Tony Wilson discusses Liverpool being "on the up"

By Ben Schofield on Apr 2, 09 01:01 PM

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Liverpool First's recently launched 15-year strategic vision for the city was underpinned by a piece of research, commissioned by Liverpool Vision.

This research pronounced Liverpool as the city 'most on the up' in the UK. This is a far cry from the many negative images and perceptions that have been projected onto the city over the years.

But it doesn't come as news to those of us who live and work in the city.

At Hill Dickinson, we've never been in any doubt that Liverpool is a city on the up.

The dynamism of the SME sector here, for example, is apparent in the day-to-day dealings we have with entrepreneurial businesses. And the success of the city in the sporting and cultural arenas is recognised and reflected in our own service offering.

Like Liverpool, Hill Dickinson is further enhancing its standing in the sports and cultural sectors.

Our sports unit has gone from strength to strength with some major client wins and the addition of sponsorship law to our advice offering.

We also work with some of the UK's most high profile leisure and cultural institutions, including Chester Zoo and the Liverpool Culture Company.

The shift in perceptions around Liverpool is further proof of a tangible Capital of Culture legacy.

Work now has to be done to ensure that the new identity Liverpool is carving out for itself gains strength and credence.

Liverpool Vision has been tasked by Liverpool First with the promotion of the newly developed Liverpool brand.

Businesses in the region must now play their part, both in the promotion of the city's new visual identity and in spreading the positive messages behind the new image.

If the entire commercial sector works hard to promote Liverpool in dealings outside of the region and, indeed, on an international basis, we are sure to see results - both in terms of investment and recruitment, going forward.

There is certainly plenty to talk about and to be proud of. As key supporters of Liverpool 08, we were happy to hear that, in the first 08 legacy year, a special programme of free cultural events has been organised. And, as we seek to expand our international horizons, we particularly look forward to the On The Waterfront Festival - a celebration of Liverpool's connections with New York.

We will continue to be positive ambassadors of Liverpool and I am confident that the city's image will improve even further over the years to come.