Liverpool must speak with one voice, says John Hall

THE chief executive of Professional Liverpool believes there are still too many agencies handling investment and development in the city.

John Hall, who joined the group – which represents those working in the professional and financial services sector – in April last year, said the situation is confusing for those looking to invest in the city.

“Surely there’s an opportunity [to simplify] now we have an elected mayor, but in a way there’s more confusion now than there was,” he told TheBusinessDesk.com.

“We’ve got a mayor and a local enterprise partnership (LEP) and there’s still a vagueness as to who’s exactly doing what. We need more joined up thinking. For example we had an access to finance seminar only to find Liverpool Vision and the Chamber of Commerce had done it as well.”

Mr Hall, a former managing partner at the law firm Bermans, said each agency had specific objectives but conceded there was often an overlap, and has not ruled out some sort of merger in the future.

“There doesn’t appear to be a move to speak with one voice. But I’ve got to do what I can to promote my organisation which is very specific.”

He added: “We’re very influential and in some way our members act for every company is the city. We’ve got to keep that focus but if it makes sense at some stage in the future to become the professional and financial arm of the chamber or become more integrated in the LEP – I’m not saying that will happen – but if it fits in with more joined up thinking I have an open mind.”

Mr Hall stressed these ideas were “my own thoughts” rather than the official view of Professional Liverpool, which already works from the chamber’s office on Old Hall Street.

Under his management the organisation has doubled its member base two years after nearly failing when funding from the North West Development Agency dried up.

The body, which represents the interests of the financial and professional services sector in the city, now has 130 members – up from 60 – and has a target of 50.

It has added a design and construction team and a healthcare group and is also keen to target professionals working in the digital, creative and bioscience sectors.