Colin Forshaw

Chris Brown is a place marketing and management specialist. He was Director of Marketing Liverpool for ten years, until 2023. Chris is on the board of Shakespeare North Playhouse and LaSalle Hospitality Education.

Ben Sledge is a journalist and critic focusing on video games and technology for websites including The Guardian and NME.

Dr Michael Birchall is a curator and academic with an interest in social and participatory arts.

Currently, self-employed as a business advisor and coach specialising in supporting owners of SMEs to grow their businesses and improve business performance.

Maureen Royce is Association Dean of Education, and the Director of Accreditation at Liverpool Business School, Liverpool John Moores University. Royce was appointed as Co-Chair of the Bluecoat in 2025.

Sri Sarker is a Liverpool based consultant with expertise in artist, policy and business development.

Rachel is an inclusion, well-being, and engagement professional with a background in Human Resources.

Mark Hobbs is an advisor in the attraction, cultural, museum and heritage sectors. Specialising in hospitality strategic business planning, design development and income generation.