Business-focused roundtable success in Liverpool

Last week, the Liverpool corporate team were delighted to co-host with MHA and BusinessCloud, a fantastic roundtable with some of Liverpool City Region’s most exciting high-growth businesses.

The panel, including corporate partner and head of Liverpool, Kieran Donovan, and M&A corporate consultant Gareth McIntegart, discussed the challenges and opportunities facing businesses in light of the October 2024 budget and the wider macroeconomic landscape of 2025.

Among the key themes that emerged from the conversation were:

• Talent retention and attraction – they are front of mind particularly in a market where wage inflation, hybrid working demands, and skills shortages (especially in tech and manufacturing) continue to bite. Many businesses are focusing on building engaged, loyal teams, even as skills shortages persist
• Managing cost pressures – businesses are re-evaluating supply chains, pricing and operations, taking action where they can to safeguard margins without stalling growth. That said, the National Insurance increases and national minimum wage rises are adding significantly to those pressures and have the potential to stunt growth
• Technology is a key driver for all businesses – many are seeking out operational efficiencies to offset the increased cost base, which means the right tech solutions can free up time, reduce costs, and improve accuracy
• Access to funding remains a challenge – businesses are focusing on stronger investor narratives and financing to navigate the current climate.  The importance of quality up-to-date MI and forecasting cannot be overlooked
• Optimism around innovation and new markets – despite the challenges there’s resilience, with businesses targeting new markets and products to drive future growth
• Stable and supportive government policy – businesses require clarity from government as they seek stability to help them plan ahead with confidence, particularly around tax rises, incentives, and longer-term investment support. There needs to be more joined up thinking from government, supported by local and national growth initiatives, to provide the necessary support to businesses

Ultimately, while external forces may be beyond control, businesses are focusing on what they can influence, namely leadership, innovation, and culture, to keep moving forward. It’s what was referred to by Kieran as controlling the controllable.

Kieran said: “It was great to hear so many real-world insights and to see the ambition and resilience within the Liverpool City Region’s business community.

“Thank you to everyone who joined and shared so openly. If you’re in business and would like to discuss any of these themes further or hear about future events, feel free to drop us a line.”

To speak to our corporate team in Liverpool to discuss any business-related support, please call 0151 317 3355 or direct message Kieran or Gareth.