THE man who has helped attract millions of pounds of investment in Liverpool has been given an honorary fellowship.

Jim Gill, the chief executive of Liverpool Vision, received the award from Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) yesterday in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the regeneration and economic rebirth of Liverpool since the 1980s.

The conferment took place at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral yesterday afternoon.

Mr Gill has been at the head of Liverpool Vision, the UK’s first urban regeneration company, since 2001. Earlier this year, he became chief executive of the city’s new economic development company, which brings together the resources of three agencies, including Liverpool Vision.

Before his ties with Liverpool Vision, he had a massive impact on south Liverpool, working at English Partnerships.

As regional director he was instrumental in the creation of the Speke-Garston Development Company joint venture with Liverpool City Council.

But despite his massive success in the city, he confessed yesterday that he felt a little tongue tied.

Moments before proceeding through the cathedral he said: “For me today, I’m unable to put it into words.

“This is something I never contemplated when I started out on this line of work.

“I know it’s a cliché, but it is really a reflection of a great deal of work by a great deal of people and just how successful the regeneration of Liverpool has been.”

However on his specialist subject, Liverpool’s resurgence as a major national and international city, Mr Gill had plenty to say.

He said: “What we have been about is transforming the city centre so it becomes the driver for the entire city region.

“We recognised early on at Liverpool Vision that one area it under-performed on was the attraction of Liverpool as a name to visitors.

“I think people are now leaving with a fantastic impression of the city.”

He said he felt very honoured both to have been a part of this transformation and to be made a fellow of LMJU.

The university vice chancellor, Prof Michael Brown, said: “LJMU is proud to have played its part over the last 180 years in shaping and developing the city.

“By working with Jim Gill and Liverpool Vision, we have been able to harness our research and development expertise and the creativity of our staff and graduates, contributing to the economic, cultural and social renaissance of Liverpool.

“It is therefore with great pleasure that we present this award.”

Long-serving LJMU governor Rosemary Hawley was also handed an honorary fellowship for her work with Knowsley NHS Primary Care Trust, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, and Blackburne House Centre for Women, and as a magistrate.

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