One of Southport’s leading business women has been honoured as one of the finalists in the prestigious 2024 Merseyside Women Of The Year Awards.
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 will now be put to a public vote to determine who the overall Merseyside Woman of the Year 2024 will be, with voting open online now here: https://merseysidewomenoftheyear.co.uk/finalists-2024/
The annual celebration of exceptional women from across our region will take place at the Crowne Plaza in Liverpool City Centre on Friday 28th June 2024, with the event’s long-standing and much loved commère, Pauline Daniels hosting the event.
Silcock Leisure 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.
Silcock Leisure Group Operations Manager Serena Silcock-Prince at 10 Downing Street in London
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.
Serena Silcock-Prince said:
“I was absolutely thrilled to have been nominated for the Merseyside Women of the Year Awards amongst so many talented women across Merseyside.
“I am looking forward to meeting everyone at the awards.
“I’d like to thank Brenda Porter for nominating me, it’s wonderful to be recognised and nominated be an amazing lady who has done and does do so much in our local community.
“This is a really exciting initiative for the Liverpool City Region.”
Hundreds of runners took part in the 2023 Southport Santa Sprint for Queenscourt Hospice. Silcocks Operations Manager Serena Silcock-Prince presented a £1,000 sponsorship cheque to Queenscourt Hospice. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
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.
Participants of all ages and abilities arrive in their Santa suits (most red, some blue) and register at Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant.
They provide free hot tea and coffee for everyone taking part; and free rides of the historic Silcock’s Carousel!
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.
Silcock’s Carousel, one of the top seaside attractions in Britain, has created a lasting tribute to Princess Anne, in recognition of her recent royal visit to Southport. Silcock Leisure Group Operations Manager Serena Silcock-Prince is pictured with Major Nick McEntee and Sarah McEntee from Southport Royal British Legion and their daughter, Neave. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
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.
A dozen local community figures were dressed in prison outfits, ‘tried’ for their crimes at the former Southport Magistrates Court’ ‘jailed’ at Southport Police Station and then set a series of ‘community service’ tasks around Southport as they battled to raise a minimum of £999 in ‘bail’ money, with every penny going to Queenscourt.
One of their most eye-catching challenges was riding on Silccok’s Carousel while eating a giant candyfloss (they weren’t allowed off until they’d finished).
The Merseyside Women Of The Year 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.
Silcock Leisure Group was honoured at the 2023 Liverpool City Region Tourims Awards for their historic Carousel. Pictured are Serena Silcock-Prince, Justin Prescott and Taryn Marissa Dodd
Category winners and the overall ‘Merseyside Woman of the Year 2024’ will be revealed at a glittering ceremony at the Crowne Plaza in Liverpool City Centre on Friday 28th June.
The finalists, who hail from Sefton, Liverpool, Wirral, St Helens, Knowsley and Halton, 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.
Over a quarter of a million pounds has been invested in creating some of the best tennis courts in the North West at Sphynx Tennis Club in Southport. Jamie Blundell and Chris Parkes from the tennis club with Serena and Taryn Silcock from Silcock Leisure Group.
Photo by Andrew Brown of Stand Up For Southport
“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.”
Serena Silcock-Prince (third left) with Nicola (left) and Liz (second left) at the Southport Artists For Ukraine event at Southport Market. Photo by Andrew Brown Media
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.
Silcock Leisure and the Silcock family have donated £1,000 to support the historic Ainsdale Show in Southport. Ainsdale Horticultural Society Chairman Janet Greenwood and Treasurer Peter Wood were delighted to meet Silcocks Operations Manager Serena Silcock-Prince and Silcocks Funland Manager Justin Prescott for the official cheque presentation at Ainsdale Green. Photo by Andrew Brown Media
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).
To cast your vote for Merseyside Woman of the Year, visit: https://merseysidewomenoftheyear.co.uk/finalists-2024/
To book tickets or find out more, visit: https://merseysidewomenoftheyear.co.uk/
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