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'Liverpool has recently been appointed as the European Capital of Culture for 2008 and currently looks set to be a city on the up. The award is not to be taken lightly, as there will be huge investment and rejuvenation happening in "The Pool" and surrounding areas. My guess is that there will be a need for new creative ideas - what better time for those canny scousers to return home? When Newcastle gets the award in the future I might even go home myself.'
Mike Horseman, Managing director, The Open Agency
'Great Jobs! Jab Design has found there is a buoyant SME business growth support network here that offers financial assistance to help companies develop and change. This often creates design opportunities. More importantly, you can now buy a decent meal and a good cup of coffee in Liverpool (officially).'
Jonathan Butters, Managing/design director, Jab Design
'The city needs to commit to building a strong design community, which is tiny at present and can be isolated from the rest of the UK design field. Design events on a national and international level, collaborative projects with local industries and a regeneration programme would encourage designers to come back.'
Johanna van Daalen, Partner, Electric Wig
'What would bring design exiles back to Liverpool? Since I left in 1974, the city has remained fixed in my imagination at that point in time. So I'd want a return to Keegan-style perms, bell bottoms, Steely Dan's Rikki Don't Lose That Number on Radio Merseyside and Liverpool FC sweeping all before them. Some hope!'
Jeremy Myerson, Co-director, Helen Hamlyn Research Centre
'The main attraction for a company like us is the potential creation of a larger skill base, with which we could collaborate or strengthen our own team without having to look outside the city. Although we wouldn't automatically favour home-grown talent, an influx of new, experienced designers could directly benefit our studio. It could also lead to the creation of new studios and opportunities for locals and graduates who could then avoid having to leave the city for work.'
Sam Wiehl, Director, Burn
