Weightmans Wednesday – RNLI

As a seafaring city, Liverpool has a proud nautical tradition. From the Pier Head to all over the UK and beyond, many sailors have rode the waves. However the coastal waters are also dangerous, to the unprepared and unwary. This is why the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) since 1824, has been the saviour of thousands.

At last week’s Weightmans Wednesday, I listened to a talk given by Tony Clare from the RNLI, about the charity’s work. Drawing on his 40 years experience as a RNLI volunteer in New Brighton, Tony delivered an interesting insight into how the organisation originated, how volunteers put their lives at risk to save others, the importance of preparation, and how the RNLI has evolved over the years. I also appreciated how Tony included touches of humour, throughout the talk.

In addition, I also learned about how the RNLI also works with communities. These include educating diverse groups and local authorities, on water safety at beaches, in addition to advising boat owners on correct life jacket usage and maintenance. Therefore whilst I was aware of the RNLI’s dedicated work in rescuing people at sea, I had no idea about their proactive community work, to raise awareness and prevent fatalities.

To conclude, I found the evening to be a stimulating occasion, and I would like to thank Tony, for sharing his stories, and for being an excellent raconteur too!

Weightmans Wednesday – Clapperboard UK

Film and TV as a medium for storytelling has a real power. A power to make us laugh, cry and question through moving images, crafted by talent in front and behind the camera. Film and TV has the powerful ability to give people a voice, allowing them to express themselves creatively.

There are thousands of children and adults from disadvantaged backgrounds that feel isolated, troubled and without a voice. They feel unable to speak out on social and moral issues, which affect themselves, their families and their communities. At last week’s Weightmans Wednesday event, I listened to an interesting talk from Clapperboard UK, a small-successful award winning charity that works to address this.

This consisted of Maureen Sinclair and Colin Farrell (not the actor) talking about Clapperboard’s work. The charity’s purpose is to bring film making creativity and education into local communities across the North West. I learned how the charity works with young people, by giving them confidence and skills through training in-front and behind the camera. I also learned how Clapperboard empowers not only young people, but anyone who is disadvantaged, by giving them a platform to develop and produce issue-led videos from script to screen. These videos focus on important social issues such as racism, drug use, smoking, self-harm, bullying, knife and gang culture.

Maureen and Colin also talked about Clapperboard’s charitable work with schools, charities and organisations. I was really impressed with their work and passion for training young people, and giving themselves and others, a voice and an opportunity to express their creative endeavours.

I also understood that Clapperboard is more than just a youth charity. This is because they also encourage learning through creativity, evidenced through the many videos produced. Therefore the positive impact of the charity’s work cannot be underestimated.

I would like to thank Maureen and Colin for their excellent talk. My thanks also go to everyone at Weightmans for organising the event. This article is a token and a gift of my gratitude to Maureen and Colin. I say this because, as with all non-profit charities, Clapperboard relies on sponsorship and donations for funding. This is achieved through raising awareness of their profile and charitable works, and I sincerely hope this article helps them.

You can find more on Clapperboard’s work here.

Weightmans Wednesday – Fazenda Group

Liverpool is blessed to have so many fine restaurants. From the likes of Panoramic 34, Old Blind School, Sapporo, Mayur, District House and others, there are many terrific restaurants that provide quality cuisine, catering for all tastes and palates.

At last month’s Weightmans Wednesday event, I listened to a very interesting talk given by Tomas Maunier from Fazenda Group. The purpose was to deliver an insight into the running and development of Fazenda. Located in the fine surroundings of Exchange Flags, Fazenda has grown to be one of the best dining establishments in Liverpool, and is very popular within the city’s Commercial District. As a result, I was extremely keen to listen to Tomas’s story.

Tomas covered his early background in law, before moving into marketing and his current work with Fazenda. Listening to him, I learned it is important to understand people, as this is how business is done. In addition, I picked up other useful points related to branding and customer service, which I have included below.

1. Focus on providing a quality experience for customers.
2. Do what you do with passion and love!
3. Service begins at home!
4. Concentrate on making a premium brand and dream ways to expand it.
5. Explain to the customer about what you are doing.
6. People do not accept change easily!

With these events, usually I listen to speakers talk about their successes, but rarely their mistakes. Tomas was different in that he opened up about past errors made, which was refreshing to hear. It is very rare for a speaker to open up and honestly mention what they could have done better previously, so I applaud Tomas for having the courage to do this. Sometimes we need to remember, that we are human beings who are not perfect, and that mistakes are opportunities for us to learn from.

My experience of the event was very positive. Tomas was a fine speaker, as he spoke sincerely and with passion for his work. From his early background in law, to getting into the hospitality industry, I was fascinated by his story, and of how Fazenda has grown as a restaurant. I hope to try their cuisine very soon!

In conclusion, I would like to thank Tomas and everyone involved at Weightmans, for an excellent evening of conversation and networking.

Weightmans Wednesday – Liverpool Biennial

The joys of working in Liverpool are that there is so much happening. From new hotels, bars, restaurants, businesses, to the cultural richness the city has to offer, I am constantly keen to discover and learn about the many opportunities happening in the city.

At last week’s Weightmans Wednesday event, I listened to a very interesting talk given by Julie Lomax, from Liverpool Biennial. In a previous article, I had written about the positive impact the festival has had on the city of Liverpool. However I had little understanding of the purpose behind the festival. By the end of the talk, my understanding of the Biennial was clearer.

Liverpool Biennial is more than just a free festival of contemporary national and international art. It is about representing Liverpool’s past, present and future, using imagery to express people’s stories and ideas. This is achieved through an eclectic mix of exhibitions, films, events and performances, held in the city’s public spaces, galleries, museums and unused buildings. What this achieves is three-dimensional visual spectacles, of fiction and storytelling that brings Liverpool’s history to life.

From the talk given by Julie, I learned that Liverpool Biennial works with major arts organisations in the city, including FACT, Bluecoat, TATE Liverpool, Open Eye Gallery, Walker Art Gallery and more. I also learned how this year’s festival used a format of six episodes, which took viewers on a journey, through Liverpool history and culture, with stories interwoven between venues, places and performances. Finally I also learned that Liverpool Biennial is already working towards 2018. Who knows what artistic wonders await the milestone of ten years, since Capital of Culture?

I came away from the event feeling enlightened. What impressed me is how the Biennial has breathed life into parts of Liverpool, once unused and neglected. In conclusion, Liverpool Biennial is an asset, as it contributes to the city, both in culture and commerce.

Finally I would like to thank Julie for a fine cultural discussion. My thanks also go to John Kemp and everyone at Weightmans for organising a splendid evening, and for their usual mix of kind professionalism and hospitality.

Weightmans Wednesday – The ARION2 Project

Earlier this month, I attended an event at Weightmans LLP, which featured a discussion given by the University of Liverpool’s Velocipede Team (ULV Team). This was to discuss the ULV Team’s work on the upcoming ARION project. Intrigued by this, I briefly researched the ULV Team and the ARION project beforehand. My reason for doing this, was to familiarise myself with their work.

Formed in 2013, the ULV Team consists of sixteen students studying for their Masters in Mechanical Engineering, at the University of Liverpool. Each team member was involved with the design and construction of the ARION1 land-speed velocipede, and they are now working on the engineering of the ARION2. The purpose of the ARION2 is to attempt the World Record for Human Land Powered Speed, in the Nevada desert this September. You can find out more about the ULV Team on their Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.

Last September, the male team broke the British Land Speed Record, reaching 75.03mph.  This year, the ULV Team have chosen four riders looking to break the current male and female world records. These riders are Ken Buckley and Dave Collins, who are attempting the male record of 86.65mph, and Yasmin Tredell and Kirstie Maxfield attempting the female record of 75.69mph.

The discussion provided a brief synopsis of different aspects of the project. This included looking back at last year’s previous attempt with the ARION1, which you can view here. In addition, the event also looked at the rigorous rider training and selection process, design and construction of the ARION2, and the preparations involved with September’s upcoming World Record attempt. Listening very carefully, I understood that such an attempt is risky and very dangerous, which requires not only total commitment, but plenty of courage.

I would like to thank Weightmans, as well as Rory Curtis and Carafino Braganza from the ULV Team, for sharing the ARION story. I am seriously impressed with their work, as an example of human endeavour and performance, as well as engineering craftsmanship. Whilst not coming from an engineering background, I found the discussion of how the Velocipede is constructed, as well as the related physics, fascinating to learn about.

To conclude, I would like to wish them the very best of luck, and I am sure they will do the university, and the city of Liverpool proud!

Weightmans Wednesday – Liverpool Film Office

Last week, I attended the first Weightmans Wednesday of 2016. This featured a talk by Jacqui Rafferty and Kevin Bell, from Liverpool Film Office. The purpose of this was to explain how Liverpool has become a popular location for filming.

Founded in 1989, Liverpool Film Office has proved to be a major success for the city, by providing the city council’s liaison for TV and film production in the Liverpool region. To give you a background of the Film Office’s success, I have included some facts below.

1. Liverpool has hosted 6,000 productions.
2. It Is the most filmed UK city outside of London.
3. In 2015, there were 229 productions in Liverpool, bringing in £11.2 million into the local economy.
4. TV productions have included Brookside, Hollyoaks, Boys from the Blackstuff, Bread and Cilla.
5. Film productions have included The 51st State (a favourite film of mine!), Fast and Furious 6, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Sherlock Holmes, Captain America and The Dark Knight.

Before the talk, I took the opportunity to network with fellow attendees and engage in conversation. An example was Maureen Sinclair from Clapperboard UK, which is a non-profit and charitable film production organisation. I listened eagerly to Maureen talking about Clapperboard’s work with young people and the community, enabling them to tell their stories from script to screen. It was such a pleasure to hear Maureen’s Clapperboard story, that I watched some of the videos on their website after the event.

The talk began with Jacqui and Kevin playing a showreel of Liverpool’s achievements in the TV & film industry (you can view the showreel here). I had seen the showreel beforehand, but watching it again was a joy, as it reminded me of the city’s film success.

Following this, Jacqui and Kevin talked about the work of Liverpool Film Office. Both explained the massive planning involved for each production, and of what needs to be done in future for Liverpool to meet increasing filming demands. In addition, I also learned how they worked closely with other council departments, agencies, production companies and crews, to ensure they have a positive experience of filming in Liverpool. This means that production crews are more likely to return if they have a positive experience, when filming in the city.

To conclude, I was impressed with Jacqui and Kevin’s talk, and of the incredible work the Film Office has done for Liverpool. I am looking forward to see what future productions are to be made in Liverpool, in addition to growing the infrastructure to accommodate future TV & film production. This is because more filming brings increased revenue into the local economy, and further enhances Liverpool’s reputation, as an international filming location.

I would like to personally thank Jacqui and Kevin for sharing their unbridled enthusiasm, their warm anecdotes, and for their excellent work for the Film Office. I would also like to thank Maureen Sinclair, for sharing me her story of Clapperboard’s work, and to Weightmans for laying on an excellent event with drinks and canapés, especially the pizza and warm popcorn!

Weightmans Wednesday – Culture Liverpool

Since hosting European Capital of Culture in 2008, Liverpool’s rich cultural tapestry has been promoted and celebrated with great enthusiasm. From events such as the Giants Spectacular, Liverpool International Music Festival, One Magnificent City and the Three Queens, the city has seen the number of visitors skyrocket. However all of the above requires massive effort and commitment from organisations such as Culture Liverpool, to make these occasions possible.

Last Wednesday evening, I braved the cold December weather to attend Weightmans Wednesday. Held at their Liverpool office, the event included a talk by Alicia Smith and Jen Falding of Culture Liverpool, where they discussed the work done by the organisation in promoting the city’s cultural heritage. As usual the Weightmans Wednesday event attracted an excellent turnout, meaning opportunities to socialise and network over festive nibbles and drinks (including delicious mulled wine).

It was very interesting to hear Jen and Alicia discuss how Culture Liverpool secured and organised the Giants Spectacular and the Weeping Window. The latter is an iconic cascade of handmade poppies beautifully created by artist Paul Cummins and designed by Tom Piper, which marks the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War. Listening to them talk about the Weeping Window at St George’s Hall, reminded me of how beautiful it was to look at, and yet emotionally moving at the same time. The Weeping Window is a stunning exhibition which has now had over 250,000 visitors, and it is a fitting tribute to remember those who fought in the war.

In addition, Jen and Alicia also talked about how Culture Liverpool supports arts organisations, businesses and communities across the city. This is done by working with public, private and third sector organisations, to help get people involved in the arts. Through this, they are able to explore the cultural history, architecture and art of Liverpool, through libraries, universities, museums, activities and events.

Culture Liverpool’s economic impact on the city has been incredible. Despite cuts and reduced funding, this year alone Liverpool has hosted 4 major events, in addition to approx 1.7m visitors and 54 cruise ships bringing in 81,000 passengers. This has resulted in an economic benefit of £41m of revenue into the city. As for the future, I am confident that Culture Liverpool can continue to thrive in such difficult times by working closely with support partners, employers and communities.

To conclude, I would like to thank Jen and Alicia for a wonderful talk, which brought back some lovely memories. Sitting in the audience as they spoke, I felt a warm sense of glowing pride, as personal recollections of the Three Queens came flooding back, which you can find here. As a proud Scouser, I appreciate and acknowledge the great work Culture Liverpool does in promoting the city’s heritage to a wider audience. Finally I would also like to thank Weightmans for once again organising an excellent event.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Weightmans Wednesday – Independent Liverpool

I had no idea what Independent Liverpool actually did, even thought I heard of the name. That all changed when I attended last month’s Weightmans Wednesday networking event, where I listened to an excellent talk given by the organisation’s co-founders Oliver Press and David Williams. At the event, I learnt not only about what they did, but even more impressively, the excellent work that Independent Liverpool has done for the city.

From start to finish I was impressed with David and Oliver’s story. Their passion and belief in supporting and celebrating Liverpool’s local businesses, struck a chord with everyone in the room, including myself. In this day of multi-national chains dominating the high street, we forget about the individually unique places that lie underneath the retail radar. This is why the work of David and Oliver in encouraging people to shop locally and discover the hidden gems of Liverpool’s independent businesses, is refreshing and wonderful to see.

David and Oliver talked about how Independent Liverpool has grown since its blogging beginnings in 2013. Through harnessing the Internet and social media, the organisation has a membership card scheme with over 11,000 people, a stylish website and a mobile application, which supports over 100 local businesses. Independent Liverpool also recently hosted its first Food & Drink Festival in the Baltic Quarter, and it has been the catalyst for similar schemes in Birmingham and Sheffield.

Independent Liverpool supports local businesses by engendering a sense of community, adventure and discovery. This is achieved by promoting and recommending businesses including cafes, bars, shops, restaurants and hairdressers to shoppers, visitors, students and professionals. These make them visible to a wider audience, which has breathed life into Liverpool, by increasing the visibility, footfall and turnover of local businesses, which ensures money spent, stays in Liverpool. This helps them to survive and prosper together as a close-knit, supportive and vibrant community.

To conclude, I would like to thank David and Oliver for an excellent talk, and for their incredible work. Having purchased a membership card myself, I shall be playing my part in supporting local businesses, as they are so important to the local and national economy.

Independent Liverpool is a great success story, and I am sure you agree!

You can find more about Independent Liverpool below.

http://independent-liverpool.co.uk/

Weightmans Wednesday – Wednesday 15th July

One thing I really enjoy about networking events, is the opportunity to listen to the stories of others. Last Wednesday, I attended the Weightmans Wednesday event, held at Weightmans LLP in Liverpool. Located within the stylish surroundings of The Plaza, on Old Hall Street, I found the event to be enjoyable and also to listen to the event’s guest speaker.

Weightmans Wednesday is a networking event organised by the firm, to allow local professionals to come together, socialise and develop their networking skills. Having attended similar events elsewhere previously, I find they are ideal opportunities to learn and be entertained simultaneously.

The speaker for the event was Alex Hannah. Alex is an entrepreneur and co-owner of Lucha Libre and Miyagi restaurants, that represent the changing face of Liverpool’s bar and restaurant scene. As a professional, I always enjoy listening about how people strive hard to become successful. Alex did not disappoint, as not only did he talk about his background, but his knowledge and experience of the bar and restaurant industry was enlightening.

As this was my first ever Weightmans Wednesday event, my experience was a very positive one. I enjoyed listening to Alex’s story, and I was delighted to meet the kind people from Weightmans, as well as new faces from other organisations, including Alex Clark from Professional Liverpool. It was also a delight to catch up with some familar faces, including Mathew Giles of MgMaStudio Ltd, and Phil Adams of Langtons.

To conclude, I would like to express my thanks to Liam McGuire, Sarah Gerard and John Kemp of Weightmans for organising an excellent evening. And also to Alex Hannah, who has given me ideas of which dining establishment in Liverpool to try next!

I shall certainly look forward to the next event!