Jack Stopforth, Chamber Chief Executive attended last week’s Capital of Culture Stakeholder conference, organised by the 08 Countdown group.

The group is working hard to make sure that visitors to Liverpool next year get the best possible impression of the city and that businesses within the city are able to capitalise on the projected increase in visitors to the city and its rising profile both nationally and internationally.

The meeting outlined the group working involved in improvement to transport to and around the city, dressing empty buildings on main routes into the city and the opening of Liverpool One and the Echo arena and Convention Centre.

The Culture Company’s Welcome programme aims to make both Liverpool & Merseyside the most welcoming destination in Europe in 2008

Jack said: “This is our opportunity to showcase the city on the national and international stage, the Chamber has been supporting the welcome training offering particular support to the night time economy.

The Chamber has thrown its weight behind support of the city’s new conference centre by moving the British Chambers national conference from London to Liverpool.

The message from this event was now it’s over to the city’s business community to make sure that all their staff are geared up for 2008, and that we all take this opportunity to promote the city and it’s offer by inviting contacts and guests to Liverpool throughout 2008.

For more information on free 08 welcome training for your staff contact Kirsty Connell on 0151 233 5401.

LiveOne20 is constantly helping employees within Liverpool’s Business District to make the most of this vibrant city.  New partners are coming on board the successful scheme every week, with exclusive offers from the best shops, bars, restaurants, hotels, health & beauty salons and visitor attractions across the city making LiveOne20 a must-have for 2008.

This week the focus is on looking good and feeling fantastic!

Two beauty salons have come on board with a fabulous 20% OFF beauty treatments for LiveOne20 cardholders.  The Urban Spa salon based within Greens Health & Fitness and sister shop Coco Moon on Hackins Hey have staff ready to cater and pamper to your every need.

Whilst visiting the Hackins Hey salon why not call into ZOO hair salon for a great new look.  ZOO hair salon offer LiveOne20 cardholders a huge discount of 50% OFF a Colour Treatment or 30% OFF a mens or women’s cut.

With cards starting at just £9 each and offering savings across Liverpool of more than £800, LiveOne20 is the perfect present for staff this Christmas.

The Chamber of Commerce is offering its members 10% off purchases of the city’s first lifestyle smartcard until the end of December, so now is the time to take advantage.

To find out more, visit www.liveone20.com or call Livesmart’s account manager Sam Hart on 0870 055 3472 or by e-mail at liveone20@livesmart.biz.

Floral Hall, Southport, Wednesday 7 November

There are lots of reasons for companies to attend the Business Fair. Lots of free information and advice, local suppliers and contacts to meet and informative seminars. Mersey Skills Network will be in attendance to answer your questions about funding for skills training.

And for people still in the early stages of setting up their venture, free copies of Business Link’s ‘The No Nonsense Guide to Starting a Business’ booklet will be available to collect on the day.

Getting There

Southport Floral Hall is on the main promenade next to the Floral Gardens and only a few minutes walk from Lord Street train station.
Pay and display parking is situated around the venue and on the promenade, and a park and ride facility operates throughout the year (about 3 minutes from the Floral Hall) with a drop off point outside the venue.

Get directions from Google Maps

Visit the Business Associations website for more details.

Liverpool Chamber is delighted to be working with Kaplan Financial to promote Accountancy and Financial Services to our Young Chamber at New Heys Business and Enterprise College.

Kaplan Financial have been a leading provider of accountancy tuition in the UK for the last 50 years. They are offering GCSE and A Level students at Liverpool Business and Enterprise colleges the stunning prize of an AAT qualification and subsequent professional qualification (in ACCA, CIMA or ICAEW) to the winner of their Kaplan Financial Scholarship competition. Members of our New Heys Young Chamber are helping to pilot the scheme and participate.

In preparation for the competition, ten YC students will this week visit the Kaplan offices in Old Hall Street. They will get a taste of financial training and career development and take part in a business challenge. This will form the basis of a much larger Kaplan/Young Chamber challenge later in the year. They will also be introduced to the Scholarship Competition and be drafting their application forms to participate.

Jaine Davies, Business Development Officer at Kaplan noted “We’re delighted by schools’ response to the Scholarship programme but not surprised. We’ve got so many eager youngsters who are desperate to get into an Accounts role in business. If any local businesses want to train young people - and get their accountancy training paid for by government - we can help!”

“Working with the Young Chamber is a fantastic way of attracting more young people to our profession and opening their eyes to the fantastic opportunities available to them.”

Stay tuned for more details on Young Chamber’s work with Kaplan Financial - and their day at the Office - next week.

For more information about the Kaplan Financial Scholarship, and how your business can both contribute AND benefit - contact Jaine Davies on 0151 236 4052