Can one person cover all bases in the council’s new business advisor role? Peter Elson reports

THE pioneering idea of an unelected business advisor joining Liverpool City Council’s cabinet has caused furious lobbying.

Even its initiator, Cllr Joe Anderson, leader of the city’s new Labour administration, has been taken aback by the interest his concept has generated.

The plan is for an individual representing the Liverpool business community to sit on the council’s board, or cabinet, to give advice on appropriate matters.

Not being an elected representative, the advisor will not vote on any issues.

While it is unclear at this stage exactly what the job description will require, there are plenty of hopefuls pitching to be the city’s business mouthpiece.

Such has been the rush of self-selected candidates that the whole process has been delayed by two months.

To ensure fairness, Cllr Anderson asked John Flamson, of Liverpool University, to create a job description and a shortlist of candidates.

Mr Flamson, director of strategic partnerships and development, is forming a committee of three experts to do this.

“Appointing a business advisor to the cabinet is a very constructive gesture to show commitment to what business can do for the city,” said Mr Flamson.

“Joe Anderson has given me quite an open brief, but the role must have clear terms of engagement.

“Should the advisor be at every cabinet meeting? Some meetings may be about routine stuff or contain confidential matters which aren’t relevant.

“Secondly, the job specification must be key bullet points so it’s clear what we’re looking for.

“That’s not only about experience, but understanding business needs and the business community’s mood in the city.

“There are also questions about personal characteristics.

“This appointment is not a formal constitutional matter. Cllr Anderson is seeking an advisor to sit on his board, not changing the cabinet’s constitution.

“The third aspect is who makes the nomination? While nominations will be sought from named organisations, the agenda for such candidates needs to be clear and practical.

“But the leader’s office can also invite nominations from certain organisations.”

It is undecided if there will be a formal interview process, or candidates may be asked to make a statement so the leader can choose.

Mr Flamson admitted it is impossible to get someone who speaks for all of business.

“There must be a rationale in the selection,” he said.

“Having chosen somebody, it’s important that this is not the only business person who Cllr Anderson is speaking to.

“If you’ve got the right calibre of person, they would also be advising on his bi-monthly business sector meetings.

“It’s an innovative idea, with a caveat that the council members are elected and have the authority to run the council.

“It’s sensible for people in positions of power to seek opinions from different sectors, such as the business community.” David Wade-Smith, Livesmart founder and chairman, who is on Liverpool Chamber of Commerce’s board, said: “I think it’s a very good thing indeed.

“Nobody is yet aware what the role involves, but it should be a consensual electee of the business community.

“Working with the business community at the highest level is good, and Liverpool should be first to do it.

“The right person will give the cabinet first-hand information on how their decisions will impact on business.

“Simultaneously, that person can feed back to the business community on how they can best make decisions.

“The economy is crucial to the city’s future. We’re far better off than 10 years ago and in the best shape in my lifetime.

“There are half a dozen people who have been in business and served the business community who would be great.

“They would put the city first in their decision-making.”