INTRODUCTION  
After ten years of Liberal Democrat domination, politics in Liverpool seems to be getting interesting again, with the local Labour Party making further gains at this month city council elections. From a business point of view, we ask, does it matter who runs the city politically? We also look ahead to a unique business conference that DLIB is hosting in June – an event that you don’t want to miss if you are serious about growing your business! All the usual features are here for you to enjoy, including McKenna’s monthly musings, and the news that planning permission has been refused to a developer who wanted to invest over £9 million of their own cash to regenerate a listed building in the city that has been empty for over nine-years – only in Liverpool eh…  
     


   
TOTALLY FRANK  

As the planning committee split on party lines over a scheme to redevelop the historic Wellington Rooms, Frank McKenna suggests that it may be time to take the politics out of planning. CLICK HERE for more!

 
     


   
LIVERPOOL MEANS BUSINESS!  
How do you go from owning a stall on Greaty to having the biggest cushion factory in China? Liverpool entrepreneur Tony Calderia will tell delegates at the ‘Liverpool Means Business’ conference on 21st June how he managed to do just that. Business tips and advice from Brabners Chaffe Street and Grant Thornton, along with lively debates about the city’s future with the regions ‘movers and shakers’ make this a must attend event. CLICK HERE for more details.  
     

   
WELLINGTON ROOMS DECISION BRANDED A ‘DISGRACE’  
Liverpool City Council’s decision to knock back an application to re-develop Grade 2* listed building, the Wellington Rooms on Hardman Street, has been branded as a ‘disgrace’ READ MORE  
     

   
LIVERPOOL LABOUR BUCKS NATIONAL TREND  
Despite suffering major losses across many parts of the country, the Labour Party made a net gain of four seats in the Liverpool City Council elections earlier this month, reducing the Liberal Democrat majority to twelve seats.  
     

   
LIVERPOOL LOVES NEW YORK – BUT MAYBE NOT LONDON!  
Yoko Ono was the guest of honour at the launch of the Liverpool – New York flights that ‘took off’ earlier this month, confirming John Lennon Airport as one of the fastest growing in Europe. On a less positive note, a reduction in the number of flights to London seems likely, with VLM’s service struggling to attract the passenger numbers they had anticipated.  
     

   
CITY MUST THINK BIG TO PROGRESS  
DLIB members Vermont Developments, City Residential, DLA Piper and Paver Smith, alongside Rensburg Sheppards, joined forces to produce an excellent contribution to the debate about Liverpool’s future. The pamphlet ‘Being A Great City Is A State Of Mind’, challenges Liverpool to grasp the opportunities and potential it currently has, and maps out an ambitious vision for the city. The document will provide the platform for one of three workshops due to take place at the ‘Liverpool Means Business Conference’ in June and a copy will be provided to all conference delegates.  
     

   
‘SOLD OUT’  
The third annual Liverpool Business Oscars, which take place on 19th July, is a sell out. Two hundred of the city’s business leaders and decision-makers will attend the lavish gala dinner at the Sefton Park Palm House to discover the winners of these prestigious awards. The Shadow Chancellor, George Osborne, is the keynote speaker, and entertainment will be provided by one of the UK’s finest comedians, Liverpool’s very own John Bishop.  
     


   
COURT PAYMENT CHANGES COULD HARM BUSINESSES  
The prospect of having to go to court to settle a commercial dispute is daunting to anyone in business. READ MORE  
     


   
FEATURE  
Neil Sturmey and the Grant Thornton team look at current issues affecting the property industry in their latest newsletter. CLICK HERE for more.  
     


   
THE BIG DEBATE RESULTS  
WAS CHANCELLOR BROWN GOOD FOR BUSINESS?
Last month Gordon Brown presented what is widely anticipated as being his last budget before he becomes Prime Minister. During his ten years as Chancellor, we asked if you thought he has been good for business? Perhaps to the surprise of some, just over half of you, 51.7% believe that he was. CLICK HERE to view results.		  
     

   
THE BIG DEBATE  
The Labour Party’s gains at the City Council elections earlier this month means that there is an outside chance that political control in Liverpool may change hands in 2008. But, do you think it matters to business which political party runs the council? VOTE HERE  
     


   
NEMISIS NETWORKS  
Nemesis Networks is a leading provider of unified, converged communications solutions designed to enhance business performance. Offering the full suite of scaleable converged IT and communications solutions, specifically aimed at the SME marketplace, the company’s core solutions include voice and data telephone services, carrier services and IT infrastructure technology. READ MORE  
     


   
DLI3 ‘SEXY NETWORKING’ PARTY  

DLIB will celebrate its third anniversary with THE birthday party of the summer on the evening Thursday 31st May, at Baby Cream. Festivities start at 6.30 P.M. and there will be some fabulous fun, frolics and entertainment, along with the opportunity to ‘sexy network’ the night away. Contact Hazel Walker, Telephone: 0151 227 1633 to register your attendance.

  
     

   
NETWORKING WITH NEMESIS  

IT solutions made easy – and a great networking opportunity to boot! Come along to the fabulous Radisson Hotel on Thursday 7th June, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. to enjoy an informal presentation from leading communications company Nemesis, followed by a drinks & canapés party in the splendid resident ‘White Bar’. CLICK HERE to register.

  
     

   
INTERNATIONAL TENNIS TOURNAMENT – MEET THE PLAYERS  

The Liverpool International Tennis tournaments player’s party has adopted DLIB’s ‘sexy networking’ brand this year. Come along to Andersons Bar on Wednesday 13th June, to rub shoulders with Borg, Rudseski and many, many more. CLICK HERE to register.

  
     

   
‘LIVERPOOL MEANS BUSINESS’ CONFERENCE  

Leading Liverpool entrepreneur, Tony Caldeira will join leading opinion formers, and business leaders at the ‘Liverpool Means Business Conference’ on Thursday 21st June at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. In association with the Northwest Development Agency, Brabners Chaffe Street and Grant Thornton, DLIB will offer delegates the opportunity to learn more about their opportunity to grow their business. You will also have a chance to offer comments and questions on the city’s future business prospects. Conference contributors include Government Minister Phil Woolas M.P., Leader of Liverpool City Council Warren Bradley and Esther McVey of ‘Winning Woman’. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

  
     

   
LIVERPOOL BUSINESS OSCARS  

The ‘sold out’ signs are up and we are looking forward to a great night at the Sefton Park Palm House for the third annual Liverpool Business Oscars, brought to you by DLIB in association with the Northwest Development Agency, No Name Kitchens and Brabners Chaffe Street. The theme for this year is ‘ A Midsummer Nights Dream’ as we prepare for Capital of Culture 08! Look out for some very special invitations for those of you who have booked your place at what promises to be the most exciting business event of the summer.

  
     

   
‘END OF TERM SEXY NETWORKING’  

Before you head off to sunnier climbs for a well earned break, hook up with the city’s ‘movers & shakers’ at DLIB’s ‘end of term’ evening at the home of ‘sexy networking’, The Sir Thomas Hotel, Victoria Street, on Thursday 26th July. Catch up with all the Goss from the previous weeks Oscars event, and fill your diary with useful appointments for September! CLICK HERE to register.

  
     

   
LIPA EVENT  

DLIB members are invited to one of the most entertaining regional business and networking events of the year, and be among the first to see a specially written and exclusive musical performance in the Paul McCartney Auditorium at LIPA.

Environment Agency - Business Resource Efficiency and Waste (BREW) event on June 20 is being held in association with LIPA, and sponsored by Granada.

The free event tackles the major environmental issue of waste crime and the consequences of ignoring a very real problem.

Networking starts from 4pm, with the first ever performance of "How to Ruin the Family Business in One Easy Lesson"

Commencing at 6-15pm, the performance is followed by a hot and cold supper.

Booking is necessary by emailing e.ellis@lipa.ac.uk or contacting Kate Selby at the EA on 01925 542378

  
     


   
RADIO MERSEYSIDE CHARITABLE TRUST  
A ‘Bluebell Ball’ will be hosted at the Sefton Park Palm House to celebrate 40 years of broadcasting by BBC Radio Merseyside. CLICK HERE for further details.  
     

   
THE 2007 ROY CASTLE CORPORATE CHALLENGE  
If you want to raise some cash for a worthwhile charity and have fun doing so, this may be the thing for you. READ MORE  
     


   
THE RUMOUR MILL  
The Wellington Rooms decision has not only baffled local property watchers, but has stirred the interest of the local plod. Will any action be taken? Watch this space…  
     


   
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.