Sefton Huddle is the networking group for businesses in the digital, creative & tech sectors in Sefton. The group meets three times a year and the next meeting has been confirmed for Tuesday 24th Feb 2026, from 11am to 1pm at Marine Football Club in Crosby.
If you would like more information about Sefton Huddle please call us on 0151 934 3452 or email investsefton@sefton.gov.uk
2026 is going to be HUGE for Southport with the launch of Southport 2026– a series of cultural events taking place on Lord Street. (Visit Southport 2026) for details on the events).
To ensure businesses make the most of this opportunity, InvestSefton recently ran a series of workshops to help businesses think creatively, promote themselves more widely and help to deliver next level customer service.
The presentations from all the workshops can be found here and we plan to rerun the workshops later in the year- keep an eye on our website for more details.
The University of Liverpool has a strong record in supporting Liverpool City Region based SMEs, through their Liverpool Interns Programme, enabling the Careers & Employability team, to support companies in improving their business competitiveness, by taking advantage of student talent!
Students deliver meaningful projects, implementing the skills and knowledge being developed through their degree disciplines, by working on projects that make a real impact to a company’s development.
The Careers & Employability Team, works collaboratively with businesses, to design a project that meets the company’s needs, while showcasing just how much value a University of Liverpool student can bring to a business.
Employer benefits:
✅ Fully funded 80-hour projects
✅ Fresh insights, creative thinking, and problem-solving from students
✅ Build a future talent pipeline
✅ Dedicated support from our Employer Connections Team
Benefits for students:
💵 Flexible paid opportunity that will fit around their course commitments
🎓 Enhanced employability and professional confidence
🏢 Real-world experience within local organisations
If you wish to explore this offer further, then why not attend their Launch Event, being held on the University campus, on Thursday 4th December (4.00pm to 5.30pm), when the Team will elaborate on how the Programme works!
To register to attend – https://lnkd.in/e2zjWRAE
If you are unable to attend this event, but, would like to explore the offer further, then please email Paul Cullinan, Employer Connections , Careers & Employability and Paul will be happy to meet with you, to elaborate on the offer and how it will work.
Our next Economic Forum will take place on Thursday 27th November at The Lake House in Waterloo. As well a complimentary breakfast there will be interesting & informative talks an also the opportunity for networking and to browse our business support marketplace.
Talks for the morning include:
An economic update from economist Christian Spence
A presentation on the LCR Growth Plan from Adrian Nolan from the Liverpool City Region
Colin Chong from Everton FC will talk about the initial economic impact and opportunities arising from Everton FC’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium
Mark Catherall, Head of Tourism for Sefton Council will provide a summary of ‘Southport 2026’ as well as an update on The Open at Royal Birkdale in July 2026.
Visit our events page for more information and to book your place
As Southport prepares itself for a unique year of extraordinary cultural activity in 2026, InvestSefton wants to ensure local businesses are fully prepared to capitalise on it.
Find out more about the cultural programme of events, including a video here.
InvestSefton have now launched a series of FREE workshops designed to boost your creativity, strengthen your marketing capabilities, and elevate your customer experience – giving your business the confidence to REALLY make the most of what is anticipated to be a never-before-experienced & exciting 12 months for Southport.
Over 3 workshops, InvestSefton and our Expert Hosts will help you discover the next level for your business, covering 3 key themes, read more about the workshops here.
Applications are now open for the Innervision Business Growth Programme – Phase 2, supporting 25 Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic-led businesses across the Liverpool City Region.
Commissioned by the Liverpool City Region Race Equality Hub – this six-month programme includes a compulsory 2-day residential on 23rd & 24th November, 1-to-1 coaching, peer support, investment readiness, ecosystem access, and a £1.5k bursary on completion.
Eligibility:
• Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic-owned or led business
• Based or trading in the Liverpool City Region
• Not taken part in business support in the last 6 months
• Able to attend the residential
• Ready to commit to growth
Apply here: Business Support Programme
Deadline: 5 pm, 17th November
Further information is attached, and if you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with Joanne at Innervision info@innervisionconsultancy.co.uk.
The Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF) is a new UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)-led programme that will invest up to £500 million into the development and scaling of high-potential innovation clusters across the UK. It is designed to support both established clusters with a proven track record of innovation, and emerging clusters that are in earlier stages of development but have significant potential to generate economic value. This initiative forms part of the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy. It reinforces the commitment to foster regional strengths, accelerate research commercialisation, drive technology adoption, and help businesses scale, grow, and attract private investment.
Liverpool City Region have been identified in the earmarked strand to receive at least £30m over 5 years. The programme is governed through a Quadruple Helix model, ensuring strategic oversight and inclusive decision-making from civic institutions, universities, industry leaders, and social economy partners. The Combined Authority are now seeking project proposals to identify the strongest portfolio for submission.
For more information on the project and how to apply click here
The consultation regarding Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) in Bootle and Southport town centres is now live via this link:
The survey is also available via this QR code:
The consultation is open until 7 December 2025
The National Cyber Security Centre has launched the Cyber Action Toolkit for sole traders, micro businesses and small organisations. The Toolkit provides free, personalised cybersecurity guidance, step-by-step actions tailored to business size and progress tracking.
Read more about the toolkit at:
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/news/small-businesses-receive-cyber-security-boost-with-new-toolkit-from-experts
Sefton Council and the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) have announced an exciting new partnership that will see one of the UK’s leading creative institutions play a key role in the next chapter of Salt and Tar, Bootle’s growing culture and events venue.
This collaboration will create unique opportunities for LIPA students and graduates to work alongside Sefton’s tourism, regeneration and cultural teams on live events, performances and community projects at Salt and Tar. The initiative aims to nurture local talent, inspire creativity and strengthen Bootle’s reputation as a vibrant hub where culture and community come together.
As part of the partnership, LIPA students will deliver LIPA Live @ Salt and Tar, a series of live shows featuring music, theatre and digital performance that builds on the existing LIPA Live @ The Cavern. They will also contribute to the development and delivery of workshops and skills programmes for local schools and residents. In addition, Sefton Council and LIPA will co-commission new works inspired by Bootle’s people, stories and heritage.
Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Skills and Employment, said:
“Salt and Tar continues to lead the way in Bootle’s regeneration story, it’s a place where people come together to celebrate music, creativity and community. Sir Tom Jones, Billy Ocean, Status Quo and many others have already performed at Salt and Tar. This partnership with LIPA brings world-class energy and emerging talent to our borough and creates pathways for local people into the creative industries.”
Professor Sean McNamara, LIPA’s Principal and CEO, said:
“Our partnership with Sefton Council marks an exciting opportunity to bring together creative education and community regeneration. Through Salt and Tar, LIPA students and graduates will gain invaluable professional experience across performance and production. We’re delighted to support Bootle’s continued growth as a vibrant cultural destination where creativity fuels community pride and economic renewal.”