Sefton's Free Economic Forum Returns this June

Sefton’s free, twice-yearly Economic Forum event for the Borough’s businesses will take place on Thursday, 6th June at Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa.

Over 120 Sefton businesses attended last summer’s Economic Forum and feedback from delegates was very positive.

Organised by the Council’s InvestSefton business support service, the Economic Forum is a relaxed and informal event that provides local businesses with opportunities to network. They can also meet support providers from across the Liverpool City Region at the Business Marketplace.

Fiona McGregor, owner of Southport digital marketing agency One Media Solutions Ltd, will chair the event, which will also hear from economist Christian Spence, who will provide an insightful economic update.

As well as running his own consultancy, Economic Analytics Christian is Economic Data Lead at Open Innovations Ltd, Chief Economist and Fellow at The Institute of Place Management, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a Member of the Regional Studies Association He researches regional economies, local government (and finance), devolution and industrial strategy using data, analytics and visualisations to support regional economies and their policy makers.

There will also be an update on The Horizons Project, which has been launched in collaboration with the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Edge Hill University. Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) The Horizons Project offers bespoke support for SMEs to increase productivity, access knowledge transfer workshops and adopt emerging technologies.

Open to all Sefton businesses no matter what their size or sector, the event starts with Breakfast & Networking from 8.15am followed by the Economic Forum, which runs from 9am to 11am.

Afterwards, delegates can explore the Business Marketplace with its 30-plus funded business support providers and meet the teams from the Universities.

Businesses wanting to book places should call Dom or Sharon on 0151 934 3452 or email [email protected].

Cllr Paulette Lappin, who is Sefton Council’s new Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, said:

“Our InvestSefton events are always very popular, and we receive great feedback afterwards from those who’ve attended telling us how useful and informative they have found them.

“The free Summer Economic Forum is a great chance for local businesses to get the latest economic insight from Christian Spence and find out from our Big 3 universities about the exciting Horizons Project and the bespoke support it can provide for SMEs.

“I urge all Sefton businesses to book their place by calling Dom or Sharon on 0151 934 3452 or email [email protected].”