By Andrew Brown Stand up For Southport
A business woman who has helped to create over 3 million hours of work experience for young people has been honoured at the 2024 Pride Of Sefton Awards.
Gill Ditchburn, the CEO of Elevate EBP (Education Business Partnership), was awarded the Sefton Business In The Community Award, sponsored by In Demand Radio.
As part of her prize, Gill has won a 10-week In Demand Radio airtime campaign including advert production, worth £3,000.
Previously known as Sefton EBP, Elevate EBP is a social value company that works from primary age to young adults to develop, shape and inspire tomorrow’s workforce.
Although it now supports schools and young people across the Liverpool City Region, the company’s history and heritage is very much rooted in Sefton.
One Pride Of Sefton Awards nomination for Gill said: “The organisation has recently celebrated its 25th year anniversary and Gill has been Chief Executive since 1999, also celebrating 25 years in post.
“Having led a team of 17 staff (currently) for 25 years, Gill has been instrumental in the amazing achievements and impact that the organisation has made in raising aspirations across the borough.
“Her experience in employability and careers education has been instrumental in empowering countless young people over this time and supporting every school in the Sefton area to ensure that careers experiences have been part of the young people’s school journey, being a trusted friend and mentor to all education establishments across the borough with her advice, guidance and support.
“Gill has been committed to delivering Education Business link activities to ensure young people get to meet role models from the world of work either through Work Experience, Employer Encounters, Careers Fairs, Meet the Professional / Careers Talks, mentoring to name a few.
The 2024 Pride Of Sefron Awards at The Grand on Lord Street in Southport. Business In The Community winner Gill Ditchburn
Photo by Kevin Brown Photography
“The achievements of Elevate EBP include –
At least £2.5 billion social return on investment from their activities
3 million hours of work experience
Over 800,000 careers interventions
“Gill has also been instrumental in ensuring millions of pounds worth of funding have come to Sefton over these 25 years to be able to provide these activities have been able to continue.
“The organisation and its huge operations would not exist if it was not for Gill’s tireless commitment and dedication. We think she absolutely deserves to have an Award for this.”
The 2024 Pride Of Sefton Awards saw 13 categories on the night at The Grand in Southport, with incredible stories behind all the finalists.
There were over 1,300 nominations for community figures from Southport, Bootle, Crosby, Formby, Maghull and across Sefton.
The 2024 Pride Of Sefron Awards at The Grand on Lord Street in Southport. Business In The Community winner Gill Ditchburn
Photo by Kevin Brown Photography
The Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards were organised by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group and Stand Up For Southport in association with media partners In Demand Radio.
The night was hosted by In Demand Radio presenter Claire Simmo, with entertainment from Whitney Houston tribute performer Michelle Lawson, soul singer Dave Broe and DJ Baz Todd.
As Sefton celebrates its 50th birthday, VIP guests attending the awards included Sefton Council Leader Cllr Marion Atkinson; Mayor of Sefton Cllr June Burns; and council Chief Executive Phil Porter.
Also enjoying the evening were boxing world title challenger Martin Murray and Liverpool FC legend Gary Gillespie.
Pictures on the night were taken by Kevin Brown Photography with videography by Zack Downey from ZED Productions.
Fundraising took place on the night with proceeds going to ICU Steps, the intensive care patient support charity.
- For more details about the Pride Of Sefton Awards please visit: www.prideofseftonawards.co.uk or email: standupforsouthport@gmail.com
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