The Standard
The World ClassLiverpool Standard
Don't tell us you're world-class. Show us.
Eight pillars
Businesses are assessed against eight pillars of exceptional practice.
Evidence of exceptional customer experience, retention, reputation and service.
How organisations develop, engage, support and enable their people to perform.
Strategy, leadership, accountability, financial governance and responsible decision-making.
Processes, quality systems, continuous improvement and consistently high standards.
Technology, innovation, R&D, improvement and willingness to challenge existing approaches.
Ethical practice, environmental responsibility, community contribution and responsible employment.
Professional standing, customer reputation, regulatory compliance and independent evidence.
Contribution to Liverpool City Region alongside ambition to compete, export, innovate or operate nationally and internationally.
The scoring model
100 points. No shortcuts.
Businesses are assessed using a structured, evidence-based framework. Weighting reflects what matters most in sustained exceptional performance.
100
Points available
75+
Potential qualifying threshold
8
Core categories assessed
A high overall score cannot compensate for unacceptable standards in a critical area.
Businesses must also demonstrate acceptable standards across every core category.
Accreditation levels
World Class
Liverpool
Accredited
2027–2029
World Class Accredited
Organisations demonstrating consistently exceptional standards.
World Class
Liverpool
Accredited with Distinction
2027–2029
World Class Accredited with Distinction
Reserved for organisations demonstrating truly outstanding performance across the framework.
The digital marque is designed to be displayed on websites, tenders, email signatures, premises, proposals, recruitment materials, LinkedIn and international marketing.
Evidence
Evidence requirements are proportionate to company size and sector.
Customers
Testimonials, retention, NPS, independent reviews and case studies.
People
Engagement, development, retention, progression and culture.
Operations
Quality systems, KPIs, accreditations and continuous improvement.
Innovation
Technology, products, R&D and process improvement.
Commercial
Growth, exports, significant customers and geographical reach.
Impact
Employment, apprenticeships, community contribution and local supply chains.