What Works Elsewhere
Every policy is grounded in evidence from cities that have actually done it. Not theory — practice. Free trade zones, deregulated planning, private transport investment, and enterprise-led transformation. These case studies show what works — and every lesson is applied to Liverpool City Region's unique assets.
Liverpool's Global Position
Existing international links and structural advantages that no other Core City has
UNESCO City of Music (since 2015)
Liverpool is a UNESCO City of Music — one of only a handful globally. The designation recognises the city's extraordinary musical heritage from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic (1840) to the Beatles, and its continuing role as a creative powerhouse.
Unique global brand asset. No other Core City has this designation. Should be central to visitor economy and creative industries strategy.
Only Core City with a Freeport
Liverpool is the only Core City in England that also has a Freeport and the UK's 4th busiest container port. No other major English city combines a Freeport, a major port, an Investment Zone, and a Life Sciences IZ.
This structural advantage is unique and under-exploited. The combination of Freeport + port + Investment Zone should be the centrepiece of inward investment messaging.
Twin Cities Network (Shanghai, Dublin, Cologne, Odesa)
Liverpool has formal twin city and friendship agreements with Shanghai (since 1999), Dublin, Cologne, Odesa, and others. The Shanghai link is particularly significant — Liverpool was the first UK city to twin with a Chinese city.
The Shanghai relationship should be leveraged for Freeport trade and inward investment. Dublin and Cologne links support European business connections. Odesa twinning carries diplomatic and cultural significance.
Soft Power Board
LCR has established a Soft Power Board to coordinate the city region's international positioning — leveraging culture, sport, music, universities, and heritage to attract investment and talent.
Liverpool punches well above its weight on global recognition. The challenge is converting soft power into hard investment — the Freeport, visitor economy, and university partnerships should be the transmission mechanism.
Airport Network: 76 Destinations, No Long-Haul
Liverpool John Lennon Airport serves 76 destinations across Europe but has no long-haul capability despite a runway that can handle wide-body aircraft. 5m+ passengers annually — growing but under-connected.
The lack of long-haul routes is a significant gap for a city region with global ambitions. A rail link to the airport and commercial partnerships to attract long-haul operators should be priorities.