Here’s an interview with Ed Oliver, Vice Chair of Liverpool Chamber’s Board, recorded by Radio Merseyside.

In it, he discusses Councillor Bradley’s suggestion that local businesses are not engaged with  the coming Capital of Culture celebrations, and that they should donate £100 each towards branding the city.

Ed believes the Council Leader’s comments were meant to be taken as more of a call to arms for companies. He states that plans are already in place for local businesses to sponsor events during 2008. These include a 6-week retail festival to take place in the summer. Companies will sponsor the event, provide gifts and prizes and the Culture Company will brand it as a Capital of Culture event.

Ed also stated that businesses are getting more involved as 08 draws near, and that Liverpool chamber, local businesses and the city council are working together to ensure a great year of celebrations.

Listen top the interview here. [MP3, 16MB]

This information has been brought to Liverpool Chamber’s attention by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). For further details please contact the nominated contact and copy your email to policy@liverpoolchamber.org.uk so we are informed of your interest:

The DTI is establishing a new independent body to provide advice on the WEEE Directive and Regulations.

As you have previously expressed an interest in being kept informed of developments related to the WEEE Regulations, please find attached an advertisement for individuals to apply for membership of this advisory body.

Please feel free to circulate this advert to members or colleagues who you feel might be interested.

More info about WEEE Advisory Body call for members [PDF]

Last week, Louise Ellman MP held one of her regular briefings for members. She began the meeting with a brief update of her activities both locally and in the House.

The first question from members was around the issue of air passenger duty which has been blamed for having an adverse effect on some air routes out of LJLA, and giving a negative image of the city which is seen not to be able to support these key routes.

The second was about the proposed removal of rate relief on vacant properties.  While Liverpool is moving away from grant supported development, the property market is still fragile and these proposals could be potentially damaging for the city.

Louise explained that while the legislation was designed to address abuses its could work against some businesses, and Louise promised to pursue this .

The next question concerned improved rail links to between south Wirral, Cheshire and North Wales and Liverpool City Centre and airport. The issue had extensive time around the planning proposals and use of the Halton Curve was raised. Louise urged interested parties to keep lobbying and she outlined the benefit that the draft Local Transport Bill will bring with suggested improvements to local transport governance.

The next question covered an update of the current Planning White Paper that has been designed to speed the planning process of large scale national schemes, while the domestic threshold will be raised for small scale projects. On the whole, this appears to be a positive change in legislation for the business community.

The decision to re-locate Business Link in Preston was questioned in the AOB section as was availability of MPs for businesses located in other constituencies, the Chamber will pursue the option of holding a larger scale meeting involving more Members of Parliament .

The next meeting will take place on 28 September, questions can be submitted in advance to steve.pearse@liverpoolchamber.org.uk  

ICDC invites you and your colleagues to attend the Liverpool Loop.

“Improve the performance of your company”

6pm - 8pm ~ Wednesday, 27th June 2007 ~ Newz Bar (Water Street, Liverpool)

After a brief sojourn in Second Life to re-charge its batteries the Liverpool Loop network event is back with a new look, new venue, new drinks menu and speakers! Book your place early for this real world event as spaces are already being booked up.

The theme.
To kick start the 2007 Loop, Business Link Northwest are showcasing a new service focused on industry sectors such as creative and digital media. This service aims to provide companies on Merseyside with better access to information and expertise that can help their business attract and retain clients. If you would like to know more how this service can help you radically improve your performance and productivity, come along and meet the brokers who can tell more.

The venue.
Newz Brasserie! - 18 Water Street, Liverpool, L2 0TD (for map see the “contact us” page)

The itinerary.
18:00

Registration
Networking / Refreshments
Speakers / Q&A
20:00       Close

The damage.
No cost - Free to attend!

The crowd.
Liverpool Loop is a Liverpool-based network specifically for digital and creative businesses that focuses on the issues relevant to them as they develop. It’s a great way to build up your business contacts and meet other support organisations.

The event is run by International Centre for Digital Content (ICDC), ICDC’s digital media incubator at Liverpool John Moores University.

The registration process.
To reserve your place or if you have any queries, please contact the ICDC Events team:
Email: icdcevents@ljmu.ac.uk
Call: 0151 231 4704

.we just need your name, email address and organisation name (if applicable).

Note: You will receive an email to confirm your booking.

For more information on Business Link Northwest, visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/northwest

The BBC today reports on findings by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) on the state of flexible working in British business.

The EOC has found that companies who introduce flexible working patterns report that they see increased productivity, improved staff engagement, and are better placed to deal with customer needs.

However, despite the growth in flexible working, the UK is lagging behind its European competitors. Only 20% of UK employers offer telworking, one of the most popular and cost-effective forms of flexible working, compared to around 40% in Germany, Sweden and Denmark. And while flexi-time is available in around 90% of German and Swedish companies, just 48% of UK companies offer it.

Read the full EOC’s press release on this issue.

Read the EOC’s ‘Transformation of Work’ reports.

Read other stories about flexible working from the Chamber blog.