JUN-JUL 2016

Inside...

BUSINESS NEWSOffice sector boom as city set for IFB2016

HOT TOPIC Chang£? campaign aims to win hearts and minds

LET’S MEET Nisha Katona - from the bar to the kitchen.

BID UPDATE New safety scheme, new chairman & more...

CULTURE NEWSCity plans for massive ‘08 anniversary party

THE BIG STORY Awards galore at record Mystery Shop survey

A Winning Service!

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THANK YOU

BUSINESS NEWS

HOT TOPIC

CITY NEWS

THE BIG STORY

LET’S MEET

CULTURE NEWS

BID UPDATE

BULLETIN BOARD

Chief Exec’s WelcomeChange. It’s a word that has so many connotations.

The seasons. A new approach. Transformation. Change in your pocket.

For the BID team in recent months, it’s meant all of those things.

In the first instance, Summer is now upon us and a lot of planning has gone into animating the city centre for the season – and plugging your business into all the events.

It’s why we’re sponsoring Brazilica to bring it to Derby Square for the first time, and the International Tennis Tournament to host public tennis sessions in the city centre. We’re also supporting IFB and its fringe programme – The Edge to showcase opportunities for you to benefit from (see pg 4).

There’s also been considerable change to the physical fabric of the city centre – with Eberle Street to bring the £1.6m BID/Council funded programme to a glorious Wizard of Oz close in time for Liverpool Pride in July (see pg 13).

Works to Queen and Clayton Squares have had a big impact but the short term pain – and it’s noticeable in the sales – is ultimately worth the long term gain. Being a vibrant city centre it comes with the territory. Works to Great Howard Street and Lime Street station will no doubt test our business resilience all over again (see pg 5).

Sometimes change is incremental. Other times radical. The Chang£? campaign

arguably fits both – and is a collaborative effort to address the issue of street begging and rough sleepers. This is a campaign as much for hearts as minds. Changing the mind-set of many will take time. But we are here for the long haul (see pg 6).

And then there’s change at the BID Company also. We have a new City Central BID Chairman in Ian Strettle who has a vast amount of experience and we look forward to working with him (see pg 13).

We’ve now launched the Facewatch scheme which is changing the way retail businesses can report crime. We’ll soon have a new Head of Operations who’ll over see this scheme, the new police team and the new barrow walkers we’re hiring to keep the city centre clean and tidy.

We were delighted with the overwhelming 85% yes vote in the renewal ballot of the Commercial District BID which as pledged in the Business Plan, will have more focus on business support services over the years to come.

Of course, some things don’t change. Customer service in the city centre remains exceptionally high. Our 7th annual Mystery Shop Survey proved that. A record 200 business scoring an incredible 84% average (see pg 8-9)

Yes. There’s room for improvement. But then that is why we are here. And why it’s vital you help your Business Improvement District work and succeed for you.

Bill Addy

ThIS Magazine produced by the Liverpool BID Company

Editor: Michael Doran - Liverpool BID

Designer:Álvaro Costela Sánchez - Liverpool BID

No part of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of the distributor.

The articles in this magazine are for information purposes only.

Liverpool BID Company assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information; nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

The information contained about each individual, event or organisation has been provided by such individual, event organiser or organisation with permission.

The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Liverpool BID Company.

If you would like to promote your company/product to more than 1,500 businesses, employing more than 75,000 people in Liverpool city centre, please contact the Liverpool BID Company at:

T: 0151 233 2890E: info@liverpoolbidcompany.comW: liverpoolBIDcompany.comTwitter: @LpoolBIDcompanyLinkedIn: Liverpool BID Company

Rate card available on liverpoolbidcompany.com/resources

WELCOME TO ThIS PUBLICATION

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85% in favourby number of votes

88% in favourby rateable value

BID Renewal Ballot Result

Find out more at liverpoolBIDcompany.com

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Thank you message.pdf 1 27/05/2016 13:56:56

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The International Festival for Business 2016 (IFB2016) will be a central part of Britain’s ambition to rebalance the UK economy, according to the man leading the event.

IFB chairman Max Steinberg CBE said the world’s biggest business event will also epitomise the best of ‘Brand Britain’.

The second IFB takes place for three weeks in Liverpool from 13 June to 1 July based on the themes of manufacturing, creative and digital, and energy and environment.

Mr Steinberg, who is a BID Executive Board Member, added: “As a showcase of all that’s great about British industry, IFB2016 will shed light on the industries that are fuelling the UK in the 21st century, the businesses that are driving these sectors, and the future stars of British enterprise across energy and environment, creative and digital and manufacturing.”

Dr Catherine Raines, chief executive of UK Trade & Investment, added: “IFB 2016 will be the premier event of the business calendar this year so I am calling on all companies to attend by registering for the IFB2016 Business Club today.”

BT, Google and HSBC are the lead sponsors of IFB2016, with the festival’s commercial partners including ARUP, DLA Piper, DONG Energy, Heathrow, PwC, Siemens and Virgin Trains.

The official fringe festival of the IFB - “The Edge” will run alongside the main festival from 13 June – 1 July.

Over 35 events in total, across the city, and will cover subjects such as the Northern Powerhouse, business growth, tax relief and modern philanthropy.

For more information go to: www.ifb2016.com

IFB2016 to “rebalance UK economy”

BUSINESS NEWS

A new platform to make it easier for businesses to discover the best commercial advice and support to help them grow, has been launched.

Developed by the Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) in consultation with business, government, local authorities and support organisations, the Local Growth Hub is designed to provide a single access point for businesses, to discover the right advice

and support they need to flourish.

The new portal localgrowthhub.com aims to connect SMEs with over 300 specialist advisors from a wide range of key professional and commercial disciplines.

Businesses can also access services via Twitter @localgrowthhub and LinkedIn Local Growth Hub.

Take advantage of your...

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Major road and rail works due

BUSINESS NEWS

It has been a strong start to the year with office take-up in Liverpool exceeding 90,000 sq ft for the first quarter of 2016, according to a Bilfinger GVA report.

The property advisor’s Big Nine: Quarterly review of the regional office occupier markets analyses regional city centre and out-of-town office activity in the Big Nine cities outside London.

Take-up in Q1 in Liverpool exceeded the five year quarterly average of 80,000 sq ft with a number of key deals completed which included 26,000 sq ft of lettings at Walker House, 11,500 sq ft of

which was to Brookes Bell. This follows two consecutive quarters of Liverpool office take-up exceeding 100,000 sq ft.

Ian Steele, director at Bilfinger GVA Liverpool, said: “It’s been another strong quarter in Liverpool,however the city is faced with a diminishing supply of good quality office space and no immediate development pipeline.

“Liverpool now has less than a year’s worth of Grade A supply and with no new office development schemes currently on site, it will be 2018 at the earliest before we

see new space delivered into the market.

“This is likely to have a detrimental effect on take-up levels and transactional activity over the next few years as both inward investment requirements and existing occupiers will be faced with limited options when considering relocation.”

City centre total take-up comprised 383,023 sq ft in 2015, 17 per cent above the five-year quarterly average.

And a new report also revealed that deal values of transactions made by Liverpool-based professional

advisors have nearly doubled to just over £6bn in 2015 – a new all-time record.

The report, presented by Professional Liverpool in association with financial information specialist Experian Corpfin, detailed deals that Liverpool advisors have worked on both in the UK and globally.

Although the number of deals fell from 88 to 84 year-on-year, deal values increased by 97 per cent from £3.056bn to £6.024bn. This was largely due to the acquisition of assets of Holcim and Lafarge by Irish firm CRH Plc for over £5.6bn.

A £3m upgrade to the public realm in Clayton Square is to enter a pivotal phase.

After resurfacing the pavements from Tesco to the Playhouse, work begins on a two month scheme to widen the steps from Great Charlotte Street on to Elliott Street – outside Boots.

Pavement works will begin outside the entrance to Clayton Square Shopping centre, St Johns Shopping Centre and the Sports Direct side of Parker Street.

From the middle of August work will begin to repave Elliott Street outside Boots and then from September into the main square outside Clas Ohlson and Tesco.

The final phase will begin in October when Parker Street will be repaved – from Clas Ohlson to Vision Express.

It is anticipated the scheme will be completed in early November. An update on timings for the public realm

works are available on the BID Company website.

Meanwhile Queen Square bus station will not require major works again for another 20 years, following the completion of a £0.5m resurfacing scheme which saw 2,100 tonnes of concrete and 750 tonnes of tarmac laid, said Frank Rogers Merseytravel Interim Chief Executive.

Clayton Square works updateWork is to start in July on a £10 million scheme to replace a damaged bridge on a major route in and out of Liverpool.

It is the first stage of a £32 million project on the A565 Great Howard Street linking the city centre with Sefton, and which is a vital route for freight to and from the new Liverpool 2 deep water port.

The project will start on Monday, 4 July and mean the closure of part of the road in both directions between Chadwick Street and the MINI garage for around seven months.

Traffic will be diverted from Sandhills Lane to Leeds Street.

Meanwhile a revamp of Lime Street Station is to form the centrepiece of a £340m investment in the region’s rail network.

The project will start in January 2017 with a six-month phased closure of

parts of the underground section of the Wirral Line on Merseyrail so the track can be relaid.

At Lime Street Station two new platforms will be built, with others lengthened, to increase capacity for three more trains per hour.

It will pave the way for extra services, such as the new Liverpool to Glasgow link starting in 2019.

Successful first quarter for office take-up in Liverpool

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After noticing a rise in the number of rough sleepers in Liverpool city centre, the BID Company and the City Council decided to take the initiative and launch a project to help the homeless. From this, the Chang£? campaign was born.

“Chang£? is a project that we launched in response to the rising number of people on the streets in Liverpool,” says Bill Addy, chief executive of Liverpool BID Company.

“One person sleeping rough in this day and age is too many. Chang£? is all about identifying the ways of helping the homeless that really make a difference, and busting through the myths around rough sleepers. It’s about treating the causes, not just the symptoms.”

“The people of Liverpool are generous, there’s no doubting that. But we want to make sure that their kindness is

directed in the most effective way possible.

“It can be uncomfortable to hear, but the fact of the matter is that giving cash directly to people on the street is not always helpful.

“In many cases, it can hinder by giving rough sleepers a means to stay on the streets instead of seeking help from support centers.”

After being featured in the ECHO and several other news and radio outlets, Chang£? has sparked a citywide conversation around effective ways of helping the homeless, and encouraged thousands of people to think twice about what helps and what hinders.

During June and July, the Liverpool BID Company will be distributing Chang£? collection boxes to Liverpool’s cafes,

DOWN YOUR STREET

businesses and retail stores to encourage people to direct their cash elsewhere.

The money raised will be donated to support networks that can provide real, lasting, long-term support to rough sleepers and homeless people.

Conversations will also take place with local business leaders and individuals about ways that the city can come together to effectively tackle the rising levels of homelessness.

If you would like a collection

box for your business, please get in touch with with the Chang£? team through their Facebook (ChangeLiverpool) or Twitter (@Change_Lpool), and be sure to follow them to keep up to date.

If you want to get involved with the project and share your ideas, never hesitate to get in touch.

Contact the Liverpool BID team on:

0151 233 2890 or info@liverpoolbidcompany.com

samba carnival

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HOT TOPIC

Time to Chang£? Our streetsIn February, the Liverpool BID Company with Liverpool City Council launched the ‘Chang£?’ initiative to address rough sleeping on the streets of the city. Let’s take a moment to catch up with what’s been going on...

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Liverpool’s business community is being encouraged to raise awareness of the city’s LGBT communities.

Organisers of Liverpool Pride Festival 2016 are inviting the city’s retail and commercial sectors to get behind a new project called: Dress With Pride.

Dress With Pride is about shops, bars, restaurants, visitor attractions, hotels and offices allowing employees to don costumes throughout the week of the Festival, which runs 23-31 July.

Staff are encouraged to use Liverpool Icons – the festival’s theme – or wear clothing in the colours of the global LGBT rainbow symbol.

Participating businesses will also be encouraged to come up with creative ways to drive fundraising for the festival, which was created in the waked of the murder of gay teenager Michael Causer.

To participate in Dress With Pride please contact michael.carey@liverpoolpride.co.uk

For more details please go to liverpoolpride.co.uk

CITY NEWS

Dress with Pride this July

BID nets deal with Tennis

With summer upon us and thoughts turn to the green courts of Wimbledon, the BID Company is to bring tennis to the heart of the city centre.

As a Presenting Sponsor of the Liverpool Hope University International Tennis Tournament a series of public mini-tennis events will be held at Exchange Flags and in Williamson Square from 9-11 June.

After sponsoring the award winning event last year, the BID Company sees the tournament as a key driver for the summer visitor economy and gives businesses in the region a unique platform to network.

BID chief executive Bill Addy, who awarded tickets to winners of the annual Mystery Shop Awards (see pg 8-9), said: “This is a truly unique event for the business community to generate exposure and network and last year we introduced 150 businesses to the event. “The tournament also provides a boost for our visitor economy and we want to help businesses support the tournament and maximise the benefit it brings to the region.” • The tournament takes place at Liverpool Cricket Club in Aigburth from 16-19 June. For more info visit: liverpooltennis.co.uk

The Cavern Club has been ranked above Buckingham Place in a poll of “must see” places in the UK.

The world famous Mathew Street venue was ranked number nine in the survey compiled for TripAdvisor’s 2016 Travellers Choice Award.

The home of The Beatles during their early career pipped the Queen’s London home, which came 10th.

Cavern director Bill Heckle said: ”We’re delighted and excited to be named in the UK’s Top Ten Landmarks 2016.

“Those four lads from Liverpool really didn’t understand what their legacy would be!”

It is the first time the Club, which turns 60 next January, has featured in this prestigious list, which is based on millions of valuable reviews and opinions from TripAdvisor travelers, gathered over a 12-month period.

TripAdvisors Top 10 UK Landmarks:

1. Big Ben2. Tower of London3. Tower Bridge 4. Edinburgh Castle5. Houses of Parliament6. The Roman Baths7. Westminster Abbey8. Royal Yacht Britannia 9. Cavern Club10. Buckingham Palace

Top 10 Tripper hit for Cavern

The Liverpool Loves festival is returning this Summer - with a special business showcase.

To be held on Thursday, 4 August at the Crowne Plaza Hotel the festival is hosting a new scheme - The Bigger Pitcher - in association with business accelerator programme, Spark Up.

The initiative will allow businesses to compete for up to £5,000 worth of prize money and business support.The Bigger Pitcher consists of four categories:

1. Spark Up2. Start Up3. Growth4. Social Value

Each category features prizes to help develop and grow the winning enterprises.

For more information, request an application pack or to enter The Bigger Pitcher go to:

info@liverpoolloves.co.uk liverpoolloves.co.uk/business

Deadline for entries is Thursday 30 June.

Liverpool Loves business

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A record total of 200 city centre businesses – from independent cafes, restaurants and hotels to national retail chains – were assessed this spring for their customer service and collectively scored a 84% approval rating.

Of those secretly shopped for the 7th annual survey, commissioned by Liverpool BID Company, 17 businesses scored a perfect 100% – with five repeating the top score from the previous year.

A total of 61 businesses scored between 90%-99% whilst just 28 attained a mark below 70% in the independent assessment.

And in the dining section, in which 73 eateries were assessed, the secret shoppers gave an average 85% rating – with three eateries attaining 100%.

Those which scored a 90% or better rating and eight category winners were honoured at an awards ceremony at The City Of Liverpool College, hosted by comedian and actor Neil Fitzmaurice.

The independent survey was conducted by North West based market research company Storecheckers.

Jeff Caplan, Managing Director of Storecheckers, which hosts surveys UK wide, said: “Customer service in Liverpool is one of the best in the UK – and it is a credit to the city that so many businesses have achieved such a phenomenally high consistency over several years.

“Shoppers and diners are a huge driver for any city centre economy and it is vital they receive the very best service because that human touch is the one major advantage the high street will always have over the internet.

“Liverpool BID Company should be applauded for their commitment to supporting staff training and the city’s business community are clearly benefitting.”

As a follow up to the awards, 1-2-1 feedback sessions were provided by Storecheckers at the BID Company, which will also be providing free training for staff.

Bill Addy, Chief Executive of Liverpool BID Company, said: “To have assessed 200 businesses and find the customer service at such a high level speaks volumes for Liverpool’s retail, leisure and dining sector.

“The BID team work very hard to support businesses in driving up standards and we’ve been delighted with their commitment to the training opportunities we offer to support their staff.

“There’s always room for improvement and we’ll be working with various training providers to continue to help our businesses build on these tremendous results.”

2016 Category Winners:• Best Independent: Smiffys – Bold Street. * Scored 100% for 2nd year running.

• Most Improved Independent: Jonny Goggles – North John Street. * Improved score by 39% on 2015 to 97.8%.

• Best National: Lush Spa – Whitechapel. * Scored 98.5% - with highest avg of past 2 years (scored 100% in 2015).

• Most Improved National: Taking Shape – Church Alley. * Rose from 77% in 2015 to 100%.

• Best Service Provider: Voodou for Her - Bold Street. * 100% score and 99% avg over past 2 years

• Most Improved Service Provider: Toni & Guy - Whitechapel. * Rose by 10% on 2015 to 98.4%.

• Best Eatery: Fazenda – Exchange Flags. * Scored 100% for 2nd year running. Only eatery to do so.

• Most Improved Eatery: Nolita Cantina – Bold Street. * Improved score by 11% on 2015 assessment to 90.6%.

Secret shoppers have given a big thumbs up to Liverpool’s shops, hotels and eateries, in a record breaking survey.

THE BIG STORY

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Customer service in Liverpool among ‘best in UK’

Outstanding! Sweet 17 hit top score!From a record total of 200 businesses – 17 achieved the magic 100% in Liverpool’s 2016 Mys-tery Shop survey.

And of those secretly shopped for the 7th annual survey, commissioned by Liverpool BID Company, just five businesses repeated the top score** from the previous year.

Those who achieved the Outstanding mark of 100% are:

Independent Retailer:Miltons - St Johns Shopping Centre ** Music Notes - North John Street ** Richmond Deli - Richmond StreetSmiffy’s (Best Independent) - Bold Street ** Wongs Jewellers - Whitechapel **

Service Provider: Aloft Liverpool Hotel - North John StreetRadisson Blu - Old Hall StreetVoodou For Her (Best Service Provider) - Bold Street

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THE BIG STORY

Best Eatery

Most Improved Eatery

Most Improved Independent Retailer

Best Independent Retailer

Best National Retailer

Most Improved National Retailer

Most Improved Service Provider

Best Service Provider

Outstanding! Sweet 17 hit top score!From a record total of 200 businesses – 17 achieved the magic 100% in Liverpool’s 2016 Mys-tery Shop survey.

And of those secretly shopped for the 7th annual survey, commissioned by Liverpool BID Company, just five businesses repeated the top score** from the previous year.

Those who achieved the Outstanding mark of 100% are:

National Retailer:Beaverbrooks - Elliott StreetGieves & Hawkes - MetquarterJo Malone - MetquarterLush Spa Liverpool (Best National) - WhitechapelPhase Eight - MetquarterTaking Shape (Most Improved National) - Church Alley

Eatery: Fazenda (Best Eatery) - Exchange Flags ** Panna - Tithebarn StreetVeeno - Castle Street

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LET’S MEET

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Nisha, You were a qualified lawyer. Why did you turn to opening a restaurant?

Food has always been my passion. While a barrister, I wrote my first cookbook Pimp My Rice and taught Indian cooking for years.

The dishes in Mowgli are my family regulars and my favourite ever dishes. I felt, if I needed to eat them 3 times a week, then maybe others might understand my addiction

So, why Bold Street?

I did battle for over 18 months to take a small pitch in a kiosk in Liverpool ONE but independents do not have the heft to muscle their way into such hallowed ground, which still saddens me.

I then parked in Bold Street on a daily basis and counted customers to Leaf and Bold Street Coffee which were then, the only established, thriving hip independents.

I thought, even if Mowgli feeds off the crumbs from Leaf’s table, we might just survive. God works in mysterious ways. One door closed and a far better one opened.

And the name Mowgli?

Mowgli is the pet name I have for my girls. It is a term of endearment in the Indian Language for a feral child. It is a word that is full of love for me and hence I have always seen the restaurant as my third daughter.

Have you been pleased with how it was received?

It is so humbling that it actually scares me. Keeping the high standard and not letting the clients down is my perpetual anxiety. Complete consistency of food with a home from home front of house experience is something we can never let slip.

You’ve branched out to Manchester and from this September Water Street. Why the Commercial District?

It’s my old stomping ground. I spent 20 years as a barrister on those roads for which I have so much affection. My legal colleagues can’t make it up to Bold Street and back over a lunch break and so I thought if the mountain can’t come to Mowgli...

You recently gave an inspiring speech to the Women in Business Awards. Do you think Liverpool is female-friendly?

That speech was the most terrifying I´ve ever given and I made speeches for 20 years in front of some judges for whom “Barrister humiliation” was a blood sport! Within minutes, when the audience clapped me mentioning my mum, I realised that this city was one that embraced women talking openly about ambition and more importantly about vulnerability, frustration and endeavour.

I love this city. The catholic heritage is similar to the Indian one, one full of matriarchs, one full of respect for strong and emotionally expressive women.

Your mother is an inspiration to you. How important is it to have a role model in business?

Critical. My mother had an indefatigable work ethic as many first generation immigrant Indians do. She was a full time GP and raised myself and my brother, our pets and my father and she cooked for all our teen mates who used our home as a soup kitchen.

I´d have given my right arm for a real female business role model who was in this industry. There are very, very few and I understand why, but that’s a whole other lecture!

Knowing what you do now, what piece of advice would you have given to yourself at the start of this adventure?

It is an incredible truth but I can honestly say I would change nothing. I love every part of the journey so much, it does not feel like work at all.

My forte is actually knowing what I’m NOT good at and delegating. This comes at a cost but you buy your mental health, your time, and your pride is kept in check. I hired a General Manager to build me a restaurant system before I even had a restaurant. I am the executive chef and so every single dish is mine and under my tyrannical control.

What was the best advice you were given?

To be plan led not opportunity driven. I’m lucky enough to be in a position to grow Mowgli but I need a strategy to my pace and need to stick to it.

Why raising the bar is this Chef’s first law of business

So, after Water Street? What’s next?

I’m unashamed in my ambition to take Mowgli national, if the nation wants us. “London after Leeds” is my mantra, as my head is turned by other incredible cities daily!

Leeds should open this Winter and we´re actively seeking sites in London. That way we build an opening team for the south which means we can move with pace if required. We already have a strong launch team in the north. OK, I’m sounding more and more like a character from Game of Thrones every day, I hope Tyrion Lannister though and not that egotistical psychopath Ramsey Bolton!

If you could change one law affecting businesses. What would it be?

Staff tips should be for staff. But thankfully those wheels are in motion.

Liverpool city centre has witnessed a dining boom in recent years, with Bold Street and Castle Street two prime examples.

We spoke to a leading light of the city’s independent led restaurant revolution, Nisha Katona, of Mowgli.

Here, the former barrister talks of why she swapped the heat of the courtroom for the kitchen, the lessons she learnt, her mother’s influence and her love for ‘matriarchal Liverpool’.

Plus, we discover which Game Of Thrones character may be seeping into her ambitions to take her twist on Indian street cuisine national…

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CULTURE NEWS

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Eighteen for 18 - special plans for Culture year anniversary...Liverpool is to stage a major year-long cultural programme to celebrate the 10th anniversary of being European Capital of Culture.

Mayor Joe Anderson has revealed work is underway on Eighteen for 18 - a series of internationally significant events, exhibitions, seasons and performances.

Plans are in motion to work with some of the world’s best artists, musicians and cultural organisations with early discussions in place that could potentially see the return of some of the most iconic Royal de Luxe’s Giants and the Tall Ships fleet which made a splash in 2008 - both a nod to the success of the last ten years.

A series of important anniversaries take place

in 2018 including the 30th birthday of Tate Liverpool, the 20th anniversary of Liverpool Biennial and ten years of ACC Liverpool, and it is being proposed that the crucial role of these organisations is celebrated in style.

One of the seasons planned will focus on ‘The Future of Work’, and will see IFB 2018 and The Uniglobal World Congress be part of a major programme looking at what the future of work looks like and means for society as a whole.

The 18 new commissions will aim to attract audiences of around five million people, creating upwards of £50m economic impact and push Liverpool to the top of the ‘must-visit’ cities in 2018.

Mayor Anderson said: “We want everything we do in 2018 to build on the wonderful work which has taken place in the city since 2008.

‘’2018 will be the next watershed year in the history of Liverpool and one which will make everyone who lives here proud, and everyone that doesn’t live here wonder why they don’t!”

Liverpool’s cultural sector directly employs 2,000 people and brings in £11 for every £1 invested.

A piece of work will also be commissioned called Impact 18 which will look at how great the impact of the last decade has been in terms of economic, social impact and international perception of Liverpool.

...And 2026 Commonwealth Games too?

A comprehensive participation and education programme will run throughout the year so young people and residents can learn from, and get involved in activities.

Mayor Anderson added: “These are huge ambitions, but I know we will deliver it. If the past few years have told us anything about this city – hosting major events and international cultural moments is something we excel at.

“We are a city which knows where it has come from and where it is going, with the next milestone in that long illustrious history being the ambition and scale of 2018.”

The full 2018 programme will be announced in the autumn.

Liverpool is set to bid to host the Commonwealth Games.

Mayor Joe Anderson has written to Culture Secretary, saying the move could ‘be a catalyst for regeneration’ across the city if successful.

Mayor Anderson said: “I think we have an enormous amount to offer including a track record of delivering big-ticket events and a brilliant sporting heritage.

“But we’re also a city with a window on the world and I

think multi-national, multi-ethnic Liverpool reflects the values of co-operation and solidarity that now lie at the heart of the games.”

Liverpool’s bid would heavily rely on Government funding, like Glasgow which received

80% of the funding towards it’s £575m bill in 2014.

A potential new stadium for Everton Football Club could also play a major role in the bid, with the Premiership club looking to expand in the next two to three years.

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Retailers go digital to tackle shop lifters

BID UPDATE

BID means Funny Business

Ever wondered what it would be like to do a stand-up comedy routine?

Well this is your chance!

The Liverpool BID Company has joined forces with the Liverpool Comedy Festival to give a dozen city centre workers the experience of a lifetime.

Led by comedian and Festival Director, Sam Avery, you’ll be given a stand-up masterclass over a six week course before taking to the stage during the festival in late September.

The weekly sessions are to be held in the BID office and are to begin at the end of July.

As part of the unique deal, 16 businesses can also apply for a “Happy Hour” workshop that focuses on humour, health and wellbeing in the workplace.

If you would like to take part in the Stand Up course or would like your staff to participate in a “Happy Hour” workshop, please email michael.doran@liverpoolbidcompany.com

Deadline for applications is Monday, 11 July.

THISLIVERPOOL.COM

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A revolutionary, hi-tech system to help retailers report shop-lifting has been launched in Liverpool city centre.

Liverpool BID Company and Merseyside Police have joined forces to help businesses report incidents on-line via Facewatch, an instant crime reporting tool.

Facewatch creates a ‘digital evidence package’ containing statements and accompanying CCTV imagery, which is then sent to Merseyside Police revolutionising the time taken to report a crime in the city centre.

The on-line dashboard allows businesses to communicate with each other, share watch lists with other businesses; and analyse their own crime statistics.

The first phase of the Facewatch scheme involves 40 retailers in the city centre who are being trained to use the new platform.

The scheme has been introduced following a safety review by the BID Company which has also paid for two new police officers to patrol the city centre, introduced a three strong team of on-street ambassadors and provided more than 100 businesses with a new radio system to share intelligence.

Bill Addy, Chief Executive of Liverpool BID Company, said: “Liverpool city centre has a great record for thwarting criminal activity but there is always room for improvement and Facewatch will play a crucial role in this.”

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Award-winning soldier to lead City Central BIDCity Central BID has a new chairman - with an action packed past.

Ian Strettle, who runs Clayton Squre Shopping Centre, is promising to bring the type of commitment that saw the Falklands War veteran win the British Empire Medal, for re-opening a police station within 6 weeks of being bombed.

The ex-sergeant major, who now has a Diploma in Shopping Centre Management, has been on the BID Operating Board for seven years and takes over as a chair from Ian Ward – former manager at St Johns Shopping centre.

The 58-year old father of two said he was relishing the new role.

He added: “Liverpool city centre needs a strong, professional BID and I will be doing my utmost that the Operating Board and BID team represents its members in the best possible way.

“I want to see better collaboration between the many different organisations in the city centre to ensure we can create a consistently clean and safe destination, so shoppers and visitors will return again and again.”

Bill Addy, Chief Executive of Liverpool BID Company, said

BID UPDATE

The heart of Liverpool’s LGBT quarter is undergoing a radical makeover, influenced by the Wizard of Oz. Eberle Street is getting a unique paving and lighting scheme which pays homage to the Yellow Brick Road and the mythical Land of Oz, via it’s connection with Garlands Nightclub and Judy Garland. The works jointly funded by Liverpool BID Company and Liverpool City Council, represent the biggest investment in the City’s ‘Stanley Street Quarter’ for a decade and aim to be complete for the annual Pride celebrations in late July. The innovative scheme celebrates Liverpool’s LGBT community and heritage, and is inspired by the diverse range of entertainment venues in the area such as the Artist Club, Garlands, Passion and Gbar. The design is a creative collaboration with Amey Consulting and Liverpool based award winning designers BCA

‘Magical’ makeover for LGBT Quarter

Landscape and the works will be carried out by Amey LG and local contractor King Construction. The Eberle Street scheme is part of a £1.6m programme improving the north-south pedestrian connections from the Commercial District to the retail core in the city centre. Improvements to footways and lighting on nearby North John Street are nearling completion and further pavements works are planned for Hackins Hey and Tempest Hey. Improved LED street lighting will also be introduced to: Exchange Street East, Earle Street, George Street, Moorfields and Prussia Street. Jim Gill, Chairman of the Commercial District BID, said: “We’ve been delighted with the improvements made so far in the Commercial District and the feedback from the business community and the public has been overwhelmingly positive.’’

An iconic Liverpool venue is to become a giant art canvas, inspired by letters and photographs from World War I.

Liverpool BID Company have commissioned local artists to reflect ‘the human story of the war’ in time for the centenary of The Battle of the Somme, by using an archive of letters from soldiers to their loved ones held at Liverpool John Moores University.

The giant commemorative artwork will adorn The Lyceum, Bold Street – a Grade II listed former post office.

Designed by The Sound Agents: John Campbell and Moira Kenny, the installation will see five 14m high panels fixed between the building’s Doric columns and will also incorporate a poppy motif as a tribute to the fallen as well as a salute to the Weeping Window installation that adorned St George’s Hall, which attracted more than 350,000 people over the winter.

Michael Doran, Communications Manager for Liverpool BID Company, which is co-funding the project with Mayor Joe Anderson, said: ‘’There are so many untold stories about World War I and the reaction to the poppy installation at St George’s Hall inspired us to look at how we could bring them to life.

‘’Once we heard about the letters archive and knowing The Lyceum was a former post office there was only one place we wanted to do this and we’re delighted that the owners have given it their full support.’’

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: “It is vital that Liverpool continues to commemorate the events of World War I as so many people from this city paid the ultimate sacrifice.

“I hope by using The Lyceum in this compelling way we manage to put a spotlight on this very human aspect of the war and in doing so remind everyone that this city will never forget those who never returned home.’’

Lyceum to become WWI art canvas

the appointment comes at a time of transition for the BID Company with a restructure of the team and board.

He added: ”I’m delighted Ian accepted the offer to be the new City Central Chairman as he brings continuity to the position alongside a new energy to ensure the

BID reflects the needs of our members and city centre.

“He has a brilliant track record of delivering results and fostering great teamwork. Under his stewardship I’m sure the BID will further improve its services and continue to demonstrate excellent value for money.”

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BULLETIN BOARD

BID BULLETIN BOARD

SALES & FOOTFALL STATSIN THE BID RETAIL AREA1 Jan - 31 May

Footfall was +1.5%, UK -2%Sales were -4.7%, UK -0.6%

FOR UP TO DATE INFO GO TO CRUISE-LIVERPOOL.COM

Statue for Cilla

C Enviro Live 2016 will be held in St Paul’s Square 1 July from 11:00am – 2:00pm

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Join us in making positive improvements to our

environment and providing financial savings by raising

awareness of green travel, energy saving and recycling

Join your area group in Liverpool city centre and make the most of

your BID membershipwww.liverpoolbidcompany.com/areas

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