‘The Fixer’ is drafted in to ensure culture year success

Oct 10 2007 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

St George's Hall draped in Liverpool, European Capital of Culture 2008 banners _320

A NEW senior adviser has been drafted into the Liverpool Culture Company to help ensure 2008 is a success.

Bernice Law has been seconded from the North West Development Agency where she has served as executive director of operations since 2003.

It comes as the Culture Company shifts its focus from planning the 2008 programme to logistically organising the year of events.

It is understood Ms Law will serve as a senior adviser of operational delivery after being appointed yesterday.

Last night the extent of her secondment, expected to last throughout the Capital of Culture year, was not known, but she will at least initially continue her £103,000-a-year role with the NWDA.

Culture Company sources said she was appointed for her working knowledge of Liverpool and involvement in various projects for the city council.

It is expected her workload will operate on an “as and when” basis to be dictated by the demands of the timetable of events, and it may be possible for her to also remain in her current post.

Culture Company insiders say Ms Law will be on hand as an “extra pair of eyes” to ensure the smooth running of the 2008 programme.

Among her major successes in her role at the NWDA was her pivotal input in brokering the move of several BBC departments to Salford, scheduled to happen by 2011.

She has previously said: “I really enjoy an operational role. I am a fixer. That’s what gets me up in the mornings. I go in and get things done.”

Ms Law’s appointment is just weeks after a major shake up of the Culture Company following criticism after the cancellation of the Mathew Street Festival in August.

As part of the new, slimmed-down board, Phil Redmond was appointed as the director responsible for creative direction and Bryan Gray, who is also chair of the NWDA, became chairman.

A spokesperson for the Culture Company told the Daily Post last night:“Bernice Law is a welcome addition to the team. She brings a lot of expertise and experience.”

vickyanderson