INTRODUCTION  
‘During the past month we have witnessed Liverpool at its best, and at its worst, professionally and socially. The Mathew Street debacle was followed by a magnificent 800th birthday celebration. The senseless murder of an eleven- year old child by a Liverpool thug was followed by a city united in mourning, outrage and genuine sympathy for the parents and family of Rhys Jones. If that ‘best’ can be bottled, and utilised for the remainder of this year and into 2008, then surely we will deliver a capital of culture year that we will all be proud of.  
     


   
TOTALLY FRANK  

The DLIB Chairman reflects on a difficult month for the city, and says a fond farewell to a friend. CLICK HERE for more

Frank can be heard on Linda McDermott’s drive home programme on Radio Merseyside, every alternate Tuesday at 5.40 p.m. His next appearance is on Tuesday 11th September.

  
     


   
WE ARE 800!  
Liverpool celebrated its 800th birthday in some style, with an impressive city centre carnival and a breathtaking firework display in front of the three graces among the highlights. After the harsh criticism at the organisation of the Mathew Street festival, the birthday events went some way to restoring confidence in the ability of the city to successfully stage high-profile events.  
     

   
CONGESTION CHARGE BACK ON THE AGENDA  
Just as we started to look forward to the end of the ‘big dig’, the stealth tax that is the congestion charge has reared its ugly head once again. Transport leaders claim that the introduction of congestion charging is ‘inevitable.’ Equally inevitable, if this proves to be the case, is an exodus of businesses out of Downtown Liverpool, and into business parks located in Knowsley, Sefton and the city’s suburbs. So much for the city centre being at the heart of Merseyside’s economic regeneration!  
     

   
COUNCILS MAY GET MORE TAX RAISING POWERS  
Proposals to give local councils additional powers to set a supplementary business rate are being considered by the Government. Dougal Paver spoke for many DLIB members when he commented: “ A stealth tax by another name…And if politicians think businesses will stand for that nonsense, rather than merely move to places with a more welcoming tax environment, they live in cloud cuckoo land.”  
     

   
CULTURE COMPANY UNDER FIRE  
The Daily Post reports that Liverpool’s Culture Company is set to be dismantled in the wake of the Mathew Street festival fiasco. This follows calls from Phil Redmond, Louise Ellman M.P., and Roger Phillips, all Board members, for an overhaul of the current structure. Whatever the outcome of the inquiry currently being undertaken by Liverpool City Council into the Mathew Street affair, it is imperative that any new arrangements are far more transparent and inclusive than what has been in place since the capital of culture badge was won back in 2003.  
     

   
LORRAINE ROGERS TAKES OVER AT TMP  
The Mersey Partnership, which has been given a massive vote of confidence by DLIB members (see debate section), has a new Chief Executive. Tranmere Rovers supremo Lorraine Rogers has taken up the position to spearhead the tourism and inward investment agency for the city-region. The post has been vacant for almost twelve months, since the resignation of Robert Crawford, and it was feared that TMP would be wound up. Now, with a new Chief Executive in situ, we await with interest the organisations next moves.  
     

   
EVERTON FANS VOTE IN FAVOUR OF KIRKBY MOVE  
Everton Football Club’s plans to relocate to a new stadium in Kirkby were given the green light by a ballot of supporters held during August. However, with 40% of those polled voting against the proposition, and an estimated 10,000 supporters abstaining, Bill Kenwright and his team will know that they have a long way to go in convincing Evertonians that this is the best option available for the club.  
     


   
TESTING THE THREE R'S IS RISKY BUSINESS  
Employers could face legal action for asking Job Applicants to take the basic Reading and Writing tests. READ MORE  
     


   
THE BIG DEBATE  
Phil Redmond and Louise Ellman M.P. have called for the Culture Company Board to be scrapped. Do you think they are right? VOTE HERE  
     

   
THE BIG DEBATE RESULTS  
Last month we asked you if The Mersey Partnership (TMP) should be scrapped. Over 80% of you believe that the TMP is a good thing that should continue to work on the city regions behalf. CLICK HERE to view results.  
     


   
OSIRIS ENFORCEMENT  
The agents of choice for solicitors, credit controllers, landlords and insolvency practitioners across England and Wales, Osiris have earned a reputation as one of the most professional operators in their field. CLICK HERE for more.  
     


   
SEXY NETWORKING  

DLIB’s fourth and final ‘sexy networking’ event will take place on Thursday 13th September at the fabulous Sir Thomas Hotel, Victoria Street, 6pm – 9pm. For an evening of food, drink, frolics and entertainment CLICK HERE to register.

  
     

   
LIVERPOOL PROPERTY FORUM  

In association with the Northwest Development Agency, Brabners Chaffe Street and Grant Thornton, DLIB is delighted to present Liverpool City Council’s Chief Executive, Colin Hilton, in conversation with DLIB Chairman Frank McKenna, talking about the city’s future regeneration plans, football stadiums, 08 and much, much more… Wednesday 19th September, 2.30pm – 4.30pm, at The Tate, Albert Dock. CLICK HERE to book your place.

  
     

   
‘LIVERCOOL’  

The fifth annual ‘Livercool’ awards dinner takes place on Thursday 8th November, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Bookings are now being taken, and as always tables are selling fast for Liverpool’s premier business awards evening. To avoid disappointment, CLICK HERE to reserve your places at this not to be missed event.

  
     


   
JOIN DLIB  
Don’t settle for second-rate networking clubs – join the best in the business to get the best for your business. CLICK HERE for details.