe, Chair of
Liverpool Chamber, hosted a dinner at which the Mayor met Michael O’Neill, British Ambassador to Qatar; Gareth
O’Brien, UKTI Qatar’s international trade director; Peter Mihok, Chair, ICC World Chambers Federation; and John Longworth, Director General, British Chambers of Commerce.
Next summer, Liverpool will be a portal through which the world can discover British business at its best.
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Add Liverpool Chamber to your circles on Google+ by searching for Liverpool Chamber of Commerce
Congratulations to @theflorrie for winning the @RICSnews Building Conservation NW award! Well deserved. http://bit.ly/15oVWil @burofour NEWS
LIVERPOOL CI TY CENTRE
Take a look... • Newly refurbished function suite • Picturesque waterfront location • Award winning hotel • Team with a decade of experience
Crowne Plaza Liverpool City Centre, Princes Dock, Liverpool L3 1QW0151 243 8040 [email protected]
The redeveloped Florrie recently celebrated its first birthday since re-opening and has firmly established itself as a key asset for the local community.
Closed in 1988 after serving the community for a hundred years, the rebirth of the Florrie in 2012 has reinvigorated the area, providing a vibrant community centre with a multitude of events, activities and projects all taking place in this living museum and drawing on the buildings heritage for its vision.
The Florrie was built in 1889 by Bernard Hall in memory of his daughter Florence, who tragically died at the age of 22. His intention was to provide a place of recreation and instruction to the poor and working lads of the area. Ironically, economic decline led to its original closure but its reopening has enabled it to continue providing the service envisaged by its founder.
The redevelopment has appealed to many event planners and the venue has hosted numerous events since reopening, including the Chamber’s own Energy and Construction Lunch in March of this year.
Hannah Vose, Audience Development
Officer at The Florrie, said: “The rebirth of The Florrie really is testament to the work and commitment of the Florence Institute Trust, its members, friends and the community whose continued support is fundamental to Florrie’s future success.
“We’ve benefited not only from the financial support of the funders but also the invaluable practical and professional support given. It’s an exciting time to be part of the team at The Florrie and seeing how this exceptional venue will unfold.”
New lease of life for The Florrie
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Chamber of Commerce have been there for me throughout the whole journey. I am now beginning to exceed all my initial expectations and I’m currently planning to take my training courses to a global market with a series of online video tutorials.
“I would highly recommend the NEA scheme together with business mentoring offered by the Chamber.”
Describing his time as a mentor, George added: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my mentoring experience for the New Enterprise Allowance scheme through Liverpool Chamber. Richard Smith expertly matches businesses with mentors, so their knowledge and expertise helps them get started immediately.
“As director of a training company, it made perfect sense to pair me with Frank Minghella as he set up his business. I could share my skills and experience and help him get up and running as quickly and efficiently as possible. I was
able to offer advice on ways to minimise his costs and maximise his revenue so the business started on a firm footing, which helped him build his confidence.
“Business mentoring has given me opportunities to watch fledgling ideas become reality and flourish into successful businesses, it has been a hugely satisfying and rewarding experience. The challenges along the way have prompted me to stop and review my own business, and helped me gain fresh perspective. A win-win situation all round; if you get the chance, do it.”
Could you be a mentor to someone like Frank? Contact Richard Smith by emailing [email protected].
@PCSupportGroup What next for Windows 8 – minor enhancements or major changes? ow.ly/kOFfY fb.me/1F9aNNKVUNEWS
Check out the variety of services that Liverpool Chamber provides at www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk/services.aspx
Promoting your business?...grab our new catalogues for free!
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There has been a lot of talk about Cloud computing over the last few years and what it may or may not deliver. Let’s clarify what Cloud computing is – it’s the use of computing resources (hardware and software) that are delivered as a service over a network, typically the Internet.
Detractors say data is less secure, system control is lost, business is too dependent on a third party, and losing Internet access means losing access to everything.
Supporters say that security is enhanced; you can work elsewhere even if your office network lets you down, it reduces capital expenditure and maintenance costs, and you have access to the latest technologies.
Cloud services are improving (as are the connections to them), and they are now very much a viable option for many SMEs that
should be considered as part of an overall IT strategy.
Microsoft has also introduced Office 365; a Cloud-based service hosted by Microsoft themselves. It brings together familiar Microsoft Office desktop applications with Cloud-based business email, shared calendars, instant messaging, video conferencing, and file sharing. Office 365 users within the business who currently do all this from PCs that have not been networked will suddenly gain access to all sorts of wonderful sharing technology.
The advantages to the business can be huge in terms of reduced support costs, reduced license replacement costs, improved security and improved resilience.
We recommend every business to discuss Cloud options with their IT support partner to get the best advice.
Is it time for SMEs to embrace the Cloud?A guest contribution by Philip Bird, Managing Director at The PC Support Group:
Liverpool Chamber provides a mentoring scheme to support the business people of the future.
Richard Smith, Business Start-Up Co-ordinator at Liverpool Chamber, and Keith Waterson, Business Start-Up Advisor, have delivered the NEA and Enterprise Merseyside programme for the past year. The programme matches mentors with appropriate start-up businesses and enables their development through their formative stages.
George Cunningham and Frank Minghella have developed a terrific mentor-mentee relationship that has helped the growth and development of Frank’s photography training business.
Frank said: “The NEA really helped me on the road to building a successful business along with the wonderful business mentoring service offered by the Chamber.
“Mentoring made the whole start-up process a really pleasant
experience and helped to remove my initial hesitation. Friendly help and advice from my appointed business mentor George Cunningham meant I quickly gained the confidence to set up my photography training business.
“George was on hand with gentle encouragement and useful ideas and suggestions for future expansion. He also introduced me to new business contacts which helped to bring forward my business start-up date.
“Thanks to the help and advice available through the NEA and the Chamber, I now run The Perfect Photo Company, a popular and successful photographic training company. To date, I have enjoyed helping hundreds of novices to become accomplished photographers. Find out more about my business at www.perfectphotocompany.co.uk.
“The business has come a long way in a relatively short period of time and the NEA and Liverpool
Mentor Partnership helps Business Growth
L-R: George Cunningham, NLP Liverpool; Frank Minghella, Perfect Photo Company.
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Intellectual PropertyIntellectual Property (“IP”) is the legal term for an expression of an idea or concept. Logos, inventions, designs, songs or other intellectual creation are forms of IP. IP includes brand identity or a patent and has real value. In certain businesses, IP is the main value.
IP protection includes; Domain Names Trade Marks, Patents, Copyright and Registered Designs. Whether you or your business is entitled to receive IP protection depends on whether the protection is available. One example could be whether someone registered their interest ahead of yours or whether the IP you are looking to protect is or has been in the public domain or is public property.
As a start-up, you may believe IP protection to be something of a luxury. However, if IP is integral to your business to protect your brand name or concept or if there is a risk that you stand to lose a “first mover” advantage, then the long term benefits of IP protection are likely to outweigh the short term costs.
We always suggest protecting your brand by registering domain name(s) that you feel are most relevant to your business. Don’t forget about any alternative suffixes in addition to .com addresses!
Please note that simply having registered IP does not in itself guarantee that no others will copy or attempt to use what you have registered. However, an owner is entitled to enforce its rights in IP within the recognised legal framework. This will put your company in a stronger commercial position.
Jonathan Abrams is a Media Lawyer at Gregory Abrams Davidson LLP. [email protected] 0151 236 5000
Hundreds Attend Open Day in Wallasey dlvr.it/3SdPDp @MerseyFire NEWS
I recently joined a business debate organised by Liverpool Chamber for the city’s business leaders to discuss aviation capacity, where I spoke about the significance of Heathrow as a hub airport. In setting up its airport commission, the Government has recognised that maintaining the UK’s aviation status is critical to economic success, and from the lively debate I witnessed in Liverpool, it was clear that this is an issue of critical interest to local businesses.
As the UK’s only hub airport, Heathrow plays a vital role in
supporting many more long haul destinations than any other airport in the UK. By combining local and transfer passengers and pooling demand from around the country, a hub can support direct links to the new economies, which are vital for regional development. But Heathrow is full, with no spare capacity. Local point-to-point airports serve an important, but distinct, market and often have no direct links to Heathrow. Instead, they link to rival foreign hub airports such as Charles de Gaulle and Schiphol.
Connectivity via a major national hub airport is essential for businesses in Liverpool and its surrounding areas. Liverpool’s economy is growing fast and businesses want to facilitate that growth through trade and foreign investment. To do that, those businesses need to be able to develop relationships with clients, suppliers and inward investors in emerging economies. Liverpool has a growing relationship with China and connectivity to cities such as
Nanjing and Qingdao is also increasingly important. Businesses want to be able to fly directly from the UK, and they want their customers to be able to do the same.
In recent years, we have invested £11 billion in upgrading and replacing infrastructure and facilities within and around Heathrow. We are currently in the middle of the regeneration of Terminal 2. At an investment of £2.5billion, this is one of the largest privately funded construction projects in the UK, supporting 35,000 jobs across the country during the lifetime of the construction project. The supply of materials has come from across the UK, with suppliers in Liverpool providing £3.8m of reinforcement steel.
It’s clearly in the interests of the country to support a UK hub rather than a foreign hub. We believe the Government should build on the strengths we already have at Heathrow and help to make the whole of the UK a more attractive place for business.
Connect with Liverpool Chamber on LinkedIn by searching for Liverpool Chamber of Commerce
Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire Service have revealed that the Friday Night Project has a real impact on the local area.
Merseyside Police reported an 11% drop in ASB (anti social behaviour), whilst the Fire Service reports a massive 45% drop in malicious fire setting.
The Friday Night Project is held at Starr Fields L8, consisting of two sessions of mixed football with ages ranging from 5 to 20. The sessions are run by the Merseyside Fire Service Football team, and are funded and supported by Yoursuresave.com.
Alex Doonan, Managing
Director at Yoursuresave.com, commented: “We are delighted that we have been able to contribute to something that is improving the quality of life and improving safety in that area.”
Peter Owens, Merseyside Fire Service, added: “We have had the added bonus of having Yoursuresave.com staff come down and give their Friday nights up to help us.”
Yoursuresave.com helps to reduce crime and malicious fire setting in Liverpool
SPONSORED COLUMN
Heathrow: Building from strengthA guest contribution by Nigel Milton, Director of Policy and Political Relations at Heathrow Airport:
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@itsliverpool LOVING the fantastic entries for #5dayfilmchallenge Such amazing talent in Liverpool “https://twitter.com/FACT_Liverpool” @FACT_Liverpool “https://twitter.com/lmhtv” @lmhtv
Going to be hard for the judges
View video clips on Liverpool Chamber’s YouTube channel by searching for Liverpool Chamber of Commerce
FACT celebrated its 10th anniversary with a Hacky Birthday event.
A chat with . . . FACT
INTERVIEWS
Iona HorsburghExecutive Director at FACT (Foundation for Art & Creative Technology)
This year, FACT celebrates its 10th anniversary. We spoke to Iona Horsburgh, Executive Director, about their first decade.
Can you tell us about how FACT originated in 2003?
FACT was founded in 1988 and was originally called Moviola. The building of the FACT Centre was a long held ambition, which finally came to fruition in 2003. The centre was the city’s first purpose built cultural
project for over 60 years.The centre was warmly welcomed by
locals and visitors from when it first opened, and it quickly became an important part of the city’s cultural offer. The galleries and cinemas have grown loyal and supportive audiences over the past 10 years.
What are the finest achievements by FACT in these last ten years?
We’ve welcomed over three million people through our doors, and have also
worked with a wide range of people to engage in and be part of the creative process, particularly through our innovative community engagement programmes.
We’ve also brought some of the world’s leading artists to Liverpool including Isaac Julien, Pipilotti Rist, Semiconductor, Quentin Tarantino, Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Bill Voila and Nam June Paik. It has been central to the city’s major events such as Liverpool’s 800th birthday and Liverpool’s stint as European Capital of Culture.
How would you define the target audience of FACT?
The FACT Centre is an interesting building as there is so much on offer; in a typical day, you will see the cinemas full of mums and babies for the Big Scream screenings; a group of school children on a tour of the galleries; an international delegation from Japan visiting to
We are extremely active in marketing the FACT centre as a national and international destination, attracting tourists to come to Liverpool.
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look at how Liverpool does culture; a workshop teaching young people computer programming skills; and, if you’re lucky, a Q&A with Quentin Tarantino in the evening.
Having so much on offer that appeals to such a broad range of people can make targeting audiences difficult, so we try and ensure that nobody feels that the centre is not for them, and encourage new customers to come and see what we are all about.
What role does FACT play in the local economy?
FACT has a very important role to play in growing the Liverpool economy. We are extremely active in marketing the FACT centre as a national and international destination, attracting tourists to visit Liverpool and use our hotels, restaurants and shopping facilities while they are here.
We also have a key role in developing digital skills through our creative projects, such as computer programming for young people and film making projects with a broad range of participants. As an employer, we also work hard to provide internships and apprenticeships to directly provide employable skills.
Is there more to FACT than the Centre itself?
FACT stands for the Foundation for Art and Creative Technology, which is the charity behind the FACT Centre. We have a huge number of projects that operate outside of the centre in communities. For example, we are currently working on a variety of digital arts projects with military veterans, including helping them develop a website which will then offer a creative platform for veterans all over the world.
What other services do FACT provide that might interest Chamber members?
FACT’s trading arm offers full service production facilities – filming and producing promotional films, operating online TV channels, as well as AV hire. We also provide bespoke training packages in our media lab and offer venue hire and customised events such as hiring out the 50 seater box for your very own film night.
Tell us about The Art of Pop Video and the Channel 4 Random Acts series of films.
The Art of Pop Video was our latest exhibition, running until 26 May. It looked at the evolution of the pop video over the decades, and contained more than 100 examples, from Fred Astaire to Lady Gaga.
The Random Acts films are 25 short films that were co-curated and co-commissioned by FACT for Channel 4 last year. International artists involved included James Franco,
Marina Abramovic and Mark Wallinger, and all of the films can now be seen online. Not bad for a small, regional organisation!
What are you planning to mark your 10th birthday?
We marked the 10th anniversary of the building with a special family day – Hacky Birthday – on 23 February. But we will be celebrating all year with events planned to tie in with our next exhibition, Turning FACT Inside Out, in June. Watch this space . . .
How do you see FACT developing in the years ahead?
We hope that we can continue to work with great internationally renowned artists and help attract increased visitor numbers to the city. We will continue to work to raise the profile of the Ropewalks area and to promote and encourage more people into the city, and we’ll continue to work on projects that ensure local people have the digital literacy skills needed for the creative jobs of the future.
The Found Footage Festival returns to Liverpool http://dlvr.it/35qjMH @FACT _ Liverpool INTERVIEWS
We hope that we can continue to work with great internationally renowned artists and brings the benefit of increased visitor numbers to the city.
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Follow Liverpool Chamber on Twitter @LpoolChamber
The Art of Pop Video incorporates the genre’s biggest names in the most eye-catching videos.
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View Liverpool Chamber’s photo sets on our Flickr page by searching for Liverpool Chamber of Commerce
@LiverpoolHopeUK Take a look around the newly refurbished Sheppard-Worlock Library with this new video www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-RekL80h6c&feature=youtu.beINTERVIEWS
The BIG Interview with Liverpool Hope UniversityLiverpool Hope University has achieved tremendous growth in recent years: the development of a Creative Campus, refurbishment and introduction of facilities and an ever-expanding roster of students and tutors from across the globe have resulted in the University enjoying significant success. We spoke to Professor Gerald J Pillay, Vice-Chancellor at Liverpool Hope University, to find out more.
What would you say are Hope’s key distinguishing features?
Hope has a distinctive philosophy of creating a living
community which we call the Collegium, where staff and students engage on an ongoing and personal basis.
Our tutorial model is innovative and
designed to acknowledge the talent of each individual student. At Hope, a student is not a number, but an integral part of University life. Hope is, in some ways, a microcosm of an international community: we have 81 nations represented amongst our students, and 35 nations represented amongst our staff. We look for the best academics that we can find from anywhere in the world, resulting in the best academic preparations which are developed alongside broader skills.
Our entry point is higher, but it is selective
Our place is a new social space for students to create a community and build upon our University philosophies.
At Hope, a student is not a number, but an integral part of University life.
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Professor Gerald J PillayVice-Chancellor
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Good to join education students @LiverpoolHopeUK to discuss education after the coalition - lots of interesting questions @lucianaberger INTERVIEWS
and not exclusive. We are committed to ensure that anyone with promise is given a solid education; that is our commitment.
Can you provide a brief description of your duties as Vice-Chancellor at Liverpool Hope University?
I was appointed by the University Council to take responsibility for the academic and financial standing of the University. I’m also the Chair of the University Senate, the highest academic body at the University, representing the Senate and the management of Hope on the University Council. The Vice-Chancellor also sets the University’s budget and deputises at ceremonial University events when the Chancellor is absent.
Can you discuss your academic background?I studied Theology and Classical Languages
and Philosophy. I taught for 18 years at the University in Durban and the University of South Africa in Pretoria, at which I was Professor of Ecclesiastical History.
I was also a visiting Professor in the United States on several occasions and was appointed Foundation Professor of Theology in New Zealand at the University of Otago in Dunedin.
In 2003, I was appointed here, to head the then-Liverpool Hope University College, and I then became its first Vice-Chancellor in 2005 when Liverpool City Council gave it full University status.
This must have been a proud moment for Hope?
Yes, it was. People don’t realise that Hope is the result of two church colleges, dating back to 1844 and 1856, creating opportunities for people above and beyond high school.
Hope is part of a proud legacy; it has a strong 19th Century history of liberal education. It broadened quickly and is now a Liberal Arts Social Science Institute with strong research units in Computer Science
Psychology, English Literature, Theology and Music, as well as very strong research units in many other areas.
Hope University is now split into two campuses: Hope Park in Childwall and the Creative Campus in Everton. What are the key differences between them?
The main campus at Hope Park houses the majority of facilities (Science, Social Science, Humanities, Education), but the University wanted to be faithful to its commitment to regenerating education. It is important to regenerate the culture and the city.
We established the campus in Everton, which was then one of the poorer wards in Liverpool. There has been an investment
The recently refurbished Sheppard Worlock Library now has a British Museum-standard archive vault.
We have the best retention-against-benchmark figures in the North-West; it’s a wonderful achievement.
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@LiverpoolHopeUK Foundation Day has begun. A celebration of Hope and the founding of our University INTERVIEWS
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of £35 million over the past decade for the Creative Campus for Creative and Performing Arts. It is a very attractive campus with its own theatres, with fine facilities, and with cutting edge fine arts. At the heart of the Creative Campus is the Renaissance Garden, which has won four awards. We created this space to enliven the Gateway to Everton and to create a natural avenue from the city to Everton.
We are delighted with the potential of the development of Everton Park; the whole area will get uplift, and whereas it was once a dilapidated school, it is now a wonderful campus.
What is the student population?We have just under 8,000 students, and
we don’t want to go above 10,000. We want the rest of our growth to be postgraduates, which currently amounts for around 20% of our numbers.
We have one of the highest average entry points in the North-West and, post-1992, the highest amongst institutions in the whole of England.
We have the best retention-against-benchmark figures in the North-West, which is a wonderful achievement.
Hope has a number of major facilities, one of which is the Sheppard-Worlock Library. Can you tell me about the importance of its recent refurbishment?
The library is the nerve centre of a University, so the resources for the students have to be the very best that the University can afford. We are delighted that the Sheppard-Worlock Library now houses collections of real quality and material going back to the medieval
period. It has been refurbished to cater for the hundreds of students who work in the library as groups or lone researchers every day and to ensure that Hope has an archive vault to meet British Museum standards.
We have spent several millions to improve the facilities and to make it one of the most attractive libraries around. None of this has led to any borrowing; the refurbishment has been paid for, which we are grateful for in the current economic times.
How did your recent developments come about, and how do you think they help to position Hope?
We are an evolving University. We have to be faithful to our values; we have to create a Collegium where staff and students form a real learning community.
We have a unique residential life, which links with residentials and lecture rooms for students and tutors, and a high table for students to celebrate big events together. In a Collegium, the individual is important.
We have invested in health and fitness, theatres and the best music equipment, as well as extracurricular equipment. We encourage students to study in disciplines, and take an interest in the big issues of the world.
An Honorary Doctorate from Cape Town visited Hope and said we “are concerned about the world of work, and also about the work of the world.”
Our Place is a new social space for students to create a community. It is not just new buildings; it is part of a big plan to fulfil the University’s philosophies.
How do you see Liverpool Hope University progressing in the years to come?
We have been on an upward trajectory for several years. Not all Liverpool organisations realise how sharp it has been; we have the highest percentage of doctorates on staff in any post-1992 University in England.
Our international profile is rapidly developing; there are three Institutes in India, and a growing network has been steadily building.
Despite the economic uncertainty we face, we’re cautiously optimistic that our progress is going to continue undeterred, and we will become one of the city’s biggest attractions and a high employer.
It is important for the city’s three Universities to flourish, and Hope will be there amongst the best.
The Creative Campus at Everton has become a real success story in its own right.
It is important for the city’s three Universities to flourish, and Hope will be there amongst the best.
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Aldo Zilli and San CarloThe Award Winning Taste of Italy
Famed for his award winning seafood and Italian cuisine, flamboyant celebrity chef Aldo Zilli has joined forced with the San Carlo Group of leading Italian restaurants. With both Zilli and San Carlo Group renowned for their star studded clientele and passion for great Italian food, the relationship is a perfect fit.
Winner of the UK’s Best Italian Restaurant (Italian Food Association), Liverpool’s San Carlo, on Castle Street, has become the city’s leading destination restaurant, popular with famous faces, key business figures, sporting stars and city diners looking to enjoy the sophisticated surroundings, superb authentic Italian food and electric atmosphere.
San Carlo Group’s Executive Consultant Chef Aldo Zilli says the key to San Carlo’s success lies with its Italian family owners, he said: “Cooking is an
emotional affair, I’ve known chairman of the group Carlo Distefano for many years and, like me, Carlo and his family are incredibly passionate about their food. Great Italian food should be seasonal and simple, allowing the best, freshest ingredients to do the talking. San Carlo understands this and I’ve been working with them to
create dishes which emphasise the quality of the produce they source, much of which is flown in from local markets in Milan.”
To ensure the Group maintains its exacting standards the head chefs make regular trips to Italy, sourcing the best produce. June and July sees food become spectacularly colourful, look out for the
arrival of sweet figs, bright peppers and aubergines, bursting with sun ripened colour and flavour.
Winner of twenty industry related and consumer awards, the San Carlo Group also has restaurants in Leeds, Roundhay, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Leicester, Cicchetti and Signor Sassi in London and overseas in Kuwait, Bangkok and Beirut.
An extensive seasonal menu and expertly constructed wine list provides the ideal choice for any occasion, San Carlo promises a true taste of Italy in sophisticated yet informal surroundings.
Early booking is recommended. For reservations telephone 0151 236 0073 or for more information visit the San Carlo Group website at www.sancarlo.co.uk. For the latest news, follow on twitter @SanCarlo_Group.
AWARD WINNING RESTAURANTS
Carlo Distefano | ChairmanAldo Zilli | Celebrity Chef
Originale Cucina Italiana
41 Castle Street, Liverpool L2 9SHTel: 0151 236 0073 | www.sancarlo.co.uk
San Carlo | Birmingham Bristol Leeds Leicester Liverpool Manchester Signor Sassi | London Kuwait Beirut Bangkok
“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.”
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.
Liverpool Chamber Magazine V3.indd 1 16/05/2013 11:41
(L) Chairman of San Carlo Group Carlo Distefano with Aldo Zilli
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Find out more about the services provided by Liverpool Chamber Training by visiting www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk/home/training.aspx
@CllrNickSmall Was really impressed by all the young people I met @LpoolChamber You’re Hired event - good luck in doing whatever you want to doTRAINING
Matthew Bell, of Pensby High School, earned an apprenticeship at Liverpool Chamber by winning the You’re Hired course during Apprenticeship Week.
Matthew received his prize from Cllr Nick Small, who hosted a special 60 Really
Useful Minutes during which the announcement was made.
Matthew said: “I want to thank everybody at the Chamber for this chance. I will be 100% committed to this opportunity and will put in a real effort to help the Chamber.”
Liverpool Chamber Training apprentice wins major awardLiverpool Chamber Training is delighted to congratulate Gemma Parkinson, Reservations Manager at BridgeStreet Services Apartments, for winning the Over 25’s Apprentice of the Year award at the first ever Liverpool City Region Apprenticeship Awards.
Gemma was placed at BridgeStreet by Liverpool Chamber Training and we are all extremely proud of her success.
In proposing Gemma for the award, her employers commented that she “has demonstrated her commitment to personal development ever since she joined our company in May 2010. She has embraced every opportunity to progress through learning and her outstanding effort has seen successive promotions in a short period of time, from Guest Services Assistant to Reservations Co-ordinator, and more recently to Reservations Manager.”
Ongoing self-development is frequently cited as essential to an apprentice’s development, and Gemma’s completion of her Business Management Level 3 course and progress in ILM Level 5 was a key aspect of her award success.
Gemma’s impeccable
attendance and exemplary standard of work featured heavily in the award nomination, and her success in this award is clearly no fluke; she was nominated for ‘Reception Staff of the Year’ in the Liverpool Ambassador Awards 2011, and last year she won the BridgeStreet ‘Star of the Region’
award for EMEA division.Her employers continued:
“This would be a superb achievement in its own right for most people but Gemma regularly works shifts, weekends, and overtime. She also balances this ever so well with her home life, where as a mother of two young children, she is still able to get them to regular swimming and dancing classes, as well as a lengthy list of school and family related activities. Her ability to overcome these barriers to learning is a truly remarkable achievement on her part.”
All at Liverpool Chamber congratulate Gemma on her success.
If you’ve been inspired by Gemma’s story, find out about apprenticeships from the Chamber today by visiting www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk/home/training.aspx.
L-R: Kellie Lynch, LCT; Mary Smyth, LCT; Gemma Parkinson; Vicky Booth, LCT.
An ambitious new ‘shared’ apprenticeship initiative is looking for construction industry companies in Merseyside to join the scheme.
‘Building Skills’ is a partnership between local social enterprise Fusion21, community-based employment business Employer Pool and the national training organisation for construction, CITB-Construction Skills.
Through the Building Skills scheme, Merseyside contractors can ‘share’ apprentices, employing them for any length of time,
depending on the building contracts they win, meaning there is no long term commitment or cost for employers.
All apprentices are vetted and inducted by Fusion21, ensuring they are job-ready and have the necessary personal protective equipment.
Tony Dolan, managing director at Crosby Construction Ltd, said: “The beauty of this scheme is that Fusion21 recruit and screen apprentices and get them work-ready before they start on site.”
‘Shared’ apprenticeship scheme launches in Merseyside
L-R: Craig Dickson, apprentice; Jack Anderton and Tony Dolan, Crosby Construction Ltd.
Student earns Chamber apprenticeship
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Follow Liverpool Chamber Training on Twitter @LCTraining2
Congratulations to Pat Smith on her retirement!!!! @LCTraining2 TRAINING
Pat Smith retires after 26 years at Liverpool Chamber Training
Pat Smith has been a fundamental part of the Chamber’s training team for over 26 years, joining in 1986 and enjoying a career full of highlights.
Pat’s retirement in May was marked with a special retirement lunch, which was attended by family members, Chamber staff, LCT employees, past apprentices and other prominent businessmen, including Ian Ayre, Managing Director at Liverpool Football Club.
Pat commented: “I have enjoyed all of my time working with the Chamber and would not have changed one iota of my job or responsibilities to the get as many young people into good apprenticeships and to be able to build their careers.”
Amongst those paying tribute to Pat was Peter Shaw, her first ever apprentice at the Chamber who now works for Liverpool Football Club.
Mr. Shaw said: “Pat, like me, started on the first day of setting up the college side of Trident Training; we were both like rabbits in the headlights. We soon got down to the hard work of learning and Pat made that side of it enjoyable. Pat made me realise that learning when doing something you enjoy is fun. She was a big influence on my career and she helped me to set the target high and to always push it.”
Pat continued: “I would like to thank everybody who attended, and for all of the cards, flowers and gifts I received on the day. They were very much appreciated.”
All the staff at Liverpool Chamber of Commerce wish Pat Smith the very best in her retirement and we thank her for her incredible contributions over the last 26 years.
Starting date of apprenticeship:1992 Description of role during apprenticeship:Calculating commission rates for TV salesmen who worked for our stores. How long did you work at the organisation?Two years, until Colorvision went into administration. What was your first role?My first role afterwards was with Sayers bakery as a ledger controller. What qualifications did you earn as part of your Apprenticeship?NVQ Level 2, 3 & 4 in Business &
Finance, AAT. How did your Apprenticeship help you to progress in your career?My apprenticeship gave me the foundation required to progress to where I am now. What were your hopes in terms of future progression?Back then, I never thought I would be where I am now, but I knew I had potential. What would you say to those considering an Apprenticeship, and to companies considering hiring Apprentices?There’s nothing more rewarding than to watch, nurture and direct a young person to achieve their aspirations.
Apprentice ProfilePeter ShawColorvision Commissions Clerk (Now working as Assistant Executive Director at Liverpool Football Club)
Starting date:05/02/2013 Description of current role:Administrative duties; putting tech cert packs together; and booking learners in to attend training and tests. How long have you worked at the organisation?Over four months. What was your first role here?It was to create and put together Technical Certificate packs to aid learners. What qualifications have you earned as part of your Apprenticeship?I hope to complete my Business
Admin Level 2 course. How does your Apprenticeship help you to progress in your career?It allows me to earn whilst learning and gain valuable experience to help further my career prospects. What would you say to those who are considering an Apprenticeship, and to companies considering hiring Apprentices?If you want to develop new skills and gain confidence whilst earning a wage, an apprenticeship is the perfect opportunity. There is so much potential in younger people, which can help the growth of companies.
Apprentice ProfileAlan HillLiverpool Chamber of CommerceAdministration Clerk
Liverpool Chamber Magazine is celebrating Pat Smith’s tenure at the Chamber by focusing its regular Apprentice Profile feature on Pat’s first and final apprentices.
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Kier Construction’s northern arm first arrived in Liverpool 100 years ago this year under the name William Moss & Sons, and during its time in the city, it has helped shape the area’s cultural heritage and Liverpool’s famous skyline.
There are companies synonymous with long-standing attachments to Liverpool, yet few that can claim to have not only operated in our city, but helped build it.
William Moss & Sons was founded in Loughborough in 1820 and first became involved in the region through work on Wallasey Town Hall in 1913. A move to Roscoe Street in Liverpool followed in 1919 and precipitated decades of architectural masterpieces that would come to define Liverpool City Centre.
During the 1920s and 1930s, William Moss & Sons supported Liverpool in efforts to conquer the depression by investing heavily in civic and commercial architecture. William Moss partnered with Herbert Rowse to create such iconic structures as Martins Bank and the Queensway Tunnel entrances and ventilation stations. Construction was also undertaken on the Liverpool Empire Theatre in 1924 and the
iconic Liverpool Airport terminal between 1937 and 1939.
Further developments continued throughout the post-war period including the rebuilding of the fire damaged Lewis’ building between 1948 and 1955. Such developments have continued ever since Kier acquired the business and the future outlook continues to look very positive.
Amidst the changes experienced by the business, today’s Kier Construction benefits from the continuity of ethos and values inherent to companies with generations of workers.
Kier is still considered to be a family business; many staff have achieved over 25 years’ service, and the company’s successful recent attainment of the Investors in People Gold award has been a strong reflection of the extent to which staff are valued. Connectivity with company origins even extends to the maintenance of contact with the great, great, great, great grandson of the founder of William Moss and Sons.
Principles and experiences from the early 1900s are still deeply ingrained in the company’s ethos and vision. During the great depression, it provided thousands of jobs for the city’s unemployed, and this legacy continues as the business works with the city to train those out of work today.
Kier also continues to be heavily involved in the development of the city and to support its regeneration, recently focusing specifically on the Baltic Triangle area of Liverpool with the WICED and UTC projects. The construction of
the £35m Hilton Hotel at Liverpool ONE is another material example of the ongoing contribution of Kier to the city’s skyline.
Gary Wintersgill (pictured), Managing Director of Kier Construction’s northern business, cannot fail to recognise the inherent link between the company’s past and present: “We have gone through a number of changes in the last 100 years but there are many parallels that can be drawn between Liverpool in the early 20th century and the present day, such as our commitment to support local labour and invest in the long-term future of the city as we grow and develop as a business.”
It’s hard to stroll through Liverpool City Centre without passing one of Kier’s impressive creations; the company has been instrumental in shaping the Liverpool skyline through the construction and refurbishment of many landmark buildings throughout the last 100 years.
Liverpool is central to Kier’s business in the north-west and the attainment of recent contracts such as Liverpool Schools, Abbots Lea and Palmerston Schools demonstrates their intentions to remain in the city.
Recent awards, including the 2012 and 2013 North West Contractor of the Year Award, in addition to several environmental and sustainability accolades and high commendation in the National Energy Awards finals, indicate that quality remains inherent to the company ethos.
Add Liverpool Chamber to your circles on Google+ by searching for Liverpool Chamber of Commerce
@kiergroup Four Kier housing developments have received @CCScheme Awards at this year’s National Site ceremonies: http://ow.ly/kwD1B NEWS
Hope+ Foodbank
Liverpool Cathedral is working in partnership with Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, St Bride’s Church (St Luke’s in the City team), the city centre faith communities, the Mayor’s Office, and many Liverpool based businesses to operate a Foodbank with a difference.
Foodbanks operate to assist those most in need. Every day, people in our city go hungry for reasons ranging from redundancy to an unexpected bill on low income. They work by using partner agencies to distribute vouchers for the Foodbank to those in need, and the Foodbank then provides a minimum of three days emergency food and support to the
voucher holders.The aim of Hope+ was to involve as many people
and organisations as possible. The provision of food is the first step to helping people get back on their feet.
Hope+ deal with the immediate crisis, identify how it came about and how they can fix it. Partners provide assistance with benefits, money management and debt counselling, parenting support, and back-to-work accredited training courses.
With Liverpool Cathedral as the administrative hub and food store, the first of what is hoped will be at least five ‘pantries’ was opened at St Bride’s in February, where vouchers are exchanged for food.
Building a legacy
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E: [email protected]: 0151 252 5869/6/3
www.machousealderhey.com
RONALD McDONALD HOUSE at ALDER HEY( Alder Hey Family House Trust 1008765 )
The House provides accommodation totally free of charge for the parents and carers of the most critically
ill children who are in-patients inAlder Hey Children’s Hospital.
Our families come from all over the UK and some from further afield, many stay weeks or even months just minutes away from the Hospital Wards. We know that
we enable families to stay togetherat the most traumatic time of their lives.
With 84 family units this is the largest Ronald McDonald House in Europe always full to bursting with a waiting list we depend on voluntary contributions to meet the £600K per year running costs. If you or your organisation
can help in any way we would love to hear from you
®
@NHSLiverpoolCH The sun has been shining all week in Liverpool. Remember to put on some sun cream or a hat today.HEALTH
As the summer holiday period gets nearer, it’s impossible not to feel excited about the prospect of some sunny days, whether at home or abroad.
Liverpool Community Health
has undertaken a month-long skin cancer awareness campaign encouraging people to take all precautions necessary to protect their skin against sunburn and the potential risk of skin cancer this summer.
Skin cancer is now one of the most common forms of cancers in the UK, and it is steadily on the increase. Over the past 25 years, melanoma rate have risen faster than any other common cancer in the UK.
Those at greatest risk of skin damage from the sun include people with fair skin that burns easily, people with lots of moles or freckles, those with a personal or family history of skin cancer, as well as babies and children.
We’ve put together 5 top tips for staying safe this summer:
Wear at least Factor 15 sunscreen whenever you are out in the sunshine.
Remember to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out in the sun and reapply every couple of hours.
Take regular breaks from the sun, and avoid sunbathing between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is strongest.
Try to keep babies and young children in the shade at all times, as their skin is more sensitive.
Keep an eye on your skin, and report any unusual moles or skin changes to your doctor.
For more information or advice on staying sun smart, please visit www.sunsmart.org.uk.
Get Sun Smart for SummerBy Maureen Sayer, Health Promotion Specialist for Liverpool Community Health (LCH)
NHS Trust
Liverpool Vision choose Medicash
Liverpool’s economic development company, Liverpool Vision, has signed a deal with healthcare cash plan provider Medicash.
Vision took the decision to enhance healthcare benefits for its employees as part of a larger strategy to promote staff wellbeing and encourage recruitment and staff retention.
Alison Appleton, Head of HR at Liverpool Vision, said: “Through Medicash, we are provided with a low cost way of offering real tangible benefits to our workforce, providing staff with access to a wide range of everyday healthcare benefits.”
A health cash plan provides employers or individuals with a range of health cover, including dental, optical, physiotherapy and employee assistance programmes (EAPs). Plans can be used on their own or to enhance private medical insurance packages (PMI). In return for a premium, a health cash plan reimburses members for the cost of health services, often also working to cover PMI excesses.
Ms Appleton continued: “Signing up with Medicash has helped to demonstrate our commitment to our people, whilst also contributing towards Liverpool Vision gaining accreditation for the Workplace Wellbeing Charter.”
Sue Weir, CEO at Liverpool-based Medicash, said: “Liverpool Vision is a committed employer which takes its responsibilities to staff seriously and we are delighted to have developed an effective solution for them.”
Medicash are the approved supplier of healthcare solutions to Chamber members.
Like Liverpool Chamber on Facebook by searching for Liverpool Chamber of Commerce
Sue Weir, CEO at Medicash.
The De-Stress Show, promoted by Chamber member Accada, and Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) are working together to boost awareness of health and wellbeing in the workplace. Joanna Howarth, Managing Director at The De-Stress Show, has given an insight into the collaboration:
“Accada was set up as an event management company, primarily to run an event in Liverpool called The De-Stress Show. Our team has run many successful conference and exhibition style events for a variety of clients up and down the country and we became
increasingly aware that stress in the workplace was a big issue.
“We took the decision to grow the business and now offer a range of workshops, events, programmes and aftercare support. The collaboration with LJMU came about after 2008 when they began working with labyrinths in a range of Health and Well-Being settings. The labyrinth is particularly known
as a form of walking meditation for stress-reduction and self-reflection and is an easily accomplished technique for people to use.
“The key benefit of collaboration for Accada has been to be able to learn about something new and to present something unique to our delegates and clients. The concept of Labyrinths is an unusual and fascinating one to present and one that people latch onto easily and can implement immediately.
“Looking to the future we will continue to support the work that LJMU does with Labyrinths, to include this in our workshops and to find new ways to develop it. The potential is endless.”
The De-Stress Show delighted with LJMU Collaboration
Joanna Howarth, Managing Director at The De-Stress Show, and Alex Irving, a senior lecturer and creative facilitator at LJMU.
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UK Immigration continues to be a topic for hot debate. Most recently the Coalition Government’s proposed new laws set out in the Queen’s speech demonstrate a continued commitment to reducing annual net migration figures.
The proposed bill would require private landlords to check their tenant’s immigration status. Access to NHS treatment by migrants would be restricted and those in the UK as temporary visitors would be required to make a contribution towards the cost of their care. The result is that further burdens are placed on UK businesses and if they get it wrong, penalties are likely to be punitive.
The Government states that the purpose of the Immigration Bill is to “ensure that this country attracts people who will contribute and deter those who will not”. This is easier said that done. The past record of Governments of every shade is not good. Foreign nationals in the UK are finding it more and more difficult to deal with the Home Office facing bureaucracy and delay whilst the compliance burden on business continues to grow.
Home Secretary Teresa May has abolished the Border Agency because “its performance was not good enough”. A new regime has now been implemented and some improvements in terms of the turnaround of certain visa applications are being achieved. This can only be a good thing if we are to encourage highly skilled migrants to the UK to invest and contribute to our economy.
Stella Kuit, head of Immigration QualitySolicitors Jackson & Canter
SPONSORED COLUMN
Professional negligence may be defined as the failure of a professional to take reasonable
care when engaged by an individual, resulting in financial loss. Clients have a right to expect that a professional will operate in a reasonably competent manner. The standard for judging whether a professional’s behaviour is
reasonable will be the standard of care one would expect from a competent practitioner in the same profession. Where a professional has departed from the reasonably acceptable standard, they will have acted negligently.
Poor service does not always amount to negligence and you must suffer actual financial loss to make a compensation claim through the courts. If you have
hired a professional who has contravened the rules of professional conduct that apply to them but has not been negligent, the appropriate redress is to pursue a complaint, rather than pursuing a compensation claim. Your first point of call should be to contact the professional concerned and follow their complaints procedure.
If you have been the victim of inadequate advice or improper conduct from a qualified, professional person and lost out financially as a result, you may be entitled to make a claim for professional negligence. Disputes arising from professional negligence can involve all manner of professionals, including: accountants, engineers, architects, financial advisors,
solicitors and surveyors. Professionals are legally
bound to exercise reasonable skill and care when dealing with clients. If they fail to do this and their mistake was one that a reasonable professional working in the same field would not have made and the client lost money as a direct result of the mistake, then they are liable for damages.
For a professional negligence claim to be successful, you will need to establish the existence of a duty of care on the part of the professional and that this duty has been breached. If it is clear that the duty of care has been breached then it is also necessary to prove that your financial loss came about as a direct result of the negligent professional’s actions. It is only possible to claim for losses that are reasonably foreseeable.
You must follow certain procedures when making a claim for professional negligence, if you don’t you run the risk of incurring cost penalties or your case being thrown out completely. Following the right procedure demonstrates that there has been cooperation between you and the defendant in an attempt to settle the case without going to court.
FEATURE LEGAL & FINANCE
What is Professional Negligence?
Poor service does not always amount to negligence and you must suffer actual financial loss to make a compensation claim through the courts.
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Bellerive is a popular choice for girlsfrom across Liverpool. Come to one ofthe Open Evenings and see why it is anoversubscribed school.A taster day will also be held on June 24th: To apply [email protected].
Tel: 0151 727 2064
Windermere Terrace Sefton ParkLiverpool L8 3SB
www.bellerivefcj.org
Bellerive FCJ is an outstanding Catholic College committed to its vision of ‘personal and academic excellence.’
(Section 48 inspection June 2012)Bellerive Open Evenings
for entry to year 7 in 2014
Tuesday, July 9th & Tuesday 1st October
6.00 to 8.30 pm.Please enter via the Elmfield
site on Ullet road.
Believe in BelleriveInspiring Success & Lifelong Achievement
Specialisms in the Sciences, Applied Learning
and Maths & Computing
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2013_Feb_Bellerive_130x185_Layout 1 03/02/2013 20:35 Page 1
SKILLS & TRAINING FEATURE
However, a common misconception is that Apprenticeships only cover
skilled trades such as plumbing or more manual vocations. In fact, many Apprenticeships, including Higher Apprenticeships, which provide up to degree level qualifications for apprentices, enable employers, colleges and universities to deliver the advanced skills most critical for growth.
According to recent figures
released by the National Apprenticeship Service, across England, more than 100,000 employers now offer 250 types of Apprenticeship suitable for over 1,400 different job roles.
What’s more, measures have recently been announced to make it easier for small businesses to take on apprentices, including the introduction of a new £1,500 recruitment incentive called AGE 16 to 24 for some small and medium sized employers to recruit an apprentice.
Modern learningApprenticeships are the gold standard for work-based learning and are thriving across England. With significant Government investment of £1.5bn and a talent pool of over a million potential employees it’s the ideal time for companies across the country to get on board.
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Shaping the skills landscape for Merseyside’s residents, businesses and schools• Apprenticeships• Schoolvocationalcurriculums• Commercialrecruitment&trainingservices
ChampioningProfessionalLearningonMerseyside
www.gmlpf.net0151 707 8775
One of Merseyside’s largest government-funded learning programmes for 16 to 18 year olds, Key To Apprenticeships, has been commended by Ofsted. The official standards body praised the impact the programme, managed by Greater Merseyside Learning Providers Federation (GMLPF) is having on the young people of Merseyside. Thanks to Key To Apprenticeships, so far over 1,500 learners have achieved skills and qualifications.
ADVERTORIAL
Boost to Merseyside skills profile
GMLPF underwent the Ofsted inspection in April 2013, resulting in an overall Grade 2 “Good” rating for its Key To Apprenticeships programme, a great boost for the profile of vocational training provision on Merseyside.
The flagship programme for 16-18 year-olds is delivered through a network of 15 Merseyside training providers. It gives school leavers and other young people work experience, skills and qualifications, helping them to move into full Apprenticeships with employers.
Skills employers want
The overwhelmingly positive feedback outlined in the Ofsted report reflects the quality of training delivered by local, independent training providers. The report also refers to the “impressive number and variety of qualifications and personal objectives” achieved by young people on the Key To Apprenticeships programme.
Commenting on GMLPF’s role in the region, Liverpool City Councillor Nick Small said:
“I’m delighted GMLPF has been recognised as good by Ofsted and congratulate
everyone involved for their hard work and commitment. I know what an asset GMLPF is for the city, helping young learners especially acquire the skills that employers want.”
Speaking about the success of Key To Apprenticeships, Labour MP for Liverpool Walton, Steve Rotheram, said:
“I congratulate GMLPF and its partners on this fantastic result. High quality training provision like the Key To Apprenticeships programme is vital to the future of our young people and the future of Merseyside. This Ofsted rating reflects very positively on the work carried out by GMLPF and its partners for the benefit of the whole region.”
The 15 training providers who are contracted by GMLPF to deliver the Key To Apprenticeships programme are: Aigburth Training Opportunities; Alder Training; Alt Valley Community Trust; Asset Training; Epoch Training; Mode; GP Strategies Ltd; North West Training College; North West Training Council; Progress Sports; Riverside Learning & Education Centre; tpm; TTE Training Ltd; The Vocational College; Young Persons Opportunities Project.
FEATURE SKILLS & TRAINING
For further information on GMLPF visit www.gmlpf.netFor further information on Key To Apprenticeships, visit www.key2apprenticeships.co.uk
Eligibility criteria for this scheme can be found at. apprenticeships.org.uk.
At any one time there are thousands of jobs available, covering a range of industry sectors and there are no limits on the number of applications an individual can submit.
Finding and hiring an apprentice also couldn’t be easier. The National
Apprenticeship Service’s online system enables employers to advertise an Apprenticeship vacancy for free and find candidates who match the criteria for the role. Potential apprentices can then visit the Apprenticeship Vacancies site at apprenticeships.org.uk or download the new AV app – available on iPhone and Android devices, to find available k
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www.hope.ac.uk/conferences l 0151 291 2147
· Bright and airy conference rooms
· Excellent AV facilities
· Quality in-house catering
· On-site executive style accommodation available year round
· On-site car parking
· AIM accredited
Need space to think? Choose our Hope Park Campus for your next meeting or away day.
You can enjoy our stunning 45-acre landscaped location, as well as the EDEN Building’s outstanding business facilities.
Our inspiring location.
Your great meeting.
199078-LVPL Hope.indd 1 23/5/13 14:13:27
SKILLS & TRAINING FEATURE
vacancies. Searches can be narrowed by adding a keyword, an industry sector or job title, together with the location they
are looking in. The app then displays all the relevant job matches in that area with information such as who the employer is, the closing date for applications, interview dates, working hours, the number of positions available and also the salary. The success of this system
is evident with more than 60,490 Apprenticeship applications from the London area submitted online in the period November 2012 to
January 2013, representing a growth of 46% on the same period last year. Employers are also taking advantage of the system. Nearly 25,400 vacancies were advertised online in the three months – an increase of 26.6 per cent on the previous year.
One business who has embraced Apprenticeships is Visa Europe, a payments technology company, with offices in London, Hampshire and Berkshire. They began taking on apprentices in August 2011, with 29 currently employed, and plans in place to recruit an additional 20 in 2013.
The company, which employs more than 1,700 people, offers a range of Intermediate, Advanced and Higher Apprenticeships in Business Administration, IT and Financial Accounting in partnership with training providers PDS and the Open University, recruiting its apprentices via the Apprenticeship vacancies website.
James Lawrence, who started as an apprentice himself and is now Apprenticeship Manager, explains “Apprenticeships enable us to transfer skills and knowledge from our existing
employees, whilst also developing specific technical abilities in our apprentices that will see them through their career at Visa Europe. We have actively chosen Apprenticeships as our entry level option,” he continues. “Apprenticeships allow us to train talented, ambitious young people on the job. This means that when they graduate they are raring to go.”
For his commitment to Apprenticeships, James was named by National Apprenticeship Service as the London Apprenticeship Champion of 2012. James is also an Apprenticeship Ambassador and has featured in radio adverts to encourage more employers to take on apprentices.
To find out more about Apprenticeships and the AGE 16 to 24 Grant, go to apprenticeships.org.uk or call NAS on 08000 150 600.
The success of this system is evident with more than 60,490 Apprenticeship applications from the London area submitted online in the period November 2012 to January 2013.
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www.hope.ac.uk/conferences l 0151 291 2147
· Bright and airy conference rooms
· Excellent AV facilities
· Quality in-house catering
· On-site executive style accommodation available year round
· On-site car parking
· AIM accredited
Need space to think? Choose our Hope Park Campus for your next meeting or away day.
You can enjoy our stunning 45-acre landscaped location, as well as the EDEN Building’s outstanding business facilities.
Our inspiring location.
Your great meeting.
199078-LVPL Hope.indd 1 23/5/13 14:13:27
@UKIBC From the North West? Doing Business in India Networking Event – with “https://twitter.com/UKIBC” and Liverpool Chamber of Commerce
www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk/eventitem.aspx/show/1400#.UYjEcMxpSa8.twitterINTERNATIONAL
For more information on International Business, email [email protected] or visit www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk/home/international.aspx
Doing Business with RussiaTuesday, June 25 2013 • 09.15-13.00 • Liverpool Chamberwww.liverpoolchamber.org.uk/eventitem.aspx/show/1332THIS EVENT COSTS £10 FOR MEMBERS & £15 FOR NON-MEMBERS.
Surviving Customs AuditsThursday, July 4 2013 • 13.00-17.00 • Liverpool Chamberwww.liverpoolchamber.org.uk/eventitem.aspx/show/557THIS COURSE COSTS £125 FOR MEMBERS & £250 FOR NON-MEMBERS.
Doing Business in GermanyTuesday, September 24 2013 • 09.30-13.00 • Liverpool Chamberwww.liverpoolchamber.org.uk/eventitem.aspx/show/1359
THIS EVENT IS FREE FOR MEMBERS & NON-MEMBERS.
Export Documentation and Methods of PaymentThursday, October 10 2013 • 09.00-17.00 • Liverpool Chamberwww.liverpoolchamber.org.uk/eventitem.aspx/show/1229
Documentary Letter of CreditWednesday, October 30 2013 • 09.00-17.00 • Liverpool Chamberwww.liverpoolchamber.org.uk/eventitem.aspx/show/1284
Incoterms and Agents & DistributorsThursday, November 14 2013 • 09.00-12.00 & 13.00-16.00 • Liverpool Chamberwww.liverpoolchamber.org.uk/eventitem.aspx/show/1228THESE THREE COURSES COST £200 FOR MEMBERS & £250 FOR NON-MEMBERS.
New addition to Liverpool Chamber’s BCC Accredited Courses – Import Procedures
Liverpool businesses urged to boost export in India
Liverpool Chamber is hosting a ‘Doing Business in India’ event on 11 September. The event is supported by the UK India Business Council (UKIBC) and will offer businesses advice and support for exporting to the country.
The Government had set a target of doubling bilateral trade to India from £11.5bn (in 2010) to £23bn in 2015. UK-India trade grew, on
average, at over 20 per cent in 2010-11 to £16.8bn and UKIBC strongly believes that the government target will be achieved by 2015.
British companies have an opportunity to take advantage
of Indian opportunities afforded by an economy which is growing at a rate of six per cent per year. India will be the world’s third largest economy and have the third largest purchasing power parity by 2030.
The opportunities are there, and should be seized upon.
EA Technology Group, power engineering specialist, based near Liverpool appointed their first distributor in India in 2007
and have seen their business expand there.
Neil Davies, International Director, EA Technology Group said: “We see India alongside ‘Greater China’ as one of the world’s great growth
economies. As in China, there is increasing recognition that power networks are an essential part of the national infrastructure and vital for economic development. We see our role as helping India to modernise, enhance and manage its power assets more efficiently.”
The UKIBC can support Liverpool’s businesses by outlining the practical steps needed to take to start forming partnerships with Indian business and Government. It can seem like a huge leap initially, but small businesses around the world are finding fantastic opportunities in India every single day.
From September, the UKIBC begins a five year process of setting up a network of support platforms across India. It will provide a set of seamless services from the UK into India. Learn more at ‘Doing Business in India’ on 11 September. The event costs £15 for members and £20 for non-members.
Improve your international trade skills with the new Import Procedures course!
This is your essential guide to bring goods into the UK. Import Procedures covers purchases orders; working with Freight Forwarders and Clearing Agents; “The Tariff” and classification of goods (commodity codes); what is meant by “origin”; and how it affects an importer’s costs.
The course also covers working with HMRC; import clearance procedures; customs procedure codes; an overview of other Customs regimes (Inward Processing Relief, Returned Goods Relief etc); and an overview of EC Trade and Intrastats.
This course takes place on 30 September at the Chamber. It costs £200 for members and £250 for non-members.
We see India alongside ‘Greater China’ as one of the world’s great growth economies.
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Upcoming International Trade Events and Courses
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Find out more about upcoming events at www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk/events.aspx
Thanks to everyone for Grand National 2013. Sign up for updates for 2014 event at www.aintree.co.uk @aintreeVIP EVENTS
Annual Dinner Welcome Reception sponsored by Hill Dickinson
Liverpool Chamber is pleased to announce the sponsor of the welcome reception at its 2013 Annual Dinner as Hill Dickinson.
With over 200 years’ experience and exemplary legal service provision, Hill Dickinson has helped some of the region’s most successful businesses make an impact in their marketplace – providing relevant and pragmatic advice in areas right across the legal spectrum.
The firm’s Liverpool office has performed strongly in the corporate, insurance and health
sectors – Hill Dickinson was recently reappointed to the NHS panel – while continuing to develop sector capabilities in education, sport and retail.
Jenny Stewart, Chief Operating Officer at Liverpool Chamber, commented: “Hill Dickinson has supported the Chamber for several years as Patron members and we are delighted that they will support our biggest event of the year.”
The black tie event takes place on Thursday 5th December at the Anglican Cathedral; we will welcome Peter Shanks, President and
Managing Director of Cunard Line, as the keynote speaker.
Tickets for this spectacular
evening are now available to pre-order from the Chamber’s events team.
Liverpool Chamber welcomed 400 guests to Liverpool Day at the Grand National festival.
A wonderful day of hospitality was
provided to satisfied guests who were thoroughly entertained by a fabulous day of racing in sunny springtime weather, as these pictures show.
We look forward to welcoming guests to Aintree again in April 2014.
Liverpool Chamber thanks Ant Clausen Photography for the superb imagery.
A Grand Day Out
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@Accelerate2013 For the chance to network with the best and grow your business, make sure you’ve at ACCELERATE 2013 in June: http://bit.ly/13uLv7ZEVENTS
A Closer Look – ACCELERATE 2013
Firstly, what is the purpose of the ACCELERATE Festival?
ACCELERATE 2013 is a festival that celebrates the ambition of fast-growing businesses and the impact they have on the British economy.
It is designed to be an annual event for the city of Liverpool to enjoy for years to come, with ACCELERATE 2013 set to act as a springboard to the International Festival for Business 2014 – Britain’s biggest and most ambitious business event since the Festival of Britain in 1951.
Attendees will learn from some of the most inspiring figures from the world of business and beyond, with debates, discussions and interactive sessions providing business leaders with the skills they need to take their company forward.
How did the idea of hosting ACCELERATE in Liverpool first come about?
While there are a number of festivals dedicated to helping entrepreneurs get their start-up ideas off the ground, it was identified that there was nothing to help small business owners take their companies to the next stage.
ACCELERATE aims to fill this gap, providing insight from business leaders and world figures on the challenges and opportunities that businesses encounter when looking to grow.
The festival also builds on the city’s hosting of the Global Entrepreneurship Congress in March 2012 – the world’s largest international gathering of start-up champions, which featured world-class speakers including Sir Richard Branson, Martha Lane Fox and Sir Terry Leahy.
The ACCELERATE 250 meets for the first time at the festival. How important is this group’s presence in establishing ACCELERATE as a major business event?
The ACCELERATE 250 will be at the heart of the festival. Over the past few months, the brains behind some of the UK’s fastest growing businesses – the so-called vital six per cent – have been invited to form a new community of business leaders.
It’s our ambition that June 27 is just the start of the journey that sees the ACCELERATE 250 become the nucleus of Britain’s future
business growth and economic success. ACCELERATE 2013 will be the first
opportunity for the group to work together in tackling the key issues that affect growing businesses. Collaboration is central to the ethos of ACCELERATE 2013, with the ACCELERATE 250 embodying this collective drive to transform the UK economy.
A number of major speakers have been confirmed; who are you particularly excited about attending?
We’re delighted with the line-up we’ve put together and feel there’s something for everyone, regardless of their sector.
Wikipedia founder and keynote speaker Jimmy Wales is an obvious highlight. Much like ACCELERATE, Wikipedia was founded on the principle that we can achieve more if we work together. His insight will inspire Britain’s community of fast-growing businesses to think bigger, embrace their ambition and strive for success.
Elsewhere, lastminute.com co-founder Martha Lane Fox, Tech City Chief Executive Joanna Shields and AKQA founder Ajaz Ahmed are some of the best people working in the digital sector – we can’t wait to hear their thoughts on how the UK can better embrace technology.
How valuable is ACC Liverpool in providing the festival venue?
The venue has become synonymous with the rejuvenated city – a symbol of Liverpool’s cultural, physical and economic transformation. It will provide the ideal backdrop for ACCELERATE 2013, offering the very best in technical and structural facilities and providing the space to enable us as organisers to put on a festival like no other.
Can you provide a brief diary of tasks that the team have had and will have to perform; from planning to promotion to execution?
ACCELERATE 2013 is a brand new concept for the city of Liverpool so tasks have varied from coming up with the name and brand, to securing speakers and finalising the programme, to creating the website and marketing it across the city and throughout the UK.
How do you see ACCELERATE serving as a hub for business networking?
As a gathering of the nation’s most ambitious and forward-thinking business leaders, ACCELERATE 2013 will provide unique opportunities for collaboration and networking.
By attending, delegates will be connecting with like-minded individuals that aspire to boost their outreach and have a similarly disruptive impact on the British economy.
While the main session convenes more than 1,000 delegates, the afternoon programme has been designed to allow for more concentrated networking opportunities, with festival-goers brought together under their particular areas of interest. It will provide the unique opportunity to forge connections, make new contacts, collaborate on ideas and discuss potential deals.
What do you think will be the local and national impact or legacy of ACCELERATE 2013?
Hosting ACCELERATE 2013 is an indication of Liverpool’s appetite and desire to innovate and grow, showing off the very best of Britain with a city that more than any other epitomises the burning ambition and entrepreneurial spirit of the UK.
On a national level, ACCELERATE 2013 represents an opportunity for Britain’s fast-moving businesses to link up and collaborate with one another, building the framework for a better, more connected UK economy.
How do you see ACCELERATE developing in the years to come?
Our ambition is for ACCELERATE to become the go-to festival for ambitious business owners – an annual occasion that benefits the whole of the UK and leaves a tangible impression on the British economy. We hope to see the festival grow year-on-year, bringing new visitors and businesses to Liverpool and attracting world-class speakers and partners to the event.
It’s our hope that ACCELERATE will play a significant role in communicating the impact of Britain’s fast-growing businesses on the nation, providing vital jobs at a time when the UK needs them most.
Interested in holding an event at Liverpool Chamber? Email [email protected]
On June 27, Liverpool will play host to a brand new business festival, designed to have a global impact. ACCELERATE will
bring together hundreds of the UK’s top businessmen, as well as the entrepreneurs and success stories of tomorrow. To find
out more about what attendees can expect from ACCELERATE, Liverpool Chamber Magazine spoke to Max Steinberg, Chief
Executive at Liverpool Vision.
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Max Steinberg, Chief Executive at Liverpool Vision.
Interested in hosting a 60 Really Useful Minutes seminar at Liverpool Chamber? Email [email protected]
To readers who may be unfamiliar with 1st Choice Health & Safety Ltd, can you describe what services your organisation provides?
We provide a flexible and cost-effective training and consultancy service in the areas of health & safety, fire and environment, to suit the needs of our customers. This ranges from
“competent person” annual contracts, to one-off training courses, specialist projects, and “gap-filling” where companies find themselves temporarily without a key staff member. In conjunction with our approved partners, we offer a range of training courses which we plan to expand this year. With our transferable skills, we are able to assist start-ups and established businesses in many different sectors, especially where construction or maintenance work is being planned or is on site.
Can you explain the role 1st Choice Health and Safety Ltd played in the 60 Really Useful Minutes session on avoiding
unwelcome invoices from HSE Inspectors?
We offered to present this session to help fellow Chamber members and others to understand the implications of the new Fees for Intervention Regulations, or “FFI”, which came into force from 1 October 2012. I explained how FFI works and emphasised that the proactive way to avoid HSE invoices is, quite simply, to understand and comply with health & safety law.
Did the organisation benefit from the role it played in the 60 RUM seminar?
Yes, we benefited from raising our profile, networking and making new contacts. Since the 60 RUM seminar, we have been asked to give a similar presentation on FFI to the Merseyside Occupational Health & Safety Group which we did on
15 January 2013. We also gained experience in working with the Chamber events team, who made sure that everything went smoothly in the planning and delivery of the seminar. This made us feel more a part of the Chamber community, which can only help as we move forward.
Would 1st Choice Health and Safety Ltd consider holding future 60 RUM seminars?
Yes, we certainly would! In fact, we have arranged to give a 60 RUM seminar on 5 July 2013. This is a Health & Safety Update on changes over the last 12 months and anticipated changes for the next 12 months, to help our fellow Chamber members and others keep up to speed with the rapid changes and simplifications in health and safety requirements under the Coalition Government.
Sixty Really Useful Seconds with . . .Dave HaddonDirector for 1st Choice Health & Safety
#ACCELERATE250 brings together Britain’s fastest growing businesses, who will meet for the first time at Accelerate: www.accelerate2013.co.uk @Accelerate2013 EVENTS
Max Steinberg also commented on the 2014 International Festival of Business and the role that ACCELERATE will play in this huge event.
Mr. Steinberg said: “Taking place throughout June and July 2014, the International Festival for Business will bring more than 250,000 visitors to hundreds of world-class events over 61 days throughout the Liverpool city region, aiming to secure in excess of £100m worth of inward investment to the UK.
“The IFB will promote the UK’s leading brands to the international markets that must become Britain’s key trading partners.
“We anticipate ACCELERATE 2014 to become one of the cornerstone events of the International Festival for Business, showcasing the drive and ambition of British companies to the global community and celebrating the very best of British business.”
One year to the International Festival of Business
27
STORAGE & DISTRIBUTION
For the Record, Outsourcing is Beneficial
For those who have never outsourced their document management before, the thought of letting crucial business files out of their possession for off-site storage is sometimes enough to make them break out in a cold sweat, especially those individuals who are natural-born hoarders. For some, it is viewed as a non-essential ‘luxury’ reserved for Government departments and large multi-national businesses.
Find the Right Document Management Partner
The reality is that outsourcing document management can be quite the opposite with many benefits both in terms to work efficiency and security, as well as being cost-effective. Yes, outsourced document management can actually save organisations money. But to begin with, it is important to partner with the right document management service provider; one that has quality credentials and a proven track record for reliability and security. It should not be a price-driven decision and it is worth being cautious of hard-sell mentality. High calibre DM businesses may sometimes appear more expensive, but very often this is for good reason.
Reading the small-print of
contracts, especially ‘cancellation/get-out’ clauses, is recommended and worthwhile as there can be some hefty fees imposed in these situations, especially if moving to another document storage business.
Document management businesses should have robust security measures in place and be fully compliant with data protection laws. Security spans both the storage facility and the overall site, which should be fully-protected by smoke and intruder alarms. Reputable companies will always have their own uniformed, CRB checked staff (never using agency or casual labour) in liveried vehicles that are fully tracked. Files should also be bar-coded for accurate tracking at every stage of their life.
How Outsourcing can helpServices offered by document
management businesses today span both paper and digital archiving. Traditional paper archive files can occupy significant office space, sometimes cluttering the work environment which is not conducive to efficient working practice. When it comes to finding that much-needed file, all of a sudden even the most logical filing systems can be more akin to climbing Mount Everest in flip-flops! And, if we are up against a deadline, that situation is compounded further.
Storing files off-site in modern, purpose-built warehouse facilities has many benefits. Many DM companies will supply their own specialist archive boxes with cataloguing and indexing services if required. Individual files or archive boxes (as required) are bar-coded and fully tracked. This means their exact location can be pinpointed quickly and accurately – especially important if a specific file has to be retrieved at short notice. Some companies offer same-day document retrieval which means it can be delivered back to a client’s desk at very short notice.
There are also Scan-on-Demand services which allow the file/s to be returned electronically for even more rapid turnaround. Some companies offer online document management services providing secure remote access to files for almost instantaneous search and retrieval.
Storing off-site can also spread the risk of housing all company documents and records in one location. Many legal and financial businesses find this beneficial for the added peace of
mind it provides.Some DM businesses also
provide a document destruction or shredding service, some suitable for destroying confidential paperwork or sensitive information. There are two types of service: one that takes paperwork away and shreds off site and the other that brings a mobile shredding vehicle to their clients’ premises. Again, checking out the service provider’s credentials is paramount to ensure all security and data compliance measures are taken. Suppliers with accreditations such as ISO 9001:2008 and BS EN 15713:2009 for Secure Destruction of Confidential Data and Recycling Services are recommended.
Dedicated shredding sacks or consoles are usually provided using a bar code system. Documents should only be destroyed upon written client authorisation and certificates of destruction should be issued at the end of the process with a fully audited document trail. What’s more, once shredded the paper is normally baled and very often recycled for use in new paper based products so there are environmental benefits too.
Saving Time, Saving MoneyIf the average office
professional added up their time spent looking for files on a daily basis and then calculated this time annually, the results in more cases than not would be quite astounding, not to mention costly and counter-productive. That is why outsourcing expert document management really can make sound, commercial sense.
FEATURE28
When it comes to packing, fulfilment and storage Flexepak are world class…
A leading worldwide cosmetics and beauty company have used Birkenhead-based Flexepak for the past 18 years for their packing and fulfilment needs.
Each year Flexepak label and pack over 12 million items for the company into different formats including gift packs, shelf ready packaging and shrink wrap. Security packaging is used for the high-value cosmetics items such as age defying creams
and high end moisturisers. The items are then distributed to supermarkets and stores across Europe.
Flexepak is a market leader in cold storage with a state-of-the-
art temperature-controlled cold store which can accommodate up to 6,000 pallets. Current clients include Wirral based Priory Quality Meats Ltd and a sub-contractor for a leading
supermarket. They also offer ambient storage with seven modern warehouse units totalling 150,000 square foot of storage space.
Gary Woods, Flexepak Managing Director comments: “Flexepak is going from strength to strength and I would encourage businesses in the Merseyside area to give us a ring and request a quote today. We offer packing, fulfilment, warehousing and storage, all from a site which is monitored by 24 hour on-site guards, a manned security gate and a newly commissioned CCTV system.”
warehousing | storage | packing | fulfilment
flexepak
t 08444 776 532e [email protected] www.love2reward.co.uk/flexepak
Valley Road, Birkenhead, CH41 7ED
With over 30 years experience in providing storage andpacking services to businesses of all sizes, we are experts in logistics.
The Flexepak site is located just half a mile from the M53and 15 minutes’ drive from the Port of Liverpool containerbase. An ideal strategic location for manufacturers,exporters and importers, whatever your needs.
As our name suggests, all of our logistics services arecompletely flexible and we will confidently tailor any of ourservices to suit the needs of your business. Get in touch to see how we can help you.
flexepak
One of Flexepak’s strengths is that it can carry out large contracts in a short completion window, something that their biggest competitors struggle to do. They also offer to beat any like for like quote by 10%*.
*Offer applicable for the first two months only, subject to minimum quantity and acceptance criteria.
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AboutMe
Name Stephen Jones Amanda Moss Michael Dewey Michelle Cameron
Organisation Credit Management Group Lifestyle Magazine Hard Days Night Hotel Liverpool Chamber
Position Credit Controller Owner General Manager Business Travel Advisor
Did you know that I Have OCDSat next to Geri Halliwell at school for 5 years
Once threw Meat Loaf & his band out of a hotel
Currently have over 2,000 books
Pets Cat 1 dog, 3 chickens, 4 fishA 15-year-old black Labrador called Bobby!
None, perhaps when I retire!
Favourite colour Red Orange Red Black or white
Favourite food Curry Steak Fish Cheese – the smellier, the better!
Favourite drink San Miguel Bitter Lemon Champagne A good red wine to go with the cheese
High Street / Online High Street High Street Do I have to? High Street definitely
Facebook / Twitter Facebook Facebook Twitter Neither
PC / Mac PC Mac What are they? PC
9-5 / Flexitime 9-5 Flexitime All the time 9-5 but I am flexible
I really like . . . Mila Kunis My childrenWalking Bobby on West Kirby beach when we appear to be the only ones there
James Martin
I can’t stand . . . The Go Compare Man People who are insulting Reality TV Any reality TV “celebrity”
Favourite TV show The Big Bang Theory Snapped; Women Who Kill Spooks Criminal Minds
Least favourite show Celebrity Big Brother 60 Minute Makeover Anything with so called celebs in Celebrity Big Brother
Favourite film Armageddon Planes, Trains & Automobiles A Knight’s Tale Some Like It Hot
Least favourite film Sci-Fi Alvin and The Chipmunks Bridget Jones’ Diary Endless Love
Favourite song Anything Rihanna Home by Michael BubleWhen The Going Gets Tough by Billy Ocean
Sympatique by Pink Martini
Least favourite song Anything rap Anything by Justin Bieber All Eurovision songs Agadoo by Black Lace
Ideal place to live Barbados or Miami – not picky As near to the Equator as possible By the sea Paris
Myself in a word Perfect Gregarious Dry Sociable
You won’t know everybody at a networking event. But if you see one of these people at an event in the future, you could start a conversation by discussing the information below . . .
@CityCentralBID Just completed our 5 year business plan to 2018. #Thanks to all who contributed. #itsliverpoolOPINIONS
Want to be the subject of About Me? Email [email protected]
Liverpool Chamber Magazine is giving members the chance to discuss a topic relevant to their business. This issue, our guest speaker is Ged Gibbons (pictured), from City Central BID, who discusses the ballot to renew City Central BID.
The ballot has opened to renew City Central BID for another five years.
The 1.2% levy has been frozen in the plan which spells out proposals to focus on the environment, events, marketing and safety with the implementation of new activities such as:
A free app to connect City Central and • Commercial BID
A £600,000 free Wi-Fi programme for • the city centreFree media training• If City Central secures a yes vote, it will
trigger £5m investment within the BID and the continuation of programmes such as:
Police centre at St Johns• Free Radio Alert service• Mystery Shop survey• The business plan has been put
together through a series of consultations, conversations and debates with BID members and stakeholders over the past 18 months.
The City Central BID Management Team has achieved a huge amount by
working in partnership with so many partners, but there is still much to do.
We hope we have your support so that we can continue to build on all the good work laid down since 2005 and implement this new business plan through to 2018.
To those businesses with a vote, I urge you to vote “Yes” to the BID and help us build upon our successes.
Why a “Yes” vote is essential to City Centre Retailers
30
To advertise in this section please contact sales on
0161 236 2782
the Bluecoat, School Lane, Liverpool, L1 3BXTickets and information: 0151 702 5324Web: www.thebluecoat.org.ukTwitter: @thebluecoatFacebook: \thebluecoat
The Bluecoat is known for being one of the most iconic creative buildings in Liverpool’s city centre and we offer a variety of fantastic rooms for hire. We have well equipped spaces available for corporate clients and are flexible to accommodate any kind of event from conferences to meetings or receptions.
Website: www.aintree.co.ukTicket hotline: 0844 579 3001 Hospitality: 0151 522 2911
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.
File: 199419-6-13LVPL AintreeAd size: XL A4 Top Business Venue Template (57mm wide x 132mm high)
199419-6-13LVPL Aintree.indd 1 4/6/13 12:14:58
• Fully accessible serviced rooms for conference, meetings, training etc. complete with IT equipment, including a Smart Board.
• IT training suite.
• Refreshments available (teas, coffees, soft drinks, sweets, etc) as well as hot and cold catering facilities for any size group.
• Limited private car park with disabled parking.
• Next door to National Express Coach Station and fi ve minutes from Lime Street Station.
• Furnished offi ce space available for lease.
Neurosupport0151 298 2999www.neurosupport.org.ukThe Neurosupport Centre, Norton Street, Liverpool, England L3 8LR
192630-LVPL Neurosupport.indd 1 6/9/12 15:07:14
Web: www.neurosupport.org.ukTel: 0151 298 2999Email: roombooking@ neurosupport.org.ukThe Neurosupport Centre, Norton Street, Liverpool,England L3 8LR
An established charity offering vital advice/support to people coping with neurological conditions, their families and carers. Relying on funding from hiring three meeting/conference rooms, IT suite and counselling room located in our fully accessible building commended by prestigious Meeting Industry Association for outstanding facilities and customer service, 2013.
Telephone: 0151 288 2103Email: [email protected]: www.p4lcharity.co.uk
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.
Fallows Way, Whiston, Merseyside, L35 1RZ
Email: [email protected]: 0871 222 4596 option 2Fax: 0871 222 4595 Bookable at: www.VillageUrbanResorts.co.ukSocialising on: http://www.facebook.com/myvillagelifeFollow us on Twitter: @VILLAGELiver
Situated in an ideal location for everything the area has to offer, Village Urban Resort Liverpool allows you to experience the city from a comfortable and chic base. With fantastic meeting rooms and state of the art conference equipment, there is no better place to do business or training.
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For exclusive offers
for Liverpool Chamber
members, here’s our guide of
Top Business Venues
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Download Liverpool’s Green App at udm4.com/iPhone/Liverpool _ Green-3961270
@theyankeestore @TheYankeeCandle @YankeeCandleEu I Love your candles! Thank you for bringing true to life fragrances into my home #bestcandlesNEWS
A guest contribution by Cllr Gary Millar, Deputy Lord Mayor, who is working on the Resilient Liverpool project:
It can be said that now more than ever, ambitious global cities, such as Liverpool, must continue to remain vigilant and prepared. As recent tragic events in Boston
have demonstrated, the threat from those who wish to
target and disrupt the daily life of a major city remains sadly real. Liverpool recognizes that resilience helps underpin the city’s
economic prosperity and ability to attract and retain
new investment.Over the past two
decades, as a society, we have seen new risks and hazards
emerge which continue to threaten our way of life and
business e.g. cyber terrorism. Equally, we are still remaining prone to risks ranging from flooding to power outages. Also in the current economic climate, our
ability to respond and recover is naturally going to be affected as budgets decrease and priorities realign.
Resilient Liverpool is a business sector think tank and forum which works to improve business resilience and business continuity for SMEs and larger organisations. Membership of the forum is open to all commercial, public and voluntary sectors.
The Resilient Liverpool concept and mission will also be established and supported through themed seminars, workshops and a free training programme for forum members.
Commenting on Resilient Liverpool, Jamie Riley, Senior Resilience Officer at Liverpool City Council, said: “Resilient Liverpool is about promoting a culture of preparedness and responsiveness; it’s about utilising the great wealth of experience
and knowledge we already have in Liverpool to prove we are a well connected, resilience-minded city; ready and determined to stay open for business.”
Dominic Elliott, Director of Programmes at the University of Liverpool, also commented, saying: “Liverpool has a long tradition of resilience in its ability to bounce back, something which stretches back to WWII. But resilience is also about withstanding shocks, so that bouncing back isn’t necessary. Resilient Liverpool is about both, but with a focus on building strengths to support businesses in avoiding shocks or being in a position to manage them effectively.”
To join Resilient Liverpool, email your contact details to [email protected] or alternatively join the Resilient Liverpool Group on LinkedIn.
Resilient Liverpool
Yankee Candles brings to the Liverpool high street a taste – or rather a smell – of Americana.
The US-based store now has a presence in Liverpool (at 83 Lord Street), and Carol Burns, as Manageress, has plenty to do...
“In our store, there are always three staff on duty at all times,” Carol says, reflecting on her daily routine at the thriving retail business. “We discuss targets at the start of each day, do a stock replenishment and, if there’s time, the staff make baskets for customers. We have a mix of new and returning customers so we provide advice on the do’s and don’ts of Yankee Candles. We light them, leave them for three hours to pool, then we snuff them out and trim the wick. We stock the top 50 fragrances but, across the board, everyone has their favourites.”
Yankee Candles’ roots go back to the US state of Massachusetts. In 1969, a young
boy named Michael Kittredge, originally from Holyoke but living in South Hadley, wanted to give his mother a gift for Christmas. Using his imagination and melted crayons, he created a scented candle, which attracted plenty of interest from neighbours. In response, Michael founded Yankee Candles, with help from his high school friends Donald MacIver and Susan Obremski.
Since then, the candles have been sold as gifts, with the store expanding globally. In the Liverpool store, a DVD shows the history and the home base of the company.
Carol continued: “Yankee Candles sells itself due to its well-known products. We always introduce four new fragrances every season for customers. It’s good that the store has had such a positive
public response in Liverpool.”The store has sold in excess
of 2,000 candles since opening, and Carol’s view is that Yankee’s success is partly because it has a specific market: “It’s a unique brand, and people have grown to love it. Nine times out of ten, customers stick to their particular fragrance. We opened in March 2012 and it’s already a top selling store. We also have loyalty cards. Our principal customer base is largely 21-30 year old women, but more men are shopping here too.
“It proved really good to have a store in Liverpool, and the brand needed it. The reaction of customers was very positive and not long after Christmas, our stock was running out, so we will need more for this year’s festive period.”
Going forward, Carol hopes that Yankee Candles can expand into other cities. But, for now, the Liverpool store is thriving, and it all goes back to when the candle lights went up in Massachusetts.
Retail Focus on Yankee Candles
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1st ECLIPSE CLEANINGO F F I C E & D O M E S T I C C L E A N I N G S E R V I C E S
First Eclipse Professional Cleaning is one of the North West’s leading support and contract cleaning services companies, specialising in complete solutions for all your property cleaning requirements.
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Find the Chamber member that you want to do business with at www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk/members.aspx
A & J Taxis45 Lingmell Road, L12 5JLwww.taxi-one.co.uk
Absolute Data LtdCopthall Bridge House, Station Bridge, Harrogate, HG1 1SPwww.absolute-data.co.uk
Airborn AcademyApartment 155 View 146 Block A, Conway Street, L5 3BAwww.airbornacademy.com
Alder Hey Family House TrustRonald McDonald House, L12 2AZwww.machousealderhey.org.uk
Alex Stewart (Agriculture) Ltd20 Sefton Business Park, L30 1RDwww.alexstewartagriculture.com
Alex Stewart (International) Corporation20 Sefton Business Park, L30 1RDwww.alexstewartinternational.com
Alvin Connor Limited23-24 Woodend Industrial Estate, Woodend Avenue, L24 9NBwww.alvinconnor.com
Avery & Co19 Hurricane Drive, L24 8RLwww.averysurveys.co.uk
Business Chinese Solutions19 Springfield Avenue, Wirral, CH48 9UYwww.businesschinesesolutions.co.uk
Buy Local Savers LtdSuite 4a, 4th Floor Federation House, L1 9BWwww.buyliverpoolsavers.co.uk
Canstaff Employment ServicesSockburn, Christchurch, New Zealandwww.canstaff.co.nz
Card Factory3 Bold Street, L1 4DJwww.cardfactory.eu.com
Carleton House Preparatory SchoolCarlton House, L18 3EEwww.carletonhouse.co.uk
Colloids LtdKirkby Bank Road, Knowsley Industrial Park North, L33 7SYwww.colloids.co.uk
Consortia Integrated Services LtdMapledale House, L18 5JEwww.cosortiais.com
CreditsafeCaspian Point One, Pierhead Street, Cardiff, CF10 4DQwww.creditsafeuk.com
Debt Healthcheck LtdSuite 2A, Dovecote Court, Stanley Grange, Prescot, L34 4ARwww.debthealthcheck.co.uk
Edge Hill UniversitySt Helen’s Road, Ormskirk, L39 4QPwww.edgehill.ac.uk
Event Tank1 Old Hall Street, L3 9HGwww.eventtank.co.uk
Evoke Solutions UK LtdSuite 103 1st Floor, 1 Old Hall Street, L3 9HGwww.evokesolutionsuk.co.uk
Green Frog The Franchise PeopleEgerton House, 2 Tower Road, Birkenhead, CH41 1FNwww.greenfrogconsultancy.com
Global Product Services (UK) LtdGlobal House, 2 Carlton Terrace, Crosby, L23 7XT
Haus Kammern132 Dorf, 5732 Bramberg am Wildkogel, Austriawww.hauskammern.com
JCS Cleaning & Supplies54 St James Street, L1 0ABwww.jcscleaning.com
KGB Infrastructure Ltd113 North Mersey Business Centre, Woodward Road, L33 7UYwww.kgbinfrastructure.co.uk
La Tasca4 Queen Square, L1 1RHwww.latasca.co.uk
La Vina11-15 North John Street, L2 5QYwww.lavina.co.uk
Liverpool Veterans Project239 Breck Road, Everton, L5 6PTNo web link
MilapfestLiverpool Hope University Creative Campus, L1 6HPwww.milapfest.com
MYST (Mersey Youth Support Trust)Westminster Road, L4 3TQwww.mymyst.co.uk
Neil Fuller Associates Ltd5 Woodslee Cottages, Spital Road, Bromborough, CH62 2BJwww.neilfuller.com
Oracle Business Services Ltd59 Papillon Drive, L9 9HLwww.supportyourbusiness.co.uk
Portier Investment & Development82 King Street, Manchester, M2 4WQwww.portier.co.uk
PSV Media Ltd178 Cambridge Road, Churchtown, Southport, PR9 7LWwww.psvmedia.com
Pure Audio Visual362 Leach Place, Walton Summit, Preston, PR5 8ASwww.pureav.co.uk
Purple Tie Promotions1 Quarry Street South, Woolton, L25 7RSwww.purpletiepromotions.com
PWD Solutions14 Dowills Drive, L23 8SUwww.pwdsolutions.co.uk
Reflections Training Consultancy12 Ashdown Grove, Halewood, L26 6LRwww.reflectionstrainingconsultancy.co.uk
Reithian Productions Ltd28 Windsor Road, L37 6DYwww.reithianproductions.co.uk
Risk Safety AssociatesBarnston House, Heswall, Wirral, CH60 0EEwww.risksafetyassociates.co.uk
S4H LimitedPort of Liverpool Building, L3 1BYwww.s4hlimited.com
Safety at WorkFifth Floor, Horton House, L2 3PF
SecuritasUnit 114 Tower Street, Brunswick Business Park, L3 4BJwww.securitas.com
SRP Packaging Solutions154 Alder Road, L12 9ES
Steer 2 Smarter Energy8 Valentine Grove, L10 8JH
SuitYourselfSuits54 James Street, L1 0ABwww.suityourselfsuits.com
Symphony EV-ZESymphony House, 79 Sefton Street, L8 6UDwww.symphonycars.co.uk
The Reader OrganisationThe Friary Centre, Bute Street, L5 3LAwww.thereader.org.uk
The Steven Gerrard FoundationSuites 11 & 12 Jubilee House, Altcar Road, L37 8DLwww.stevengerrardfoundation.org
The Utility Warehouse5 Seeley Avenue, Birkenhead, CH41 0BX
University of Liverpool - Continuing Professional DevelopmentThe Foresight Centre, L69 3GLwww.liv.ac.uk/cpd
Vision4Children (The Littler Trust)Alder Hey Hospital, L12 2APwww.vision4children.org.uk
Winning PitchBuilding 8, Exchange Quay, Salford, M5 3EJwww.winningpitch.co.uk
New Members March 2013-May 2013 Welcome to our new Chamber members! Visit www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk for further contact information.
?-6-13LVPL Merchant's.indd 1 3/6/13 17:01:14
@PtP _ Promotions Good meeting with Andrew Boyle @LpoolChamber Looking forward to joining and meeting the rest of the members #newhorizonsMEMBERSHIP
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