News

The UK is missing a trick when it comes to one of the shining jewels in its soft power crown, says Claire McColgan, Associate Director of Culture at Liverpool City Region and Director of Culture at Liverpool City Council.

Writing in The Municipal Journal (The MJ), Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram and Cheshire West and Cheshire Council Leader Cllr Louise Gittins explain how, through devolution, health equity can be hardwired into every local decision – so that people’s health and life chances are no longer determined by where they live.

Lisa Nandy this week appointed two giants of Liverpool City Region culture to lead a new independent panel assessing bids to become the UK City of Culture 2029. Deputy Chair of the panel Claire McColgan CBE explains why the competition – plus a new UK Town of Culture initiative – are a huge opportunity for towns and cities across the UK.

Combined Authority Assistant Director of Policy and Strategy Claire Blott led development of the 10-year Liverpool City Region Growth Plan which aims to boost the economy by £10bn and create tens of thousands of jobs. In this article, Claire reflects on the importance of long-term planning and the collaboration with local authorities, universities, businesses, the community and voluntary sector and Government that were vital to producing the plan – and will be crucial in delivering its ‘bold and ambitious’ aims.

We’re on a mission to raise Foreign Direct Investment by 25% by 2030 but in an increasingly fractured world the city region needs to forge new relationships and drive new deals in new markets. Assistant Director of Business Growth Simon Reid explains how joining Liverpool Football Club on its recent tour of Hong Kong and Japan helped put the city region’s cultural, innovation, education and industrial strengths in the spotlight.

Liverpool City Region Cabinet Member for Business, Investment and Trade Cllr Mike Wharton explains why slashing licensing red tape presents a huge opportunity

Chief Executive Katherine Fairclough considers the power of partnership in the Liverpool City Region following the recent publication of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill.

Mayor Steve Rotheram explains why the city region is thinking global and reclaiming its place on the world stage.

Combined Authority Chief Executive Katherine Fairclough shares her reflections on a successful week at MIPIM.