LIVERPOOL has today become a good news city, enjoying an investment boom, new jobs and a general level of optimism that makes it the envy of other European cities.
The hard work and vision of the individuals and organisations nominated in the Regional Business Awards has done much to support this renaissance.
At DLA Piper we play our part, too, and the Awards, which we have supported for 13 years now, are a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the successes that are carrying Merseyside forward to a new era.
I'm bound to say that the last 12 months have been a particularly exciting time for us. On January 1 we completed the merger which has given DLA Piper a truly global reach - with 50 offices in 18 countries we can now offer to Merseyside business unrivalled legal services where the need arises. But that is not to say we have lost sight of our roots! The business community has supported our presence here for more than 180 years and we are proud to be in this great city.
During the year we were delighted to announce our ground-breaking sponsorship of Tate Liverpool, which will support this wonderful gallery up to and beyond the Capital of Culture celebrations.
What's more, we continue to be involved in some of the most prestigious deals in the region. In addition to advising on landmark projects such as Kings Waterfront, we are helping to structure the large scale housing market renewal initiative which will make a real difference to the quality of Liverpool's housing stock.
The many transactions led out of our Liverpool office have also included the £125m refinancing of Ethel Austin Property Group, the acquisition of the Manchester Fort Shopping Park by Liverpoolbased Universities Superannuation Scheme, the acquisition of Jennings Homes by David McLean Group and the £75m acquisition of Associated Cooperative Creameries by Nantwichbased Dairy Farmers of Britain. And that is not to mention the many smaller matters on which we advise Merseyside business day in, day out.
Our Liverpool lawyers also featured strongly in industry awards - DLA Piper was itself named Law Firm of the Year in the Legal Business Awards, while Liverpool-based partner Peter Brook was a part of the team celebrated by The Lawyer for their work advising the Blackpoolbased Department of Work and Pensions during a massive IT outsourcing project. Our north west property team was named Property Law Firm of the Year by North West Business Insider.
Our own investment in Merseyside goes on apace. The establishment of our new tax investigations team and the expansion of our centre of excellence in consumer credit are but two examples of our continuing drive to deliver innovative legal services in Liverpool. Refurbishment of our India Buildings offices will end later this year when we will have created a top-quality environment for staff and clients alike.
As a major port, Liverpool has always been a city with an international perspective. At DLA Piper, we are proud of our global reach but our focus remains very much on Merseyside itself - providing professional advice of the highest quality to the people who are making such a difference to the future of this region.
PHILIP ROONEY is Office Managing Partner, Liverpool, for DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary.
