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Well
Connected
October 2020
Official Magazine for Liverpool Chamber
A New Dawn
What next for businesses in the
Liverpool City Region?
INSIDE...
• Trading for the future – what challenges ahead in 2021?
• Liverpool City Plan providing a roadmap for a post-Covid recovery
• Building Back Better through the Good Business Festival
Liverpool Connect
Support
Chamber Thrive.
CONTENTS
Find Inside
4-5 Economy
7 Message from CEO
8 New Members
9 Post Brexit Recruitment
11 Patron News
16-17 Patron News
18-19 Liverpool City Plan
20 Ask the Experts
21-22 Restart-Recovery
25-30 Cover Feature - International
7 18 32 International Business Festival
35 Transport
41 Skills & Employment
21 42-43 Infrastructure and
Regeneration
44-45 Finance for Business
46-48 Members News
49 Staff Directory
50 5 Minutes with...
45
25 32
43
Enquiries Published Disclaimer
Liverpool Chamber October 2020 © Benham Publishing Well Connected is mailed without charge to
Number One Old Hall Street, Media No. 1769 all Chamber members and distributed at all
Liverpool L3 9HG Editorial Content Manager Chamber events. All correspondence should be
t: 0151 227 1234 Michelle Cameron addressed to the Editorat Liverpool Chamber.
e: membership@liverpoolchamber.org.uk Michelle.Cameron@liverpoolchamber.org.uk Views expressed in publication are not necessarily
w: www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk Advertising and Features those of Liverpool Chamber. Reprinting in whole
Karen Hall or part is forbidden except by permission of the
Publisher
Tel: 0151 236 4141 Editor. © 2020. Whilst every effort is made to
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Aintree Building, Aintree Way, published in this journal, Benham Publishing
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Liverpool @LpoolChamber @LiverpoolChamber Liverpool Chamber 3
Chamber
BRITISH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE
LOOKING AHEAD
The survey of over 6,400 firms, employing more than 800,000 people, points to continued stagnation amid rising
business costs and a slowing global economy. The balance of firms reporting improved cash flow – a key indicator
of the health of businesses – remains very weak across both manufacturing and service sectors. Indicators for
improvements across investment and business confidence also show continuing downward trends.
Firms facing pressures to raise prices due to
0% 0% the following factors:
Manufacturing Sector
-25% +25% -25% +25%
Service Sector
72%
-50% +50% -50% +50%
59%
+35% +29%
46%
-75% +75% -75% +75%
33%
Prices
28% 29% 28%
19%
-100% +100% -100% +100%
...of manufacturers expect their prices ...of service firms expect their prices
to increase, unchanged from Q3 2019 to increase, up from +28% in Q3 2019
Pay Raw materials Financial costs Other
settlements overheads
Balance of firms increasing investment in training
0% 0%
40%
-25% +25% -25% +25%
30%
-50% +50% -50% +50% 20%
Investment
10%
-75%
+11% +75% -75%
+11% +75%
0%
-10%
-100% +100% -100% +100% -20%
...of service firms increased QES %
...of manufacturers increased
investment in training in Q4 2019, investment in training in Q4 -30% Balance
up from +8% in Q3 2019 2019, down from +13% in Q3 2019 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 2019
Manufacturing Sector QES Service Sector QES
Balance of firms reporting improved cash flow
0% 0%
30%
-25% +25% -25% +25%
20%
-50% -50% +50%
10%
+50%
Cash Flow
0%
-75%
+1% +75% -75%
+2% +75%
-10%
-20%
-30%
-100% +100% -100% +100%
...of manufacturers reported ...of service firms reported QES %
improved cash flow in Q4 2019, up -40% Balance
improved cash flow in Q4 2019,
2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 2019
from -7% in Q3 2019 down from +5% in Q3 2019
Manufacturing Sector QES Service Sector QES
0% 0% UK GDP growth and QES balance of firms confident
-25% +25% -25% +25%
80% their turnover will increase 2.0%
60% 1.5%
Confidence
40% 1.0%
-50% +50% -50% +50%
20% 0.5%
-75%
+27% +75% -75%
+32% +75%
0%
-20%
0.0%
-0.5%
-40% -1.0%
-100% +100% -100% +100% -60% QES % GDP % -1.5%
...of manufacturers are confident ...of service firms are confident Balance Growth (ONS)
-80% -2.0%
turnover will increase in the next 12 turnover will increase in the next 12 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 2019
months, up from +25% in Q3 2019 months, up from +30% in Q3 2019 GDP Growth Service Sector QES Manufacturing QES
4
www.britishchambers.org.uk | @britishchambers
ECONOMY
BRITISH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE
LOOKING AHEAD
The survey of over 6,400 firms, employing more than 800,000 people, points to continued stagnation amid rising
business costs and a slowing global economy. The balance of firms reporting improved cash flow – a key indicator
of the health of businesses – remains very weak across both manufacturing and service sectors. Indicators for
improvements across investment and business confidence also show continuing downward trends.
Firms facing pressures to raise prices due to
0% 0% the following factors:
Manufacturing Sector
-25% +25% -25% +25%
Service Sector
72%
-50% +50% -50% +50%
59%
+35% +29%
46%
-75% +75% -75% +75%
33%
Prices
28% 29% 28%
19%
-100% +100% -100% +100%
...of manufacturers expect their prices ...of service firms expect their prices
to increase, unchanged from Q3 2019 to increase, up from +28% in Q3 2019
Pay Raw materials Financial costs Other
settlements overheads
Balance of firms increasing investment in training
0% 0%
40%
-25% +25% -25% +25%
30%
-50% +50% -50% +50% 20%
Investment
10%
-75%
+11% +75% -75%
+11% +75%
0%
-10%
-100% +100% -100% +100% -20%
...of service firms increased QES %
...of manufacturers increased
investment in training in Q4 2019, investment in training in Q4 -30% Balance
up from +8% in Q3 2019 2019, down from +13% in Q3 2019 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 2019
Manufacturing Sector QES Service Sector QES
Balance of firms reporting improved cash flow
0% 0%
30%
-25% +25% -25% +25%
20%
-50% -50% +50%
10%
+50%
Cash Flow
0%
-75%
+1% +75% -75%
+2% +75%
-10%
-20%
-30%
-100% +100% -100% +100%
...of manufacturers reported ...of service firms reported QES %
improved cash flow in Q4 2019, up -40% Balance
improved cash flow in Q4 2019,
2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 2019
from -7% in Q3 2019 down from +5% in Q3 2019
Manufacturing Sector QES Service Sector QES
0% 0% UK GDP growth and QES balance of firms confident
-25% +25% -25% +25%
80% their turnover will increase 2.0%
60% 1.5%
Confidence
40% 1.0%
-50% +50% -50% +50%
20% 0.5%
-75%
+27% +75% -75%
+32% +75%
0%
-20%
0.0%
-0.5%
-40% -1.0%
-100% +100% -100% +100% -60% QES % GDP % -1.5%
...of manufacturers are confident ...of service firms are confident Balance Growth (ONS)
-80% -2.0%
turnover will increase in the next 12 turnover will increase in the next 12 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 2019
months, up from +25% in Q3 2019 months, up from +30% in Q3 2019 GDP Growth Service Sector QES Manufacturing QES
5
www.britishchambers.org.uk | @britishchambers
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n CCTV installation
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6
If we have learnt
anything it is to
take nothing
for granted.
It is probably an This is a perfect example of how
businesses need to adapt to survive
understatement to say and I am constantly impressed with the
that 2020 has been an flexibility and pragmatism shown by our
members. Businesses generally don’t expect
extraordinary year. a great deal from anyone including the
The coronavirus has consumed our lives government. With a focus on survival they
do what needs to be done and this attitude successful
in so many ways – even the simplest of
has been widely demonstrated across the if businesses
things that we once took for granted now
sector throughout this pandemic. are involved and
require having a protocol in place. Despite
we will continue to work
the brief respite in August when the virus
What they do ask for however is clarity with City Plan partners to maintain a
dangled a carrot and we emerged into
and the ability to get on and do what they collaborative and constructive relationship
what was left of summer hopeful of a
do best – create jobs and support the as well as engaging members.
“return to normal”, it is now clear that it is
local economy. They don’t want confusion,
we who need to adapt to live with a virus As always the Magazine has some
constant policy changes, unnecessary
which isn’t going anywhere soon. excellent examples of how our members
bureaucracy and above all the “unknowns”.
are continuing to adapt and thrive despite
It seems an age since we were having a
As part of the British Chambers of the pandemic. These articles also serve
debate on the impact of Brexit. Will we/
Commerce we will continue to lobby as a useful reminder that not everything
won’t we leave? Will we/won’t we agree
government on these issues and one of is about Covid-19. All those issues which
a trade deal? Brexit and the impact on
the few positives to have emerged from were important to us before remain just as
the economy of a no deal scenario was
this crisis is the increased awareness important – in some cases even more so.
pushed off the front pages pretty quickly
across Whitehall of the need to engage
by Covid-19 but the issues haven’t gone Whether it is the increasing threat of
the business sector as evidenced by some
away and businesses have been quietly climate change, the ongoing challenge of
of the recent policy decisions, particularly
getting on with preparations for a new unemployment and skills gaps or the need
from the Treasury.
trading environment despite not having for more investment in local and regional
all the pieces of the jigsaw. This edition of I have also been privileged to be part of transport connections, the Chamber
Well Connected looks at how our members the partnership developing the Liverpool will continue to work with you to enable
are preparing for what could still be a step City Plan (pages 18 and 19). Like businesses, solutions which help your business be more
into the unknown, and how the Chamber, cities need to adapt and be flexible to resilient and thrive.
working with the Department for survive and Liverpool has been through its
International Trade and other members, fair share of disruptors which have required Paul Cherpeau
can support them. a new way of thinking. The Plan can only be CEO, Liverpool Chamber of Commerce
Liverpool 7
Chamber
NEW MEMBERS
Connect
Welcome Support
to our new Chamber Members Thrive.
SOKA Studio building coherent, smart brands that Find out more on page 30 where
connect and resonate with target audiences. Managing Director, Liang Zhang, features
New to Liverpool, and led by the award-
winning graphic designer Sophie Karaer, in our Ask the Expert feature.
Having recently made the move to
SOKA provides the full package of creative Liverpool, we are excited about the
services to businesses and individuals prospect of working with clients in the
across the UK. Whether you’re looking to Liverpool city region.
increase awareness or drive product sales,
you can have ultimate confidence in us. Trust us to create the types of promotional
assets that will give customers a true
SOKA have the proven ability to craft the flavour of your brilliance; before they even
types of content sure to make the desired meet you. Visit our website
impression on prospective and established https://sokastudio.co.uk/ Apoc IT Solutions Limited
customers. Working for clients in such varied Apoc IT Solutions Limited help companies
industries as legal services, alternative get the best out of their IT solutions,
energy, cosmetics and marketing; we’re disaster recovery specialists dealing
always open to fresh challenges. with cyber-attacks, losing datacentres
and email server solutions. Offering a
Having initially set up 5 years ago in rural free review on your current setup, please
Lincoln, SOKA have gone on to achieve contact to discuss your requirements and
East Link International create a 5 year plan so you can sleep easy
success in the promotion of nationally-
recognised brands and businesses. Fuelled
Trading Ltd and not worry about your IT Infrastructure.
by this success, the SOKA team has been East Link International Trading Ltd
Visit our website www.apocit.com
expanded; drawing the talents of creatives specialises in sourcing high quality –
from around the UK. Made in China – products across all
industry sectors; achieved through a
With a completely agile and responsive highly experienced sourcing team and
team; SOKA offers the complete creative established business relationships in
package, from branding, through to China. With their industry leading buying
e-commerce websites and everything in power, they are able to guarantee the
between. Our collective mission is to assist in lowest product prices within the highly
effective articulation of business messages; competitive trading market.
Membership of the Chamber gives your business access to the largest and most diverse
network of businesses in the Liverpool City Region. Find out more about how you can
be part of the network by visiting www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk or by contacting our
membership team on 0151 227 1234 or membership@liverpoolchamber.org.uk
8
POST BREXIT RECRUITMENT
Post Brexit
Recruitment
The new system: Sponsor for at least six months, possibly longer. This • Detailed training on the current
will have significant implications on your Points Based system, including employee
Licences
recruitment strategy and business planning. sponsorship and sponsor duties;
Brexit is the biggest change to immigration
law in a generation. The Government is encouraging all • The implications of Brexit on your people;
employers who do not currently hold a
Post-Brexit, the new Skilled Worker visa sponsor licence who will (or may) want to • The EU Settlement Scheme;
will be the main route of entry for skilled employ non-UK nationals from 1 January
• The new Skilled Worker visa route;
workers who have a job from an approved 2021 to apply for their sponsor licenses now:
sponsor. “If you are not currently approved to be a
• Balancing immigration and
sponsor but think that you are likely to need
employment law compliance.
This will apply to EU and non-EU nationals to sponsor skilled migrant workers from 1
alike (aside from EU nationals who have January 2021, you can apply for approval (a Our approach is to make training as
obtained settled/ pre-settled status, “sponsor licence” now) ... You are encouraged interactive and engaging as possible using
or Irish nationals who are exempt). The to apply early, even if you are not sure if you practical and fun techniques including
Government has announced that this new will need to sponsor migrants under the new case studies, quizzes and games.
visa will be based on Tier 2 of the current system from January 2021”. (Tier 2 and 5:
Points Based System. Although full details Guidance for Sponsors, UKVI, 6 April 2020) Training can be delivered in person at your
have yet to be published, it is clear that offices, or ours, or remotely via Webinar –
in order to access the scheme, employers Training whichever works best for you. Our trainers
will need to register with UK Visas and are fully qualified employment lawyers who
As the UK leaves the EU, more and more
Immigration to become licensed sponsors. also specialize in business immigration.
businesses will need to get to grips with the
UK’s immigration system than ever before, if They have many years of experience of
Without a licence, your business may not dealing with these in practice for a wide
be able to recruit non-UK nationals after 31 they want to be able to recruit and employ
non-UK nationals. When free movement range of clients, from SMEs to Plcs.
December 2020.
ends on 31 December 2020, all businesses will
How we can support you
How to apply for a licence need to adapt to a new compliance regime.
Our Business Immigration team has a
Getting a sponsor licence before 1 January We have the knowledge and experience wealth of experience supporting clients
2021, and getting the application right first to help your business confidently and with sponsor licence applications and
time, is business critical. successfully navigate these changes. providing employers with the tools and
We have a proven track record in knowledge they need. Please contact
The application process involves completing providing training to HR, recruitment and laura.darnley@brabners.com to discuss
an online form and submitting detailed operational teams on all aspects of the UK’s how we can support you
supporting documents that meet the immigration system. We also train senior
prescriptive requirements under the managers and Board level directors on the
Immigration Rules. This can prove tricky, given specific compliance obligations associated
the detailed and complicated requirements with holding licensed sponsor status.
under the rules. However, it is more than
simply a form filling exercise – becoming a We help provide your people with the skills
sponsor involves accepting a high degree of and knowledge they need to understand the
responsibility for immigration compliance. immigration system and reduce the likelihood
of costly and damaging compliance failures.
When applying for a licence, employers
need to be able to demonstrate they can We provide our clients with courses that
meet their compliance obligations and are tailored to meet their specific needs
understand what is expected of them and budgets, but common themes in
going forwards. The guidance is clear that recent training include:
if a business applies for a licence and gets
the application wrong, they will not only • The legal obligations and requirements
lose their application fee, but will also be for establishing right to work during the
prevented from reapplying for a licence recruitment/ onboarding process;
Liverpool 9
Chamber
Richard
Corbett
GM UK and Ireland,
Voi Technology
Voi e-scooters just launched in distancing rules is required. E-scooters are the Government, with in-person and online
very practical and useful for journeys of rider education, rider identity verification,
Liverpool and we had a chance one to three miles, which makes up 60% and #RideLikeVoila - our online traffic school.
to chat with Richard Corbett, of all road trips in the UK. They take the
pressure off Liverpool’s public transport and On top of our existing geofencing technology
Voi’s UK General Manager, which we are constantly updating, we have
enable people to be able to access work,
about this launch and why shops or just experience the city, without been increasing significantly the number
e-scooters have an important having to resort to their car or worry about of ambassadors on the street and we are
overcrowded trains or buses, particularly working closely with the local police to help
role to play in getting people now with the COVID restrictions. They are people ride safely and monitor scooter
moving safely around town. also easier for some people, with restricted activity. We have started introducing number
fitness or stamina, to access than a bicycle. plates on our e-scooters to help report
Most of our readers are probably not misuse and increase rider responsibility.
familiar with Voi, can you tell us more What do our readers need to do if they
about the business and the trial you’re want to ride a Voi e-scooter? We are also making our e-scooters
currently doing? According to the current legislation, COVID safe, the scooters are cleaned
Voi launched back in 2018 and we are a e-scooters are considered a motor vehicle and disinfected every 24 hours, to ensure
Swedish micro-mobility company that offers so Voi riders must have a provisional driving that they can not become sources of
scooter sharing services in partnership with license and have completed Voi’s digital infection. Voi has added copper-tape to
cities and local communities. We currently e-scooter traffic school - #RideLikeVoila. the handlebars of its e-scooters, which kill
operate in over 50 cities and across eleven We also advise our users to wear a helmet 99.98% of coronavirus on contact.
countries and we have more than six million when riding around to protect themselves
active users riding our scooters regularly. and we had the pleasure to give away Overall, we want to help create greener cities
many helmets so riders are ready to go. where people enjoy living. We are aware that
Liverpool is well known for its music history vulnerability comes in many forms and we
and Voi is making transportation history by How much does it cost to use a Voi are in contact with many vulnerable groups
bringing e-scooters to Liverpool. So far, the e-scooter, are they affordable for all? so we can swiftly tackle any issues affecting
service has been well received with many Voi e-scooters are available to unlock for them. For instance, to prevent clutter, we are
users moving around town using the Voi £1 and will cost £0.20 per minute. However, liaising with RNIB (Royal National Institute For
e-scooters. Supported by the Department a variety of passes and discounts are Blind People) to introduce physical parking
for Transport, the Liverpool e-scooter available, to ensure that the e-scooters are racks and incentivising cities to invest in more
trial is one of more than a dozen taking accessible by all, including discounts for dedicated parking infrastructure for micro-
place across the U.K., including in the West key workers who need to access hospitals, mobility in public spaces.
Midlands and Northamptonshire, where we schools, and the city centre in their roles.
launched in September. For more information please visit:
Are e-scooters? What are you doing www.voiscooters.com or get in touch
What are the benefits of e-scooters? to guarantee the safety of riders and with us via press@voiapp.io
E-scooters are a new way to travel, pedestrians going around town?
providing the city’s residents and visitors with Introducing e-scooters as safely as possible is
a new low-carbon mode of transport at a our number one priority and Voi’s operations
time when increased adherence to social exceed the safety requirements required byPATRON NEWS
Second wave of Covid-19 should
not force us to compromise on
vital cancer services
since the first lockdown. We need to be Rutherford Health’s network of four
As the UK gears up to creative and ensure that vital healthcare cancer centres remained fully operational
face a second wave of services such as cancer care are not in any throughout the first lockdown and provided
way disrupted by the second wave.” its services to NHS Trusts who needed
Covid-19 in what will be additional capacity for their cancer
Mike Moran spoke after it was revealed in
a very difficult winter an NHS Confederation report that the NHS
patients at the height of the first wave.
for our healthcare faces a ‘triple whammy’ this winter due to Mike Moran believes a similar approach is
a second wave, treatment backlogs, and needed but on a much larger scale: “There
services, many leading reduced capacity due to infection control has been a lot of terrific collaboration
between the public and independent
experts and healthcare measures in hospitals.
sectors to ensure cancer patients receive
providers are warning “We are already grappling with an enormous the treatments they need in a timely
backlog, some three million people missed manner. This needs to be expanded and
of the dangers further cancer screenings since March according utilised more effectively or we risk the
to Cancer Research UK. Any disruption
restrictions could pose to services because of a second wave
backlog getting completely out of control.”
to vital cancer services. could cause enormous damage to patient The centre in Liverpool, the Rutherford
outcomes for many years to come. Cancer Centre North West, is based in
Mike Moran, CEO of Rutherford health the Knowledge Quarter in Paddington
which operates the network of Rutherford “We need to be proactive in finding Village and launched earlier this year.
Cancer Centers across the UK including solutions that allows us to tackle both All Rutherford Cancer Centres provide
one in Liverpool, warned that cancer challenges without having to make terrible chemotherapy, immunotherapy,
care can end up becoming the biggest choices yet again. For a start, diagnosis and radiotherapy and high energy proton
casualty of the second wave: “We are testing must be ramped up with urgency beam therapy as well as an advanced
in a very precarious situation. Further so that cancer patients can get on a clear suite of diagnostic services. The Liverpool
restrictions will disproportionately harm treatment pathway as soon as possible. centre will be additionally equipped with
cancer services and the NHS has only just We must also utilise the capacity of the Elekta’s latest technology in precision
started to properly restart cancer services independent sector more effectively.” radiotherapy, the Unity MR Linac machine.
Liverpool 11
ChamberWoolton Golf Club are delighted to announce THAT THE MAJOR REFURBISHMENT OF THE CLUBHOUSE IS DUE TO BE COMPLETED IN DECEMBER 2020 The modernised clubhouse will include a new function suite, new bars, dining room and separate lounge. All these facilities will be available to members, visitors and guests attending events hosted at the club.
Woolton Golf Club is an exclusive members club with a rich history, situated in the heart of South Liverpool. The club’s vision is to further develop both the course and the clubhouse to ensure visitors enjoy a fantastic experience, whether out on the course or in the modernised clubhouse facility. Established in 1901, Woolton Golf Club is a mature tree lined course in Woolton, an affluent, leafy suburb in South Liverpool. It is ideally located for functions, family gatherings and weddings, with free parking available. We look forward to welcoming old and new members For further information, contact the office on 0151 486 2298 (option 4), or take a look at our website www.wooltongolfclub.com
GENT MILLIO
U
N
N
EN
P
NIE A
S APP E
As we head to our 140th year L
we are reviving our founder’s Could you help
us raise a
rallying cry with our ‘Million million pennies
Pennies Appeal – children by 1 December?
supporting children!’
As one of Liverpool’s major charities, we support
children and young people through schools, care
homes, family, community and social work
services, helping the most vulnerable in our
communities.
Your support can make a difference to a young
persons future!
Call or email now to request a collection tub and
ask you staff, customers, colleagues and friends
to help you fill it!
0151 261 4498
fundraising@wearenugent.org
wearenugent.org
N427 | Corporate Trustee: Nugent Care 2019 Ltd (Company No: 12227571), Registered Charity 1187072.
Nugent Care Registered Charity: 1187072-1. Visual concept by Rose (8) and Theo (5).Bauer Media, Chasing the
Stigma and stars pledge
to make the UK kinder as
research finds that 2 in 3
Brits agree it is now more
important than ever to be
kind to others
The campaign, link between kindness and mental health
was recognised; over 75% agreed that
national
awareness days,
supported by Little Mix, both performing and receiving acts of
kindness helps boost a positive mindset.
we should be opening
dialogue, making sure people know what
Olly Murs, James Bay support resources are available and giving
To reach its 10,000 pledge goal, star them a space to find help.”
and Laura Whitmore, supporters of the campaign Little Mix, Olly
Murs, James Bay and Laura Whitmore Lucie Cave, Creative Editorial Director,
aims to encourage will be sharing their stories of kindness and Bauer Media said: “We’ve been proactively
inspiring fans to get involved. Absolute campaigning for mental health awareness
people to be kinder this Radio will also be replacing ad breaks with with Where’s Your Head At? since 2018
an instrumental song for the first time ever, and know mental health is even more of
World Mental Health Day encouraging listeners to take time to think an issue this year with coronavirus and
about the power of words, their mental lockdown impacting our livelihoods. Please
Liverpool-based national mental health health and how they can help the people join us and Chasing the Stigma and help
charity Chasing the Stigma has partnered around them. us reach 10,000 pledges – they can be
with Bauer Media and Where’s Your Head as small as checking in with a friend or
At? to support the launch of the media The interactive digital map has been built saying hello to a neighbour – it’s about
brand’s #PledgeKindness campaign. in partnership with Chasing the Stigma’s the commitment of writing it down and
Hub of Hope app; which brings together spreading kindness and happiness with
The campaign asks Brits to do something all the mental health support available someone else!”
kind for someone else by ‘pinning’ their to someone in any given area. The Hub
pledges to an interactive digital map, aiming of Hope is the only service of its kind that Natasha Devon MBE, Mental Health
to collect 10,000 pledges by World Mental brings together NHS, voluntary, grassroots, Campaigner and Co-Founder of Where’s
Health Day on Saturday 10th October. private and third sector mental health Your Head At? said: “Doing an act of
support details nationally and locally, kindness releases endorphins which,
The partnership comes following research with over 1,800 services registered and its long term, help combat the mental and
revealing two thirds of Brits agreed that it is database growing daily. physical effects of stress and anxiety.
now more important than ever to be kind to Being on the receiving end of an act
others, with almost half (48%) stating they Jake Mills, Founder of Chasing the Stigma, of kindness fosters connection, which
are more open to helping to people than added: “It’s great to be a part of this has been shown in numerous studies to
they were before, new research from Bauer campaign which highlights mental health improve brain chemistry. With experts
Media finds. According to the study, more and we hope people get involved and describing the mental health impact of
than half of people had received a small act #PledgeKindness. Year after year, we are COVID as ‘a pandemic within a pandemic’,
of kindness from a family member or a friend faced with the same reality that thousands it’s never been more important for us to
during the pandemic, with more than 1 in of lives are being lost to suicide. There #PledgeKindness to one another.”
5 receiving one from a complete stranger. were 5,691 suicides registered in England
These gestures of kindness have led to an and Wales in 2019, many of which weren’t For more information on the campaign
improved sense of community; 74% stated known to the system, and COVID-19 is and to pledge a small act of kindness
they now have a better community with having a catastrophic effect on people now, please visit https:/
/www.
their neighbours compared to before. across the UK. Every day, not just on wheresyourheadat.org/
66% also noted that they appreciate the
little things more, stating that small acts
that were previously dismissed – such as
smiling more or picking up the phone –
now seem more extravagant. Plus, a strong
Liverpool 15
Chamber3. Ensure employees have the tools to
function reliably, effectively and keep
in touch through use of the most
suitable communication equipment.
The goal should be to communicate
virtually as closely to a normal office
environment as possible. If you have
daily or regular team meetings, these
should continue to keep the focus and
the remote employee feel part of the
office-based team.
4. Clearly communicate and involve the
remote employees in the company
vision, key targets and appropriate
developments within the business.
ARE YOU IN OR
5. Take the time to review your systems.
Look and see if your system can work
remotely or look at swapping out old
systems to cloud based telephony
ARE YOU OUT?
which can work at home, on the move
or in the office.
THE REMOTE
6. Utilise webinars rather than email
to keep employees feeling connected,
involved and minimising potential for
feelings of isolation.
WORKING
The key component for success is
communication and continuity. Reliable,
secure and efficient IT and telecom
HOKEY COKEY!!
systems can support the required
communication. This can include internet
connection with built in failover onto
the mobile network, ability to take calls
remotely and VPN access to servers or
in their work life balance and often,
Managing Remote savings in time and travel costs. Many
data centres. You should ensure the
business functions to the same level
Working: The New organisations, including tech, banking
whether the employee is working remotely
and SME’s, continue to encourage their
or in the office, while also enhancing the
Normal employees to work remotely.
experience for the remote employee
through the feeling of connectivity and
Covid 19 has changed everything. If increased remote working is the new
having the same level of technical support
Sometimes we are in and sometimes we normal, businesses and managers must
are out of the workplace. At the time and equipment, regardless of location.
focus on supporting their employees,
of writing, the government has stated both remotely and office based, and At BT Local Business Liverpool, Chester and
they we should work from home where ensure the goals of the business are North Wales, we have a team of experts
we can, less than one month after achieved. with extensive knowledge of successful
advising us to return to the office. Things
remote working. If you would like a free
will never be the same again as people Tips for managing remote teams include
demonstration on how cloud telephony
become customed to remote working the following.
works and how this would benefit your
and flexibility is essential. From the start
1. Trust your employees. Flexibility and business, we would be happy to help
of lockdown in the UK, businesses had
understanding are necessary to all Liverpool Chamber members and
to adapt and find a way to function
support their new working environment. associated businesses. Please call us on
efficiently with employees, many of whom
had no experience of remote working. Manage by results and output rather 01704 898210
From box rooms to dining tables being than the watchful eye.
Andy MacGregor
made into offices, recent studies have
shown that employees have embraced 2. Be clear with expectations and how the Managing Director. BT Local Business
the change, finding improvements remote working will function. Liverpool, Chester & North Wales
16PATRON NEWS
Challenging times require strong
leaders and a great response.
It is safe to say 2020 has not gone the way we all had planned it would. We are
living in a new world that brings more uncertainty and questions every day
that no one expects or has answers for. Every news article and professional
opinion varies from the next and all this has had a profound and lasting impact
on businesses across the UK. We have weathered storms and uncertainty in
the past, notably the 2008 crash, however, this is different. Many businesses
are questioning their next step or frantically striving to keep things going, but
when all is said and done, we will get through this crisis. Those of us that call
Merseyside our home are a plucky bunch that won’t give up without a fight.
1. Communicate with your employees values and circumstances will help you the right person. How do you feel when it
Your employees need to know what identify more like them. happens to you? How do you feel about
is going on. You will find they are the company you are engaging with?
4. Don’t blame Covid for poor service
understanding and share the same
and response times. It is tough to provide a good response in
emotional stress and uncertainty that is
Everyone reading this will undoubtably times of crisis. Your resources are stretched,
keeping you awake at night. Share with
have heard of, or experienced, slower and time is precious, so why not consider a
your employees what is happening, when
response times during this crisis. Phones back-up plan? Many companies outsource
and how. Regardless of the uncertainty,
ringing out, emails unanswered for days, some of the above challenges either in
anxiety and risk, you will get a better and
live chat sessions disconnected or being part, as an overflow arrangement, or fully
more meaningful outcome by sharing your
sat in a queue on hold to get through to outsourced. You need to decide what
business strategy with your employees.
is best for your customers and business.
You will not have all the answers to their
Outsourcing will achieve a better response
questions but by sharing regular updates
time, higher levels of customer service and
you will find it emboldens them to commit
enable you and your employees to save
and drive forward with change. After all,
much needed time.
we are all in this together.
James Massey, Head of Sales and
2. Adapt to market trends
Marketing at Face For Business, works
Look at current market trends and with businesses to help them work smarter
understand what your customers value. and more efficiently. Face For Business
This is especially difficult in the current specialises in telephone answering, virtual
climate, however, getting it right will pay receptionists and website live chat.
off. Understanding your customers’ values
and pains will help you adapt your service
and product offering. Get it right, and by
the time this crisis passes, you may find
Face For
your business has a new revenue stream.
Business - We
3. Focus on your honeypots
Every business has their honeypot
are always
customers that regularly buy your services
or products. During times like these it is here for your
essential that you go above and beyond
for these customers. Understanding their business.
Liverpool 17
ChamberLiverpool
sets out bold
roadmap for
post-COVID 19
recovery
A bold ‘Team Liverpool’ roadmap to drive the
city forward beyond the COVID-19 pandemic
was launched on Monday 5 October.
18LIVERPOOL CITY PLAN
The City Plan is a commitment from A low carbon, connected and accessible
key public, private and voluntary sector city - A city with smart, clean, accessible
partners to tackle inequalities to give and integrated infrastructure, where
everyone a better quality of life – regardless organisations, businesses and residents are
of background, identity or postcode. all playing their part in responding to the
climate emergency and speeding the city’s
It aims to give people a voice to shape transition to zero carbon.
the way we deliver public services
across communities by focusing on six The most exciting city in the UK –
culture, sport and creativity is Liverpool’s
priority areas and using shared resources
USP and makes the city attractive for
to transform the agenda for health,
residents, workers, visitors and investors.
education, neighbourhoods, economy,
culture and climate. Key ambitions include:
Half of Liverpool’s neighbourhoods are • Halving the projected life expectancy
amongst the 10 per cent most deprived gap with the England average from 2.8
in England, which creates a unique to 1.4 years.
pressure upon, and demand for, local
• Reducing infant deaths by a third
services at a time when public spending
is becoming scarcer. • Increasing school attendance and
outcomes
The city is proposing a fundamentally
different approach which shifts power to • Improving the quality and choice of homes
people and communities, to collaborate • Increasing the employment rate and
rather than compete across organisations at reducing the wage gap
all levels, and to work more effectively with
• Accelerating the move to become a
central government and national agencies.
zero net carbon city
The City Plan is focused around six themes: • Rebooting the visitor economy
A healthier, happier, fairer Liverpool Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said:
for all - working together to tackle “2020 has delivered the greatest challenge
health inequalities and respond to of our times and Liverpool’s response
what matters most to people in terms to the coronavirus pandemic has again
of improving their health and wellbeing shown the resilience and community spirit
across all stages of life – Starting Well, which makes this such a great city.
Living Well and Ageing Well.
“We need to challenge systemic racial and
People are educated to succeed indeed, all aspects of inequality, we must
throughout life - children are ready for change and do better. The City Plan will
school and everyone has access to an focus upon creating greater equality and
inclusive, high quality education that opportunity for everybody in everything from
enables them to live fulfilled, happy health to wealth, education and employment.
and productive lives. Employment
“Now more than ever, we need a
prospects improve through lifelong
partnership between local stakeholders
learning and access to technical and
and citizens as we drive our city forward in
professional skills. this new landscape. It will require radically
rethinking the way we deliver public
Safe and thriving neighbourhoods
services. The focus will be on how we work
- all residents live in safe, inclusive and
collectively to build upon the strengths of all
welcoming neighbourhoods, where
our employers, residents and communities.
people choose and aspire to live, raise
their families and grow old. Public services “The City Plan will help unify public services in
are aligned with local need to reduce Liverpool and will focus on the strengths and
inequalities within the city. needs of individuals and neighbourhoods.
Early help and prevention will be central, and
A strong and inclusive economy - A communities will be increasingly empowered
productive, innovative, sustainable and fair to make decisions and influence things
economy, where businesses thrive through which matter and are of value to them.”
nurturing talent from all communities and
provide good jobs with fair pay, conditions You can view the Liverpool City Plan at
and progression. https:/
/cityplanliverpool.co.uk/
Liverpool 19
ChamberASK THE EXPERTS
Find out more about the
Chamber’s Business Restart &
Recovery Affinity Services
Members of Liverpool Chamber can reliable PCR testing supported by rapid antibody testing for staff
at a location of the business’s choosing.
access excellent assistance through
Deep Clean Solutions
our Business Restart & Recovery affinity Parthenon’s deep clean solutions provide access to a deep clean
schemes. These cover a range of solution and consultancy at a discounted rate to meet government
standards of cleanliness and provide peace of mind to staff,
professional services as well as access customers and suppliers alike. Upon confirmation of your membership
to practical support relating specifically you will be given your welcome pack with your unique log in details.
to Covid-19. Make sure you make the Chamber Roadside Assistance
Chamber members can save 64% on Business Breakdown
most of your Chamber membership. cover from the AA through this British Chambers of
Commerce affinity programme.
Chamber Four Services
Chamber Business Insurance
Chamber Four Services provides access to five business advice
lines and over 750 free business documents through an online Coeus Insurance Management Ltd offers a diverse range of
portal, including Chamber HR, Chamber Health & Safety, Chamber insurance services and risk management options, fully tailored to
Legal and Chamber Tax you and your business. As a Chamber member you will have access
to a range of exclusive member insurance benefits, designed to
Chamber Finance Finder contribute towards the success of your business
In partnership with Swoop Finance and the British Chambers of
Member - Entrepreneur Package
Commerce, the Chamber Finance Finder platform simplifies and
speeds up the funding process, matching member businesses with AJ Barnes Financial Planning are pleased to offer a range of
the right funding solutions across loans, equity and grants. support and advice to Liverpool Chamber members as part of
your membership. The level of support varies on the level of your
Chamber Mediation membership but includes telephone advice service/secure Zoom,
Chamber Members have access to a low cost mediation service access to a qualified Financial Adviser and ability to ask questions
designed to help local businesses reduce the cost of disputes during on a range of issues from retirement planning, protection planning,
these difficult times. Provided in partnership with Mediate Legal, specialist banking & lending and investment & tax planning.
members businesses can access dispute mediation support to settle
Professional Services
employment or commercial litigation at discounted or pro bono rates.
As Covid-19 lockdown restrictions have started to ease, companies
COVID Testing Solutions will need to act fast and implement plans to minimise the impact
Members of the Chamber have exclusive access to a business- on their business. Begbies Traynor Group has provided guidance
focussed Coronavirus testing service delivered by Randox Health below that companies can follow to survive the challenges over
and the Ghosh Medical Group. The service provides local and the coming months.
For more details on all the schemes visit:
https:/
/www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk/services/membership/partnership-business-services.aspx
or contact membership@liverpoolchamber.org.uk
20RESTART RECOVERY
Doing
business
in a post-
coronavirus
world
For many businesses, As lockdown restrictions ease in
many areas, and businesses begin to
This may involve entering into formal
negotiations with creditors, including HMRC;
2020 has been a year to tentatively look ahead to 2021, many restructuring the company to free up both
forget. Unprecedented will be concerned what the impact money and resources; seeking emergency
of both Brexit and the hangover from funding; or, if the company is beyond the
business disruption as a Covid-19 will have on their activities and point of rescue, we can also explain what
result of the coronavirus opportunities. In a time of unparalleled your options are when it comes to placing
uncertainty, planning for a future and the company into liquidation.
pandemic, has affected seeing where their business fits amidst
companies across the the spectre of Covid-19, is an extremely Jason Greenhalgh and Keith Tully are Partners
challenging task. at Begbies Traynor’s Liverpool office and they
globe, decimating trade are on hand to provide sound and actionable
and seeing business Seeking expert business support and
advice at an early stage could be the
advice to sole traders and owners of SMEs
as they navigate these uncertain times. For
activity grind to a halt. difference between your company fighting immediate help and advice, contact our
for survival, or actively thriving, as the
In Liverpool, 3,884 companies are Liverpool office today on 0151 227 4010.
country adapts to the ‘new normal’. If
classed as being in ‘significant’ financial
your business is struggling to service its Keith Tully
distress, according to latest figures from
outgoings - whether as a direct result of 07969 905 654
Begbies Traynor’s Red Flag Alert report,
the coronavirus crisis, or due to existing keith.tully@btguk.com
up 3% on the same period last year. With
government support schemes being issues - or if you are concerned as to how
viable your business is going forward, we Jason Greenhalgh
wound down and costs returning to
can help you understand your current 07810 751 788
businesses, it is unsurprising that many are
contemplating what the future holds. position, and the options open to you. jason.greenhalgh@btguk.com
Liverpool 21
ChamberRESTART RECOVERY
Corporate &
About Us
Coeus Insurance Management Ltd offers
a diverse range of insurance services and
Commercial Insurance:
risk management options, fully tailored to
you and your business. Here’s why Coeus
Insurance Management Ltd is the right
Supporting
Insurance Broker for you:
• Our dedicated team of experts
have the vast industry knowledge and
Businesses in a post
their experience, in excess of 50 years is
extensive, that’s how we know you’re in
the right hands.
Covid-19 World
• It’s completely hassle-free – our team
will remain dedicated to your business,
taking ownership of the entire process.
Once you’re partnered with Coeus
Insurance, we will remove all of your
In addition, the Insurance Market had
As businesses, we are living already begun shifting towards a ‘Hard-
insurance worries and concerns.
through unprecedented Market Cycle’ over the previous 12 months.
• Cost-effective – we will source and
times and even as the What does this mean for my implement the correct policy you
require for the most reasonable
economy starts to open Business? financial cost available.
Rate/Premium Increases when my profit
up, we are all wrestling margins are already under pressure. • Communication is key – you can rely
with significant challenges. How can Coeus Insurance
on our team to be a constant support
network to you, providing information,
We must however keep Management Ltd help my Business? advice and guidance thoroughly and
one eye on the future – to Savings! Coeus Insurance are well placed to consistently as and when it is required.
deliver cost efficiencies and reductions for
understand how recovery Businesses through their proven expertise
• We are independently owned – this
grants us the freedom to place
might look, what we and relationships in the UK Insurance Market.
business with an insurer that is the most
Holding agencies with a large number of
can do to protect profit financially secure insurers, this allows Coeus
suitable match for our clients’ unique
requirements.
margins and prepare for a Insurance to place business with whichever
insurer best suits their Client’s requirements.
bounce back into growth.
This is delivered by:
Impact on Insurers • Insurance Review and Appraisal (free of charge)
It is, of course, very difficult to predict how • Risk Analysis
an economic recovery might take shape, • Insurance Programme Design
however we do know that the impact of
Covid-19 on Insurers financial outlooks will This is the perfect opportunity to be
be severe. Insurers will likely need to adjust proactive by putting your insurance
their budgets and implementation plans, placement at the top of your agenda
cash flow expectations, and investment rather than the bottom and benefit
portfolios in light of recent developments. from Premium Savings today!!
22Organisational Risk
and Survival – Take a
Holistic Approach
As we navigate through company’s property or assets), loss of
raw material, digital property, harm to
for updating their staff on the situation.
Additionally, they should encourage
these uncertain times, staff, customers, or general public an open dialogue wherever possible,
whether that’s video calls through Zoom
many organisations are - People (Insider risk) – lack of appropriate
vetting, training & awareness, poor staff
or similar tools. At times you should give
people the opportunity to have individual
making the agonising and management culture, disgruntled
calls so concerns can be raised in a safe
staff (especially in key areas), illegal
environment for them,” says Nick.
decision to let go of workers, journalists etc. All can create
vulnerabilities and therefore lead to Nick finishes “Ultimately, your people are
staff or shut down reputational and financial loss. your strongest asset. We all need to help
altogether. - Resilience – A key failure point for one another through these times – whether
that is doing our bit in the community,
businesses is the lack of resilience
internally but also their supply chain reallocation of resource, change of business
‘How can we survive?’
and or that of their customers. delivery to negotiating payments or
As Nick Holden, MD of NexusProtect, reflects, fostering a mental health scheme. We can
“We need to take a considered approach - Risk Management – Is it effective only get through this if we work together.”
and make the most of the resources available and is a true picture of the business
to us. We need to be truly innovative when risks or the perception of similar NexusProtect has had an extremely
looking a how we deliver services which can business or experiences? busy 6 months through Covid 19 with
mean a whole new business direction”. teams supporting national guarding
All the above also need to be taken into mobilisations, 100 plus schools with data
“Without a doubt, the coronavirus pandemic account whilst finding a new direction protection advice during there changes to
has had a devastating effect on UK through Covid 19. more online learning and messaging. Nick’s
businesses. At NexusProtect, we specialise team have also been supporting several
in business continuity in the face of a crisis. It can be said that in some cases, the crisis organisations with crisis management,
What is important right now is to take stock has accelerated businesses need to change business continuity, Covid 19 H&S advice
of the situation, reallocate human resources, but this must be planned and not knee jerk! and security advice with vacant properties
redistribute funds and adapt your working as well as unsecured assets.
Examples:
methods to maintain cash flow.”
NexusProtect provides individual or multi
IT and remote working
So, how exactly can we adapt to ensure layered services from advice, review &
Nick reiterates, the point of changing priorities
our organisations weather the storm? assurance, training & awareness, operational
when it comes to company spending. One area
delivery to strategic direction. In all cases
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes that should not be underfunded, he stresses, is
our holistic view and approach means that
to managing risk for organisations. That IT infrastructure and cybersecurity. “Never has
a businesses can make the right decisions
is why the NexusProtect team take a investment in IT been so timely – particularly
as well as save money due to appropriate
different approach: a truly holistic, 360° with so many of us working from home,” says
spending, loss prevention and a USP’s – ‘Safe
view looking at all areas of the business, Nick. “You need to ask yourself – does your
Pair of Hands’, ‘ Back to Work – Stay at Work’
how they fit together and produce the business have resilient IT infrastructure? What is
most operationally efficient delivery. the cost of the additional bandwidth needed For more information about how
to support homeworking?” NexusProtect can help you and your
To add to the Covid crisis today’s
organisation please visit the website at
organisations face threats from multiple In reality, the danger is too great not to invest in
www.nexus-protect.com or send us an
directions both internal and external. cyber defences – particularly with the new wave
email at protect@nexus-global.co.uk
of coronavirus-themed spam we’re seeing.”
- Cyber - The digital threat – cyber
criminals but also disgruntled staff and Mental Health
or poor staff training and awareness
As up to 8 million of us prepare to continue
(accidental). This could lead to
to work from home, many workers could
data breaches under GDPR, loss of
struggle with adjusting to the continued
commercial sensitive information and
isolation.
intellectual property.
- Physical threat -Theft, fraud, industrial “A strong organisation has a robust internal
espionage (selling or damaging a communications policy and approach
Liverpool 23
ChamberHas your
financial adviser
publicly pledged
to put your
interests first?
There’san
There’s aneasy
easyway
waytoto tell.
tell.
The badge says it all.
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