BUSINESS managers had the opportunity to put their questions to town leaders at an event hosted by St Helens Chamber.

Chief executive of St Helens Council Mike Palin, head of regeneration Mark Dickens and MP for St Helens South and Whiston Marie Rimmer attended the 'Working Together for St Helens' business briefing.

The event opened with a presentation from Mike Palin, highlighting the current challenges facing the borough, including budgetary pressures.

He also spoke of the "huge opportunities" available to St Helens through its geographical position at the heart of the north west and the need for a 'masterplan' that will see the development of a thriving town centre.

Mike Palin said: "The briefing was a valuable opportunity to meet local businesses and discuss how, together, we can take St Helens forward in the face of significant challenges.

"However it was very clear that there is a determination and enthusiasm to make this happen - and re-establish the borough as a key business destination."

Questions put to the panel covered a range of topics including devolution, broadband connectivity, increasing start-up businesses and the need for suitable business premises.

Kath Boullen, chief executive of St Helens Chamber, said: "Being able to bring key influencers in front of our members at business events like these is one of the key ways we are able to achieve this, so we are very grateful to Mike Palin, Mark Dickens and Marie Rimmer for making the time to talk to businesses and answer their questions."