Liverpool Chamber of Commerce is keen to maintain the Capital of Culture momentum and recognise Liverpool’s business community’s long tradition of arts patronage with the launch of the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce’s Arts Award.

At the launch of the award at the city centre’s independent Dot Art Gallery, Liz Lacy, a key member of the Chamber’s Arts & Culture Committee said:

“The award is designed to encourage and reward patronage of the arts in Liverpool, recognising Merseyside companies who invest in artistic endeavours.

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

The Chamber has secured four of the most respected authorities in the city’s arts scene as judges for the prestigious event, Christopher Grunenberg, the director of the Tate, Lewis Biggs, director of the Liverpool Biennial and Rayahn King, Fine Art Curator, National Museums Liverpool and a representative from Arts & Business will asses the artworks.

The award for the most innovative piece of commissioned artwork will be presented at Liverpool Chamber’s annual dinner on the 20th November at the BT Liverpool Convention Centre.

It will be presented to the Liverpool business judged to have commissioned the most impressive work of public sculpture in Liverpool since 2003 and has been made possible thanks to the kind sponsorship of former Chamber Chairman and Trustee of the Royal Academy, John Entwistle.

To enter or for more information contact Pamela Holstein at Liverpool Chamber of Commerce 0151 227 1234 x2217  or at  pamela.holstein@liverpoolchamber.org.uk.

Or download an application form and enter now.

Say a big hello to the latest companies to join Liverpool Chamber.

As usual the list covers the full spectrum of local businesses, from caterers to demolition, telecoms to therapists. They all joined up in July and are now enjoying the many benefits that membership brings.

Check out the list below. Your perfect business partner could be amongst them!

Read the rest of this entry »

With spiralling energy costs, most businesses would be wise to shop around for the best deal ready for autumn contract renewals. But some could find themselves trapped by uncompetitive contracts, warns Chamber UtilitiesT

“Companies who are facing autumn renewals for their gas or electricity need to act immediately, advises Gary Collins of Utility Auditing, which delivers the Chamber UtilitiesT service. “Suppliers require between 30 to 90 days’ customer termination notice to switch contract. Many businesses don’t realise this and are leaving it too late to find a more competitive alternative. Energy prices have increased by more than 100% over the past year alone and are still on the rise. There is a clear financial imperative to test the market in an attempt to mitigate cost increases.”

He added: “Some businesses are panicked by the prospect of terminating their contract in the belief that their supply will be prematurely cut off. We would advise them to serve notice while they consider their options, even if the best deal at the end of the day is to re-contract with their existing supplier. At least this gives them the time to test the market without fear of being locked into an uncompetitive contract”.

Utility Auditing, part of ENER-G Plc, purchases millions of pounds worth of gas and electricity annually on behalf of thousands of businesses. Chamber members are eligible for a free energy assessment to identify the most cost effective solutions for energy and gas, and guide them on the right tariffs and supply capacity to suit their needs.

While contract negotiations are a key element in the fight against spiralling energy costs, carbon reduction activities are crucial in bringing energy spend down further. As a Carbon Trust approved consultancy, Utility Auditing offers funded support to help qualifying businesses maximise energy efficiency.

For further information contact Chamber UtilitiesT on Tel: 0845 120 2423, www.chamberutilities.co.uk