Sir Phil has always been considered creatively and technically innovative throughout his television career, creating a number of ground breaking drama series including Grange Hill, Brookside and Hollyoaks. He also created Mersey Television, to produce his own work, which became the biggest independent drama producer in the UK and global centre of excellence for lightweight portable digital recording.

He is a great advocate and ambassador for Liverpool and Merseyside and became the face of Liverpool’s European Capital of Culture year in 2008. Liverpool’s success inspired the UK City of Culture programme which he has chaired since 2011, and more recently has also become Chair of the new Town of Culture competition.

He was awarded a CBE in 2004 for services to drama and a Knight Bachelor for services to broadcasting and regional arts in 2020.