On 15th October, it was FPC’s pleasure to host the Merseyside Women of the Year (MWOTY) Business Leaders Lunch for the second year running at the Hope Street Hotel in Liverpool where we were joined by MWOTY award winners past and present.
FPC MWOTY Headline Sponsor
The event opened with an introduction from our Managing Partner, Moira O’Shaughnessy, who announced to guests that FPC will return in 2025 as the award’s headline sponsor for the third consecutive year.
Explaining the decision to continue its support of this movement, Moira says: “Over the past three years, as the connections MWOTY creates have multiplied and the reach of this community extended further across our region, we have seen its momentum and impact increase. How could we not continue to be part of that, supporting its journey and the positivity it spreads?! Looking ahead to the 2025 awards and beyond, we are excited to see what else MWOTY has in store, who else will join the movement, and where it might go next.”
Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice & Southport Strong Together
Gina Earnshaw from Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice, Liverpool then took the floor to talk about the crucial fundraising needed to reach £6.4 million by 8th November for the hospice to remain open and move into new premises. For more information on supporting this appeal, please do get in touch with us or the hospice directly.
Rae Brooke, CEO of the Community Foundations for Lancashire and Merseyside, then provided an update on the Southport Strong Together Appeal and how it is being used to support the 29 families affected.
Power of leadership, resilience, and dedication
Speaking as part of a panel chaired by Dr. Eliza Morgan FCIPD, we then heard from Amanda Unsworth, CEO of Trinity Logistics – who shared how she learnt very early on what it takes to be successful in the world of work and the need to truly “graft”. Also participating was Lynnette Akwei-Howe, Founder and CEO of Crea8ting Community, who highlighted her organisation’s incredible growth over five years – now with 22 employees and 30 volunteers – delivering family, mental health, and employability education and support. Truly inspiring success!
These two incredible organisations showcase the power of leadership, resilience, and dedication across very different sectors, proving that effective leadership and a strong vision can bridge any gap.
Growing and mentoring
After lunch, this year’s overall MWOTY award winner, Donna Scully, Joint Owner and Director of Carpenters Group, spoke about her career and the time she dedicates to charitable activity, as well as mentoring through The Girls’ Network. As Donna explained, “sending the ladder back down and getting more Donnas – young women like me – up has always been important. It’s the way to ensure a fairer, more equitable society.”
The MOWTY community and network continue to grow, developing relationships that make great things happen across Merseyside and beyond. If you’re thinking of getting involved, please reach out to one of our team to find out more.
The afternoon was closed out by Ellie Kerr, MWOTY Founder, who announced that nominations for MWOTY 2025 – which will be the awards’ fifteenth year – would open again in January 2025.
Speaking after the event, Ellie said: “Our amazing network of winners, finalists and supporters from across the years, are what set us apart from other awards. Their collaboration, dedication and ongoing support are what make us a movement not a moment.
“This is what enables us to make magic happen in our region. I can’t wait to see what 2025 brings and I would like to extend a huge thank you to Moira and the team at FPC for supporting us for the third year running as headline sponsor.
For more information visit: https://merseysidewomenoftheyear.co.uk/
