THREE WIRRAL WOMEN WIN AT MERSEYSIDE WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS
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THREE WIRRAL WOMEN WIN AT MERSEYSIDE WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Three women from Wirral have been revealed as winners as the Merseyside Women of the Year Awards 2024 .
Lynne Akwei-Howe , Founder and CEO of Crea8ing Community , was named winner in the Social Impact category , Amanda Unsworth , MD of Trinity Logistics , was named winner in the Entrepreneur category , and Jayne Hughes , founder of the charity Amy and Friends was celebrated as the winner of the Women of Courage category .
Lynne won the Social Impact award , sponsored by Rise Construction Framework for her work establishing and leading Crea8ing Community , a youth employability service that has swiftly expanded to wraparound support helping vulnerable families experiencing issues with mental health , SEND , bullying , domestic violence , and substance abuse , and has influenced community provision across Wirral and Merseyside . Under Lynne ’ s stewardship the organisation has achieved exponential growth , evolving from a grassroots self-funded solo act to a thriving organisation with +£ 500k p . a . in funding and a dedicated team of 22 employees and 30 active volunteers , all in under five years . The Social Impact Runner-Up was Tracey Roberts , founder of the Jade L Roberts Project .
Amanda was recognised in the Entrepreneur category , sponsored by Investec Wealth & Investment ( UK ), part of the Rathbones Group Plc , for her work at the helm of a female-led business in a male dominated industry . Amanda ' s career story began with her working as a docker at Liverpool Port at the age of 17 . From there she worked for a number of shipping lines in the UK and Europe , eventually holding a global management position in India , before later establishing Trinity Logistics . She took her first company to a turnover of £ 42 million in 2022 and opened a sister office in Shenzhen , China – all before the age of 40 . The Entrepreneur Runner-Up we Kiera Vogel , from Senate Group .
Jayne won the Women of Courage award , sponsored by Auteur Media , for her work establishing Amy and Friends , a charity supporting children suffering from DNA repair disorders in childhood , and their families / carers . The charity was established to create a legacy for her daughter , Amy , who passed away in 2020 and a better future for other families like theirs . The charity holds an annual conference bringing together + 300 family members from across the world and 42 scientists / medics to collaborate with research , make diagnosis , and provide help and guidance , as well as offering 24 / 7 online support , respite for parents / siblings and weekly zoom activities to reduce isolation . In 2019 , Jayne also set up a rare disease clinic for children affected by Cockayne Syndrome and related disorders . The Women of Courage Runner-Up was Adele Connah , a cancer survivor and creator of ‘ healing baskets ’ for others going through treatment .
Donna Scully , joint owner and director at Carpenters Group , one of the UK ’ s leading providers of insurance and legal services was named the overall Merseyside Woman of the Year 2024 , as well as winner of the
Business Leader category . Based in Liverpool for over 25 years with a proud Irish heritage , Donna is a global leader in the insurance world and an advocate and supporter for those in society who need extra care and help .
Her professional career as a lawyer , experienced public speaker and podcaster has seen her work closely with the Ministry of Justice in relation to motor claims and civil justice reform , while also leading Carpenters Group , which employs more than 2,000 people and is one of the region ' s biggest business success stories .
Drawing on her own personal experience , Donna also dedicates much of her time directly to helping people in need . She runs a homeless breakfast club every Sunday which she personally attends and prepares food , is an ambassador for Fans Supporting Foodbanks , a Football for Change Champion and a mentor for the Girls Network & The Insurance Breakfast Club .
The prestigious ‘ Woman of the Year ’ award was presented to Donna by headline sponsors , Financial Planning Corporation ( FPC ), at the glittering Merseyside Women of the Year Awards ceremony at the Crowne Plaza in Liverpool City Centre on Friday 28th June 2024 , which was attended by more than 400 guests .
Receiving the top award Donna said : “ Yesterday was my 27th anniversary of coming to Liverpool . As a scally from Dublin inner city , I really feel like an honourary Scouser now . I ’ m really shocked , humbled and privileged . To be among the best women that Merseyside has to offer , I ’ m delighted . Ellie also tells me I am the first Irish person to win this , so that makes me even more proud , for all the Irish women that came over as immigrants to Merseyside – this is for them .”
MWOTY Founding Director , Ellie Kerr , said : “ Donna epitomises the spirit of MWOTY . She is an incredibly successful woman in business , whose vision , leadership and compassion has driven Carpenters Group ’ s success . While on that remarkable journey she has never lost sight of the importance of community , of raising other women up , sharing her skills to develop the next generation of women leaders and giving her time generously to support those in our society who need it most . She is a shining example of how being a business leader and compassionate and community-minded are not mutually exclusive , and in fact are the perfect combination to drive success and change . As well as congratulating Donna on her fabulous achievements , I would also like to celebrate all of our category winners and runners-up . The calibre of nominations this year was absolutely exceptional and just being in the room today as a finalist is a significant achievement . We welcome you all to the MWOTY movement and look forward to our journey together over the next 12 months and beyond .” wirrallife . com 11