Welcome to the latest issue of DLIB’s ‘Business Bulletin’, bringing you up to date with what is happening ‘Downtown’. We have a very busy summer ahead, with some of our most outstanding events yet being organised for your enjoyment and delight! Among the activities planned are DLIB’s First Birthday Party, a Liverpool Property Forum Event and the Business Oscars. We look forward to seeing you at one or more of these very special occasions. Read more

DOWNTOWN ENTERPRISE

The Government Office for the Northwest has established an ‘Entrepreneurial Commission’ to encourage an enterprise culture in the region. DLIB has responded to the Commissions consultation with a five point Enterprise Action Plan. Read more

DOWNTOWN POLITICS

With the General Election upon us, DLIB has collaborated with our partner organisation, the Forum of Private Business, to produce an Election Manifesto for business. Click here to Download

DOWNTOWN PROPERTY BOOM

Despite the pessimistic mutterings of some of our local politicians, demand for property in Liverpool continues to grow. The city’s house prices soared by 22% in the last year, with the average price going up from £111,660 to £136,362. Property agents Andrew Louis and City Residential confirm a buoyant market in city centre residential schemes. Read More

PROPERTY NEWS

Liverpool based developers and DLIB corporate supporter Albany Assets, have announced their intention to construct an £83 million, forty-four-storey glass tower within the Piccadilly district of central Manchester subject to Planning Permission being granted by Manchester City Council on 6 June 2005. Read More

BRUNSWICK QUAY – HAVE YOUR SAY

Maro Developments’ Brunswick Quay proposal has been re-submitted to Liverpool City Council’s Planning Committee, and will be considered in July. DLIB believes Liverpool shouldn’t miss the opportunity of securing the multi million pound PRIVATE investment that will not only bring jobs and regeneration to an under developed area of the City, but also provide Liverpool with an iconic building of which we can be proud.

VOTE Now, YES or No to Brunswick Quay Vote Now

LESS SUBSIDY PLEASE

Last month we asked if Liverpool should ‘Do A Glasgow’ and deliver Capital of Culture in 2008 without an additional Government grant. 83% of you voted YES – but the Government caved and gave the city an extra £5 million anyway! Our Chairman’s recent letter to the Daily Post explains why this may not be a particularly positive thing for Liverpool. Read more

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US!

The most raucous first birthday party EVER is planned to celebrate DLIB’s one-year anniversary. The coolest venue in the city, Hope Street Hotel, will co-sponsor and host this not to be missed evening on Wednesday 18th May 2005. STRICTLY MEMBERS ONLY, so if you haven’t joined DLIB yet, now is a great time to do so. Click here to Book Now

Click here to become a member

DOWNTOWN PROPERTY FORUM

The Downtown Liverpool Property Forum represents the major developers, landlords and investors concerned in the physical regeneration of Liverpool. The next forum event will take place at FACT on Thursday 26th May 2005. The keynote speaker is David Taylor, former Chief Executive of English Partnerships, Advisor to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, and one of the UK’s leading regeneration experts. Due to the expected high demand for places at this seminar, we suggest that you book your place early to avoid disappointment. Book Now

LIVERPOOL BUSINESS OSCARS

This celebration of Liverpool enterprise and business will take place in the spectacular setting of Sefton Park’s Palm House, on the evening of Thursday 14th July 2005. The Northwest Development Agency and NO Name Kitchens are sponsoring the event. The keynote speaker is the Development Agency’s Chief Executive, Steve Broomhead. There are ONLY FOUR TABLES available now, for what will be THE summer event for the city’s business community. Make your Oscar nominations, and book your places here

NO ACCRUED HOLIDAY PAY FOR THE LONG-TERM SICK

A court decision this month has clarified the position of employers in relation to holiday pay. Those on long-term sick leave will no longer be entitled to accrue the statutory 4 weeks paid holiday. Find out the details of this decision and how it may affect you as an employer. Read more

Opportunities still exist for property investors or developers to use offshore tax planning. This is not a one size fits all - it depends on weighing up many factors, eg. the type of transaction, whether you are a "non domiciled" property investor, or perhaps plan to emigrate. Appropriate planning can reduce the tax rate to less than 10%, or to zero – Grant Thornton.

This month, Grant Thornton have provided an analysis of the Budget 2005 to download, including summaries of how business tax, VAT, personal tax and pensions are affected. Read more

For more detailed information on the budget, visit Grant Thornton’s specialist section on their website at www.budgetcomment.com.

3 – THE MAGIC NUMBER

This month, Tom Dawes (Aerogistics), Mark Fuller (MSIF) and Alan Bowers (Yorkshire Bank) employ their experiences and expertise in the fields of funding and business growth to answer questions on entrepreneurs and the development of an entrepreneurial culture in the city. View interviews

TM3 Design & Marketing aptly sponsor this section.

RECRUITMENT – IS LIVERPOOL BUSINESS GETTING A GOOD SERVICE?

EXECUTIVE search companies are guilty of snobbery for failing to set up offices in Liverpool, it has been claimed. Too many major agencies still believe they can meet the needs of Liverpool bosses from bases in Manchester or further afield. Read more

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH.

Liverpool & Biscay is a leading national wine retailer selling cases direct to the public via its respected monthly brochure and on-line at www.liverpoolandbiscay.com The company also manages wine clubs and wine offers for organisations as diverse as BT, The Association of International Accountants and the Institute of Legal Executives. Read more

DOWNTOWN MEMBERSHIP

DLIB is the fastest growing private sector lobbying company in the city. Recently described by Insider magazine as ‘quango -bashers extraordinaire’. If you want to influence what is happening in Liverpool, if you want a more dynamic, business-friendly city, and if you want to have fun while you’re doing it, then you want to be a member of DLIB. Read more

DOWNTOWN 100

Downtown 100 is the most exclusive, sophisticated and wealthy entrepreneurs club in Liverpool. Membership is by invitation only and offered exclusively to Liverpool’s leading entrepreneurs, distinguished companies and investors. Read more

OSCAR NEWS

We will be announcing the nominees for this year’s Business Oscars…

LIVERPOOL ONE

We will be publishing the list of the great and the good of Liverpool’s business community who are backing our ‘Liverpool One’ campaign. Add your name HERE