Breathing new life into Liverpool

05 March 2012

The economic impact and the regenerative influence of ACC Liverpool, home to BT Convention Centre and Echo Arena. 

Bob Prattey, LJMU Honorary Fellow and Chief Executive of ACC Liverpool, delivered an inspiring World of Work lecture at the Liverpool Art and Design Academy last night. Bob talked about his career in the conference and arena industry and the importance of the Arena and Convention Centre to Liverpool’s economy.

Bob is recognised as one of the most experienced operators in the industry. Speaking at the event, Bob emphasised the importance of degrees for opening doors to employment, and that students must take up opportunities like the World of Work programme to get ahead in a competitive market.

"Employers are looking for graduates who understand the sector they are going into. Those who have undertaken placements, work experience and opportunities to enhance their employability skills will stand out. That is why the World of Work programme at LJMU is so fantastic as it works perfectly alongside an academic education. Liverpool is full of opportunities for students and graduates; it is a fast-paced city, bold in its ambitions."

Terry Dray commented:

"We are extremely grateful for someone like Bob to take time out of their busy schedule to come and offer our students support and advice.  His talk of differentiation for Liverpool in a competitive market, and how he has helped to transform the city based on this ambition and the planning that went into this, is particularly beneficial. It really fits in with the Dream, Plan, Achieve ethos of this University and the World of Work programmes’ aims.  His talk was both inspiring and informative."

A networking event took place directly after the lecture where staff, students, Alumni and local employers were able to make new contacts.

Pictured from Left to Right: LJMU Brokerage Team Manager Deborah Pownall, LJMU Pro Vice-Chancellor Student Experience Steve Kenny, LJMU Honorary Fellow and Chief Executive of ACC Liverpool Bob Prattey and LJMU Director of Graduate Advancement and Employer Engagement Terry Dray

Pictured: LJMU Networking event