Gill recruited to revive Professional Liverpool

Jim Gill, former chief executive of economic development company Liverpool Vision, has joined the board of Professional Liverpool as it attempts to become a self-sustaining group following the end of NWDA funding.

Professional Liverpool, which merged with Merseyside Property Forum in 2009, has 80 members and aims to have 100 by the end of 2011.

The removal of revenue from the North West Regional Development Agency last year led to the redundancy of Professional Liverpool's last chief executive, Mark Chadwick.

Professional Liverpool was set up ten years ago but has been repeatedly reorganised and relaunched and has failed to match the size and success of its counterpart in Manchester, Pro Manchester, which has 290 members and produces a far fuller calendar of events and lobbying activity throughout the year.

Stephen Burrows, chairman of the Professional Liverpool board, said: "Self-sufficiency from membership fees has always been the long term objective for PL and we are confident that we have a strong and stable platform from which to continue to grow and expand. We count some of the city's largest professional firms and notable individuals amongst our members. The fact that these organisations are putting their money towards the continued growth and success of the city region's professional services offering is a tangible marker of the belief in the sustainability and long-term goals of PL.

"The appointment of Jim Gill is a real coup and we are set to gain a great deal of insight and strategic direction through his involvement."

The group has also revealed that it has established a new partnership with the University of Liverpool, and will continue to be based in the existing office at the University's Foresight Centre. As part of this new partnership, PL will have the opportunity to help develop talent in the region through collaboration with the University on the LEAD programme.

The programme is a unique management development programme for the professional 'stars' of tomorrow, which offers leadership development including masterclasses and coaching from influential and successful people. Professional Liverpool will identify 25 high flying candidates within the membership and offer a 20 week programme in conjunction with the University of Liverpool Management School to help develop their skills and ability to become leaders of the future.

Gill retired from Vision in July 2010 and began working as a consultant for Liverpool City Council. He added: "The professional services sector is key to the continued success of the city region and I'm delighted to be able to have an input to help drive the achievement of Professional Liverpool's goals."

In February, Professional Liverpool will publish the Commercial Office Market Review of 2010 and in March it will host the Cannes-Do lunch on the Friday of MIPIM week.

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