Step up to the Southport Challenge at International Confex 2011
Report by Aimee Thompsett.  Photographs by Patrick Trollope.

SOUTHPORT Conferences will be introducing plans for its ‘Meetings on the Move’ initiative to visitors at event industry trade show International Confex, taking place 1 March 2011 to 3 March 2011 at London’s Earls Court, through the International Confex Southport Step Challenge.

The convention bureau will be inviting visitors to its stand B241 to take part in various walking challenges each day using a free pedometer, offering prizes including a healthy weekend away in Southport for those who beat the scores.

Meetings on the Move, due to be launched later in the year, follows on from the launch of Southport’s Delegate Bike Loan scheme in 2010. It will be designed to incorporate walks, cycling, golf or other activities into the programmes of conferences and meetings taking place in the town. It is just one of a series of new initiatives the coastal resort is rolling out in 2011, created to further increase its profile in the business tourism market while making visitors to the town aware of what is available to them in their leisure time to make the most of their stay.

Southport is exhibiting at International Confex in partnership with the Liverpool Convention Bureau and ACC Liverpool. Events taking place on the stand include daily presentations at 11.30am and 2.30pm where the bureaux and venues will also share their knowledge and experience of the destinations together with their delegate welcome programmes and how they plan to develop these further.

Steve Christian, Marketing Manager for Southport Conferences said:- “International Confex is a great platform for us to engage with our colleagues in the industry while reaching out to event bookers and organisers to communicate the plans we have for Southport over the next year. It will also present a great opportunity for us to further consult with these people to gain their feedback and thoughts and ensure that our plans continue to actually deliver what they want which is the most important factor.”

ACL renew lease at Princes Dock Liverpool

PEEL has announced that ACL, the North Atlantic container and ro ro shipping specialists have agreed to extend their occupation at Princes Dock in Liverpool.  The organisation which occupies 12,942 sq ft at No. 8 Princes Dock has committed to a further 4 year term at the Grade A office development located on Liverpool’s Waterfront.  Ian Higby, Managing Director of ACL UK Ltd said:- “ACL have been based at Princes Dock since 1998 and the location is undoubtedly a superb office environment which all our staff enjoy and respect. Being located on the river it naturally offers magnificent unspoilt views in a waterside location, more importantly though it really does suit our business operations extremely well. In addition, the abundant supply of on-site car parking, the various current and proposed on-site amenities along with a receptive and helpful Landlord such as Peel, makes this a great place to work. Over the coming years we are aware that Princes Dock will play an integral part of Liverpool Waters and we look forward to continuing our business in this location.”

Liza Marco, Property Manager on behalf of Peel at Princes Dock said:- “We are delighted that ACL have committed to remain in occupation of Princes Dock. Princes Dock offer occupiers Grade A office space in a unique and desirable waterfront location. It also has the rare quality of flexible floor plates and abundant car parking within a City Centre location.”

ACL are a specialised carrier of containers, project and oversized cargo, heavy equipment and vehicles with the world's largest Roll-on Roll-off/Containerships.   Princes Dock is a hub of business activity set in 14.5 hectares, situated in the proposed £6 billion redevelopment scheme of Liverpool waterfront; Liverpool Waters. It is located adjacent the iconic Liver Building alongside the new cruise liner facility. The new Leeds to Liverpool canal link extension also passes through the development.  There are over 2,500 people employed within Princes Dock with occupiers including Coutts Bank, PricewaterhouseCoopers and KMPG. All occupiers benefit from on-site car parking, 24 hour security services, dedicated on-site maintenance team, on site member health and leisure club, a cafe, bars and restaurants.  Peel are currently liaising with further complimentary businesses which will further boost economical activity within Princes Dock. In addition to three Grade A office buildings Princes Dock is home to two high quality hotels; the Crowne Plaza and Malmaison, three luxury apartment towers and a 760 space multi storey car park.  Office space is available from 2,316 sq ft to 14,200 sq ft, Further land is also available for design and build opportunities of up to 200,000 sq ft.

LIVERPOOL BIRKENHEAD TWO DAY WEEKEND BREAK SPECIAL

THE Isle of Man Steam Packet Company are offering its customers the opportunity to visit Liverpool for the weekend for just £49 each way for a car + 2 people. Whether you are into culture, heritage, art, music, sport or shopping, Liverpool is bound to offer you a wonderful weekend experience. Go to visitliverpool.com  to start planning your weekend away. You could also take the opportunity to visit one of the neighbouring cities of Manchester, Chester or beautiful North Wales. Director of Marketing & Communications David Findlay said:- "I would encourage anyone interesting in taking advantage of this fantastic offer to visit our website and book early as it is proving to be popular. As the fare includes a car you can take advantage of Birkenhead’s excellent road links and go even further afield to sample more of what the North West or North Wales have to offer."  For more information and to book visit:- steam-packet.com.  Steam Packet Holidays can package this great offer with accommodation, call the team for more information on:- 0151 645 777.

Help for Heroes in Liverpool

A night of spectacular entertainment to raise funds for one of the Lord Mayor’s chosen charities, Help for Heroes, will be held at the Philharmonic hall on Saturday night.  The evening will be hosted by BBC Radio Merseyside’s Billy Butler and will see performances from The Mersey Beatles, Sense of Sound Choir and The Band of the Kings Division, Thomas Lang, MD Productions Dance Troupe and The Pipes and Drums of the Liverpool Scottish.  Liverpool’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Hazel Williams said:- “Help for Heroes is very close to my heart and is one of my chosen charities for the year. I would urge as many people as possible to show their support and buy a ticket for this fantastic event. Not only will they be treated to an enchanting evening of music and dance but they will have the opportunity to give something back to the heroes who give so much for our country.”   As well as raising funds for Help for Heroes the concert will also raise money for Army Benevolent Fund - The Soldiers'  Charity and SSAFA Forces Help.   In addition there will also be a raffle, with one lucky concert goer winning a night in the Hope Street Hotel, Dinner in the London Carriageworks and tickets to see the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra at the Philharmonic Hall.   Tickets are £20 and £15 and are available from the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Box Office on:- 0151 709 3789, online or by visiting Liverpool Philharmonic Box office this week or on the night.