Business leaders, investors and senior public sector figures gathered at Royal Birkdale as Downtown in Business hosted a series of exclusive networking events alongside The Open Championship, using one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events to showcase the investment potential of Sefton and the Liverpool City Region.
The opening session featured a conversation between Downtown in Business Group Chair and Chief Executive Frank McKenna, Leader of Sefton Council Cllr Marion Atkinson, and senior representatives from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, focusing on the region’s ambitious regeneration agenda, investment pipeline and the importance of strong public-private partnerships.
Welcoming guests to Sefton, Cllr Atkinson described The Open as one of the world’s greatest sporting events and highlighted the pride the borough takes in hosting it. She paid tribute to the R&A, Sefton Council staff, Downtown in Business, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and regional partners for working together to deliver an event that not only attracts global attention but also creates significant economic benefits for local businesses.
She outlined Sefton’s wider ambitions, positioning the borough as a place that is open for business, with major investment in town centres, support for local enterprise and a growing programme of internationally recognised events. Alongside The Open and the Grand National, she highlighted Sefton’s thriving cultural calendar, including Salt and Tar, the Southport Flower Show and the British Musical Fireworks Championships, demonstrating the borough’s commitment to attracting visitors, investment and talent throughout the year.
Marion also encouraged delegates to continue discussions throughout the day, showcasing the council’s regeneration programme and inviting business leaders to explore opportunities for collaboration that will help drive economic growth across the borough.
The afternoon programme featured a special interview with former Everton and England footballer Leon Osman, who shared his thoughts on leadership, teamwork and resilience, while reflecting on how major sporting events such as The Open elevate the profile of places on the international stage.
For more than twenty years, Downtown in Business has worked alongside local authorities, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, investors and private sector leaders to promote economic growth, encourage inward investment and strengthen public-private partnerships. Through conferences, parliamentary receptions, international trade missions, MIPIM, UKREiiF and flagship networking events, DIB continues to bring together the people who shape the future of cities and regions.
Commenting on the event, Frank McKenna said:
“The Open is one of the world’s great sporting occasions, but for Liverpool City Region it is also one of our biggest shop windows. It gives us the chance to showcase not only our outstanding visitor economy, but also our world-class investment opportunities, our ambitious regeneration programmes and the strength of the partnerships that exist between business and the public sector.
“At Downtown in Business, our role is to bring together the people who can make things happen. Whether that is through events like this, our work in Westminster, MIPIM, UKREiiF or the conferences and networking programmes we deliver throughout the year, we are constantly creating opportunities for investors, business leaders and civic decision-makers to build the relationships that drive economic growth.”
The event formed part of a wider programme of engagement designed to strengthen collaboration between business, local government and investment partners, ensuring the Liverpool City Region continues to capitalise on the international spotlight generated by The Open Championship while reinforcing Sefton’s position as an outstanding place to invest, visit, live and do business.
