Liverpool keeps on pouring the pints As Merseyside waits anxiously for news about the future of brewery and pub operator Cains, the local leisure industry is battling with consumers apparently staying at home to cut costs. But key players insist that Liverpool’s pubs, bars and restaurants are still on the up. Colin Manning, co-owner of eateries 60 Hope Street and The Quarter, told Insider: “This year in particular we’ve seen an increase in business. There are definitely a lot of people around, more footfall and more European visitors. And it is sustainable - it will continue into 2009 and 2010. If you are offering a quality product at an affordable price with good service you will succeed.” And Suzanne Watson, sales and marketing manager at Harlequin Entertainment, which owns Blue Bar & Grill, Baby Blue and The Panamerican Club at the Albert Dock, said having a diverse offer is key to survival. “We have something for everyone,” she said. “We hope people see our venues as quality establishments offering a value for money experience.”

The economic health of the North West is being damaged by the physical and mental wellbeing of the region’s workforce, according to a new report from the NHS. Healthier Horizons for the North West calls on the NHS to focus more on promoting good health and the prevention of ill-health, as latest figures estimate that the £3bn economic gap between the North West and the rest of England is caused by worklessness. Steven Broomhead, chief executive of the Northwest Regional Development Agency, said: “By providing a coordinated response to health and social conditions, especially in deprived areas, we will enable all sections of the community to benefit from further economic growth.”

Nichols, the owner of leading North West soft drinks brand Vimto, is trialling a new range of orange and cherry-flavoured Vimto in Japan. The drinks are being test marketed with a funky Manga-style slim can. John Nichols, chairman, also told Insider that the company has formed a joint venture in China. “It’s important to get the product and the partner right in these markets. We don’t take huge risks as a business, but we’re excited about these opportunities in Japan and China,” he said.

The August issue of Insider is out this week with a special focus on the world’s next superpower. As all eyes are on China with the Olympic Games starting tomorrow in Beijing, we look at the increasing business activity between the North West and China and find out how regional businesses can take advantage of the inward investment and expansion opportunities. In our annual Mersey Boroughs review, we explore the ripple effect of the Capital of Culture year and how The Open Championship will have a long-term effect on Southport and surrounding areas. The results of the Merseyside Innovation Awards are also in.