As part of International Women’s Day, we are continuing our tradition of celebrating #WomenInTheBID!

Here in Liverpool, we are extremely lucky and are proud to have a dynamic business community with women right at the heart of it. Our #WomenInTheBID campaign aims to highlight and showcase women across the BID Area who represent a model for others in Liverpool and beyond. We recognise the importance of celebrating women, this is why we have asked our BID Board Members to nominate women who inspire them every day and deserve to be celebrated all year around.

In order for you to get to know this year’s participants, we asked our nominees a number of questions including how did they get into the industry they are, what skills do they have, what advice they would give to their 16-year old selves and who inspires them. We got a wide range of interesting responses that you can take a look at and read below.

Happy International Women’s Day!

Nominated by:
Julie Johnson, chair of Commercial District

How did you get into the industry that you are in now?
I spent over 20 years in the civil service working across a range of Whitehall Departments in London. It felt like time to come “home” and joining the Chamber has given me a whole new perspective on how policy decisions impact on business and how important it is to make sure businesses aren’t an afterthought.

If you weren’t in the career that you are in now, what else would you be doing?
In an ideal world I would be writing novels or at least selling other people’s in some picturesque bookshop – somewhere on Queen Avenue would be perfect!

What is a skill that you have that not many people know about?
Not sure it is a skill, but I am a member of the Poetry Society and whilst I discovered long ago that I am not very good at writing it myself, there are so many brilliant poets worth exploring I would encourage everyone to give it a go!

What advice would you give your 16-year old self?
None. Because I wouldn’t have listened to it anyway. I’ve made lots of mistakes but not sure I would have done anything differently or I wouldn’t have had the experiences I have had.

What woman has inspired you during the Covid-19 pandemic and why?
My 81-year-old mother who is partially sighted and has COPD but who is still fiercely independent. She has battled on despite the fear, the boredom, and the inevitable loneliness, especially during the first lockdown.

For me she represents all those people, young and old, for whom Covid has been particularly hard, but who now have something to look forward to.

To celebrate #LiverpoolWrites, what female writer do you always turn to and you wish people knew more about?
I love discovering forgotten female authors and poets, particularly those published by Persephone who not only challenge the conventions of their time but who also capture humour and pathos beautifully. I defy anyone not to like Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winifred Watson!

Nominated by:
Nigel Britton, Executive BID Board Member

How did you get into the industry that you are in now?
From a young age I’ve always been self-sufficient. I would work and save wherever I could. This need for financial security inspired me to work in finance. I studied and achieved a master’s degree in university. I found I was enjoying the subject more and more every day. I am now currently studying ACCA and with these qualifications and genuine joy for working in this field, who knows where the future will lead.

If you weren’t in the career that you are in now, what else would you be doing?
If I wasn’t invested in a career in finance I would say my other passion would be psychology. I am an emphatic person and I enjoy listening to people and being able to help them where I can. I truly believe people just need someone to listen to them and be guided, saying the problem out loud is the first step in someone helping themselves. The human mind fascinates me. There is so much we still can learn. I believe we discover more about ourselves in our ability to help others.

What is a skill that you have that not many people know about?
I’m multilingual. I can speak 5 languages in total. 3 of which I am completely fluent in, the others I have not had the opportunity to use as much so I am a little rusty, but I can still speak them and be understood, which counts. I believe learning and speaking new languages helps me to understand people’s behaviour from a cultural perspective. Most situations can be fixed when there is more understanding, and language barriers are usually the primary issues in misunderstandings.

What advice would you give your 16-year old self?
To have more confidence in myself and my abilities. I would urge my younger self to be brave enough to step out of her comfort zone more. And to keep working on my skills, learn more languages, and try investing money in the stock market, since I now know it is not as scary as I thought it was back then.

What woman has inspired you during the Covid-19 pandemic and why?
My mum. It sounds like a cliché, but it is true. My mum has been my inspiration my whole life: she is a fighter, a strong and independent woman. She raised me and my brother by herself when our father died, I was only 11 at the time. I admire her enthusiasm and positive thinking. Even though she lives back home in Moldova she is still always by my side in spirit. During the pandemic we have had video chats regularly, I am saddened that I haven’t been able to go home and visit her. We are lucky to have technologies that allow us to remain in contact during these uncertain times.

To celebrate #LiverpoolWrites, what female writer do you always turn to and you wish people knew more about?
I am an avid reader; I love most authors. However, my favourites are the classics Jane Austen, Charlotte Brontë, Mary Anne Evans. Women who, in their time had to create a pseudonym in order to be published. Women who had to fight to share their stories with the world. I absolutely love reading, to quote George R.R. Martin “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies; the man who never reads lives only once”.

Nominated by:
Julie Johnson, chair of Commercial District BID

How did you get into the industry that you are in now?
In 1998 I was looking for a career change due to a lack of opportunities in my current industry, by chance my husband who has always been my biggest advocate saw an advertisement in the local newspaper which resulted in me joining Regus to open their flagship centre in Didsbury, this was the kick start to my career in the property industry and 20 plus years later I’m still going strong!

If you weren’t in the career that you are in now, what else would you be doing?
A Nurse.

What is a skill that you have that not many people know about?
Interior design.

What advice would you give your 16-year old self?
Take more chances and be less risk adverse.

What woman has inspired you during the Covid-19 pandemic and why?
My daughter Melanie, she has shown great strength and resilience throughout, both personally and professionally, facing challenging times in the aviation industry and supporting family and friends through Covid.

To celebrate #LiverpoolWrites, what female writer do you always turn to and you wish people knew more about?
I don’t have a particular author I turn to but as an avid fictional reader I enjoy relaxing with novels by Danielle Steel and Celia Ahern.

Nominated by:
Jennina O’Neill, chair of Retail and Leisure BID

How did you get into the industry that you are in now?
I trained as a graphic designer at Middlesex University many moons ago and I preferred the traditional print room to new technology. After graduating I moved into a studio and set myself up as a sole trader ‘The Red Button Press’ selling work in a few shops, art fairs and teaching art too. This led to me to come into contact with many like-minded local creatives and an idea for a cooperative business was hatched. It’s hard to sell your work and negotiate a good deal for it, so we decided to try and sell it ourselves. Our cohort of artists ‘popped up’ in various locations over the past few years and we became The Art Quarter in 2019. It’s been a steep learning curve but being able to meet customers face to face and share the story of our practice and inspiration behind the work has proved invaluable, as we’ve built up a following of loyal customers. They love the different styles of artwork we have in store and the fact that they can support the local economy by buying direct from us, the artists.

We’re very grateful to The Metquarter team for their support and advice in helping us set up. We’ve lots of ideas in the pipeline on how we can support other local artists too and are looking forward to welcoming everyone back when it’s safe to do so.

If you weren’t in the career that you are in now, what else would you be doing?
I’ve really not wanted to do anything else since I was very young – I always wanted to be an Artist! It’s been a challenging journey as I was told by many adults to ‘get a proper job’ and yes I’ve had many other jobs over the years, often to support my art career – in retail, accounting and statistics but was never happier when being creative and making, printing or drawing.

Looking back, the jobs I’ve had have been really useful and combining the experiences with my creative skills has helped to establish myself within this industry and help others too.

What is a skill that you have that not many people know about?
I worked for a landscape gardener for a few years so could happily re-point a wall, lay a patio, or prune your apple tree. I make a cracking mortar!

What advice would you give your 16-year old self?
Oh my goodness – so much but would I listen? I was very shy and lacked self-confidence. I would tell myself to challenge the negative talk and you don’t need outside approval or to compare yourself with others. Believe in yourself and your ability and follow your own path. You have a place in this world and your skills and talents are valued.

What woman has inspired you during the Covid-19 pandemic and why?
It’s been such a horrible time for SO many people and I really hope that we all emerge from this pandemic healthy, happy and a little wiser and kinder to each other. My sister and my niece work in the NHS and have first-hand account of how awful it’s been but they have carried on working throughout as it’s ‘just their job’ and I’m very proud of them.

Also, my Mum has been through a lot for many reasons but she’s still here and I’m very thankful I can chat to her every day and we can send each other daft text messages and make each other laugh.

To celebrate #LiverpoolWrites, what female writer do you always turn to and you wish people knew more about?
I only read the occasional novel, as I love technical, theoretical books – particularly about the history of the alphabet and letterpress printing. A lot of my own work is based on local colloquialisms and phrases so I’m enjoying Susie Dent’s “Word Perfect” at the moment, she’s written a few on etymology. Whilst doing a letterpress demonstration a few years ago I met poet Dr Ailsa Holland who with her colleagues produce ‘On This Day She..’ a Twitter feed that feature a different woman everyday whose achievements have been overlooked in history. It aims to redress the balance and make them common knowledge. I’m made up they’ve just published a book based on their research so I’m looking forward to buying that.

Nominated by:
Sue Darwell, Commercial District BID Board Member

How did you get into the industry that you are in now?
I started at Doris as soon as I finished university and I quickly developed a love for helping young people launch their careers. I was lucky enough to be exposed to so many different aspects of running a small business and was passionate about business development to enable the beginning of many more next generation careers!

If you weren’t in the career that you are in now, what else would you be doing?
I think I’d be working in the theatre either producing or stage-managing shows and musicals which I still love to do now in my spare time. When the theatres are open again I’ll be at the front of the line!

What is a skill that you have that not many people know about?
Speaking German! Oh, and baking! I’ve always loved it and lockdown has given me the time to bake endless cakes, cookies and bread too!

What advice would you give your 16-year old self?
Stop eating crisps. But she wouldn’t have listened, and I’m glad about that. But on a serious note, I’d have told her not change for anyone but slow down sometimes and enjoy it!

What woman has inspired you during the Covid-19 pandemic and why?
My former boss and lifetime mentor, Chris McHugh. After going through personal problems, she continued to run our organisation with grace and overwhelming care for our employees during an unprecedented global event at the same time as selling her company! She always puts her employees and values first and has instilled that in me as I move onwards and upwards now that she has retired (/ is already onto her next project!)

To celebrate #LiverpoolWrites, what female writer do you always turn to and you wish people knew more about?
Erin Morgenstern. She wrote my favourite book, The Night Circus, and can transport you away for a bit of escapism so well!

Nominated by:
Andy Webster, Commercial District BID Board Member

How did you get into the industry that you are in now?
I stared working at Alliance and Leicester whilst I was at University and really enjoyed it and when I graduated I applied for a graduate scheme at RBS and this took me from retail banking to Commercial banking. I’ve stayed in banking ever since!

If you weren’t in the career that you are in now, what else would you be doing?
I have always considered myself to be a little bit of a detective and had an interest in criminology through my university studies. I seriously considered joining the police force but felt that I wasn’t street wise enough, in my youth, to be a ‘Bobby on the beat’ and this was the only route in at the time! Maybe I could have been a private investigator!!

What is a skill that you have that not many people know about?
I used to love writing poetry when I was younger!

What advice would you give your 16-year old self?
Have more confidence! I was very shy growing up and I always felt like what I had to say may not be correct or interesting enough, I really wish I could turn back time. Now, I am seldom quiet, and my excuse is that I have a lot of making up to do!

What woman has inspired you during the Covid-19 pandemic and why?
My colleague and friend Michelle Jones. Her beautiful daughter Violet was diagnosed with Batten Disease in January 2020 at age 4. Batten Disease is a rare genetic condition which affects the nervous system and causes seizures and mobility loss, there is currently no cure.

This diagnosis is life changing and Michelle and her family have amazed me in how they have fought for Violet. In the midst of a global pandemic and whilst continuing to work, Michelle has travelled to London every other week to allow Violet to receive treatment that will help slow down the progression of the disease. Her tenacity and resilience inspires me every single day.

To celebrate #LiverpoolWrites, what female writer do you always turn to and you wish people knew more about?
Clare Coombes is a local author, editor, and producer who I met when I started my days at RBS, through a charity we both supported. It’s amazing to see somebody who you know have their work in print, and her work is fantastic. She’s also a mum with two young children, like me, so I love to follow her journey!

Nominated by:
Vicki Allison, Retail & Leisure District BID Board Member

How did you get into the industry that you are in now?
Having previously worked in Blackpool with Merlin Entertainments for a few years, I was desperate to get back home to Liverpool and I joined Arriva in early 2018, as Head of Marketing for the North West & Wales Region.

Over the last 3 years, my remit expanded to lead on marketing and communications activity for our North operations and I’ve recently moved into a new role as Head of Marketing for Arriva across the UK.

If you weren’t in the career that you are in now, what else would you be doing?
I do love being a marketeer, even in this crazy challenging time of COVID-19 and the ongoing pandemic. However, if I wasn’t on my current career path, I would have loved to go into a role involved in fashion – design, buying, owning my own brand!

What is a skill that you have that not many people know about?
Boxing!

What advice would you give your 16-year old self?
Have faith in yourself, stop wasting time worrying about what people think of you. If you want to do something or try something new, don’t hold back because you’re concerned about other people and what they might think! And, focus on your schoolwork 😉

What woman has inspired you during the Covid-19 pandemic and why?
An amazing woman who goes by the name of Joeli Brearley, who is the founder of Pregnant Then Screwed – she has continuously campaigned over the years, fighting for the rights of pregnant and working mothers.

During COVID-19, Joeli has worked no less tirelessly to raise awareness of increased work-homelife-home-schooling pressures on women as well as championing for change to legislations made around pre- and post-natal care for pregnant mothers (introduced as a result of the pandemic). She is literally a force of nature and the difference she has made for mothers everywhere should be recognised.

To celebrate #LiverpoolWrites, what female writer do you always turn to and you wish people knew more about?
Sally Rooney never fails to disappoint with her novels. For anyone who has watched The Handmaids Tale and NOT the read book, I advise you to do so and then get your hands-on Margaret Atwood’s follow on masterpiece, The Testaments.

Nominated by:
Matt Ashton, Commercial District BID Board Member

How did you get into the industry that you are in now?
I did an interior design course at college in Latvia, which helped me to realise that I enjoyed the technical side of projects. This led me to move to the UK and study Architectural Technology at LJMU. Towards the end of my degree in 2015 I landed a summer internship at MGMA Architects via LJMU, and I have been working there ever since.

If you weren’t in the career that you are in now, what else would you be doing?
A pilot, I love flying, being above the clouds and never-ending blue sky!

What is a skill that you have that not many people know about?
I am bilingual and speak Russian as my third language (which is getting a bit rusty though with no practice lately!).

What advice would you give your 16-year old self?
Thinking back to flying and going through the clouds to see blue sky, I would say to my younger self, that regardless of any worries, uncertainty or when feeling down, it is temporary and will pass. It is always sunny behind the clouds!

What woman has inspired you during the Covid-19 pandemic and why?
One to highlight would be New Zealand’s PM Jacinda Ardern. She has shown a great example of leadership during a difficult time and what can be achieved by women in power. A great role model for any aspiring woman.

To celebrate #LiverpoolWrites, what female writer do you always turn to and you wish people knew more about?
Phoebe Waller-Bridge, she is well known already but I just think she is brilliant, funny and witty!

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