Liverpool Chamber is launching a new award for Liverpool companies who have been supporters of the arts in the city.

We are looking for businesses who have commissined sculptural works of art since 2003 - the year Liverpool was nominated European Capital of Culture.

John Entwhistle, a past Chairman of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce and Trustee of the Royal Academy has generously sponsored the competition. He said: “Many visitors to Liverpool during Capital of Culture year have commented on the diversity of the city’s culture, its renaissance and the unique collections in its art galleries and museums, as well as the city’s stunning architecture.

“We aim to encourage business to commission original artwork and continue Liverpool’s tradition of patronage of outstanding public artwork during European Capital of Culture Year.”

Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, Chief Executive, Jack Stopforth said: “2008 is our year to showcase what we can offer and ensure that our creative industries are sustainable.

“Many Liverpool businesses see the arts as integral to their success. Any numbers of case studies show that companies who invest in the arts see the rewards on the balance sheet. It’s not just about sponsorship; it’s about employing creative thinking.”

Liverpool Chamber is keen to use the momentum of Capital of Culture year to encourage patronage. We will present the award to the Liverpool business adjudged to have commissioned the most impressive work of public sculpture in Liverpool since 2003, when the city was nominated as European Capital of Culture.

Businesses that have commissioned original three dimensional artwork for public areas are invited to enter. The winner will be announced at Liverpool Chamber’s annual dinner on 20th November 2008.

For more details email Pamela Holstein on or call her on 0151 227 1234 x2217.

Our friends at Merseytravel have asked us to publicise their survey into cycling habits in Liverpool:

We would like to know how you think we can make Liverpool more cycle friendly. By completing the survey at www.liverpool.gov.uk/cycling, your views will help to inform the review of Liverpool’s Cycle Strategy, which will include plans to improve our cycle routes and to encourage more people to make their journeys by bike.

All completed surveys received by Monday 11th August 2008 can be entered into the free prize draw to win:

• 1st prize - £50 high street vouchers and a signed copy of ‘A Cycling Career in Pictures’ by Chris Boardman
• 2nd prize - £30 high street vouchers and a signed copy of ‘A Cycling Career in Pictures’ by Chris Boardman
• 3rd prize - £20 high street vouchers

We look forward to hearing your views. Tell us your views on cycling in Liverpool - complete the cycle survey at www.liverpool.gov.uk/cycling and enter the free prize draw.

Don’t forget, Beatlemaniacs, today is officially Beatles Day here in Liverpool.

The day will feature a host of events and activities celebrating The Lads and their music. Not least of all is the donning of comedy Beatles ‘mop-top’ wigs in the aid of charity.

Over 20,000 specially made Beatles-style mop-top are being sold around Merseyside (I think I’ve even seen them in Tesco!).  Following a day of celebrations all over the region, the spectacular climax will come in the shape of ‘Imagine - The Concert’ at the Summer Pops, hosted by Ricky Tomlinson. He will be joined by a host of artists young and old from around the country, all performing Beatles favourites at a packed Liverpool Arena!

The plan for Beatles Day is quite simply for Liverpudlians to go about their daily business as normal on July 10th, the only difference being that they wear Mop Top wigs and share their Beatles stories with the rest of the city!

Wigs will cost £5.00 - all profits go to Alder Hey Imagine Appeal and Liverpool Unites.

Donations:
Online at www.lcvs.org.uk
By phone +44(151) 243 1076
Cheques by post to be made payable to LCVS (Beatles Day) and posted to: ‘Beatles Day’, P.O. Box 14, Liverpool L69 7AA.
Info: info@beatlesday.tv

No news on the long overdue Echo & The Bunnymen day though…

“Doing What Works…” is a series of interactive seminars brought to you by the Mersey Skills Network designed to help businesses get the skills necessary to succeed.

The “Doing What Works… Finance” seminar will take place at Blackburne House, Blackburne Place off Hope Street in Liverpool, on 18 September. It aims to alleviate the fears associated with financial management and provide advice, information, tips and techniques which can then be immediately implemented within organisations.

The seminar will feature as key-note speaker local man Steve Sealy, founding director of AM Paper Group Ltd. In addition, three interactive workshops will focus on the Credit Crunch, Finance for Non Financial management, and Profit Improvement, all facilitated by professionals with many years experience in the field of finance.

Programme:
9.30am - Arrival, refreshment and registration
10am - Welcome from Carole Crosby, Deputy CEO, Liverpool Chamber of Commerce
10.15am - -Effective Business Networking:
In an educational and motivational manner. Kintish provide expertise in the field of business development. This poweful sessikon will help you get the most from your business interactions.
11am - Break
11.15am - Keynote speaker, Stevbe Sealy, AM Paper Group Ltd
12pm - Lunch & networking
1pm - Workshop 1 - Credit Crunch, tips and techniques for successful debt management
1.45pm - Break and chamgeover
2pm - Workshop 2 - Finance for Non-Financial Management - Gain an insight and understanding of finance
2.45pm - Break and change over
3pm - Workshop 3 - Profit Improvement - Insights and methods to help grow your profits
3.45 - End of workshops - 10 minutes questions and closing speech
4pm - finish

Places cost £250 + VAT.

Book online at the Liverpool Chamber website

or by contacting:

Mersey Skills Network
Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, Number One Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L3 9HG
Email: info@merseyskills.co.uk
Telephone: 0151 224 1888