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Up until very recently High Street banks were prepared to take a punt on reasonable business ideas. No more. Every week, we hear reports of businesses being crippled before they get to market because of the lack of finance. Various schemes have been put in place but the money that should be a flow is no more than a trickle, as yesterday’s figures confirmed. And it’s not enough. It’s not as if there isn’t a need. Businesses need money to grow. Growth creates jobs. And people with jobs spend in the shops – which in turn leads to more growth. It’s a virtual circle. At the heart of the problem is the willingness to take risks. Banks don’t want to – so the money stays locked up. (Yes, we know that they need to keep a certain amount back in case of banking failure). Councils have traditionally been the most risk averse organisations in the UK. We’ve been, rightly, well known for caution. Often the fear of failure or sheer inertia has stopped us from being more proactive. But now we too will have to think differently. The truth is that without taking on some risk there will be no growth. We will face years of stunted growth or even stagnation unless we act. Here in Liverpool, we’re certainly taking action. I’ve pledged to build 5000 houses, open 12 schools and attract thousands of jobs. It means working differently. I’ve just returned from Abu Dhabi where I’ve been promoting the city. I regularly meet with businesses to find ways to help them where I can. I’ll do what needs to be done to make Liverpool successful. It’s not without risk. But then nothing is. After all you can’t make an omelette without the essential ingredients and the essential cracking of eggs. It is a bumpy ride. But I won’t stand by and do nothing in case some of what I try to do doesn’t quite work out as planned. Like all things in life, it’s about having a healthy attitude to risk. Checks and balances matter – it’s public money we spend, and I am rightly accountable for that. But people elect me to provide leadership and take action. That’s why I’m here.

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Show us the money

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