By Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Some of the most inspirational women in the region are looking forward to this year’s Merseyside Women Of The Year Awards this Friday (28th June 2024).
The prestigious annual event will see category winners and the overall ‘Merseyside Woman of the Year 2024’ revealed at a glittering ceremony at the Crowne Plaza in Liverpool City Centre.
The Awards sees 20 finalists recognised for their work supporting and improving the lives of people in the Liverpool City Region and beyond, through business leadership, voluntary work, activism, charitable organisations, and entrepreneurial and creative endeavours.
The finalists hail from across the Liverpool City Region, including Sefton, Liverpool, Wirral, St Helens, Knowsley and Halton.
They met with organisers, sponsors and previous winners for a pre-event dinner at the Fazenda restaurant in Liverpool city centre on Monday.
Among them was finalist Serena Silcock-Prince, the Operations Manager at Silcock Leisure Group in Southport.
Serena said: “It was a glorious evening, really lovely. It was a great chance to meet the other finalists from this year and from previous years, the organisers and the sponsors, and to learn more about the event.
“It was fascinating listening to the stories of women who have won before and what they have achieved. It was very inspiring.
“Last year’s finalists have set up a WhatsApp group to keep in touch with each other, and we’re going to do the same this year.
“It’s all about supporting each other to do well.
“Merseyside Woman of the Year 2024 is not a competitive event at all – to be named as a finalist is a huge honour in itself and a fantastic opportunity to meet some amazing women and hear what they are doing to make a difference in the Liverpool City Region.
“I am really excited and looking forward to the event on Friday.
“I didn’t expect it to be such a huge event, but there’s going to be a great crowd there, with over 40 tables.
“It’s going to be a very special occasion and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone there.”
The 2024 Merseyside Women Of The Year Awards finalist Serena Silcock-Prince, the Operations Manager at Silcock Leisure Group in Southport (left) with event sponsor Moira OShaugnessy, Managing Partner at Financial Planning Corporation in Southport (right)
Serena Silcock-Prince is the Operations Manager for Silcock Leisure Group, one of the region’s biggest and long-standing employers.
With judges’ votes already counted, the finalists have also been put to a public vote to determine who the overall Merseyside Woman of the Year 2024 will be.
The annual celebration of exceptional women will be compèred by Pauline Daniels.
Silcock Leisure Group operates attractions including the historic 123 year old Carousel, which last year was voted the fourth best seaside attraction in the UK, in addition to Silcock’s Funland and Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant.
The family-run business supports and sponsors a variety of good causes in the region, including the annual Southport Santa Sprint for Queenscourt Hospice, Jail and Bail and Queenscourt Hospice, Ainsdale Show, and also provides free space for artists and authors to promote their work.
The Merseyside Women Of The Year citation said: “Serena Silcock-Prince is the Operations Manager for Silcock Leisure Group, which employs around 80 employees at Silcock’s Funland, Silcock’s Carousel and Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant.
“The business has been a significant part of Southport’s tourism offer for generations, attracting countless visitors to the resort. Serena has also used her position in business to support her community, charities and individuals while upholding the Silcock family traditions.
“Serena is a force of nature, compassionate, committed to improving the lives of people in her community and a true ambassador for women.”
Silcock Leisure has been the Headline Sponsor for the annual Queenscourt Santa Sprint in Southport for the past 13 years.
Silcock Leisure Group is a major sponsor for the annual Ainsdale Show, one of the oldest shows in the North West, which nearly disappeared in 2023 due to a lack of finances until Silcock’s and others stepped in to save it for the local community.
As part of its sponsorship, SLG is entitled to a stall at the Show, which it has donated free of charge to two local up and coming local artists.
SLG has provided its new Balcony Bar area at the Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant for book signings, free of charge, for local artists and authors including Kayla Woodfine, Ruth Spillane and others.
Silcock Leisure Group supported the inaugural Jail and Bail fundraiser last year, which saw over £25,000 raised for Queenscourt Hospice.
The finalists are:
- Abby Younis (Sefton) – Women Conquering Cancer
- Adele Connah (Liverpool) – Cancer survivor and creator of ‘healing baskets’
- Amanda Unsworth (Wirral) – Trinity Logistics
- Claire Morgans (Sefton) – YKids
- Donna Scully (Liverpool) – Carpenters Group
- Ema Quinn (Liverpool) – Choir With No Name Liverpool
- Emily McChrystal (Halton) – Restless Development
- Jacqui McAssey (Liverpool) – GIRLFANS
- Jayne Hughes (Wirral) – Amy and Friends
- Jen Deeney (Liverpool) – Liverpool Women’s Neonatal Partnership
- Joanne Henney (Sefton) – Nugent
- Kate Martinez (Liverpool) – Sefton Park Palm House
- Katie Gordon-Orr – (Liverpool) – Fighting to be Heard
- Keira Vogel (Liverpool) – Senate Group
- Leanne Hobin (St Helens) – Merseyside Police & St Helens Bees Netball Club
- Lynne Akwei-Howe (Wirral) – Crea8ing Community
- Merfat Musleh (Liverpool) – Savera UK
- Paula Thompson (Knowsley) – Spectrum Connect CIC
- Serena Silcock-Prince (Sefton) – Silcock Leisure Group
- Tracey Roberts (Knowsley) – The Jade L Roberts Project
Merseyside Woman of the Year 2024 Founding Director, Ellie Kerr, said:
“This year we saw the largest number of entries we have ever received, and the quality was outstanding. It wasn’t an easy decision for our judging panel, being presented with nominations for so many inspiring women, but we are so excited to be able to reveal our 2024 finalists.
“The MWOTY movement is committed to providing a platform for women to be seen, heard and found. Our finalists are business and community leaders, volunteers, campaigners and creatives who are using their time, skills and expertise to help others, change whole industries and make our region a better place.
“Many do this away from the spotlight and ask nothing for themselves. However, we believe their work should be visible and celebrated, and that by stepping onto the MWOTY platform and becoming part of our community, we can work together to help make even more difference.
“Congratulations to all of our finalists, every single nominee, and thank you to everyone who took the time to make a nomination. It’s truly humbling to know how many brilliant women are out there in the region!”
Moira O’Shaughnessy, Managing Partner, FPC, said:
“As the headline sponsor of MWOTY for the second consecutive year, we’re both proud and excited to be sharing the stories of another round of inspiring finalists, each as deserving as the last.
“MWOTY shines a spotlight on women who demonstrate a remarkable commitment to their communities, making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. We can’t wait to celebrate these trailblazing women and honour their achievements with an unforgettable day at the awards next month.
“Our congratulations to the finalists and all those who entered this year. MWOTY wouldn’t be the movement it is without the incredible women who take part each year.”
Renowned for putting a spotlight on those women who do not seek the limelight or push themselves to the front, but instead work to make a difference to the people, sectors, and communities they serve, the awards have grown in popularity and impact since their re-establishment in 2010.
The overall Merseyside Woman of the Year 2024 will be selected from all finalists, following a public vote (contributing 50% of the overall score) and being marked by the organisation’s judging panel against its criteria, contributing the remaining 50% of the final score. The public vote is open until midnight on Sunday 2nd June 2024.
The coveted top prize will be presented by headline sponsor, FPC, and category sponsors for 2024 include Community Foundation for Merseyside, LawMed, Morecrofts, Investec Wealth & Investment (UK), part of the Rathbones Group Plc, Rise Construction Framework, Auteur Media, Neo Community and ADDvanced Solutions and the Institute of Directors (IoD).
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