Welcome to the penultimate edition of DLIB’s monthly ‘Business Bulletin’ for 2005. Following this month’s outstanding ‘Livercool’ awards dinner, and our final Property Forum of the year, DLIB has been busy planning our biggest and best Christmas Party yet. Read on for details of this, and the numerous other things that are happening downtown!!!!

STOREY RESIGNS (AND PARKER GOES TOO)

Liverpool City Council looks set to see its biggest internal transformation in seven years following the predicted resignation of Council leader Mike Storey, and the less expected departure of Regeneration Director Charlie Parker. More changes are now anticipated. The Liberal Democrats will elect a new council leader on 5th December, and with a new Chief Executive of the Culture Company about to be appointed too, 2006 will be another very interesting year for the city. Read more

TRAM SCHEME BACK OFF TRACK?

After optimistic noises coming from all levels of Government regarding this long awaited project last month, November has seen the scheme run into trouble again, as central and local government row about how the initiative is to be financed. Even the offer of local entrepreneur Mike McCombe to invest a significant amount of his own personal fortune, and the overwhelming support of the Liverpool business community for the tram scheme to go ahead, has failed to deliver a decision. Is this plan going to join the Everton stadium and the Fourth Grace as ‘promises reneged on?’ And what of the Cruise Liner Terminal and the new Anfield? DLIB is watching! Read more

CULTURE LOGO ROW RESOLVED

DLIB caused some consternation among the lower echelons of the culture company when we asked Liverpool design Agency TM3 to come up with a people’s logo that would enable ALL Liverpudlians to show their support for the city’s ‘Capital of Culture’ win. After all, according to civic leaders at the time, it was ‘us wot won it!’

Legal action was threatened by the culture company – not the response we had hoped for. However, it transpires that, contrary to popular belief, the new 08 logo is available for display to everyone, via car stickers and badges. The 08 logo is only ‘protected’ from the use of businesses on their letterheads. Fair enough, given the amount of money the official sponsors have coughed up to support the big event. DLIB is happy to counter the misinformation, and we look forward to the new logo becoming as prominent in the city as the old logo was. One final thought though – given that the TM3 logo is at least as good as the ‘official’ one, why did Liverpool’s leaders feel the need to go to a London Agency for the new design? Will they ever learn?

LAST MONTH’S POLL
CAN LIVERPOOL BUCK A NATIONAL ECONOMIC DOWNTURN?

Commentators suggest that the UK is facing an economic downturn next year. However, with Capital of Culture year around the corner, and the regeneration of Liverpool continuing apace, we asked you last month can our city buck the national trend? And, despite the shenanigans at the town hall, the row over the tram, Everton’s loss of form, and Peter Crouch, the majority of you remain optimistic. 73% of DLIB members believe that Liverpool WILL swerve any economic downturn! See results.

THE CHRISTMAS PARTY WITH ATTITUDE!

Join DLIB’s Christmas bash on Wednesday 7th December, at the Cavern Walks, 6.30 p.m. – 10.00 p.m. – after show at the Sir Thomas Street Hotel. Downtown’s sexy Santa’s will be presenting musical entertainment; a fashion show; goody bags for those who have been good girls and boys and a few surprises! Thanks to Bardot, Paloma and Vivienne Westwood for their support and assistance with this event. Click here for more information and to register

‘LIVERCOOL’ 05 –THE BEST YET!

Oh what a night! A sell out crowd, over 430 of Liverpool’s movers and shakers descended on the Crowne Plaza earlier this month to enjoy the third annual ‘Livercool’ night – and they were not disappointed. A samba band; the best comedian the Northwest has got to offer at the moment in John Bishop; and up and coming Liverpool girl group The Genie Queen provided wonderful entertainment. And they were matched by some marvellous acceptance speeches from our award winners, most notably Journalist of the year Larry Neild (Daily Post) and Dr. Tony Harvey (Brabners) who won the Professional Services award.

Click here to see all the winners and here for the evenings photo galleries.

Thanks once again to ‘Livercool’ sponsors the Northwest Development Agency and No Name Kitchens; who have both kindly agreed to act as the events sponsors for ‘Livercool’ 06.

SUSPENSION - A TIMELY REMINDER

We have been reminded by the EAT in Milne -v- Link Asset and Security Company Limited that the suspension of an employee could constitute a fundamental breach of contract by the employer allowing the employee to resign and claim constructive dismissal if not handled properly by the employer. Read more

TAX TIP OF THE MONTH

For more useful tax tips and advice, visit the tax section on our website with content supplied by leading accountancy firm and DLIB corporate sponsors Grant Thornton. Read more

MARO NEEDS YOU!

There have been fewer more ambitious development proposals this year than Maro’s £120 Million Brunswick Quay development. The scheme would have given Liverpool an iconic 55-storey Ian Simpson tower, regenerated a significant chunk of the city and provided thousands of jobs. Despite the support of the council’s Executive Member for regeneration AND the Chairman of the Planning Committee, officials persuaded councilors to reject the scheme earlier this year. In June 2006, Maro will appeal. And they want your help. Please write to expressing your support for this project, which, if given the go ahead, will open the city to even bigger and better investments in the future. A victory for Maro will be a victory for Liverpool! CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW YOU CAN HELP

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH: YORKSHIRE BANK
YORKSHIRE BANK INVESTS HEAVILY IN LIVERPOOL

Yorkshire Bank regards Merseyside as one of the UK’s leading centres of economic growth - and has invested in the city accordingly. Read more

DOWNTOWN MEMBERSHIP

The best Christmas gift you can get for your business this year is DLIB membership! The very best business networking events in town; the Liverpool Property Forum; Business Oscars; Livercool awards; a fantastic website; special offers on tickets for premier sporting and lifestyle occasions across the Northwest. These are just some of the benefits you get as a member of DLIB, described by Chief Executive of the Northwest Development Agency as “the business club with attitude.” What are you waiting for - JOIN NOW! 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

COMING SOON

- A very unique Santa interview - Courtesy of Grant Thornton!
- 06 DLIB Events calendar
- DLIB’s XMAS Bash - The photos!