Hear about exciting plans for Southport in 2026 including The Open at the Sefton Economic Forum this November

Andrew Brown
3 Min Read
Scottie Scheffler of the United States tees off on the 14th hole during the final round of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 20, 2025 in Portrush, Northern Ireland. Photo by Warren Little / Getty Images / R&A

Businesses can learn all about the exciting plans for Southport in 2026 as well as an update on The Open golf championship coming to Royal Birkdale golf club in July at the next Sefton Economic Forum event. 

The economic forum, organised by InvestSefton, will take place at The Lake House, Cambridge Road,  Waterloo, L22 1RR on Thursday 27th November 2025. 

The headline speaker will be Mark Catherall, the Head of Tourism at Sefton Council, who will be explaining more about the many positive events and the huge investment coming to Southport next year. 

As well as developing its thriving events programme which already includes the likes of Southport Air Show, the British Musical Fireworks Championship and the Salt and Tar Weekender, Sefton is also leading the development of major developments such as the new Marine Lake Events Centre, the transformation of the Town Hall Gardens and the restoration of Southport Pier. 

A strong line-up of speakers will also include Colin Chong from Everton Football Club talking about the local economic impact of the majestic new Hill Dickinson stadium and potential new business opportunities. 

Adrian Nolan from Liverpool City Region Combined Authority will update on the recently launched Local Growth Plan. 

Resident economist Christian Spence, one of the UK’s foremost experts on economics, data science and public policy, will be on hand just a day after the Budget announcement to give us his usual excellent insights. 

Hosting the event will be Barbra Carlisle (FCIPD) from Glee coaching, a Sefton based business. 

As usual, there will be a range of over business support providers in the SEF marketplace to talk to businesses about the array of opportunities available. 

Attendance is free, with places limited on a first come first served basis. 

To confirm your attendance please email: investsefton@sefton.gov.uk  

Alternatively call the InvestSefton team on 0151 934 3452 and they can take your details over the phone. 

Sefton Economic Forum is a relaxed and informal event which will have plenty of opportunities to network with the many other Sefton businesses present and to engage with over 20 publicly funded business support providers. 

The timetable is: 

8.15am – 9am: Complimentary breakfast and networking 

9am – 11am: Sefton Economic Forum 

11am – 12pm: Business Support Marketplace and Networking 


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