http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/latest-news/ Latest en-gb LDPbusiness http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/28/1-54bn-loss-reported-by-taylor-wimpey-96026-21623699/ Thu, 28 Aug 2008 07:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/28/1-54bn-loss-reported-by-taylor-wimpey-96026-21623699/ THE UK’s biggest housebuilder yesterday racked up half-year losses of £1.54bn after market turmoil caused it to slash the value of its land bank. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/28/film-office-moves-to-centre-of-chester-96026-21622299/ Thu, 28 Aug 2008 05:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/28/film-office-moves-to-centre-of-chester-96026-21622299/ CHESHIRE and Warrington’s film office has moved to the centre of Chester as it tries to attract more film crews to the county. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/28/conference-with-designs-on-national-recognition-96026-21622308/ Thu, 28 Aug 2008 06:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/28/conference-with-designs-on-national-recognition-96026-21622308/ A MAJOR design conference lined up for Liverpool in October is a sign the city’s design sector is becoming a force to be reckoned with, the body promoting the city’s creative sector says. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/28/lookers-reports-profits-drop-96026-21622434/ Thu, 28 Aug 2008 07:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/28/lookers-reports-profits-drop-96026-21622434/ FALLING new and used car sales caused a 28% drop in first-half profits at car dealership group Lookers. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/28/competition-to-hit-price-comparison-site-s-profits-96026-21622426/ Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/28/competition-to-hit-price-comparison-site-s-profits-96026-21622426/ THE cost of maintaining moneysupermarket.com’s market-leading position is expected to hit the price comparison website’s second-half profits. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/28/opinion-google-s-new-trade-mark-policy-may-affect-your-brand-96026-21622305/ Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/28/opinion-google-s-new-trade-mark-policy-may-affect-your-brand-96026-21622305/ GOOGLE’S decision to overhaul its AdWords trade mark policy set the cat amongst the pigeons in the world of brand e-marketing. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/28/in-line-for-honours-96026-21622304/ Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/28/in-line-for-honours-96026-21622304/ DESIGN firm Uniform of Liverpool has been nominated for three more honours. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/business-features/business-analysis/2008/08/27/rising-from-ashes-of-budget-bonfire-96026-21612885/ Tue, 26 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/business-features/business-analysis/2008/08/27/rising-from-ashes-of-budget-bonfire-96026-21612885/ Business Link Northwest was born out of a bid to streamline small business support. Tony McDonough reviews the effect of the change http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/business-opinions-blogs/matt-johnson/2008/08/27/like-it-or-not-us-electioneering-is-the-shape-of-things-to-come-96026-21616626/ Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:18:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/business-opinions-blogs/matt-johnson/2008/08/27/like-it-or-not-us-electioneering-is-the-shape-of-things-to-come-96026-21616626/ Choosing a leader for what is after all the most powerful nation on earth is not a job to be done in haste. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/business-opinions-blogs/bill-gleeson/2008/08/27/if-we-continue-to-be-entrepreneurs-we-will-be-strong-96026-21616624/ Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:16:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/business-opinions-blogs/bill-gleeson/2008/08/27/if-we-continue-to-be-entrepreneurs-we-will-be-strong-96026-21616624/ WHAT chance the UK economy will escape recession? http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/business-features/business-working-day/2008/08/27/working-day-phil-ventre-96026-21613129/ Tue, 26 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/business-features/business-working-day/2008/08/27/working-day-phil-ventre-96026-21613129/ PHIL VENTRE is a major shareholder and director of Albert Dock-based VK Media, a marketing and business development agency. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/gloomy-outlook-for-retailers-as-continuing-fall-in-high-street-sales-forecast-96026-21612915/ Tue, 26 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/gloomy-outlook-for-retailers-as-continuing-fall-in-high-street-sales-forecast-96026-21612915/ IT has been a torrid time for retailers, with the list of companies in trouble lengthening by the week. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/on-the-move-96026-21613142/ Tue, 26 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/on-the-move-96026-21613142/ ACCOUNTANCY and business services group Baker Tilly has appoint- ed Ian Ainsworth as manager of its restructuring and recovery team in Liverpool. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/trading-gossip-96026-21613132/ Tue, 26 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/trading-gossip-96026-21613132/ Trading Gossip readers will recall that at the end of the last gathering, which took place at one of the swish apartments above Liverpool’s Malmaison Hotel, one lady had somehow left a garment behind. Ding dong. This latest event is being held at the newly-refurbished Bang & Olufsen showroom in Castle Street. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/ex-banker-prepares-dairy-business-for-more-growth-96026-21612914/ Wed, 27 Aug 2008 05:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/ex-banker-prepares-dairy-business-for-more-growth-96026-21612914/ Alistair Houghton meets PAUL DEAKIN, managing director of Meadow Foods http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/it-s-great-to-know-i-can-turn-to-them-if-i-need-any-business-advice-says-charity-journalist-96026-21612880/ Tue, 26 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/it-s-great-to-know-i-can-turn-to-them-if-i-need-any-business-advice-says-charity-journalist-96026-21612880/ FORMER Liverpool Daily Post & Echo journalist Tom Dowling enlisted the support of Business Link when launching his publication, All Together Now!, aimed at people with disabilities and their families and friends. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/buy-in-opens-the-doors-for-expansion-at-surfacing-specialist-96026-21613150/ Wed, 27 Aug 2008 06:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/buy-in-opens-the-doors-for-expansion-at-surfacing-specialist-96026-21613150/ CIVIL engineering specialist Knowles Surfacing has undergone a management buy-in and says it is set for expansion. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/firm-s-future-threatened-96026-21613152/ Wed, 27 Aug 2008 07:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/firm-s-future-threatened-96026-21613152/ A FAST-GROWING company’s future in the region is under threat after a row with Halton Council over the Mersey Gateway. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/scottish-group-a-front-runner-to-buy-cains-96026-21612916/ Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/scottish-group-a-front-runner-to-buy-cains-96026-21612916/ THE first firm bidder for Cains brewery emerged yesterday. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/training-organisation-s-second-site-backed-by-msif-96026-21613146/ Tue, 26 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/training-organisation-s-second-site-backed-by-msif-96026-21613146/ A BIRKENHEAD firm which specialises in vocational education has opened a second site after receiving funding from Liverpool-based venture capitalists. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/ldp-business-on-fighting-the-credit-crunch-96026-21613135/ Tue, 26 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/ldp-business-on-fighting-the-credit-crunch-96026-21613135/ THE latest edition of LDP Business magazine is focusing on how businesses in the region are coping with the credit crunch. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/sea-freight-firm-profit-up-20-96026-21613124/ Tue, 26 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/sea-freight-firm-profit-up-20-96026-21613124/ A SEA freight operator with a major base at the Port of Liverpool is reporting a 20% rise in pre-tax profits for 2007. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/2-5m-contract-for-builder-rok-96026-21613121/ Tue, 26 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/2-5m-contract-for-builder-rok-96026-21613121/ CHESTER building firm Rok has been awarded a £2.5m contract by planemaker Airbus in Broughton to extend two buildings at the huge plant. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/computer-cash-96026-21613113/ Tue, 26 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/computer-cash-96026-21613113/ MERSEYSIDE firms have just three months left to tap into a grant scheme to fund investment in new computer equipment. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/help-cut-wave-of-sickness-96026-21613111/ Tue, 26 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/help-cut-wave-of-sickness-96026-21613111/ WORKPLACE health organisation Health@Work says Merseyside employers must play their part in reducing absenteeism after a survey showed sick leave levels had hit a four-year high. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/commercial-property-liverpool/commercial-property-news/2008/08/27/excellent-chance-to-invest-in-great-deals-96026-21612919/ Tue, 26 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/commercial-property-liverpool/commercial-property-news/2008/08/27/excellent-chance-to-invest-in-great-deals-96026-21612919/ SUTTON Kersh is holding its fifth auction of 2008 early next month with 71 lots going under the hammer. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/private-sector-view-more-streamlining-needed-among-other-agencies-96026-21612910/ Tue, 26 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/private-sector-view-more-streamlining-needed-among-other-agencies-96026-21612910/ AS CHAIRMAN of business lobby group Downtown Liverpool in Business (DLIB), Frank McKenna gets regular feedback from his members about the level of support they receive. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/haulier-s-victory-is-sweet-96026-21612905/ Tue, 26 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/haulier-s-victory-is-sweet-96026-21612905/ SUTTON’S transport group has won a multi-million pound contract to deliver for British Sugar. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/plaza-s-warm-welcome-for-media-firm-96026-21612902/ Tue, 26 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/plaza-s-warm-welcome-for-media-firm-96026-21612902/ MARKETING specialist Crucial Media has taken 20 serviced desks at Bruntwood’s The Plaza on Old Hall Street. The firm has moved from a serviced office at Il Palazzo at 7 Water Street, where it spent six months. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/commercial-property-liverpool/commercial-property-news/2008/08/27/tea-factory-secures-new-tenant-96026-21612899/ Tue, 26 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/commercial-property-liverpool/commercial-property-news/2008/08/27/tea-factory-secures-new-tenant-96026-21612899/ URBAN Splash has secured another new tenant at its Tea Factory development in Liverpool city centre. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/cotton-is-still-king-for-leading-company-96026-21612893/ Tue, 26 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/cotton-is-still-king-for-leading-company-96026-21612893/ A SMART, purpose-built office located on the banks of the Mersey at Birkenhead has emerged as a leading player in the cotton trade. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/green-expertise-96026-21612888/ Tue, 26 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/green-expertise-96026-21612888/ A LEADING Merseyside-based global renewable energy specialist is launching a new advice service aimed at both the public and private sector. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/cash-to-help-young-entrepreneurs-96026-21612876/ Tue, 26 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/cash-to-help-young-entrepreneurs-96026-21612876/ THE Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) is providing funding to create the posts of enterprise champions at five universities. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/gustav-puts-a-brake-on-falling-oil-prices-96026-21612874/ Tue, 26 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/27/gustav-puts-a-brake-on-falling-oil-prices-96026-21612874/ COMMODITY prices could be caught up in a storm as recent volatility continued yesterday. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/26/care-firm-falls-into-new-hands-96026-21603279/ Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:02:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/26/care-firm-falls-into-new-hands-96026-21603279/ THE UK’s biggest care services firm for adults with severe learning disabilities has fallen into private equity hands, it was announced yesterday. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/26/downturn-hits-home-as-estate-agency-considers-cash-shake-up-96026-21603277/ Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:58:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/26/downturn-hits-home-as-estate-agency-considers-cash-shake-up-96026-21603277/ ESTATE agent Foxtons and its private equity owner are embarking on a review of the business as the credit crunch squeezes the property market, it was reported last night. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/26/meadow-foods-spreads-itself-into-new-warehouse-96026-21602221/ Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/26/meadow-foods-spreads-itself-into-new-warehouse-96026-21602221/ CHESTER dairy supplier Meadow Foods has opened a new butter warehouse as part of its ongoing expansion plans. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/25/ferry-fares-to-face-new-fuel-surcharges-96026-21597824/ Sun, 24 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/25/ferry-fares-to-face-new-fuel-surcharges-96026-21597824/ FERRY prices on the Irish Sea are to increase to reflect rising fuel charges. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/23/wirral-factory-closure-leaves-staff-fearing-for-jobs-96026-21590661/ Fri, 22 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/23/wirral-factory-closure-leaves-staff-fearing-for-jobs-96026-21590661/ AROUND 100 Wirral workers were last night fearing for their jobs after a factory announced it is to close. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/23/bus-and-train-operator-increases-profits-by-40-96026-21590491/ Fri, 22 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/23/bus-and-train-operator-increases-profits-by-40-96026-21590491/ MERSEYSIDE’S biggest bus operator, Arriva, yesterday announced a 40% rise in half-year pre-tax profits to £66.3m. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/23/britain-s-17-year-run-of-growth-grinds-to-a-halt-96026-21590487/ Fri, 22 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/23/britain-s-17-year-run-of-growth-grinds-to-a-halt-96026-21590487/ THE UK economy’s record run of unbroken quarterly economic growth has come to a halt, according to official figures published yesterday. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/23/high-profile-presence-in-city-s-hospitality-trade-over-two-decades-96026-21590479/ Fri, 22 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/23/high-profile-presence-in-city-s-hospitality-trade-over-two-decades-96026-21590479/ ROB GUTMANN has become one of Liverpool’s highest-profile bar owners and restaurateurs with a string of big name venues behind him. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/23/bars-in-city-under-threat-96026-21590475/ Fri, 22 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/23/bars-in-city-under-threat-96026-21590475/ THE companies that own Liverpool bars Korova and Babycream have gone into administration. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/22/traders-fear-more-rail-work-96026-21584003/ Thu, 21 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/22/traders-fear-more-rail-work-96026-21584003/ LIVERPOOL Chamber of Commerce has joined forces with three other chambers to ask Network Rail not to extend engineering work into the working week. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/21/how-would-you-sell-liverpool-to-the-world-96026-21577029/ Thu, 21 Aug 2008 08:46:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/21/how-would-you-sell-liverpool-to-the-world-96026-21577029/ LIVERPOOL businesses have been urged to have their say on how the city sells itself to more than 70m visitors at the World Expo in China in 2010. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/21/administrators-start-shutting-cains-pubs-96026-21576207/ Thu, 21 Aug 2008 06:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/21/administrators-start-shutting-cains-pubs-96026-21576207/ THE administrators of Liverpool brewer Cains have begun shutting the loss-making pubs in the group. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/21/iom-steam-packet-company-owner-buys-channel-islands-operator-96026-21576205/ Thu, 21 Aug 2008 07:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/21/iom-steam-packet-company-owner-buys-channel-islands-operator-96026-21576205/ THE owner of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has acquired Channel Islands ferry operator Condor. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/21/web-firm-backing-festival-96026-21576225/ Wed, 20 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/21/web-firm-backing-festival-96026-21576225/ INTERNET marketing and brand design consultancy Ph Creative has become the main sponsor of the Liverpool Food & Drink festival. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/21/fun-format-at-seminar-96026-21576221/ Wed, 20 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/21/fun-format-at-seminar-96026-21576221/ CHESTER marketing company Prodo is holding a breakfast seminar next month to discuss internet marketing, social networking and online PR. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/21/opinion-star-wars-battle-over-costumes-reveals-value-of-intellectual-property-contracts-96026-21576218/ Wed, 20 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/21/opinion-star-wars-battle-over-costumes-reveals-value-of-intellectual-property-contracts-96026-21576218/ MANY companies who employ creative people and agencies to work on their behalf make assumptions about what exactly they are buying. http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/21/conference-video-gamers-make-play-for-contacts-96026-21576215/ Wed, 20 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpool-news/liverpool-business-news/2008/08/21/conference-video-gamers-make-play-for-contacts-96026-21576215/ LIVERPOOL gaming companies are joining the cream of the video gaming industry at a conference in Germany this week as they hunt for new business opportunities.