This week marked an exciting milestone for the Liverpool City Region: the first gathering of social economy advocates from across the region, united by a shared purpose to build a more inclusive, collaborative, and innovative future. Hosted by Kindred LCR, the event brought together a diverse group of voices committed to unlocking the full potential of the social economy.
A Shared Vision for Change
The conversation was wide-ranging but deeply rooted in a collective ambition: to drive a pro-social approach that fosters fairness, unlocks collaboration, and fuels innovation.
Key themes included:
Embedding the social economy across all sectors, rather than treating it as an add-on
Celebrating diversity of thought and experience, recognising that lived experience and different perspectives strengthen impact
Investing in the region’s talent, ensuring more people have the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from economic growth
These are more than talking points – they are commitments. As a collective, the group aims to:
Grow the reach and impact of the social economy across the Liverpool City Region
Develop a shared voice to influence policy and drive positive change
Showcase leadership and innovation that reflects the region’s values and potential
A Human-Centric Approach to Growth
David Meyerowitz, Chair of the Liverpool City Region Business and Enterprise Board, reinforced the importance of inclusion in economic strategy:
“Annual reports from McKinsey & Company and others repeatedly indicate that companies with a more diverse talent base perform better – they typically make better decisions, grow turnover faster and deliver stronger profits.
Whilst talent is distributed evenly across the UK, the crucial opportunities for talent development are not spread evenly. This disparity is a significant driver of regional productivity gaps, where large variations persist. This is both a clear opportunity for economic growth and the key to enabling better life experiences for many more of the population. For this reason, we support a “human-centric” approach to business and inclusive economic growth across the City Region. A place where more people are able to make significant contributions to and benefit from the resulting accelerated growth.”
Just the Beginning
This first gathering represents a critical first step – not just in bringing people together, but in building a movement that puts people, purpose, and impact at the heart of economic development.
With momentum now underway, Kindred LCR and its partners are looking ahead to what comes next: sustained collaboration, bold leadership, and a united voice for change. This is just the beginning.
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