Today in the Daily Post, council leader Warren Bradley called upon Liverpool businesses to get more involved with the Capital of Culture 2008 preparations. He feels many businesses have ‘not made a contribution’ and said if they wanted to come to the party they should ‘bring a bottle’. He suggested that a contribution of £100 each would pay for banners or flags, perhaps ‘designed by local artists and students to dress the city for Capital of Culture.”

Liverpool Chamber members, and the Chamber itself, were criticised for taking ‘no action’ to get businesses more involved. Although the Chamber cannot dictate to its members their level of commitment to 2008 and the city’s cultural life, regular readers of this blog will know we are strong supporters of all areas of cultural expression. We have many artists, designers, galleries and art dealers within our membership. These, and no doubt many others, are the businesses and organisations that drive the cultural life of this city.

But is Councillor Bradley right? Would our members like to see a greater lead being taken on this by the Chamber? And if so, in what areas? How do you, the people and businesses of Liverpool, want to get involved? Should we lead you, or would you rather make your own contribution? Or have you paid enough through the trials of the Big Dig, increased business rates and the threat of higher council tax? Would that £100 be better spent by businesses on improving and tidying their premises, as we have already suggested? An activity that would improve the city’s image and have longer term benefits.

And, where, pray, are the opportunities for local artists to ‘design a banner’? Has the Culture Company called for designs from the local artists’ community yet?

If you’ve got a view on this, the Chamber wants to hear it. So please, leave your comments by clicking the link at the top of this article. Or if you’d rather just give a yes or a no, visit our main home page and take part in our quick survey.

Meanwhile, the 08 Board is criticised by a former member for failing to engage with the people of Liverpool, amongst other things.

Surely the City of Liverpool can do better than this.