As Evertonians get ready for a big F.A. Cup weekend, and Reds fans enjoy a day off, and last night’s ‘sexy networkers’ recover from hangovers, this week’s TFI brings you news of a big political debate that Downtown will be hosting next month. Sticking with politics, Frank McKenna asks what a Tory Government would mean to Liverpool. Elsewhere, we pay tribute to a Chief Executive who is about to retire, name Aquarius Equity Partners as ‘Business of the Week’ and enjoy the musings of Lewis Bailey, Elite Fitness, in our ‘Who Are Yer?’ feature. Read on, enjoy, have a great weekend, and don’t do anything Frank wouldn’t do…

YOU CAN HEAR A PREVIEW OF TFI EVERY FRIDAY MORNING ON CITY TALK 105.9FM, 7.45AM, WITH FRANK McKENNA AND DUNCAN BARKES.

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Downtown Liverpool in Business (DLIB) is to host a head–to–head debate between Liverpool City Council Leader Councillor, Liberal Democrat Warren Bradley, and opposition Leader, Labour Councillor Joe Anderson in the run up to next May’s Local elections.

The event will take place on Thursday 25th February, at the BT Convention Centre and will also be broadcast by radio station City Talk FM. The audience will be made up of business leaders from across the city. 

DLIB Chairman Frank McKenna said:
“We are aware that the idea of a Leaders debate in the run up to the General Election has been agreed, and we think it would be useful for the business community to hear first hand the views of the Liberal Democrat and Labour leaders in the city before what is expected to be the closest City Council campaign for a decade.

“I am delighted that Warren and Joe have agreed to take this opportunity of debating the issues that matter and answering questions about their future plans for Liverpool.”

CLICK HERE to register

The DLIB Chairman explores what a Tory Government would mean to Liverpool.

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Hear Frank on City Talk 105.9FM every Friday morning at 7.45am and on his weekly programme City Talks Business, Sundays 7am-8am, repeated at 8pm.

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The international firm was founded in 1810 by Edward Morrall, and senior partners at the firm want to mark their bicentenary with a year-long programme of events including gala evenings, a charity fundraising drive and will culminate in a night of music from 1810, 1910 and 2010.

Senior partner Tony Wilson proclaims:  “We’re celebrating our 200th year, but we’re also forward looking. We’re already planning our next 200.“The firm has come a long way since 1810, additional offices have opened in London, Chester, Manchester and in Piraeus in 2006.

“Clients are our heritage and they are essential to our future. We now look forward to the next chapter of our development and to contributing to the future prosperity of our clients, our people, our communities and the cities in which we operate.”

Award-winning dental boutique, Ollie and Darsh are holding an Invisalign day on Thursday 28th January. The luxurious practice will be offering all customers 20% off the revolutionary new treatment, and also include a free whitening treatment with the process.

Being one of their most sought after procedures, Invisalign treats a variety of concerns including, crooked and crowded teeth. The treatment is completely clear, removable and comfortable so it doesn’t interfere with your work or personal life.

Anyone interested in attending the Invisalign day can do so by quoting where they have seen this offer over the phone by calling 0151 236 6578.

Livesmart have exciting news about the Free 08 Card. Livesmart want to give DLIB members priority access to the Free red coloured 08 Cards and replacement cards if you and your staff have misplaced the original card.

The 08 Card, now with 100,000 registered cardholders across Merseyside continues to reward local people with incentives and exclusive deals, a core legacy of 2008. From this week, the 08 Card will be welcomed across a variety of even more Liverpool venues giving you access to EXCLUSIVE savings.

You will be able to use your 08 Card at over 30 new lifestyle venues across a number of sectors.

To obtain a bulk order of Free 08 Cards for your staff please contact 08card@livesmart.biz, with the Subject line of ‘Bulk order for 08 Cards’.

To participate in the 08 Card scheme contact Vickyjaycock@livesmart.biz or catch her at one of the DLIB events!

Aquarius Equity Partners is a specialist fund manager of high net worth individuals and family offices. Their funds focus exclusively on private equity and venture capital, investing in the UK unlisted company market. Based in the North of England, Aquarius Equity Partners have illustrated how the combination of private capital and the investment knowledge of an experienced team can drive portfolio value.

Further information can be found at www.aquariusequity.com

The chief executive of regeneration agency Liverpool Vision, Jim Gill, 61, is to step down later this year after spearheading the city’s physical regeneration.

Jim, who wanted to retire at 60, said he was not leaving immediately and will remain in post to ensure an orderly succession. Mr Gill has been chief executive of Liverpool Vision since 2001.

Happy retirement Jim, and well deserved too.

The Cool List does exactly what it says on the tin.

A blog literally describing anything that is remotely cool.

And what's more you can submit your own 'cool' ides for submission.

CLICK HERE for a personal favourite of the Downtown office.

The Sir Thomas Hotel is the spiritual home of 'Sexy Networking', Roger Jonas tells us why!

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The first Downtown Liverpool in Business 'Members Reception' of 2010 takes place at Merchants, 62 Castle St, bringing you an evening of fantastic food, fantastic wine and fantastic company. 'Mingle and Merge', with some of Liverpool's leading 'Movers and Shakers'.

Date: Thursday 11th February
Time: 6.30pm - 10.00pm
Venue: Merchants

Cost: £25.00 + VAT per person

REGISTER NOW

As signs of local optimism emerge it is important to be mindful that more companies collapse at the beginning of a recovery than in the depths of the preceding recession. This is mainly down to a lack of working capital once demand starts to return and ineffective marketing initiatives.

Grant Thornton will discuss how you can prepare for the upturn and look at the areas which need to be focused on in order to improve cash flow.

You could own a piece of history……

Framed Liverpool and Everton home shirts signed by all of the first team squads.

You have until Friday 29th January 2010 to enter your bid. The highest bid entered by 4.00pm for either shirt, wins.

Name: Lewis Bailey

Company: Elite Fitness Consultants

Position: Director

Red or Blue: Red – Although I’m seriously reconsidering due to their current form!

Brown or Cameron: As much as I hate to say it Cameron – He can’t do any worse than the current idiot!

Favourite Liverpool Bar/Restaurant: 60 Hope street – Fantastic food, great service and you don’t leave hungry.

What’s your Tipple: Why Bailey’s of course!

Favourite Liverpool Band: Zutons - The drummer is an old client of mine

Favourite Book: Chris Evans Autobiography “it’s not what you think” If you liked programmes like big breakfast and TFI Friday then buy it!

Favourite Movie: The Matrix

Who would play you in a film: Neo – Matrix (he kick’s ass)

Favourite TV Programme: The apprentice

Most visited website: Mine – www.elitefitnessconsultants.co.uk

Celebrity Crush: Cheryl Cole

Interesting fact about you: Absailed out of a helicopter 200 feet into South American Jungle

Why Downtown: It’s the premier networking establishment in town!