FSB CULTURE OF BUSINESS 2008 – Cultural Showcase for Southport’s Small Businesses

THE Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is holding the 1st – and only scheduled – event to mark the contribution of small businesses to Liverpool’s year as European Capital of Culture this Friday, 3rd October 2008.

FSB Merseyside, West Cheshire and Wigan is staging the celebration at Liverpool’s Beatles-themed Hard Days Night Hotel, where an invited audience of regional business leaders, politicians and sector agencies will hear keynote speeches from FSB National Chairman John Wright and the Deputy Chair of the Culture Company Phil Redmond, alongside contributions from local FSB members.

As well as showcasing the value of SMEs in the Capital of Culture, the aim is to underline the massive cultural and economic contribution they are making to Merseyside’s ongoing regeneration, and to the North West as a whole.  As Britain’s biggest business support organisation, the FSB is the independent voice of small business representing 7,000 businesses regionally and it’s hoped the event will also help develop the relationship between the region’s private and public sectors.

Norman Lay, FSB Regional Chair, said:- “This event is the first time SMEs’ role in Capital of Culture’s success has been officially acknowledged.  We’ve spearheaded this event because we felt it was vital to get the key decision makers who shape business development together in one room - to not only underline the high-quality services and products being offered by small businesses, but to ensure their views are heard, understood and acted upon.”

Chris Burgess, Chair of the FSB’s Liverpool branch, added:- “Small businesses are an important part of our economy, not just in 2008, but every day of every year.  Liverpool’s status as European Capital of Culture shows the city is in good shape but in an increasingly uncertain economic climate, it’s vital small businesses use ’08 as a springboard for continued growth and business success in 2009 and beyond.”

The Culture of Business event is the culmination of the FSB’s ongoing contribution to Capital of Culture Year, which so far this year has incorporated sporting activities, regeneration and awareness-raising activities.  Most recently this has included the launch of the FSB’s new ‘Culture of Business’ branded hackney cabs and involvement in the Liverpool Mural Project, as part of the city’s Open Culture programme. 

Rattle returns for Liverpool Freedom

ONE of Liverpool’s most famous sons is coming home to be presented with the city’s most prestigious honour.   Classical music superstar, Sir Simon Rattle, will be officially awarded the Freedom of Liverpool on Tuesday, 30 September 2008.   The 53 year old, who assembled his 1st professional orchestra at the age of 15, will be presented with a Freedom Scroll of Honour by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Steve Rotheram in front of civic leaders.

Cllr Rotheram said:- “As Liverpool's 1st citizen it will give me great pleasure to confer the city's highest honour on Sir Simon.   This very special occasion allows Liverpool to express its gratitude to an outstanding musician, to recognise his great talent and thank him for the incredible contribution he has made to music.”

Sir Simon, who has presided over the prestigious Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra since 1999, is one of the world’s busiest musical celebrities.   During the event, he will be serenaded by students from the city council’s Music Support Service and will meet budding musicians from Notre Dame Catholic College in Everton and St Edwards College in West Derby.

Council leader Warren Bradley said:- "Sir Simon Rattle has risen from humble beginnings in Liverpool to become one of the most respected people in his field.

He is a fantastic ambassador for the City of Liverpool and that is why we are absolutely delighted to grant him the Freedom of the City.”

During his visit to Liverpool, Sir Simon will also be performing at the Philharmonic Hall, where he started out as an assistant conductor in 1977, as part of the city’s Capital of Culture celebrations.

Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Joe Anderson, said:- “Sir Simon is at the top of his game, and an inspiration to budding musicians around the world.   He is a fantastic ambassador for the city and I am pleased we are bestowing the city’s highest honour upon him.”

Sir Simon Rattle becomes only the 5th musician, the others are the Beatles, to be granted the Freedom of the City.   Other recipients include Ken Dodd, Bob Paisley, Nelson Mandela, Roy Castle and Simon Weston.

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