Liverpool firms happy with home market

THE bulk of firms in Liverpool are happy with the business environment in their city, according to a new survey commissioned by Liverpool Vision.

The firm said that a new Foundations for Growth survey carried out by 2020 Research showed that 65% of companies scored the city as either a four or five on a scale of one-to-five as a place to do business.

The same number of businesses are expecting business growth over the next five years, and 58% reported using local professional services firms for their business needs.

Some 82% also felt the city’s continued presence in London, Shanghai and the USA was a positive move, and 36% expected this to have a positive impact on their own business.

Liverpool City Council leader Cllr Joe Anderson said: “We have worked hard to present Liverpool to the world as a forward-thinking, ambitious city. Liverpool’s successful GEC, our innovative Liverpool in London embassy and our knack for coming up with bold ideas has given us a reputation as a ‘can do’ city. This survey shows we’re on the right track.”

Max Steinberg, chief executive of Liverpool Vision said: “Businesses are still facing tough times across the UK. However this survey demonstrates that Liverpool continues to provide a very good business environment.

“We are currently rolling out the results of this survey to all partners including Liverpool City Council. We will then develop an action plan which will encourage the city’s key services and departments to make the necessary changes to further help and support businesses in the city.”