Brabners and a collective of leading Liverpool law firms will be partnering with Liverpool Chamber of Commerce to launch a new programme designed to widen access to the legal profession. The new Law Programme is part of The School-Business Network – a public-private network established by Liverpool City Council and Liverpool Chamber of Commerce to increase access to work experience, raise aspirations and highlight detailed career pathways for students in the city region. The legal initiative has been created specifically to support students’ who would not normally get the opportunity to work ..read more

As more and more people rely on the internet to research and book accommodation, online reviews are becoming more and more critical in building a solid reputation. In the hospitality industry, reviews are one of the most critical aspects of building a solid reputation. Making sure you understand the importance of online reviews (and how to handle them) is a simple and effective way to grow your online presence. Before going any further, it’s essential to answer the big question: How do reviews affect businesses? Let’s take a look at some of the ways that online reviews can impact your digital ..read more

Freeports – Liverpool City Region was an obvious location for a Freeport with its historic docks, including the deep-water container terminal at the Port of Liverpool, the UK’s largest western facing port, handling 45% of trade with the US. The Freeport status will act as a magnet for jobs, investment and trade at the specially designated sites within the region, and the government’s approval of the LCR Freeport’s business plan lights the touchpaper on increasing economic activity by as much as £850m. But the LCR is not just important to the Liverpool City Region itself, but as the only Freep ..read more

France Line International Transport Ltd are an award-winning specialist European freight forwarder, operating cross-channel freight services between the UK and France. Managing Director Marie Boyer has often been asked by UK and European manufacturers who export to or import from France and Europe what the advantages are of using a freight forwarder versus a haulier. This is what she tells them. “There are several benefits to using a freight forwarding ‘middleman’. Yes, you may pay them a small commission, but for that you will get considerable help and a lot of added value, such as… “A hauli ..read more

Business Connect has always had a keen interest in business growth. We’ve seen many coaches and consultants over the years, and the general feeling is that listening to an outside perspective is a positive move by many businesses at many different landmarks along their business journey. So where do you start?A free initial consultation helps. A discovery conversation is crucial to assess whether an ongoing relationship is something to pursue. If a business leader feels comfortable with a business growth specialist, then an ongoing relationship will result in a successful exchange and understa ..read more

In the current age of rapid business development, technology plays a pivotal role in boosting the efficiency and productivity of companies. However, managing IT infrastructure and software applications can be challenging and time-consuming for companies that lack the necessary resources or expertise. Engaging with and outsourcing Managed IT services through a specialist IT services provider can offer a solution that is both time and cost effective, and can help businesses maximise efficiency, reduce costs, and focus on their core business functions. Managed IT services involve outsourcing the ..read more

Property and Construction is the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s largest sector, with over 600 of their 4,500 members in this industry. They have established a reputable and effective Property and Construction offering responding to the needs of the members, including policy and campaign work across Greater Manchester acting as the voice of business in the region. The Property and Construction Sector Group raise the issues that businesses in Greater Manchester face, so that the Chamber can then lobby on behalf of their members. Sector specific events throughout the year include: Prop ..read more

There are significant changes to how business profits are taxed on the way. As part of the government’s ‘Basis Period Reform’, the tax year 2023/24 will now be a ‘transitional’ year for sole traders and partnerships that have an accounting year end other than 31 March or 5 April, to report profits and losses combining figures from their accounting year end and the tax financial year. This could mean advancing tax liabilities for many businesses – we explain what you need to do in our latest Business Connect Magazine article below. What is the Basis Period Reform?The reform requires any self-e ..read more

It is just four years ago since husband and wife duo Simon and Win Edmondson bought The Business Network South Manchester – part of a national chain of networking groups stretching from Exeter to Humberside. Despite a global pandemic and a rising cost of living crisis they have seen their membership grow on a month by month basis. Starting with 32 members, they have grown to over 90 members in the South Manchester group. The couple have recently purchased the Chester group, and now look after over 160 member businesses between the two groups. We asked Simon and Win to tell us how they have do ..read more

Is it time for the North to finally take back control? On 23 June 2014 the then Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, gave a speech at the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester, in which he called for the creation of a Northern Powerhouse. It was this seminal speech that re-ignited a hunger for devolution in the North, and specifically the creation of what can arguably be called the first city region in modern terms. Since then, devolved cities and their adjacent regions have been gathering pace all over the UK, each with a renewed sense of vigour and purpose, and each with a ci ..read more