Liverpool city region’s Future Impact Board teams up with Liverpool Chamber to form a lobbying group to influence future public policy. Tony McDonough reports

Young professionals in Liverpool city region are establishing a new lobbying group that will look to influence the direction of public policy.

In 2021the the Liverpool Place Partnership launched its Future Impact Board made up of property and construction professionals, all aged 30 and under, which aimed to “strive for positive change” in the city region.

Now the board is launching the Future Impact Network in collaboration with Liverpool Chamber. This will create a “cohesive alliance of young professionals” across multiple sectors.

Aimed at championing the perspective of young professionals, The Future Impact Network extends the representative power of the Future Impact Board by building a community of the next generation.

The Future Impact Board will work alongside the leadership team in the Liverpool City Council Combined Authority to help to influence policy and changes within the city region and also meet regularly with local councillors.

Topics under focus may include investment zones, the skills gap within the city, student retention, the narrative of the city as a place to live, work and invest, as well as providing them with an insight into what it is like to be a young professional in the city.

The Future Impact Network sits alongside the board to ensure all decision making will be relevant and fitting for the next generation.

Marc Barlow, member of the Future Impact Board and project engineer at Curtins, said: “The collaboration between the Future Impact Board and the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce marks a pivotal moment for the young professionals of Liverpool.

“Together, we are not just redefining the future – we are actively shaping it. This partnership is more than an alliance.

“It’s a commitment to empower the youth of our region, bridging the gap between decision-making levels and the vibrant energy of Liverpool city region’s youth network”.

Joining the Future Impact Network are ten individuals:

• Lily Macklin, Lloyds Bank
• Jake Wilson, Oriel Studios
• Sian Opie, K2 Architects
• Kathy McQuillan, Morecrofts Solicitors
• Chelsea Holman, DSG
• James Jefferies, RSM
• Megan Parry, Liverpool ONE
• Jaime Stanton, Morgan Sindall
• Luke Latham, Warwick Developments
• Adam Birch, Empire Theatre

Paul Cherpeau, chief executive, of Liverpool Chamber, added: “As Liverpool Chamber approaches its 175th year as the trusted, authentic partner for businesses in our city region, our focus is very much on the future of the local business community.

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“Our partnership with the Future Impact Board affirms our commitment to ensuring that chamber member businesses are able to develop and support their future leaders and enable their voices to be heard and enacted in the present.

The Future Impact Network will offer a dynamic platform for new ideas, partnerships, learning and growth for participants and an excellent peer network for members to develop within.”