Liverpool Vision chief’s rallying cry

THE head of Liverpool’s inward investment agency has sounded a rallying call to the city’s professional services sector.

Speaking at an event organised by Professional Liverpool, Max Steinberg, chief executive of Liverpool Vision said with the city region being hit by severe public sector cuts, it is vital that professional services firms do more to drive private sector growth.

Addressing around 50 business people at a networking lunch at accountancy firm PKF’s office, he said: ““The cuts have made it even more important for the city region to support key growth sectors.

“Professional services in this city are central to the region’s future and it is essential that it is represented and promoted by dedicated bodies like Professional Liverpool.

“Despite the progress we are making, this city is still not fully punching its weight when it comes to the financial and professional services sector as a whole.”

He said support for Liverpool’s investment in and presence at the Shanghai World Expo last heat had been “good” and praised two firms, business advisers Grant Thornton and law firm DLA Piper which both attended Expo,  for the role they are playing to drive inward investment opportunities.

Mr Steinberg also outlined some exciting initiatives which Liverpool Vision are working on including developing stronger links with Shanghai, India and New York in particular.

Stephen Burrows, chairman of Professional Liverpool,  said: “Professional services will play a key role in the growth of the city region over the next few years.

“We are enjoying a great deal of support, not just from the professional services sector, but from forward thinking bodies like Liverpool Vision which have been quick to recognise the synonymous aims we share for the sector.”