| Business Development A City in Partnership ItÕs no secret that Liverpool is going through a renaissance. ItÕs a major city with a lot to offer, and Liverpool First is bringing together the best in the business to make these developments a success. L andmark events, such as the successful European Capital of Culture year, major regeneration projects and improvements to social and healthcare provision are helping to reinstate Liverpool as a thriving international city. The city is changing to meet the demands of a more competitive economic environment, making it a more attractive base in which to invest for the future. City leaders and key decision makers in business, public and third sector organisations are working together to achieve the vision of Liverpool becoming a ÔThriving International CityÕ on the world stage by 2024, as set out in the recently launched Sustainable Community Strategy (SCS). A city with vision The vision is being driven by a modern and effective city partnership, Liverpool First - a coming together of over 50 leaders from a variety of organisations. Cllr Warren Bradley, Chair of Liverpool First and leader of the city council said: ÒThis vision looks forward to 2024 and maps out the journey to achieving its success. It looks at increasing jobs and opportunities for businesses, improving the skills and qualifications of people in the city, making Liverpool an international gateway with great transport links, and a safe city where people prosper and families thrive.Ó To 2024 and beyond The SCS entitled: ÔLiverpool: a thriving international city - 2024Õ is a working document that tells a story of the city and sets out LiverpoolÕs plans for the future in five areas: ¥ Competitiveness ¥ Connectivity ¥ Distinctive Sense of Place ¥ Thriving Neighbourhoods ¥ Health and Wellbeing. All Liverpool First partners have contributed and signed up to the long-term vision set out in the city vision, which highlights key areas for change and outcomes that organisations are aiming to achieve through partnership working. Carol Perry, Director for Liverpool First, said:ÒWeÕve come a long way since the partnership was set up seven years ago. Our membership has increased and people now come to the partnership with a real ambition to deliver effective cross-organisational working and commitment in achieving the city vision.Ó A downloadable version of the SCS is available online. Tel. 0151 296 7553 www.liverpoolfirst.org.uk