LIVERPOOL BUSINESS COMMUNITY LAUNCHES GROWTH OFFENSIVE
6 May 2004

On 10 May, Liverpool's burgeoning business community will stand as a force to be reckoned with behind the launch of Downtown Liverpool in Business (DLIB) - a private sector organisation formed to drive long-term wealth creation in the city.

The launch of DLIB signals a major boost for the city's economic prospects and the organisation has already won support from high-profile local entrepreneurs such as James Barton (of global brand Cream) and Manchester figurehead Tony Wilson.

Led by Liverpool-born Frank McKenna, DLIB will act as the voice of Liverpool's business community, working to lead the regeneration of the area through private enterprise. Speaking prior to the Launch, Frank McKenna said: "A dynamic business community is the rocket fuel Liverpool needs if it is to re-emerge as one of the great cities in Europe.

"DLIB is championing the new energy, confidence and creativity welling up in the city and recognises that the real economic regeneration of Liverpool and the North West will be delivered by the pool of talented entrepreneurs that we already have in the region.

"Liverpool is enjoying renewed confidence in a private sector that is not afraid to say what it thinks, or to lobby government for what is best for the city region long term. DLIB will support and encourage a wealth of creators who are loyal to the area, as these are the people turning our reputation and culture around from hand out to stand out."

As the former deputy leader of Lancashire County Council, Chair of Lancashire County Enterprises and the first ever leader of the North West Regional Assembly, Frank McKenna has been described as both the region's most powerful politician and as New Labour's 'man in the North'.

He is well known as someone with a firm political and commercial grip who can act as a pivot between private and public sector organisations. In 1998 he was tipped as a candidate who could sort out the problems at the then crisis-ridden Liverpool City Council, and he is seen as the obvious choice to lead the city's business community.

Paul Maxwell of major Liverpool manufacturing company Lubritex said: "Liverpool businesspeople need a champion and a voice to protect and promote our interests. In Frank McKenna we have someone who is passionate about the area and who understands that entrepreneurs, not government bodies, will play the major part in rebuilding Liverpool.

"This organisation will work to ensure the priorities of the business community are taken into account at every policy level, which is a major step forward for real and sustainable long-term prosperity."

DLIB has also been welcomed by government agencies looking to develop partnership working with the private sector. The organisation already has received support from the North West Development Agency, the solicitors' profession, the city's architects and developers, local government agencies, finance houses and academic institutions.

Downtown Liverpool in Business' immediate priorities are to campaign for increased skills and training in the city, greater consultation with the private sector on planning issues, and the creation of opportunities to share entrepreneurial excellence.

Frank McKenna concluded: "Liverpool's status as European Culture Capital is predicted to bring 40,000 jobs, £1billion of investment and 1.7 million extra tourists to the area. The time is perfect to re-evaluate the city as a place to do business and to ensure the disappearance of many years of stereotyping."

ENDS

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