Can Liverpool ride out the property slump? As residential developers across the country announce job cuts in an attempt to fend off the credit crunch, Liverpool's apartment-led regeneration efforts look increasingly risky, said experts in the city this morning. "The next two years for the market in Liverpool city centre may prove to be some of the most difficult in its recent history," said Daniel Stear, head of residential property at Kirwans Solicitors. "Many major high street lenders are unlikely to provide more than a 70 per cent loan to buyers of new-build flat developments in Liverpool." But Mark Beardwood, head of real estate at law firm DLA Piper, thinks Liverpool is better placed than markets like Manchester and Leeds, which have far more unsold apartments. "There is a heavy rental demand and we are seeing developers being more imaginative - for example looking at apartment-hotels and working with housing associations. Prices are also comparatively lower here," he said.

Insider’s July issue features a ranking of the 100 most powerful people in the North West, including 32 new faces and some dramatic moves up – and down – the list. Phil Redmond, joint deputy chairman of the Liverpool Culture Company, is back near the top of the list, while city council leader Warren Bradley has moved down from last year’s berth at 38 in the list. A new entry this year is Simon Edwards of Midas Capital, a man entrusted to look after billions of pounds of personal wealth. If you want to know more, check out the magazine this week.