News reports located on this page = 2.

Creative and digital sectors 'on growth path' in Liverpool

THE creative and digital sectors of the Liverpool economy have the capability to grow further and diverse funding streams are available despite the challenges presented by Covid19. That was the verdict of a group of business leaders from the creative and digital industries of the City, at a virtual roundtable created by Regional law firm Napthens.

Jayne Croft, Corporate Associate, at Napthens, in Liverpool, said:- "Liverpool isn't always on the map for tech; we need to join up more of the pieces spread across the city to help it grow. There's also a need for innovation, the city is very creative and we can certainly build more opportunities across the creative and digital sector. As a part of the business community, we want to understand how we can help businesses in the City in these challenging times. It is important for tech businesses to get alternative finance. If you're a developer and you've developed an app then the banks may not see anything tangible so it's important to have alternatives. We have been doing a lot since the pandemic with the British business banks in the Future Fund and other schemes such as CBILS and Bounce Back Loans. Funding is out there and the Future Fund is aimed specifically at innovative businesses."

Matt Latham, Co-founder of funding app tickr, said tech businesses should look outside of Liverpool for funding as well inside Liverpool. Matt Latham commented:- "You've got to look far and wide. Budding entrepreneurs should explore all avenues for funding. Due to Covid the investor risk appetite is reduced but if your business is good enough and will be financially viable then there will be funding for it."

Gavin Sherratt, Managing Director of software development company Mashbo, said the firm was hit hard in the early days of the pandemic but is now learning:- 'not to panic.'

"We're collaborating much more with other agencies, we're becoming much more product-led and the sector needs to learn to develop products rather than services. We're also losing office space and allowing people to work when they work best whatever the time of day that is." added Gavin Sherratt.

Liam Kelly, CEO of creative group Make Liverpool, said he would like to see an end to the comparison of Liverpool with Manchester as it is difficult to draw comparisons. He added:- "There should be more emphasis on working together, the Liverpool City Region is moving but we need to take actions that will help us all."

Panellists at the virtual roundtable were:- Gavin Sherratt, Managing Director Mashbo; Liam Kelly, CEO Make Liverpool; Jayne Croft, Corporate Associate Napthens; Matt Latham, Co-founder - tickr; Lorna Davidson, CEO - Redwigwam; Dean Ward, Co-founder / CTO - Evoke Creative; Andy Kent, Angel Solutions; Saira Arif, Implementation manager, ORCHA.
 

Home Bargains supporting NSPCC with new penguin onesies...

AS the nights draw in and colder weather approaches, you can enjoy the warmth of a very special onesie as well as the glow of helping children around the UK thanks to the latest product from Home Bargains. The UK's 'top brand, bottom price' retailer is playing its part in the fight for every childhood again this year, through its continuing partnership with the NSPCC which has so far raised more than ₤681,000 to support children and young people across the country. From 21 September 2020, these exclusive, limited edition penguin onesies will be available from Home Bargains stores across the country and online, and this year, we want to see your penguin selfies on social media using the hashtag #TeamPenguin.

The onesies are available in adult and children's sizes, and Home Bargains is also selling a collection of festive Christmas cards, with proceeds going to support the children's charity. Daniel Sowden, buying Director, at family run Home Bargains, said:- "We're incredibly proud to be supporting the NSPCC again, and we're certain adults and parents everywhere will love the limited edition onesies we've got on offer this year. Because we have more than 500 Home Bargains stores on many of the UK's high streets, it means we're in a great position to call on our customers to help support the NSPCC in its essential work supporting children and families all over the country."

Like Home Bargains, the NSPCC is proud to have roots in Liverpool, where it was formed in 1884 following the creation of the Liverpool Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children the previous year by local banker Thomas Agnew. Throughout the pandemic, the NSPCC has ensured it was still here for children and young people everywhere who need help. Tess O'Callaghan, senior corporate partnerships manager for the NSPCC, said:- "For almost 150 years, the NSPCC has been here to help children and young people, and even now, even as 2020 has thrown so many unprecedented challenges at us all, we're still here on the frontline. Thanks to the generosity of our corporate partners like Home Bargains, we can continue to offer support and essential help to children and families across the UK. The money raised by this partnership, and the sale of these adorable penguin onesies and cards will help change the lives of thousands of children and bring them light in their darkest time, and we're delighted and incredibly grateful to Home Bargains for its support."

For more information about the NSPCC and its services, go to:- NSPCC.Org.UK.