Is Liverpool the Heir to London’s Business Throne?

18 September 2025

Toby Patrick

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For the last hundred years, London has reigned supreme as the UK’s business capital. But is the tide changing? As more workers shun big city callings for remote jobs, and business is increasingly done over video calls, is London losing its value? If London’s reign is over, which UK city is heir to the throne? In this article, we analyse the credentials of Liverpool.

Skyline view of Liverpool waterfront with historic buildings under a clear blue sky. The calm river reflects the structures at sunset.

Affordability and Value

As with any UK city outside London, there’ll always be the pull of affordability. But even compared to its northern sibling, Manchester, Liverpool’s cost of living holds up. From office rental fees to house prices, Liverpool offers far more affordability than both London and Manchester, which simultaneously lowers startup costs and helps to attract talent.

Given the factors listed below, along with the preference of employees to work remotely, it is becoming increasingly difficult to justify the ‘London tax’. While all businesses will benefit from these factors, lower costs are particularly helpful to startup businesses, something that is supported by Liverpool’s strong startup survival rate.

Access to Business Services

When comparing locations in terms of their suitability to start a business, it’s the more logistical factors that are often the most significant. For instance, the ecosystem of a city is crucial to growth. While it’s hard to top London’s vast ecosystem, Liverpool punches well above its weight.

The access to high-quality business services particularly elevates Liverpool above many other major cities. The city is quickly developing a reputation for creativity, with many leading service agencies based in Liverpool.

There are also a number of reputable law firms, including Bond Turner, operating out of Liverpool as well.

A Strong Talent Pool

Despite being smaller than London, Manchester, Birmingham, and many other leading cities, Liverpool offers access to a thriving pool of young talent thanks to its four universities. Coupled with the city’s well-regarded, buzzing nightlife, Liverpool is an easy sell to young talent, whether that’s keeping graduates in the city or attracting employees from outside.

Networking and Community Support

As a city, Liverpool’s emergence as a startup city is no accident. Access to mentors, incubators, and funding opportunities have all come on leaps and bounds in recent years and further helps the city to rival larger competitors in terms of business infrastructure.

Liverpool City Council is a great place to start in terms of business support. Whether you’re looking for support in starting a new business in the area or you need to be pointed in the direction of financial support, Liverpool’s council is one of the most supportive in the UK.

Final Thoughts

It’s fair to say that Liverpool hasn’t quite taken London’s business crown just yet, but more businesses are starting to consider alternatives to England’s capital when it comes to doing business, and Liverpool does more than hold its own. From talent to support and everything in between, don’t be surprised to see Liverpool become the UK’s home of startups in the next ten years.

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The Lost Legends of Cinema: Films That Never Came to Be

Connor Banks
Aug 12, 2024
3 min read

In the glittering world of Hollywood, not all dreams make it to the silver screen. Some projects, despite their enormous potential and the star-studded talent attached to them, remain forever in the realm of "what could have been." Among these are some of the most intriguing and ambitious films never made, each with its own unique story that has captivated the imaginations of fans and filmmakers alike. From Alejandro Jodorowsky’s psychedelic epic to George Miller’s ambitious superhero ensemble, these unproduced films offer a glimpse into alternate cinematic realities.

Jodorowsky's Dune: The Psychedelic Epic

Jodorowsky's Dune stands out as perhaps the most legendary of these unfinished projects. In the mid-1970s, avant-garde filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky embarked on an audacious quest to adapt Frank Herbert’s science fiction masterpiece, "Dune." His vision was nothing short of revolutionary, intending to create a 10-14 hour cinematic experience that would transcend traditional film and become a transformative journey for viewers. Jodorowsky assembled an extraordinary team, including surrealist artist Salvador Dalí, Orson Welles, Mick Jagger, and H.R. Giger, with a soundtrack by Pink Floyd. Despite the staggering talent and creativity involved, the project was ultimately deemed too ambitious and costly. Financial and logistical issues, combined with Hollywood's reluctance to back such an unconventional vision, led to its demise. The story of "Jodorowsky’s Dune" was later immortalised in a 2013 documentary, offering a fascinating look at what might have been and showcasing the profound influence it had on future science fiction films.

The Man Who Killed Don Quixote: A Dream Delayed

The Man Who Killed Don Quixote concept art piece

Equally compelling is Terry Gilliam’s "The Man Who Killed Don Quixote." Gilliam, known for his work with Monty Python and his uniquely surreal directorial style, spent nearly three decades attempting to bring this project to life. The film, a loose adaptation of Miguel de Cervantes’ classic novel, faced an extraordinary array of setbacks. The initial production in 2000 was plagued by natural disasters, financial issues, and a severe back injury suffered by lead actor Jean Rochefort. These calamities, captured in the documentary "Lost in La Mancha," halted the project, and subsequent attempts to revive it faced similar challenges. It wasn’t until 2018 that Gilliam finally completed the film, though it differed significantly from his original vision. The journey of "The Man Who Killed Don Quixote" remains a testament to artistic perseverance, highlighting the often tumultuous path from script to screen.

Atuk: The Cursed Comedy

"Atuk," based on Mordecai Richler’s novel "The Incomparable Atuk," has earned its place in Hollywood legend due to the so-called "Atuk curse." This comedy about an Inuit navigating the modern urban jungle was attached to several high-profile actors, each of whom died under tragic and unexpected circumstances before production could begin. John Belushi, Sam Kinison, John Candy, and Chris Farley all expressed interest or were cast in the lead role, only to meet untimely deaths. The eerie pattern of misfortune has led to a macabre fascination with the project, ensuring that "Atuk" remains one of the most infamous unproduced films in history.

Batman: Year One: The Dark Reimagining

Concept of Gotham City as seen from Above

In the realm of superhero cinema, Darren Aronofsky’s "Batman: Year One" represents a radical departure from the traditional portrayals of the Dark Knight. Aronofsky, known for his dark and psychologically intense films, envisioned a gritty reboot of Batman that would strip the character down to his essence. This version of Bruce Wayne would lose his fortune, live on the streets, and don a makeshift costume. Despite the intriguing premise, Warner Bros. ultimately chose a different path, opting for Christopher Nolan’s "Batman Begins," which balanced realism with a more traditional narrative. Aronofsky’s bold vision remains a fascinating "what if" scenario, reflecting the creative risks involved in reimagining iconic characters.

Justice League: Mortal: The Superhero Ensemble That Almost Was

Finally, George Miller’s "Justice League: Mortal" was an ambitious attempt to bring together DC Comics' most iconic superheroes in a single film long before the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With a cast that included Armie Hammer as Batman, D.J. Cotrona as Superman, and Megan Gale as Wonder Woman, the project promised a sprawling, epic narrative. However, it was plagued by a series of setbacks, including the 2007-2008 Writers Guild of America strike, financial issues, and concerns over audience confusion due to multiple actors playing the same characters in different franchises. Despite never being made, "Justice League: Mortal" has become a source of endless speculation and interest, illustrating the complexities and challenges of launching a shared cinematic universe.

The Allure of the Unmade

These unproduced films, each with their unique blend of ambition, talent, and misfortune, offer a tantalising glimpse into the alternate realities of cinema. They stand as reminders of the fragile nature of filmmaking, where even the most promising projects can falter and fall into the realm of legend. Yet, their stories continue to inspire, serving as both cautionary tales and sources of endless fascination for those who dream of what might have been.