Business and academic leaders were joined by Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram at a special dinner hosted by Downtown in Business at the Hope Street Hotel on Wednesday evening (11th September).
The discussion focussed on the mayor’s ambition to deliver a 25% uplift in the city regions Foreign Direct Investment.
Mayor Rotheram outlined some of the key investment opportunities across the region and emphasised the strength of the Liverpool brand on the international stage.
The Regional Director of Connected Places Catapult, Alex Cousins presented the significant potential of the city’s Maritime offer, whilst Inward investment consultant Christine Vaudrey reflected on some of Liverpool’s strong connections across the globe that need to be harnessed more effectively.
DIB Group Chair and chief executive Frank McKenna said:
“We were delighted to bring together business leaders from a range of industry sectors, and academic leaders to engage with Steve, and offer ideas and support to his FDI aspirations.
“This was the first of a number of conversations we hope to facilitate between the Combined Authority, the City Council, and the Downtown network, with a view to creating a genuine public-private sector partnership that can begin to deliver on some of the amazing opportunities presented by the mayor this evening.
“Interestingly, whilst everyone acknowledged the positive international reputation of Liverpool’s brand, there was also a recognition that in the UK – perhaps London in particular – there is still work to do on brand Liverpool. That is why events such as the DIB Parliamentary Reception next month are so important.”
The event was sponsored by Sutcliffe and outstanding food, service, and hospitality was provided by Hope Street Hotel.
