Date: Wed 25th March, 2009
Venue: Crowne Plaza, St Nicholas Place, Pier Head, Liverpool, L3 1QW
Number of Guests Attended: 250
Now in its seventh year, Insider’s Merseyside Property Gala Dinner has become a firm fixture in the business calendar, giving property professionals an opportunity to network and to contemplate the success of a city undergoing a physical and social renaissance, even in the most testing of economic climates.
Insider brought together 250 property professionals at the Crowne Plaza in Liverpool for the 2009 dinner, sponsored by law firm Brabners Chaffe Street.
Opening the event, Insider editor Michael Taylor said: “As a media company we know we have a responsibility in this climate. I do believe that the media has done a great deal to dent the economic and consumer confidence of the UK.
“We have in the last year launched a daily news service dedicated to Liverpool as well as always being fair and balanced in reporting different parts of this great region of ours. My pledge to you tonight is that we will be true to our core principles of being honest, loyal and positive.”
Steve Broomhead, chief executive of the Northwest Regional Development Agency, was keynote speaker. In a rousing speech, he told the the audience that Conservative plans to transfer economic development to local councils - and therefore abolish regional development agencies - could stifle investment in the region.
“I think all quangos have a shelf life and it's right that we should be scrutinised, but there is not a shred of evidence that local authorities can deliver economic development on the ground,” he said.
He also told the audience of property professionals that the Budget on 22 April could see much-needed reform of empty rates liabilities.
The prize raffle held at the dinner raised £2,577 for Liverpool Property Aid, a trust set up by a group of property firms in Merseyside.
