text: Liverpool in limelight at global shipping event.
  Liverpool’s potential for inward investment will be showcased at a conference next month being held as part of London International Shipping Week.
  The city region is one of the fastest growing in England and the UK’s second largest regional economy worth, more than £156.8 billion. The event aims to build on the momentum generated by recent major developments in the city, such as, the regeneration of the waterfront, the opening of the Liverpool2 container terminal, the expansion of the Knowledge Quarter innovation district and the creation of a centre for maritime skills and entrepreneurship.
  Hosted by industry body Mersey Maritime and chaired by TV presenter Louise Minchin, ‘Investing in a connected future’ will take place in the Willis Building on 12
  September during one of the global maritime industry’s biggest trade events.
  Key themes for debate will include Liverpool’s growing reputation as an innovation hub, the importance of skills development among young people and entrepreneurs, and the vital role of connectivity.
  Speakers will include senior representatives from Invest Liverpool, Knowledge Quarter Liverpool, Liverpool Airport, retailer B&M, Liverpool John Moores University, and Peel Ports.
  Chris Shirling-Rooke, Mersey Maritime’s CEO, said: “We are bringing to London the very best that Liverpool has to offer and will be showcasing what the UK’s most prestigious port city can do for our economy. ‘Investing in a connected future’ is all about opening the doors for business opportunities and investment that will benefit us all. We’re going to be joined by leaders in the maritime, business and academic worlds, from the UK and abroad, so it will be an excellent dialogue on the contribution that Liverpool is due to make in future of our industry.”
  Colin Sinclair, Chief Executive of Knowledge Quarter Liverpool, said: “When you’re talking about Liverpool in other cities such as London, New York and Shanghai, the conversation will inevitably turn to football, music, the port and the stunning UNESCO heritage waterfront, but the world is now also waking up to news of the pioneering innovation taking place here in Liverpool. We are making great strides in science, technology and digital. Our mission, through the power of disruptive collaboration, is to create something that is altogether much greater than the sum of its parts and through the power of partnership we are establishing Liverpool as world-leading innovation district.”
  Stephen Carr, Commercial Director of Peel Ports, added: “Liverpool is an excellent case study in how private, public and academic organisations can work together to meet today’s business and economic challenges. The partners involved in this event are determined to create a dynamic, collaborative business environment that maximises the benefits of our many strengths in maritime, logistics and manufacturing. We can already see the success how we are attracting inward investment, new start-ups, innovators and a modern skills base ready to meet anticipated growth.”
  Liverpool city region is home to 294,200 businesses and provides access to six million customers in the UK. The city also has excellent connections to the rest of the country and global markets through the Port of Liverpool and John Lennon Airport.
  Companies such as Jaguar Land Rover, Maersk, Barclays Wealth, and Bibby Line are investing in the city, while Princes Group, Johnson Controls and Unilever have a significant presence in the region.