Sir Michael Bibby
If Liverpool still had a Liverpool Shipowners Association, then Sir Michael Bibby, chief executive of Bibby Line Group, would probably be president, just like several of his forbears who managed the fortunes of the UK’s oldest surviving shipping company for more than 200 years. However, there are no other shipowners left in Liverpool, and Sir Michael, who took over the family business in 2000, has overseen its rapid diversification into less-cyclical areas such as financial services, logistics, supermarkets and burial sites. Sir Michael, an accountant who was educated, like his father, at Rugby and Trinity College, Oxford, is a throwback to an older generation of Liverpool families, which channelled part of their wealth into local charities, such as the Birkenhead Boys Club.

Warren Bradley
A successful Capital of Culture year has boosted the Liberal Democrat who leads Liverpool City Council. His job is never assured – predecessor Mike Storey was ousted in a very public coup in 2005 despite presiding over Liverpool’s renaissance. Mr Bradley is more dogmatic but remains a pragmatist and has maintained a good relationship with the business community. Criticised by some for being too ready with an aggressive soundbite, he argues that it is a politician’s job to talk straight. His diplomatic skills will be tested to the full as Liverpool and its five neighbouring councils form the Liverpool City Region this year. A serving firefighter, he keeps in touch with constituents by continuing to work night shifts on the tender at the Toxteth station. “There’s no better way to see whether your policies are actually having an impact on the ground,” he says.