Liverpool has had a ‘miraculous transformation’ and is looking ahead to the future, a senior business figure from the city told a high-profile business networking conference in the island.
‘We’ve something for everyone’ said David Wade-Smith of Web Ticket Manager Ltd.
Speaking at the Palace Hotel, Douglas, Mr Wade-Smith said he was struck by the warmth and friendliness of the island.
He and business partner Peter Rosenfeld are co-founders of the leading digital ticketing business and were at the packed event backed by business professionals from the Merseyside area and the island.
He referred to a point made earlier by Economic Development Minister John Shimmin that Liverpool had an aspiration to cast a rope around the Isle of Man and forge closer links.
‘There seems to be a connection between the brain power that is evident on the Isle of Man, and the financial skills you have’ .
He said that in the north west there was a lot of talk about the Isle of Man and its accessibility from the region.
He said that accessibility had to be utilised with the island and north west working more closely to each other.
He, and various other speakers also referred to the success of Liverpool’s two professional soccer clubs in the premier league this season and the popularity of racecourses such as Aintree where the Grand National is run.
‘We’ve also gone through a miraculous transformation in the Liverpool city region.
‘And it’s there to be witnessed for yourselves.’
He said that the city had woken to the fact that it was a gateway much in the same way as New York and Shanghai and there had been a huge regeneration on the waterfront.
He referred to the forthcoming International Business Festival in Liverpool from June 1 to the end of July. It will include more than 250 individual events.
The meeting also heard of plans to introduce a new air service from Ronaldsway to Chester. Representatives from airline Wales European Aviation (flyWEA) later left the gathering to go to the airport for discussions.
Director James Brown told Business News they were just waiting for final approval from the CAA and flights could start later this year to an area he described as the ‘Rolls Royce of England’.
Speakers, including Richard Daly, a leading organiser of the festival, praised the day-long event which was organised by 3FM and Quinn Legal along with Brendon Kenny from Merseyside.
He and others said it was a superb event which allowed plenty of time for networking opportunities.
Investment into the city of Liverpool has continued past its European Capital of Culture year in 2008 - which was a springboard for the city to generate development and business opportunities both at home and in surrounding areas.
The Isle of Man has long-established links with the North West in general, but Liverpudlian people know where we are, and many have childhood holiday memories of the island.
Chris Corlett, chief executive officer of the Department of Economic Development told the audience that the island was keen to have stong links.
It has already been reported how the island will have a physical presence at the international business festival.
Other speakers included Jane Dellar, chief executive of the island Chamber of Commerce along with Paula Basnett from the Wirral Chamber of Commerce.
David Butterworth, from Skanco in the island, received a warm welcome from the Merseyside visitors even after admitting he was a Manchester United supporter.
Visitor Brendon Kenny told the audience how easy it was to contact the island’s movers and shakers to do business.
Magnificent TT trophies were on display during the event which was judged a great success. Judging by the friendly nature of this event it appears the island and our Merseyside neighbours are hoping for lots more business.