Liverpool has kicked off its culture, health and sport month at the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai. It’s the third themed month since the Expo launched in May. The Pavilion has already focused on infrastructure and science and innovation and still to come is the knowledge economy, professional services and urban regeneration. Organisers behind Liverpool’s presence believe the Expo could deliver up to £50m in economic benefits to the city and the North West over the next decade.

Wirral’s Thornton Hall Hotel has completed the £160,000 refurbishment of its The Lawns restaurant. The investment has resulted in the creation of five full-time jobs at the hotel. The venue’s general manager Geoff Dale said he hoped the restaurant will become the number one fine dining experience on the Wirral and in Merseyside. Executive chef David Gillmore has also joined from Chester’s Michelin starred Grosvenor Hotel.

Popular corporate finance talent show Y Factor hits Liverpool next week with the aim of raising more than £15,000 for the learning disability charity Mencap. The event will see members of the Liverpool business community perform with a live band to an audience of more than 300 at Panam on 8 July. Nine contestants will take to the stage and all will receive professional vocal coaching from Voiceability. Medicash and Professional Liverpool are sponsoring the event.