Amid all of the Brexit gloom there is some good news. Economically speaking, Liverpool is doing well and its prospects are bright whatever happens in the wake of the dismal, never-ending parliamentary saga that plays out day by day. The population is growing, particularly in the city centre where numbers have nearly tripled since 2002, a faster growth than any other city in the UK. It seems ages since Peel Ports announced their plans for Liverpool and Wirral Waters, little seems to have happened. However, behind the scenes (and now out on site) substantial new developments are now taking shape north of the city centre. The investment planned in this area is staggering and will fuel the local economy for many years to come. 

This was the encouraging message from a seminar on future investment plans organised by Natwest last week The city has its problems but is well placed to play its part in spearheading the success of the Northern Powerhouse. The productivity of each worker here in Liverpool is comparable with that in any area of the country. However, when one considers those not in employment, our productivity is amongst the lowest. The real challenge for the council and others is to ensure that teenagers in our education system have the motivation and are given the skills to be productive members of the economy. 

At the Jackson Lees Group, we have played our part in creating apprenticeships and training up our workforce to gain the skills we need to succeed as a modern law firm. Our Training Academy, still in its infancy, ensures that anyone employed by us will be able to gain the skills they need to succeed. Unfortunately, not enough apprenticeships are being created across the board. The choice for our young people starting out in their careers is either to enter the workforce with very little in the way of skills or go to college where the education is largely intellectual. This is in marked contrast to other societies who combine college learning and employment to reinforce skills primarily gained in the workplace. 

Having said that, many areas of our local economy are doing well. The visitor economy is booming and that has the potential to provide many new opportunities for those entering the workplace. In addition, the creative economy is also strong as well as development in life sciences and AI. There are many reasons to be hopeful if the cycle of deprivation and lack of hope that exists in some of our communities can be overcome. Whilst the city has fewer resources than in the past, investment in new schools has been high and our three universities are leading the way. 

Finally and crucially, what other city can boast a waterfront like ours? As technology allows economic activity to be undertaken anywhere, location will increasingly become a determining factor. The combination of new housing, cultural facilities, parkland, the new Everton stadium, offices and retail and leisure outlets will make the area north of the city centre a vibrant, modern community within one of the most desirable locations in Europe. Yes, there are still challenges, not least transport with the lack of good rail links across the Northern Powerhouse region, but there is a lot of opportunity for growth here.

So here's to a brighter future, full of hope despite the mess that our politicians are making at the moment. Our location is second to none and that, combined with the incredible enthusiasm and pride of our people, will see us through!