Chairman of business lobbying group Downtown Liverpool in Liverpool Frank McKenna said he would be surprised if most businesses in Liverpool were not prepared to “throw £100 into a pot”.
“If the business community had felt as involved and engaged in the process as was promised, then it would be perhaps be more forthcoming in lending a helping hand.
“It should be noted that Liverpool businesses have had to endure the Big Dig at no insignificant cost to the private sector.
“Many of them are also paying increased rates as part of the Business Improvement District (BID). The idea that businesses could promote Capital of Culture was suggested two years ago when a banner was designed and showed to organisers, but they threatened to sue us.
“Cllr Bradley is suffering from the inheritance of a regime which was not quite as accessible to the business community and opportun- ities were missed.”
Liverpool Labour leader Cllr Joe Anderson criticised the idea that businesses should have to contribute.
“How dare they ask businesses for more money when they have had £90m and they squandered much of it on Robyn Archer and champagne and canapés.”
Merseyside business-man and former chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses Phil Fleming said organisations needed to take their own initiative.
He said: “You have got to be in it to win it. Businesses should be making the most of this opportunity and they are not. If they are not careful, they will miss the boat.”
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