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LIVERPOOL CITY REGION CHESHIRE MANCHESTER
APRIL - MAY 2018
FREE
MOVE COMMERCIAL The north-west’s guide to property and business
Issue 61
Supporting future talent How can firms of all sizes help?
Changing the impact Can collapses and closures bring new opportunities? I NTERVIE W
FO C U S
Inspiring leadership
Knowsley:
Global speaker Molly Harvey
A transforming borough
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Issue sixty one Move Commercial
Welcome to Move Commercial Certain sectors have experienced a testing first quarter of 2018 here in the North West, as challenges faced by major firms and big name brands have trickled down into the region. Development projects have been rocked by the collapse of Carillion, whilst well-known retailers are shaking up their store portfolios as they adapt to survive. In this issue of Move Commercial we take a closer look at the true impacts of such changes in our area, and explore the potential for new opportunities as the difficulties take their toll. And we bring you plenty of inspiration to make your
Contents
own positive changes as global motivational speaker Molly Harvey shares secrets to leadership success, our latest Business Lifestyle section provides tips on maintaining a nutritious workplace diet, and there’s expert guidance on changing career. Plus Knowsley Council’s head of major development updates us on the borough’s transformational pipeline of projects.
Natasha Young, editor natasha@movepublishing.co.uk
News 07 Businesses urged to prepare for GDPR 08 Castleforge to refurbish Albert Dock office space 09 Winner of ‘The Apprentice’ heading for St Helens event
Features 12 Appointments
Photo: Derek Harper / CC-BY-SA-3.0
Who’s moving where? 14 Career Swap How easy is it to find a new profession later in life? 16 A Borough of Opportunity Knowsley head of major development brings us up to speed on the area’s transformation
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20 High Street Shake-up The challenges facing big name retailers with a physical presence 22 Interview Global motivational speaker Molly Harvey on the key to successful leadership 24 Assessing the Damage
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The impact of Carillion’s collapse here in the North West 28 Business Lifestyle
Advertising Team Catherine McCarthy, Kimberley Wheeler, Lucinda Murrell. Editor Natasha Young. Tel: 0151 709 3871 Editorial Team Lawrence Saunders, Matthew Smith, Christine Toner, Liam Deveney. Photography Liam Deveney – Molly Harvey interview / International Women’s Day event / Joe & the Juice review. Design Mark Iddon.
Cover Image iStock / baona. Credits Certain graphic elements by Freepik.com Published by Move Publishing Ltd Directors David O’Brien, Kim O’Brien, Fiona Barnet. Printed by Precision Colour Printers Ltd. Distribution Liaison Manager Barbara Troughton. Tel: 0151 733 5492 / Mobile: 077148 14662
Copyright Move Publishing Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced copied or transmitted in any form or by any means or stored in any information storage or retrieval system without the publishers written permission. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published, Move Publishing can accept no responsibility for the veracity of the claims made by advertisers.
Reviews and top tips to help maintain a healthy, nutritious diet in the workplace 30 Key Event International Women’s Day celebrations 31 Ask the Panel How feasible is it for all businesses to give genuine careers support and enhance the North West’s future talent pool?
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Latest News
Region’s businesses urged to get ready for data law changes North West firms are being urged to prepare now for forthcoming changes to data privacy law. MSB Solicitors’ expert, Chris Hayes is reminding companies processing and holding personal data, no matter how small they are, that they must comply with the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Once it comes into effect on 25 May, GDPR will replace all existing data protection regulation. Personal data is defined as any information from which a person can be identified, either directly or indirectly, and includes a name, email address, bank details, photograph, medical information or computer IP address. According to Hayes, an employment law specialist at the Liverpoolbased law firm, preparation is key to ensuring companies maximise their ability to comply with the legislation. He says: “It is a good idea for companies to bear in mind the rights the GDPR affords individuals. Keeping these in mind will help a company avoid falling foul of the requirements. “Our top tip is to remember to record all the steps you take to comply with the GDPR. Accountability is key and you will need to be able to demonstrate your efforts to comply with the GDPR, should the Information Commissioner’s Office come knocking.” Chris Hayes
New Liverpool cruise terminal could take step closer How the new cruise terminal could look
Plans to create a new ‘international standard’ cruise terminal in Liverpool could take a step closer in April. Liverpool City Council’s outline proposals for a £50 million facility on the River Mersey have been recommended for approval at a planning committee meeting. The local authority is seeking permission to demolish the existing derelict landing stage at Princes Jetty, next to Princes Dock, to make way for a new development which would allow Liverpool to welcome much larger ships than is currently possible. The new facility would also feature a stateof-the-art passenger and baggage facility, complete with passport control, lounge, café, toilets, taxi rank and vehicle pick-up point. A report recommending the scheme for approval says: “The new development will expand the capacity to enable the city to accommodate larger ships with up to 3,600 passengers and add ‘turnaround’ capabilities to the existing operation.” At the same 3 April meeting, the conversion of Liverpool’s Echo Building on Old Hall Street into a 200-room hotel is also expected to be given the go-ahead. Spanish hotel firm Meliá has been revealed as the operator of the new hotel which will form part of a mixed-use development and include fitness and meeting space as well as a rooftop restaurant. MOVE COMMERCIAL
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Photo: © McCoy Wynne
News Sales & Lettings
Albert Dock is part of Liverpool’s UNESCO World Heritage Site
Castleforge announces refurbishment of Albert Dock office
Castleforge Partners will refurbish Edward Pavilion at Albert Dock following its purchase of the office building in December 2017. Work is expected to get underway at the Grade I-listed site during May/June to provide circa 70,000 sq ft of Grade A space. Castleforge says the refurbishment will be sympathetic to the building’s heritage to create a “unique working environment” which includes coworking space. Other amenities planned include a café/lounge, meeting rooms and private phone booths. Rachael Pittaway from Castleforge says: “We are delighted to have secured Edward Pavilion and will be delivering a scheme that makes the most of the
building’s beautiful original features and emphasises its industrial origins.” Mark Worthington of retained agent Worthington Owen adds: “Edward Pavilion will offer a very exciting new product for Liverpool within a world class location which we feel will be attractive to a broad range of occupiers seeking forward thinking space. “The delivery of this scheme is also timely given the availability of space in the city centre is at its lowest level for 20 years; there is currently only 600,000 sq ft of vacant space when there was 2.5 million sq ft available just three years ago.” The refurbishment of Edward Pavilion is expected to complete during Q4 2018.
Trio of deals at Downing’s No.1 Old Hall Street Downing has secured three lettings at its No.1 Old Hall Street development in Liverpool’s commercial district. White Collar Legal and clothing retailer Vita Lusso have both taken up Flexi-Office suites on the building’s first floor. Kate Carr, property management surveyor at Downing, says: “We’re delighted to welcome our newest tenants at No. 1 Old Hall Street, White Collar Legal and Vita Lusso. “We wish them the very best and look forward to seeing both businesses thrive within their new premises.” Existing No.1 Old Hall Street tenant, 8
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online hotel and restaurant booking generator Dine Time, has relocated to a larger office within the scheme’s newly refurbished fourth floor. Carr adds: “Our extensive refurbishment of the fourth floor has created a high-quality space that is ideal for companies like Dine Time looking for a flexible office that can grow with their businesses.” The refurbishment project at No.1 Old Hall Street has seen Downing update the ceilings, carpets, signage and lighting in the fourth floor wing, creating a workspace which benefits from natural light throughout.
No.1 Old Hall Street is located in the heart of Liverpool’s commercial district
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Commercial News
Liverpool stonemasons experiences surge in commercial work A Liverpool stonemasons has experienced a surge in commercial work as it targets more hotel and leisure projects. Mike Ferry from family-run company Ferry & Sons says the commercial side of the business is now almost on a par with residential work. For the last six months the firm has been on site at Liverpool ONE, carrying out a variety of jobs including maintenance to the existing granite paving and sandstone walling. The company has also mechanically fixed cladding and installed new areas of stone at the city centre shopping and leisure complex. © McCoy Wynne
Alanna Spencer will talk about her time on the hit BBC show
‘The Apprentice’ winner heads for St Helens event A winner of BBC’s ‘The Apprentice’ will share her experiences with members of the Liverpool City Region business community. Alana Spencer, who achieved the victory in the 2016 series of Sir Alan Sugar’s search for top entrepreneurs, is among the line-up of guest speakers for St Helens Business Fair. Spencer, who set up her cake firm Ridiculously Rich in a small Aberystwyth kitchen when she was just 15, will talk about the journey the company has taken. She’ll also tell attendees about her time on ‘The Apprentice’ and becoming Alan Sugar’s business partner, before
opening up the floor for a question and answer session. Signature Living’s Lawrence Kenwright, who purchased St Helens’ Grade II-listed Loyola Hall in December 2017 for a new hotel and wedding venue, will join Spencer on the line-up as he discusses how he built up his brand. The free to attend event on 26 April will also feature more than 100 exhibition stands when it takes place at Haydock Park Racecourse from 10.30am until 3pm. For more information visit www.sthelenschamber.com/ businessfair.
Ferry says: “The Liverpool ONE site is ever changing due to new and existing customers constantly updating their sites in order to keep up to date. “We work alongside these changes to make sure the high quality and craftsmanship they require is met by ourselves.” He adds that the firm is now actively seeking more work in the hotel and student accommodation sectors after spotting a trend for built-in bathroom vanity tops. Ferry & Sons, founded by Tony Ferry in 1969, has completed work for a number of well-known Liverpool establishments including The Shankly Hotel and The Art School restaurant.
Three generations of the Ferry family work at its Long Lane workshop
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Return to MSB for experienced property duo Melissa and Darren
Liverpool law firm MSB Solicitors’ commercial property department is helping to drive forward Liverpool’s fast-paced regeneration and the team has now been strengthened further with two new hirings. Melissa Bosoboe and Darren Barwick join a team that is playing a pivotal role in projects such as Signature Living’s Dixie Dean Hotel and multimillion pound residential schemes in Liverpool’s historic Water Street. It is a return to MSB for Melissa, who was an
assistant solicitor at the firm from 2010 to 2014. She re-joins from Quality Solicitors David Roberts & Co in New Brighton. She comes with a strong track record in the property sector and has acted on acquisitions and disposals for a varied range of clients and on projects including residential, light industrial, offices, retail, pubs and car parks and worked on the One Park West development in Liverpool for Grosvenor. Melissa is a member of the Batala Mersey Brazilian-style percussion band and her other interests include competitive volleyball, ballroom dancing and yoga. She said: “I have extensive experience in the commercial property market and I am passionate about service delivery.” Another experienced property law professional, Darren, also previously worked as a property associate solicitor as MSB from 2010 to 2014 and joins from Wirral-based David Roberts & Co. He has acted on all aspects of property law including acquisitions and disposals, commercial
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leases and property development as well as acting for institutional lenders and borrowers. Again, similar to Melissa, he also worked on Grosvenor’s One Park West residential scheme. Darren, who enjoys running cycling, snowboarding and scuba diving, said: “I have strong commercial awareness and I am able to offer pragmatic and effective solutions to problems.” Managing partner at MSB, Emma Carey, says the dual appointment was a strategic decision for the firm. She adds: “MSB’s commercial property offer is incredibly strong and we have a reputation as being one of the best firms in the region with regard to commercial property law. “Head of commercial property and partner, Neil Kelly, along with partner Brad Armstrong have made remarkable strides in cementing that position and securing involvement with key city projects and developments and we’re confident that with Melissa and Darren on board we will continue to go from strength to strength.”
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Appointments
Tim Wood to join TfN permanently Transport for the North (TfN) has appointed Tim Wood as its Northern Tim Wood Powerhouse rail director. Wood, who was previously in the post on an interim basis, will oversee the work of the Northern Powerhouse Rail programme including improving journey times and increasing capacity and frequency of rail connections in the region. Barry White, chief executive of TfN, says: “I’m delighted to announce that Tim will be joining us on a permanent basis. Over the last few months he has proven his capability and suitability to lead the Northern Powerhouse Rail team. “Tim has demonstrated his passion for the role and for our wider vision of a thriving North of England where modern transport connections drive economic growth and support an excellent quality of life.”
Ruth Wood joins executive team at Mersey Maritime
DSG appoints audit director Liverpool’s DSG Chartered Accountants has appointed Laura Leslie as audit director. Laura Leslie Leslie joins DSG from Deloitte LLP, where she worked as senior audit manager having previously trained with DSG. Senior partner Tony Bayliss says: “Laura’s arrival is significant as the experience she brings means that we can extend our level of support to a growing number of ownermanaged businesses to include strategy planning and access to finance, in addition to the traditional compliance work.” Andrew Moss, corporate partner at DSG, adds: “We have been developing the audit and accounts team for some time and Laura’s appointment is a real statement of intent for how we hope to continue to grow. “We are delighted to welcome Laura back and are excited to see what she will achieve.”
Pinsent Masons appoints head of Manchester property team
Ruth Wood
Ruth Wood has joined Mersey Maritime as commercial manager. Wood joins from Peel Ports where she spent eight years in the Port of Liverpool owner’s marketing function, with the last two years in a senior marketing role. Her Mersey Maritime position will encompass marketing and commercial activity, membership growth and engagement and deputising for chief executive, Chris Shirling-Rooke, in his absence. She says: “Our members are the most important part of what we do and my role will be to both bring in new members and communicate to our existing members how much we can benefit their organisations.”
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Jonathan Brocklehurst
Law firm Pinsent Masons has appointed Jonathan Brocklehurst as head of its Manchester office’s property team. Brocklehurst joined the firm in 1991 and was previously head of the Leeds property team. He says: "I am delighted to have taken up the opportunity to lead such a talented team. “Pinsent Masons is committed to and focused on the North West region and we are excited about the prospect of supporting the continued growth of the region through our regional, national and international clients and contacts."
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Christine Toner
Looking for something new? A change of career could be just what you’re after - but be prepared to put the work in.
Job Swap In these uncertain times there’s a lot to be said for security and stability. Yet while there are many people who’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a stable career, there are others who decide, despite achieving success in their current role, they’re after a change - a pretty seismic one. These daring individuals choose to exchange the safety of their comfortable career for a brand new one. And according to research it’s largely a successful move. The 2015 New Careers for Older Workers study, conducted by the American Institute for Economic Research (AIER), found that 82% of the survey participants who made a career change after the age of 45 were successful in their transition. But what inspires someone to jump ship and start over? Jaqui Temperley is a director at executive coaching firm Veritas and Associates. She suggests the decision is often inspired by life events. “In my experience, career changes later in life tend to be a result of a significant event happening in their life, for example, redundancy, a health reason or a company relocation,” she says. “This is called ‘the catalyst to change’ and forces a re-evaluation of their career choices and, quite often, presents different opportunities to pursue. For example, one of my clients was made 14 MOVE COMMERCIAL
redundant from a senior position in a corporate company after nearly 20 years’ employment with the same company and she received a generous redundancy pay-out. “This was the catalyst to pursue her dream to set up a dog grooming business. She is now super happy and wishes she had made the changes years ago.” That said, of course, the move does not come without doubt. “People can be fearful of change - any change as it’s the unknown - and this fear can hold people back from making career changes especially in later life,” she says. “Doubts such as ‘am I too old?’ or ‘what if I fail?’ will cause people to stay in their current career even if they are unhappy.” Indeed, a recent study by the human resources specialist Investors in People found one in four people are unhappy in their current role. While this figure is an improvement on the one in three reported when the same study was conducted last year, it still paints a somewhat bleak picture. Natalie Pearson, marketing co-ordinator at recruitment firm Kingsley says there are a number of challenges involved in switching career, with gaps in training and experience being one.
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A career change won’t always be a linear path so staying positive, being patient and persistent is extremely important.
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Changing career Focus
“Some of your skills will be transferable but if you’re moving from sales to building surveying you’ll need to complete an accredited degree course,” she says. “Any new employee is a risk to an employer candidates might impress at interview but don’t deliver on the job. You’ll have to demonstrate that you’re an asset and not a risk. “Demonstrate to an employer how passionate you are, your willingness to learn and the things you’ve achieved throughout your career so far and how these skills will benefit your employer. “Are you a great public speaker? Have you successfully managed a team or project? Think about your own hobbies and interests, if you regularly volunteer then a company which shares the same values as you could help you land a new role.” And whilst meeting these challenges, staying in the right mindset is a task in itself. “There will be rejection, self-doubt and fear,” says Pearson. “You will have to prepare yourself for these obstacles whilst staying focused on your long-term goals. “A career change won’t always be a linear path so staying positive, being patient and persistent is extremely important.” Of course there are also practical concerns to
consider. Starting over could have a big impact on your financial situation and those considering the move need to make sure they do their sums. “Realistically a career change can be expensive, and this is something you need to prepare for,” says Pearson. “You might need to obtain new qualifications and trade memberships. “Some employers might be able to help you with the financial costs but this is where you’d need to do your research beforehand. It’s never a bad idea to start saving as soon as possible to have that extra safety net.” A good starting point, says Pearson, is to do your research. “Identify what interests you, your current skill set, your long-term goals and your values,” she says. “This is important as you want your next move to be fulfilling. Research different career options and talk to recruiters in the sector you’re looking to break into - they’re well versed in knowing exactly what employers are looking for and what holds candidates back.” So, given the doubts, the challenges and the work involved - is taking the plunge and swapping careers worth the effort? “To answer this, ask yourself ‘how do I want to feel this time next year?’,” says Temperley. “Then you’ll find your answer.”
Top tips for changing career Build new relationships “LinkedIn is a great tool to utilise when changing career,” says Pearson. “Reach out to your own alumni in similar fields, connect with people who have the job you want and ask them a few questions. You might even find a mentor to help you. “Join professional networks and get involved in events.”
Research Research the sector, find out what skills and qualifications you need to have in order to successfully change career.
Be persistent “If you’re passionate about changing career, it won’t happen overnight so stay focused and prepare yourself for inevitable knock backs,” adds Pearson.
Check your finances You might need to take a pay cut to land an entry level role and you might need to invest in retraining.
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Lawrence Saunders lawrence@movepublishing.co.uk
With a multi-million pound Shakespearean theatre in Prescot to Liverpool Football Club’s new £50 million Kirkby training base, Knowsley is one area of the Liverpool City Region very much on the up. Move Commercial sat down with head of major development at Knowsley Council, Tony Clark to get the latest on the major projects which could have a transformational effect on the borough.
A borough of opportunity “Quite exceptional”. The words used by the head of Knowsley Council’s major development team to describe the scale of opportunity in the Merseyside borough. The significant steps forward projects such as the hugely ambitious Shakespeare North theatre have taken in the months following Clark’s appointment in September 2017 have only served to bolster his confidence further. In January this year, Knowsley Council cabinet members agreed to appoint Kier Construction to the £26 million Prescot town centre scheme, with pre-construction work scheduled to start in April. Clark assures Move Commercial everything is still on track for Kier to meet a construction timetable which will see the arts, education and exhibition development delivered by April 2020 – coinciding with William Shakespeare’s birthday. “My view as someone who has come back to the borough relatively recently is that Shakespeare North is a real generational game changer – no doubt about it,” says Clark, who joined Knowsley Council after eight and half years at Cheshire West and Chester Council. “I think it puts a huge marker on the map regionally, nationally and internationally. “The ability for visitors to come into Knowsley and into Prescot will be phenomenal when Shakespeare North opens.” 16 MOVE COMMERCIAL
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Wherever possible we want to make sure that local businesses and local residents are well placed to take advantage of the opportunities.
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As part of its contract with the local authority, Kier has pledged to work with Knowsley-based supply chain companies to maximise the benefits of the theatre’s construction to the local economy. This additional benefit to communities is something Clark is encouraging across the borough’s key projects. “Wherever possible we want to make sure that local businesses and local residents are well placed to take advantage of the opportunities within the borough,” adds Clark. “You hear this phrase about the ‘Sticky Pound’ and it goes all the way through from creating training and apprenticeship opportunities to looking at supply chains.” Clark recently spoke at the launch of a new construction forum set up by Knowsley Chamber to turn local businesses onto these supply chain opportunities as part of the area’s revitalisation. Meanwhile, the progress being made on Shakespeare North has inspired a renewed sense of vibrancy in the town – a feeling that has been picked up on by potential occupiers of nearby units. “We are already seeing quite a bit of interest in those properties from restaurant and bar operators which we are very pleased to see,” says Clark. Distinguished restaurateur Gary Usher has recently revealed plans to open his fifth North
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Knowsley development pipeline Focus
Shakespeare North Kirkby town centre’s Morrisons
Liverpool FC is relocating its training base to Knowsley
West eatery, ‘Pinion’, on Eccleston Street in the town centre, whilst proposals for a luxury boutique hotel on the site of the former Imperial Hotel are also in the works. The hotel will reportedly have a Shakespearean theme - an attempt to tap into Prescot’s projected position as the point of England’s ‘Shakespeare Triangle’ alongside Stratford and London – much like ‘The Bard’ micropub which recently opened on High Street. Elsewhere in the town, a contractor for a new development at Prescot Market Place was recently revealed, with a start on site planned for April. For almost 700 years, Prescot’s historic Market Place was the centre of economic and social life in the town. Last May, RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects), with backing from the Prescot Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI), launched a competition seeking proposals for a scheme which could once again make use of this prominent space in the town centre. The winning Mark Wray Architects-designed project will improve connections between Market Place, Shakespeare North and St Mary’s Church. It includes proposals to light the area in the evening whilst providing places for people to sit and relax. Husband and wife team Francesco and Gaynor
La Rocca have been named as the tenant for the café/multi-use building at the heart of the scheme which will be transformed by Armitage Construction. Again in Prescot, Clark also reveals that the local authority is currently in advanced discussions with regards to a leisure and retail scheme on a site at Cables Way. “We are certainly seeing a lot of activity in Prescot and a lot of that is in part related to the fact that Shakespeare North is coming,” says Clark. “The council and the scheme’s promoters have put a lot of effort into raising awareness of the development locally, even as far as the hoardings which explain the story of Shakespeare and his connection to Prescot. “I think there is an understanding in Knowsley that Shakespeare North is on the way but certainly over the next 12 to 18 months we will be doing a lot more work to promote awareness of the scheme.” Travel 10 minutes up the M57 to Kirkby and you’ll find another part of Knowsley enjoying some welcome investment. In November 2017 St. Modwen was awarded planning permission for its 120,000 sq ft retail-led town centre regeneration, which includes a 40,000 sq ft Morrisons supermarket.
“St. Modwen is making excellent progress in securing tenants for the remaining 80,000 sq ft and is nearing the completion of the demolition to make way for construction on that site,” says Clark. “As part of the council’s involvement with the scheme, we’re also about to commence demolition of the former library which will make way for a cinema.” The cinema has been pre-let to Reel Cinemas with the opportunity for operators for three support restaurants which are being developed around the multiplex. Moving out of the town centre to Liverpool FC’s new £50m state-of-the-art training base and, in February, Knowsley Council agreed the sale of land at Simonswood Lane to the Premier League giants. The land will allow the club to fulfil manager Jurgen Klopp’s long held ambition to extend its existing academy training facility and bring together the first team and youth sides at one complex. Liverpool FC’s upcoming relocation to Knowsley from its current West Derby base will mean both of Merseyside’s top flight clubs will be situated in the borough after Everton Football Club’s move to USM Finch Farm in Halewood over a decade ago. “Liverpool moving its first team training operation here is another great asset for the borough and another mark on the map for Knowsley,” says Clark. “Having both Liverpool and Everton effectively headquartered here is something that we should certainly be shouting about. “It shows the collaboration that the council can have with its private partners, whether they be occupiers, leisure developers or house builders.” Clark is also willing to offer an update on another of the borough’s high-profile projects. Halsnead Garden Village near Whiston has the potential to become the largest combined housing and employment site in the Liverpool City Region and is one of just 14 sites in England awarded Garden Village Status by the government in 2017. According to Clark; Halsnead, which has the ability to accommodate over 1,500 homes and 22.5 hectares of commercial space, is moving forward quicker than any of the other 13 garden villages, with residential applications for the site expected within weeks. With the scale of development in the borough reaching hitherto unseen levels, Clark is confident we will see Knowsley go from strength to strength. “Without doubt it’s an exceptional time for Knowsley with a great range of residential, commercial and leisure developments in the pipeline,” he says. “When you talk about brand names like Jaguar Land Rover, Matalan and Liverpool FC it’s a case of success breeds success. “At MIPIM UK 2018, news and investment stories such as the these are something we really need to promote.” MOVE COMMERCIAL 17
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Natasha Young natasha@movepublishing.co.uk
As big name retailers’ physical stores continue to face challenges, Move Commercial explores the difficulties brands are working to overcome, the impact they’re having on the North West and what lies ahead.
High street shake-up It’s been a turbulent start to 2018 for the UK’s high streets, with big name brands marred by financial difficulties, cutbacks and administrators being called in. For some, the weeks and months building up to Christmas 2017 set the tone for a testing start to the year as declining sales over the peak shopping period were reported. But it wasn’t simply a case of shoppers tightening the purse strings altogether, as online stores including ASOS and boohoo.com were celebrating successful trading and record revenues. So where have the problems been lying for physical high street shops? The difficulties faced by several fashion giants and department stores have been hitting headlines during the opening months of this year. House of Fraser was said to be embarking on a “year of transformation” in 2018 amid reports of a decline in sales in store and online during the run-up to the festive season, while Debenhams was reportedly cutting 320 management jobs by March. The clothing chain New Look also recently announced proposals to slash rental costs and its UK store estate during what it described as “challenged trading performance and a difficult retail environment,” and earmarked 60 of its 593 stores for potential 20 MOVE COMMERCIAL
closure, in turn affecting a maximum of 980 staff. Here in the North West, New Look’s men’s branch in Wigan and a store in Stockport’s Merseyway shopping centre were among those put forward as part of a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) - a formal agreement with a company’s creditors which allows a proportion of debts to be paid back over time. Daniel Butters and Neville Kahn of business advisory firm Deloitte LLP were appointed as nominees to the CVA, with New Look seeking creditor approval to progress it by a deadline of 21 March. On announcing the proposed strategy to cut costs, New Look’s executive chairman Alistair McGeorge highlighted the chain’s “over-rented UK store estate,” with Butters adding: “The retail trading environment in the UK remains extremely challenging, driven by weaker consumer confidence, the implications of Brexit and competition from online channels.” According to John Barker, partner at North West commercial agent Hitchcock Wright & Partners, oversized costs brought about by property portfolios are not uncommon amongst prominent retailers at the moment, and the impacts that rectifying the situation through closures can have on the high street can be more optimistic for some locations than others.
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While closures are not desired, it can open up opportunities for new players to enter big cities and towns.
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Retail challenges Focus
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Retailing is about digital and face-toface interactions with customers and how the different channels complement each other.
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Photo: Derek Harper / CC-BY-SA-3.0
“Many of the high street brands who are experiencing troubles over-expanded during the stronger economy, leaving them now burdened with debt and underperforming outlets,” explains Barker. “While closures are not desired, it can open up opportunities for new players to enter big cities and towns. The former BHS unit in Liverpool, for example, is reportedly being recycled in to a new retail offer. “Smaller high streets in the North West will be affected most by such closures, as the loss of a big retailer could lead to a domino effect of smaller retail stores following suit.” Stockport and its Merseyway complex have also been hit by the confirmation that M&S will push ahead with the closure of its store in the town. The branch and an outlet shop in Greater Manchester’s Denton were subject to consultation over their possible closure along with six others around the country, whilst it was also confirmed that a further six shops including a Birkenhead branch would shut by the end of April. Despite efforts by Stockport Council to persuade M&S to stay open, the local authority announced at the end of February that it was “disappointed” the closure will be going ahead.
However with an ongoing £1 billion transformation of the town, which has included the recent opening of Redrock Stockport as well as plans to rejuvenate Merseyway into a “popular, modern and inviting shopping centre,” the council has pledged to ensure the town centre “meets the future changing trends and patterns of not only retailing but other uses too”. According to M&S, the moves are part of its wider transformation plan to better meet the changing needs of customers with closures, downsizes, relocations and conversion to food-only stores. Sacha Berendji, director of retail at M&S, described the decisions being made as “tough but necessary” and “vital for the future of M&S”. Consumers’ changing approach to shopping has and continues to be an issue for many big retail names, and it goes beyond fashion brands and department stores with the likes of Toys R Us and technology chain Maplin collapsing into administration in recent months. Some retailers are managing to keep up with the transition of shoppers turning their attentions to the internet or looking for other attractions on the high street, however others are still facing problems. “Shopping habits have changed profoundly during [the past decade],” says Barker. “While consumers may
be spending less money in shops, internet sales have been steadily growing – something which the likes of Next and John Lewis have been able to capitalise on. “But attitudes are also changing and consumers are demanding more experience-led leisure activities which has paved the way for food and drink experiences and restaurants popping up on our city centre high streets. “For our high streets to flourish, innovation and collaboration needs to be the focus. “Physical stores have an opportunity to become attractions as the trend grows to not only shop, but eat and drink too. Popular bakery and café Patisserie Valerie has recently opened at Debenhams’ store front in Liverpool ONE, for example. This may prove the best chance of success to lure customers in with the promise of a spectacle or entertainment.” Looking ahead, the British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) chief executive, Helen Dickinson predicts the sector will continue to face pressures to “consolidate store portfolios and retail workforces through 2018 as structural and technological change gains momentum”. She tells Move Commercial there are a number of steps which are necessary to help protect and support the industry and the communities it serves. “The BRC and our members remain committed to work in partnership with government to, firstly, up-skill the retail workforce with the digital skills and confidence to work effectively with new technologies entering the workplace,” says Dickinson. “Enhancing the momentum towards a vision of better jobs in retail is not a ‘nice to have’, it’s a necessity. “Secondly, retailing is about digital and face-to-face interactions with customers and how the different channels complement each other. Having a business tax system that works to support that, not undermine it, is what the country needs and what we remain committed to work in partnership with government to deliver.” MOVE COMMERCIAL 21
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Natasha Young natasha@movepublishing.co.uk
Motivational speaker Molly Harvey has built up a globally successful company from Warrington, inspiring leaders across the world to adapt and develop. She shares some of the secrets to her success with Move Commercial.
Leading change North West-based motivational speaker Molly Harvey, in her own words, doesn’t work. The Irish-born mindset coach may be at the helm of Harvey Global – a company helping to boost businesses by inspiring change amongst their leaders and workforces – and has built up an impressive portfolio of clients around the world, but ‘work’ is simply not how she views it. “I always said I would leave what I do when it becomes work,” Harvey tells Move Commercial. “I’ve found what I’m here to do in life.” Before carving out a successful career as a speaker, which has seen her provide services for major firms including Santander, Bank of America and 3M to name a few, Harvey was leading a training and development company. Having always had a “passion for human potential”, she set up the firm in 1993 which, by 2000, had grown to see her work alongside several fellow consultants to deliver bigger projects for clients. “I’d do the pieces I was really good at and then I’ve always believed in surrounding yourself with great people,” says Harvey. “I would never bring to my client anything other than the bits I was good at and then I’d bring in the expertise.” Harvey had been writing an emotional intelligence programme for 50 Barclaycard managers in 2001 when she says her life changed. She was approached with the suggestion that she should consider becoming a speaker. “I found myself in Dallas and I remember walking into the National Speakers Association,” explains Harvey, as she recalls acting on the advice. “There were about 3,500 speakers there and I thought ‘oh, I’ve come home’.” Now 17 years into her speaking career, Harvey has built up a lengthy list of achievements including a talk at the United Nations in New York, a speech for the British Council across five regions of Uzbekistan which she says reached an audience of around 26,000 people, and she was also named the first female president of the Professional Speaking Association in 22 MOVE COMMERCIAL
2005/06. Whilst other women have followed in the role, Harvey admits that there’s still “not enough women” taking centre stage in her industry. “I actually see the pulse changing out there and there are lots of women stepping up,” she says, with optimism for the future. “I say to women ‘come on, we have to own our presence, we have to own our medicine and we have to own our power’. “Your medicine is the gift that you bring to the world, whatever your expertise is in business.” And whilst Harvey seems to certainly have made the most of global platforms and large-scale opportunities, she’s making an impact much closer to home too. “I was in Leigh recently and this woman came up and said ‘10 years ago I heard you speak, I left my job and now I’m working in social care’,” recalls Harvey. “I
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If you can change your morning routine you can change anything in your life.
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could have died that day – I felt I’d lived because that woman had made a change in her life.” Such is the impression that Harvey leaves on those she addresses, that she says around 90% of her business now comes from referrals and positive word of mouth. So what’s the secret to Harvey’s success, and how does she hold the key to the right leadership and workplace culture for other businesses? As well as having authenticity, insisting that she lives her own life by everything she talks about, Harvey is also well aware of the need for businesses to stay up to date with fast-paced changes and to continue learning and adapting. “The companies which are really moving and shaking it with Brexit and everything else are the companies realising that if they don’t change, they’re gone,” says Harvey. “What worked yesterday won’t work today. I’ve been in the human potential movement now for 30 years and, before, leadership was very much about the outside in, but now it’s all very much built around the inside out. “People see now, within a few seconds, if you’re not authentic. Today with social media there’s just nowhere to hide.” When it comes to technology and our ever-growing ability to communicate with the world at the touch of a button, Harvey has certainly been reaping the benefits for her own company Harvey Global. The firm may be headquartered in Warrington, but Harvey now describes it as “virtual” with no real need for offices. “I made a decision to go virtual because things are changing, really changing,” says Harvey - a believer that leadership is about “connection, community and collaboration”. “The fact is some people are choosing to work from home today, there are different ways of working, and a lot of the time I go out to the client anyway.” Harvey remembers a particular career moment which truly opened her eyes to the opportunities
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Molly Harvey, founder, Harvey Global Interview
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I say to women ‘come on, we have to own our medicine’. Your medicine is the gift that you bring to the world, whatever your expertise in business.
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posed by digital connectivity. “Eighteen months ago there was a game changer for me,” she says. “I got a call from a very large British organisation which works across the world and they said ‘we want you to work across 18 to 25 countries between May and the end of June,’ so it was a really short timescale. “They said ‘you don’t need to get on planes but we have an amazing team of digital people in the Balkans. We want you to work across the countries but those guys will set you up’. “It worked beautifully but I had to learn and adapt and change like never before. “Did it stretch me? Unbelievably, but I passionately believe we have to get out there and should not be afraid to fail. “Never be afraid of failing because failure comes into our lives to put us on the right direction, and I find successful leaders view failure differently to unsuccessful leaders.” Accepting and adapting to change, highlights Harvey, is also a key step for businesses if they’re to stay in tune with future talent. “Leadership has changed so much because it’s not about ego anymore; it’s about the heart of leadership and humbleness. “I think of my daughter at 22 and she doesn’t care if you’ve been a leader for 30 or 40 years – they don’t care today, they have a whole different view. “Then there’s my son and he makes a simple living in Ecuador with just his laptop. “It’s a very different world and we’ve got to be able to build a bridge with the younger leaders who are coming.” For Harvey, her role as a global motivational speaker addressing companies and organisations around the world also feeds her insight into how businesses can stay ahead. “A CEO told me something that inspired me so much,” she says, looking back to an international conference she spoke at in Prague last November. “She said that in Sweden now the CEOs who are really with it will always have a young mentor aged between 18 and 25. “Why? Because they want to make sure they know what those young leaders want across the organisation. That’s brilliant, it’s building the bridge.” So how easy is it for business leaders to make meaningful, positive changes? “I’ll say to people that if you can change your morning routine you can change anything in your life,” says Harvey, whilst pointing out that she has benefitted from maintaining the mindset of a learner throughout her career. “I wake up wherever I am in the world at 5am, and that was one of the things I found with outstanding leaders. “I teach CEOs or people around the world what I call the ’30, 30, 30 rule’ – 30 minutes of quiet time, 30 minutes of reading a book or planning your day, and 30 minutes of exercise. That sets me up for the day and I learn while most people are sleeping. “If you look at what I call outstanding leaders, what makes them outstanding is their habits and I always say to people that to have the results that very few have, you must begin to live like the better few.” MOVE COMMERCIAL 23
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Lawrence Saunders lawrence@movepublishing.co.uk
The collapse of Carillion in January was felt across the length and breadth of the UK with the future of major construction and infrastructure projects in Scotland, the North West, the Midlands and the South East thrown into disarray overnight. As the fallout from the demise of the country’s second biggest contractor continues, Move Commercial takes a closer look at the impact here in the region and examines the outlook for some of our biggest developments.
Assessing The Damage “A sad indictment for construction and outsourced services” is how a spokesperson for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) described the demise of Carillion. One of the projects held up by many commentators as a considerable factor in Carillion’s failure was right here in the North West - the new £335 million Royal Liverpool Hospital. Originally due for completion in March 2017, Carillion pushed its handover of the scheme back to February 2018 before, in December 2017 informing the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust that it could no longer meet that date either. Carillion blamed the delays on bad weather, asbestos and issues with cracks in beams that required substantial remedial works. In January, the trust confirmed that no new date for the handover had been provided, before chief executive Aidan Kehoe offered a further update on the saga a month later. "At this stage the preferred option for the Hospital Company is to work with the existing sub-contractors and Carillion staff who have been working on the scheme to ensure continuity in the completion of the hospital,” he said. 24 MOVE COMMERCIAL
“That involves complex discussions with the sub-contractors to ensure we can get them onsite as early as possible. "We remain 100% assured that the hospital will be completed and we will give the people of Liverpool a fantastic facility that they will all be proud of in the years to come." Elsewhere in the region, other major projects with Carillion involvement have so far managed to avoid such palpable disruption. For instance, work has continued undisturbed at the vast £800m Airport City Manchester development. A joint venture between Carillion, Beijing Construction Engineering Group (BCEGI) and the Greater Manchester Pension Fund, the scheme’s construction work was being undertaken by BCEGI and therefore was left unaffected by the problems at Carillion. Meanwhile at No8 First Street, the Greater Manchester Property Venture Fund’s 170,000 sq ft Grade A office project, Rayner Rowen has been drafted in to complete construction – replacing main contractor Carillion. “We had robust contingency plans in place and were able to bring in Rayner Rowen quickly to finish the building,” says John Hughes, managing director of
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In the longterm we need to review the criteria by which the public sector procures its lead contractors.
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Ask Real Estate, which is managing the development on behalf of the fund and Patrizia. “We were also able to retain some of the key contractors on the job which maintained continuity and it was business as usual within a fortnight.” Hughes admits it has been hard to watch the events at Carillion unfold as they have done and expects the demise of a “tier one contractor” will have wider repercussions. Despite this, Hughes is also somewhat optimistic that the loss of a major player in the industry can be of benefit to smaller companies in the North West moving forward. “Change always opens up opportunities and when the market experiences such a significant event like this there is a real opportunity for other firms to try and fill the gap.” Carillion had also been lined up to deliver the second Embankment building in Salford’s Greengate neighbourhood. BAM Construction has since been recruited to deliver 100 Embankment – a nine-storey 166,000 sq ft Grade A office scheme. Substantial projects aside, the demise of Carillion has also, of course, had a sizeable impact on the fortunes of
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Collapse of Carillion: Impact in the North West Focus
Left: Plans for the £800m Airport City Manchester development Above: No8 First Street, Grade A office project in Greater Manchester Below: The new £335m Royal Liverpool Hospital
supply chain companies in the North West. Estimates put the amount owed by Carillion to sub-contractors nationally at £2 billion. One North West-headquartered company firmly rooted in the company’s supply chain was Speedy Hire. Carillion had been one of Speedy’s biggest customers and reportedly owed the tool hire group an estimated £2m at the time of its collapse. Despite the substantial debt, Speedy has said it does not expect the collapse of Carillion to affect its financial situation. It remains to be seen whether the estimated 110 smaller firms in the Greater Manchester area working with Carillion will be as resilient. “Carilion’s liquidation has had serious knock-on effects for the many smaller firms in its supply chain in the North West,” says Caroline Meehan, director of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) North. “Within the UK-wide membership of the FMB, there are firms that have lost hundreds of thousands of pounds and worse still, companies that have gone out of business completely because of Carillion’s liquidation.
“What we need to avoid is the collapse of Carillion now cascading down the supply chain and taking out even more innocent smaller firms in its wake.” Alongside the inevitable cuts to Carillion’s 20,000-strong UK workforce, the impact on the training sector has also been profound with around 1,400 Carillion apprentices left in limbo. Students at a training centre in the Liverpool City Region were told midlesson that they had to leave as the electricity was about to be switched off. Some members of the class later discovered they were unable to access their work online. The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has given its backing to apprentices affected by Carillion’s failure and is working with the government on their redeployment. CITB is also supporting ex-Carillion staff in the region in finding new employment by setting up a careers page which is accessible on its website. “While a large number of Carillion jobs have been transferred to other organisations, we are aware that there are workers in the North West who may still be without a new role and that as a result, the supply chain may be
impacted,” says Gillian Brewin, CITB partnerships manager for the North West. “Currently, there are 21 employers in the North West offering at least 60 different job opportunities in a wide range of roles. “While the level of support has been outstanding to date, I encourage more employers to step up and hire these talented workers.” Following the initial wave of redundancies and finger pointing, thoughts in the industry have turned to what lessons can be learnt from Carillion’s downfall. “Naturally Carillion’s collapse has had an effect on the delivery of a number of
major projects around the North West,” says Jim Nicholson, CEO of North West property and construction specialist Pochin’s. “But while the delivery of those schemes will ultimately be fulfilled, in the long-term we need to review the criteria by which the public sector procures its lead contractors. “There is also a propensity for this type of contract to go for the lowest price on the false assumption that slim margins, negated by large turnover, will still ultimately deliver quality to budget. “Until we address these habits then the industry is going to continue operating with the inherent risks that saddled Carillion.” MOVE COMMERCIAL 25
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Advertorial
Regus launch Key event Merchants Court offices launched with celebrations There was fun, food and drink at Liverpool’s Merchants Court as Regus launched its latest workspace in the city. Guests explored the co-working spaces, offices and meeting rooms at the previously long-vacant city centre site, where the workspace provider has brought three floors of unused space back into use. Attendees could indulge in a chocolate fountain and a variety of sweets whilst they networked during the launch. There was also entertainment in the form of live music and a giant tower game for guests to compete in. Regus called on local suppliers including Xclusive Hospitality and Funky Sunflower Events to help make the celebration a success. 1
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Photography by Joanna Rose | 1. Rhiann Povall, Craig Brown, Traycie Kennedy, Stephen Guest, Esme McAlley Burnside and Marta Gonzalez (all Regus) 2. Attendees made the most of photo opportunities 3. A chocolate fountain was among the delicious treats at the event 4. Live music entertained guests 5. The well-attended event took place in the new office space 6. Drinks were flowing to celebrate the launch 7. Guests competed in a game to stop the tower from tumbling 8. A table of pick ‘n’ mix treats was enjoyed 9. The launch provided a chance to network
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Diary Dates Best for business planning
Best for sustainability & ethics
Best for online sellers
10 April
30 April
4 May
Start-up Business Planning Workshop
Business as a force for good
Multichannel Conference
Pacific Road Business Centre, Birkenhead
Chamber Space, 151 Deansgate, Manchester
UKFast Campus, Birley Fields, Manchester
An informal half-day workshop aimed at those who have not yet started their business. Organised by Wirral Enterprise Hub, the event will see Wirral Chamber of Commerce offer a range of support to help start-ups and entrepreneurs gain the knowledge and confidence to launch a business. The interactive session will cover topics as broad as market research and goal and vision setting, to more specific information on how to start selling and working towards a masterplan. Register your interest for free.
Christian Aid, in conjunction with the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, has organised this breakfast event giving guests the opportunity to explore how business operations can be supported to develop a more values-based business model. The event will mark the launch of Salt, a new Christian business network in the North West, offering leaders the opportunity to place more emphasis on responsible business practices and sustainable and ethical development. Register your interest for free online.
While businesses increasingly clamour to expand their online presence, it’s essential for owners to have a concrete understanding of the importance of the different platforms that are available and how to take advantage of each online opportunity. Twelve expert speakers will explore a series of topics across several talks, including ‘SEO for a mobilefirst world’, ‘Panel Discussion: What’s new in Ecommerce in 2018?’, ‘Content marketing strategies for Ecommerce’, and much more. This ticketed event is suitable for businesses which are already trading online, or those taking their first steps on an online platform.
Professional Pointers
In the know
Food for fuel in the workplace
Polar Loop £94.50
with Professor Graeme L. Close “It’s becoming increasingly difficult to consume a healthy diet, partly because high energy foods are readily available which are not conducive with a lower activity lifestyle, but mainly because of the conflicting advice often reported in the media,” says Professor Graeme L. Close, professor of human physiology at Liverpool John Moores University and nutritionist to the England rugby team. “Over the past decade, I have become increasingly aware that the dietary advice we give to elite athletes has immediate translational potential to the workplace.
3. Stay hydrated. Have a water bottle to hand and sip on this regularly throughout the day. It’s easy to forget to drink when you have a busy schedule, which can decrease your energy and concentration levels.
“Although it is hard to prescribe a one size fits all approach, here are six basic rules you can follow to keep you healthy and energised during your working day:
5. Don’t be scared of carbohydrates but choose them wisely. Try to minimise the high sugar convenience snacks which can cause energy spikes and crashes, and rather look for wholegrain products
1. Despite everything you read, calories are still important in 2018. If you’d like to lose a little body fat and don’t have time to increase your activity levels you will need to reduce your calorific intake.
6. Fats like olive oil, nuts and avocado are great but remember rule number one - you can have too much of a good thing. And please don’t be fooled into adding them into your coffee to burn fat!
2. Most people do not eat enough fresh vegetables. Not only are these packed full of goodness but the fibre in them will slow down digestion and give you a feeling of fullness. Try to eat a variety of vegetables with every meal.
“Follow these simple rules and you should find that your health and energy levels improve very quickly. “My final tip is to bring lunch to work with you and plan your daily meals. If you’re prepared and have great food with you, eating healthily is much easier. Good luck!”
4. Have some protein in every meal. Lean meats, dairy, fish, beans and pulses are all great.
Working in an office has its benefits - tea breaks, cakes on colleagues’ birthdays, staying out of the cold. But one of the biggest downsides of a nine to five is the damage it can to do to your health and fitness. Sitting down all day and only moving when it’s your turn to put the kettle on can mean the pounds start to pile on, and that’s where this little beauty comes in. Not your average fitness tracker, the Polar Loop has an added benefit compared to its competitors because it sounds an alarm when you’ve been inactive for 55 minutes. That means rather than spending the whole day sat down you’re reminded to get up and move! And when you do it will track your steps and activity.
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Business lifestyle
How to… encourage healthy workplace diets Bad diets are often the result of convenience. In the workplace in particular it’s easier to get something calorific in the staff canteen or buy a supermarket premade sandwich that’s anything but healthy than it is to eat well. Here’s how you can encourage healthy eating at your office:
1) Make it easy Ensure the kitchen is well equipped and there’s enough space in the fridge so employees can bring in fresh food.
2) Award schemes
Tried & Tested Business lunch
Join a health and wellbeing award scheme such as Health@Work’s Wellbeing Charter, which sets benchmarks around the likes of mental health, smoking, physical activity, healthy eating and alcohol.
3) Company lunches
Joe & the Juice inside John Lewis, Liverpool ONE, L1 Review by Liam Deveney Nestled between the traditional and avant garde business districts on the first floor of Liverpool’s John Lewis department store, Joe & the Juice is the latest destination where my companion and I find ourselves lunching. It’s a marriage of café, juice bar and workspace, where industry, optimism and good health abound. Founded by Dane Kasper Basse in Copenhagen 15 years ago, Joe & the Juice has grown significantly in the interim, now boasting a presence in 236 locations across the globe with the launch of a further 150 venues planned in the US this year alone. With a varied menu of freshly made juices, shakes and sandwiches complemented by “Joegurts” (the chain’s signature offering), Joe & the Juice sets the scene for a “work hard, eat well” experience. We are greeted by Stephen, an area manager as energetic as he is polite. 99% of upper management of Joe & the Juice first joined the company working on the juice counter and Stephen is no exception. The investment in staff clearly pays dividends, as his commitment to the business and dedication to the values on which it is based and run were evident. A juice and sandwich combo seemed the perfect tonic to a truly weather-challenged day. My plus one opted for the ‘Guardian’ juice: turmeric, black pepper, pineapple and carrot
(£5.30 for large) whilst I plumped for the ‘Green Shield’: cucumber, kale, broccoli, spinach and apple (£6.20 – large only). Both were sublimely delicious and left a feel good glow which endured for the rest of the day. Presented between slices of bread sourced exclusively from a Copenhagen bakery, our sandwich fillings of turkey, avocado, mozzarella, tomato and pesto; and tuna mousse, jalapenos, tabasco, tomato and pesto (both £4.60) were flavoursome, well-seasoned and spiced and each packed a punch of flavour. They were light, refreshing and utterly satisfying and we found ourselves nodding in approval at each mouthful. The Wi-Fi network is as supercharged as the staff, with no delay sending or receiving emails; even images were downloaded with ease. As a workspace, Joe & the Juice is generously proportioned, with many power sockets available to recharge your hardware whilst you refuel. Finishing off with a cappuccino and a flat white (both £2.60), we were gratified to discover that Joe & the Juice’s reputation for top notch coffee is well deserved and we left these most hospitable surroundings truly sated. Whether you’re looking to revitalise during an arduous shopping trip or are looking for somewhere to enjoy a guilt-free, mouthwatering working lunch, Joe & the Juice is most certainly worth a visit.
Have themed healthy eating company lunches once a month, with everyone cooking something healthy and nutritious and then sharing recipes and ideas. It’s a great way of getting everyone together whilst promoting a better diet.
Photo: iStock / Wavebreakmedia
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International Women’s Day 2018 Key event
International Women’s Day in Knowsley Knowsley women were inspired to follow this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) theme and #PressforProgress as a special event to celebrate the occasion took place in the borough. Knowsley Chamber welcomed motivational speaker Molly Harvey, who has worked with companies around the world, to address attendees from the local business community. A lavish lunch complete with ‘IWD’ decorated desserts was also served to guests who went along to the event, which was sponsored by NatWest and also provided a chance to network. The annual International Women’s Day recognises the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world whilst also calling for an acceleration of gender parity. 1
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1. Knowsley Chamber of Commerce’s Sheila Toft and Lesley Martin-Wright 2. Women from across the region attended the lunch event 3. Kim Meadows (NatWest) 4. Dee England (Suites Hotel) and Lorraine Lennox (Villages Housing) 5. Harvey’s speech was on the theme of leadership 6. Mary Ball (Privilege HR) 7. Kay Finlay (Bebington Glazing Ltd) 8. Lesley Martin-Wright welcomed the guests 9. Rebecca Fan (Bermans) 10. The themed dessert 11. Guests listened intently to the speakers
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Expert views Ask the panel The Northern Powerhouse Partnership’s ‘Educating the North’ report recently called on “every northern business to mentor or otherwise meaningfully reach out on careers and enterprise skills” to help bridge the education and skills gap between London and the North. With this in mind, we’re asking experts:
Q: How feasible is it for businesses of all sizes to help give genuine careers support and enhance the North West’s future talent pool? Last year the North West Business Leadership Team, in partnership with the Institute of Directors and CBI (Confederation of British Industry), published a charter calling for businesses to become even more involved in influencing, resourcing and engaging with the skills agenda. The evidence is clear - every meaningful engagement with business makes a difference to the future life chances of young people. A significant amount of effort is already going on, but we need to really scale this up and work together more coherently if we are going to make the step change needed. It is, of course, much easier for larger businesses to become involved, and one of our challenges is to seek to find ways to make it much more straightforward for SMEs to do the same. Whether it is offering work experience, taking on an apprentice or helping to support the local school, businesses large and small really can make a difference. Emma Degg, chief executive, North West Business Leadership Team
Benjamin Franklin said ‘Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I may remember. Involve me and I will learn’. This proposal is a step in the right direction but in its current form, whereby one person is mentored for every one staff member a business has, just isn’t feasible. My clients - SMEs with multiple mouths to feed and plates to spin - already feel hindered by excessive red tape and bureaucracy and believe - relatively – that they pay more tax than multi-nationals. This would be another drain on resources and evidence of an ‘unlevel’ playing field. Clearly, inactivity is not an option: SMEs account for 60% of private sector employment and have a duty to assist. The apprenticeship scheme has garnered positive results thus far –
With skills shortages across a number of industries regularly being highlighted it’s vital that businesses of all sizes provide careers support, not just for their own benefit but to help enhance the North West’s talent pool. My employer, the SNC-Lavalin group’s Faithful+Gould, shows it’s feasible for a large business to provide not only continuous career support but to promote our industry as an exciting career, identifying and nurturing talent that will benefit the whole region. Recently we
incentivising SMEs in a similar fashion and helping them deliver strong, structured learning experiences could make this plan succeed. This initiative is worthy. But it must also be workable. Phil Adams, corporate tax manager at Langtons and chair of Merseyside Young Professionals
hosted a school open day highlighting construction as a career and we regularly engage with STEM work at junior schools. A more personal and tailored approach to development, including mentoring and exposure to different projects and clients, is also used by employers of all sizes in our industry to support career progression. There are development opportunities outside of the workplace too in the form of industry support networks and groups which employers should encourage their staff to utilise, helping them to progress and increase their contacts. As much as employers of all sizes can and should provide careers support to retain and attract talented professionals, all employees should look at what support and development opportunities there are outside of the workplace as this combined effort would help enhance the region’s future talent pool. Sarah Seasman, senior quantity surveyor at Faithful+Gould and chair of RICS Matrics Liverpool and Cheshire
Building a career is more than providing an opportunity to work within a 'successful' company. Often it appears that executives in ‘successful’ companies hire talent with the notion of ‘you'll go far, with us on your CV’. But is that enough? No, growing start-ups and longstanding successful businesses must refocus what career actually means. Building careers must begin with building the ‘person’. In order to achieve this, it is important that executives and managers consciously share their experiences and impart skills into talent, especially young professionals. It is impressed upon the role of today’s manager to develop a coaching and mentoring style of relationship with their staff. This takes listening to staff, learning about their backgrounds and then shaping them in line with the business' vision. We can make a sustainable difference in the North West talent pool by encouraging executives to listen, learn and shape talent - consciously. Greg Sheen, chief executive, 360vu
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