Competitive pressures, globalization, the desire to enter developing markets overseas, together with the growth of the internet have seen a surge in sourcing from Low Cost Countries (LCCs).

The Consultancy Company works with national and multinational companies to address a comprehensive range of supply chain issues. For more information contact peter.broxton@the-consultancy.co.uk 'mobile 07768 021655, and visit our website.

These questions may help you think through the process of what sourcing from low cost country will entail.

Q: When is a laugh even better? A: When it's free. And we really aren't joking! This week, LiveOne20 cardholders get the chance to win 120 FREE tickets for the forthcoming Liverpool Comedy Festival.

Are you the driving force behind the success of your company? Do you have a proven track record of using your skills, experience and enthusiasm for successful business growth? If this sounds like you, why don't you nominate yourself for the Entrepreneur of the Year Award at this year's Chamber Awards?

Louise Ellman, MP for Liverpool Riverside will be holding one of her regular consultation meetings with Chamber members on Friday 8 June at 12.30 pm

At the March meeting members raised a range of issues The most vibrant debate centred around the lack of support for business start-ups especially those that were not based in certain postcode areas.

Recent media reports are suggesting that there's still a great deal of confusion around the imminent smoke free legislation.

To help you, we've reproduced answers to the most frequently asked questions from the Smokefree England's information line (0800 169 1697). This was set up to answer queries from businesses and individuals on the smokefree regulations.

'Economic stability but missed opportunities' is the opinion of David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, who said: The last 10 years have given business the one economic condition they desire above all others - stability.

"Unfortunately it is the unfulfilled promises on education that businesses will remember Tony Blair for. "Business will also look back with annoyance about the ever encroaching levels of red tape and taxation that have shackled enterprise.

In his speech at the Chamber's President's Lunch last week, Chamber Chairman, David Wade Smith called for the public sector agencies in the city to make way for private sector growth.

While acknowledging the significant role of the public sector in Liverpool's regeneration he explained: "There is not a successful merchant city in the world whose private sector is dwarfed by the public sector in the way that we see in Liverpool."