Liverpool a top 4 UK investment destination, says influential report

AN influential report by global design and infrastructure consultancy, Arcadis has identified Liverpool City Region as 1 of the UK's top 4 growth hot spots.

The study analyses growth prospects in the UK's 24 leading urban economies and measures their growth potential against 6 key pillars:- workforce and skills, infrastructure, business environment, place, City brand and housing.

The report ranks Liverpool 4th nationally behind Edinburgh, Oxford and Cambridge, but ahead of London, Birmingham and Manchester.

Among the area's key strengths were its City brand, infrastructure, positive business environment and the quality and affordability of housing supply.

The report was welcomed by City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram. He said:- "This is an encouraging report but in a sense it tells what we already know. External validation is always useful and helps to signal to UK and international investors the huge opportunities that exist within the City and wider City Region. Devolution gives us a huge opportunity to realise that potential by prioritising the areas identified in this report. Our focus on skills, renewable energy, digital connectivity, transport and housing will further increase our attractiveness as an investment destination."

Managing Director of the Liverpool City Region LEP, Mark Basnett said:- "Liverpool City Region is increasingly being recognised as a dynamic, outward looking international City Region and reports that highlight our attractiveness for inward investment are always welcome.  Going forward, we are working to continue to attract such investment through the establishment of a comprehensive business led Internationalisation Strategy for the City Region. This strategy will build on our globally competitive sector strengths and capabilities and our capacity for innovation that will ultimately increase trade and attract talent, visitors and investment from key global markets."

Setting the context for the report, Arcadis UK Cities Director, Peter Hogg said:- "UK Cities are competing for resources and opportunities. Determining future prospects depends on effective and resilient infrastructure, affordable housing, a broad skills base and a quality education system. Furthermore, a strong global brand, favourable business environment and unique 'attraction factor' add to the potential for long term prosperity. The ability to attract this combination of social, economic and human capital is at the root of the inevitability challenge."

Prescot Festival Announces Lineup for Milestone Year in the Arts
Photograph by Alan Humphreys.

WITH work on Shakespeare North's Prescot Playhouse beginning in 2018, organisers of the Town's pioneering arts festival are ensuring this year's programme is 1 to remember.

The 14th Annual Prescot Festival of Music and the Arts promises 10 days of entertainment, with an eclectic schedule encompassing all tastes in music. The festival opens on Friday, 15 June 2018, with Swingshift Big Band, charting the history of the big band genre from the 1930's to the present day.

Saturday, 16 June 2018, sees the Prescot Festival Chorus reunite under conductor James Luxton, of Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, to commemorate the centenary of the end of WWI with a performance of Gabriel Fauré's poignant Requiem.

The programme continues right through to Sunday, 24 June 2018, with musical guests including:- Wingates Brass Band, Maghull Wind Orchestra; celebrating its 40th Anniversary; and BOST, 1 of the North West's most popular musical theatre companies.

A young instrumentalists' showcase, poetry and live music nights, and a screening of Educating Rita (1983), based on Whiston born Willy Russell's classic drama, are among other highlights of the week.

"This year marks the beginning of a new era in Prescot's history, making it a pivotal time for arts, heritage and culture in our community. We're determined to mark the occasion with another top tier festival to remember, featuring the very best of talent from the Town, the region and beyond."  said Artistic Director Dr Robert Howard.

The Prescot Festival runs from Friday, 15 to Sunday, 24 June 2018, at venues across the Town.

A list with all the details of the programme is now online.  Tickets will be on sale from 1 May 2018.