W L BUSINESS
GROWTH AND INNOVATION CELEBRATED IN SEFTON PARK PALM HOUSE
Geraldine Fuller from the Business & IP Centre Liverpool talks about Liverpool City Region Start Up Day
It ’ s not often that a vision translates into something real that beats all expectations and leaves a lasting legacy .
But that ’ s what happened when we hosted Liverpool City Region Start Up Day last month . Almost 200 people gathered in Sefton Park Palm House for the coming together of brand-new businesses , directors of fast- growing companies , lawyers , accountants , small independent enterprises s as well as universities , business support agencies and other organisations .
The last time I ran an event in this unique venue was back in 2002 launching , what was then , the new £ 80m Merseyside Special Investment Fund . The Palm House had only just opened to the public after years of campaigning and fundraising . There was so much excitement and eager anticipation around the new renovation . The re-opening coincided with a palpable sense of optimism as Liverpool had been awarded significant European cash to invest in an ambitious programme of serious regeneration . MSIFs ability to back new and growing businesses who needed finance they couldn ’ t typically access through normal commercial channels was set to become a lifeline and a game changer for thousands of people .
Sefton Park ’ s ‘ Great Conservatory ’ was originally a gift to the city of Liverpool by local philanthropist Henry Yates Thompson . His £ 10,000 donation enabled the Parks Committee to appoint leading glasshouse suppliers of the day to design and build a magnificent temperate winder garden . The great glass domes provided the perfect conditions for plants from all over the world to thrive .
It first opened in 1896 and rapidly became a popular visitor attraction . During the second world war the glass domes were disguised with green paint in a bid to be concealed from enemy bombers . But this didn ’ t prevent a nearby explosion shattering the glass . Funding from the War Damage Committee enabled new glass to be installed in the 1950 ’ s but over time the building fell into a state of disrepair .
A painstaking restoration project cost £ 3.5m and led to a complete re-build in 2001 . Today the ambience is no less special . The scent of jasmine , the rich abundance of hundreds of different plant species from all over the world , the natural light and tropical temperatures combine to provide a breath-taking sensory feast and an incredibly calm , peaceful space .
The Palm House is the culmination of innovation , forward thinking , teamwork and great design . It has survived tragedy , overcome adversity and
adapted itself to become a modern much sought-after corporate venue as well as a central part of community life . It felt therefore a natural choice as a venue to host Start up Day .
The idea of Start-up Day is to celebrate new businesses , recognise and showcase entrepreneurial talent as well as inspire , connect and celebrate innovative ideas and thinking . At the same time , I wanted to promote the wide range of services we provide in the Business & IP Centre around intellectual property , start up and growth support . I always like to give people plenty to think and talk about too and make sure the event is memorable and welcoming with lots of opportunities to network and chat .
I asked Jo Fairley , the co-founder of the famous chocolate brand Green & Black to be our keynote speaker . Jo was the UK ’ s youngest ever magazine editor and was a pioneer of ethical and sustainable business practice long before it became a ‘ thing ’. I was thrilled when she accepted my invitation – and she was nothing less than sensational . Guests enjoyed free samples of the delicious chocolate but most importantly her frank , honest firsthand account of building a multi-million-pound business from scratch had everyone transfixed . You could have heard a pin drop as Jo recounted her story . She recalled her schoolteacher informing her she would not make anything of herself and how she resolved to prove her wrong . She spoke about the power of generosity and giving . She reminded everyone to look at their core values and the importance of being authentic and true to oneself .
It was an important day . The feedback was incredible . The power and spirit of our City Region ’ s generous and entrepreneurial business community was tangible .
BIPC Liverpool is committed to doing all it can to support anyone starting or growing a business . We are delivering lots more useful and enjoyable events for 2023 . From culture to food to gaming to professional services we are here to help . Gary Millar , our Entrepreneur in Residence , runs free drop-in clinics every Thursday from 1pm-4pm in Central Library . He and his team of professional advisors welcome everyone to come and talk about their idea and access advice . So , whether you have an idea to start something new , have an existing business you want to develop come and talk to us .
You can make an appointment by calling the BIPC Team on 0151 233 5825 or email libraries . enquiries @ liverpool . gov . uk Follow us on Twitter BIPC Liverpool City Region Linked In BIPC Liverpool City Region wirrallife . com 71