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 women across various sectors and roles here in Liverpool, plus the women within Liverpool BID Company, to tell us more about themselves and their journey in business.

In order for you to get to know this year’s participants, we’ve asked a number of questions including how they got into the industry they are in, what skills they have, who inspires them and how their organisations are working towards true inclusion and belonging, following this years #IWD2023 campaign theme #EmbraceEquity.

We got a wide range of interesting responses that you can take a look at and read below. Happy International Women’s Day!

Business:
Metquarter and Liverpool BID Company

How did you get into the industry that you are in now?
Whilst at University, I secured a part time role as a Sales Assistant at the Littlewoods store in Manchester and then just before I graduated, I was promoted to a Duty Managers role. Nine months down the line, I went into a marketing role at the Littlewoods Head Office in Liverpool which then led to a promotion to Marketing and Communications Manager. After the birth of my first child, I joined Metquarter as Marketing and Communications Manager and was promoted to Centre Manager for a team of 20. I joined the BID Board in 2006, working collaboratively to raise the profile of Liverpool and its retail offer and am currently the Chair of the Retail and Leisure BID Operating Board and currently sit on the BID Executive Board.

What is a skill that you have that not many people know about?
I love Open Water Swimming, and regularly swim in Princes Dock with the amazing WeSwimRun.

In what ways does your organisation strive to #EmbraceEquity?
My parents were really supportive when growing up, they told me there was nothing I couldn’t do – and this has stuck with me throughout my career. I now sit on the Savills Diversity and Inclusion Group and I’m joint chair for the Gender Group and believe embracing equity in the workplace is all about opening up conversations about career options accessible to all. Metquarter is home to a host of female owned and led businesses, and we’ve really grown a community here where we all empower each other to achieve our goals.

What goals do you have for the year ahead?
Personally, I want to complete the Manchester Marathon! Professionally, we are hopeful for a successful re-ballot of the Liverpool Retail and Leisure BID and at Metquarter, we want to continue to bring the tenants together and strengthen our position as a premium leisure and entertainment destination.

Who will you be celebrating this International Women’s Day?
My Team at work and my Family at home – remembering my nan who passed away last November – one of the strongest women I know. As a family, we had the pleasure to be part of her life and she had such a profound positive impact in our family life.

Find out more on Metquarter, here.

Business:
Wongs Jewellers

How did you get into the industry that you are in now?
After gaining a degree in Fashion Communication, I completed internships in social media marketing and web design, which led me to my current industry.

What is a skill that you have that not many people know about?
Digital design – I manage and create all of our social media content.

In what ways does your organisation strive to #EmbraceEquity?
We strive to embrace equity through our in house training ‘The Wongs Academy’. Built primarily to support colleagues and their jewellery education with us, but to also highlight important wellbeing and workplace culture topics. Some of which include, Menopause Awareness, Equality and unconscious bias.

What goals do you have for the year ahead?
My goals for the year ahead are to continue to grow and develop my skills, by taking on new challenges and to increase brand awareness through more exciting projects.

Who will you be celebrating this International Women’s Day?
I will be celebrating my friends, family and colleagues who all inspire and influence me.

Find out more on Wongs, here.

Business:
Propel PR (BID Area clients including Laros, Ropes & Twines, Bold Street Coffee, Slim’s, Co.Co., Castle Street Townhouse, Jaloux, Dash)

How did you get into the industry that you are in now?
Georgia began her career as a journalist for the Liverpool Echo and then moved over into PR, working in-house for a hospitality company before going on to work at multiple agencies in Liverpool.

Jade specialised in fashion buying and marketing for Matalan and Boohoo, working on collection launches, events and influencer engagement. We joined forces in March 2019 to create Propel PR; a multi-service PR, Communications and Event Management agency.

What is a skill that you have that not many people know about?
Georgia’s is baking – she makes lovely cakes! And Jade has always been amazing at hair styling.

In what ways does your organisation strive to #EmbraceEquity?
At Propel PR, we embrace diversity and inclusion through the people we work with whether that be clients, media, influencers and suppliers. We love to support female-owned businesses when it comes to Event Management, going out of our way to showcase their work to a wider audience.

For us, equality is essential whether that be gender, race, culture, age, ability, social and economic – everyone deserves an equal and fair chance in every aspect of their lives.

What goals do you have for the year ahead?
Propel PR has had a very busy and exciting 12 months! We have plans to work with some amazing businesses and individuals to continue to highlight those within the North West and beyond. We’d also love to expand our team.

Who will you be celebrating this International Women’s Day?
The achievements of all women, past and present, who continue to push the boundaries every single day to show what females are capable of! We’re celebrating all strong, independent, fierce, intelligent, pioneering, boundary breaking women who demonstrate why gender equality is so important for each and every woman around the world.

We’ll also be celebrating the wonderful women we have here in Liverpool, from our fantastic clients to the brilliant businesswomen across the city, mums, daughters, sisters, aunties, grandmothers, the list goes on!

Find out more on Propel PR, here.

Business:
Decathlon Liverpool

How did you get into the industry that you are in now?
After my degree I wasn’t sure in which field I wanted to go. As a French person I could not but join #1 French Company, Decathlon.

I took on the opportunity to join Decathlon UK in Liverpool 5 years ago and grew in the store I was at the time, the job matched my expectations and skills perfectly. What I love with the company is the endless opportunities in career path and more so in a field where one passion unite us all: Sport.

What is a skill that you have that not many people know about?
It is something that I do keep for myself: drawing / journaling.

In what ways does your organisation strive to #EmbraceEquity?
Living by the company’s values: Vitality, Responsibility, Generosity and Authenticity. Enabling individuals to develop and explore their talents within the company, offering them opportunities to do so. Ensuring that difference is valued and celebrated.

What goals do you have for the year ahead?
My 2023 professional goals consist of; Developing my team and my own skills. Exploring new fields of interest. Discovering hidden talents to cultivate. (Marketing, Merchandising, Networking, Event Planning, …)

My 2023 personal goals consist of; Running a half marathon. Mastering and Acquiring RollerSkating skills. Organising ‘’Get Together’’ activities. Reading 1 book a month.

This year will be full of surprises and changes, which is really exciting.

Who will you be celebrating this International Women’s Day?
I have so many persons that I admire in my life, it is very hard for me to choose whilst answering this question it got me thinking of the chance that I have to be surrounded by many amazing women that have all helped me be who I am today. I hope you have time to read through a long list.

I would like this day to be an opportunity in store to open discussions, give space for sharing and raise awareness about diversity, equity and inclusivity in our workplace.

Find out more on Decathlon, here.

Business:
Yorkshire Building Society (YBS)

How did you get into the industry that you are in now?

I was working in recruitment, the nature of the business meant we would trawl through job adverts to see who was hiring, and the advert for Branch Manager at the Yorkshire Building Society (YBS) in Liverpool jumped out at me as I wanted to lead my own team and the company values were very much aligned to my own.

What is a skill that you have that not many people know about?
I like to try my hand at all things creative, I have a Cricut machine so love making personalised gifts for friends and family.

In what ways does your organisation strive to #EmbraceEquity?
At YBS we are always striving to meet the needs of both colleagues and customers – we have forums where we openly challenge our processes and procedures for example. By questioning the way we think, we will make a difference and continue to embrace a culture of equity.

What goals do you have for the year ahead?
It’s a big one for me this year, YBS have kindly allowed me to take extended leave so I can realise a dream of mine to walk the Camino de Santiago (764 KM from France to Spain). I am excited and terrified in equal measure but wanted to challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone and do something different, thankfully the BID Netwalks have supported my training!

Who will you be celebrating this International Women’s Day?
The most inspirational woman I know without a doubt is my mum. She is 75 this year but you would never know it! She has energy to burn and she has captained our ship for over 50 years, always steers us on the right path with her wise words. Her love, passion and protection is a force to be reckoned with so I will hopefully be sharing a glass of wine with my mum and celebrating how special she is to all of the family.

Find out more on Yorkshire Building Society (YBS), here.

Business:
GPO Food Market

How did you get into the industry that you are in now?
I did tourism and hospitality at university and worked at Malmaison during my placement year, I loved it! I moved into retail management due to very similar skill sets whilst with my husband, Matt, we opened The Milestone, Sheffield in 2006. I joined him full time to move the business into expansion mode a few years later and I’ve never looked back. Its challenging and demanding, rewarding and frustrating but ultimately its gives us great pleasure to see our teams and young business thrive and succeed.

What is a skill that you have that not many people know about?
It has to be making perfect round roti’s. My mum is an amazing cook, and I grew up with food from the Gjurati region where my parents were born. The focus on food, freshness and quality has always been with me. I don’t make them often enough these days, but my mum would still be proud of my roti making skills.

In what ways does your organisation strive to #EmbraceEquity?
We are a food business that strives for diversity, and we make community, people, and culture all part of our hub.

We’re always on the lookout to hire and promote individuals from diverse backgrounds, including gender, race, ethnicity, and socio-economic status, to create a more equitable workplace. We ensure our hospitality venues are accessible to all guests, all guests are treated fairly, we implement policies that promote diversity and inclusion within the workplace can help create a more equitable environment for all employees and we engage with the community to better understand their needs.

What goals do you have for the year ahead?
My goals are to open two more food halls but also, I ultimately want to find new talent. I want to nurture this talent and ensure we put authentic food on the high street. The future of high street food must be independent, it must be diverse, and it must evoke memories and emotions.

Who will you be celebrating this International Women’s Day?
I will be spending the day with my marketing team which is all ladies during the day and celebrating with some great food from one our female founded kitchens in which we have about a 50/50 mix in the foodhalls.

Find out more on GPO Food Market, here.

Business:
Élan Laser Clinics

How did you get into the industry that you are in now?
My entire career has centred around wellness however, I first entered the aesthetics industry back in 2007 when I worked for the largest chain of laser and dermatology clinics in the UK. Having suffered from acne myself during university, I was passionate to work in an industry that helps those suffering from skin concerns and looking for solutions. I just fell in love with making people feel more confident in their own skin, hence staying in the industry for the past 16 years.

What is a skill that you have that not many people know about?
I like to write poems! I think there is a hidden lyricist for song writing in me somewhere. Who knows maybe when I can retire that is what I’ll do.

In what ways does your organisation strive to #EmbraceEquity?
Élan Laser Clinics embodies everything that International Women’s Day stands for with inclusivity being one of our core values. Being a female CEO in the aesthetics industry in what is a very male-dominated sector for an executive role is something I am very proud of, leading our business to become the largest female-led aesthetic clinic chains in the UK.

What goals do you have for the year ahead?
We have big plans to grow our footprint of aesthetic clinics in the UK and Australia, whilst growing our infrastructure with some more powerful and inspirational women (and men) with years of expertise, so we can provide the best support to our clinic teams. Equally, I want to provide amazing career opportunities for our clinic managers and therapists who work so hard. Along the journey, we will continue to demystify the narrative that surrounds our industry making our treatments more accessible, with transparent pricing and maintaining that luxury feel that Élan is already known for.

Who will you be celebrating this International Women’s Day?
My amazing exec team and clinic teams of strong beautiful women. I will be celebrating twice over two different time zones (UK and Australia) with an ‘All Hands’ Zoom meeting inviting everyone to share with each other what their biggest achievements are, allowing everyone to celebrate each other. Plus, what a day just to simply say thank you for being themselves and bringing their individuality to our business and our clients.

Find out more on Élan Laser Clinics, here.

Business:
Fairytale Endings

How did you get into the industry that you are in now?
I did a degree in Fashion Design and Production Management and I had to do a placement in a manufacturer as part of my degree. They took me on when I had finished my course and since then I have worked in manufacturing and direct sourcing for several retailers as well as having my own business. Once my twins were in year 11 and were looking for a prom dress, I decided to use my skills to open a Prom shop as I’ve always wanted my own boutique. Since then, we’ve added dresses of every occasion – evening, pageant, cruises, Bridal, bridesmaids, flower girls, mother of the bride/groom, wedding guest, races, communion, and christening.

What is a skill that you have that not many people know about?
I’m a pretty good vegetarian cook!

In what ways does your organisation strive to #EmbraceEquity?
I’m all for gender equity as I’ve had the experience of having to fight to get the same salary as male counterparts. Now I have my own business, it’s good to be in Metquarter, surrounded by a great group where we all support each other. We also embrace inclusivity for all and our aim is to ensure all customers regardless of sex, age, size, shape and colour find the perfect dress that makes them feel a million dollars. The models in our recent fashion show were actual customers and members of staff.

What goals do you have for the year ahead?

The business is still recovering from Covid so our goal is consolidate our business here in Metquarter, grow our customer base, strengthen our team and our social media presence with a view to expanding the business the following year.

Who will you be celebrating this International Women’s Day?
A local hero and friend of mine – Anne-Marie Swift. She has worked tirelessly to help women entrepreneurs. She had a franchise for Women in Business Networking but now works for the Women’s Organisation in Liverpool, giving business advice.

Find out more on Fairytale Endings, here.

Business:
Aloft Liverpool

How did you get into the industry that you are in now?
I started in a local small boutique hotel on the Wirral waiting on when I was 16. The beauty about hospitality is the amount of variety that it brings to the role. It’s creative. As well as being a people-oriented industry in what I love.

What is a skill that you have that not many people know about?
I am very good at DIY!

In what ways does your organisation strive to #EmbraceEquity?
Aloft, as part of RBH management we are involved in a diversity and inclusion initiative. Aloft have their own DNI champion ensuring that we have an inclusive culture and care about our staff. We make sure everyone has a real sense of belonging and as a company striving to ensure that our people are provided with fair and equal opportunities.

What goals do you have for the year ahead?
Learn a new skill, sign language really intrigues me.

Who will you be celebrating this International Women’s Day?
Aloft are hosting complimentary afternoon tea for all members of staff on the day, celebrating all things IWD 2023 #EmbraceEquity.

Find out more on Aloft Liverpool, here.

Business:
Albert’s Schloss Liverpool

How did you get into the industry that you are in now?
It was a part time weekend job while I was studying and I gladly fell back into hospitality after graduating from university!

What is a skill that you have that not many people know about?
I am a keen horse rider and it’s something that I like to do every week. That time is precious to me, no phones, no emails just a bit of much needed head space!

In what ways does your organisation strive to #EmbraceEquity?
Within this organisation we embrace equity through our constant challenging of gender roles and societal views on gender norms. Gender equality is in the DNA of mission mars as we want all members of staff to feel seen, heard, and comfortable in their place of work no matter their gender. There is no positive workplace without positive changes, this is why our values are to have fun, be authentic, be positive, use initiative, and be neighbourly.

What goals do you have for the year ahead?
To learn Spanish, it’s been on my list for too long so 2023 is the year!

Who will you be celebrating this International Women’s Day?
Claire McColgan for sure, recently awarded a CBE for services to arts and culture and she has been instrumental in Liverpool winning the bid to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, on behalf of Ukraine.

Find out more on Albert’s Schloss, here.

Business:
Bluecoat

How did you get into the industry that you are in now?
I worked as an Account Manager at a leading Liverpool Creative agency for 6 years and ran a small, affordable artist studio in my spare time. After the pandemic, I wanted to make a positive change in my career, so I decided to return to my marketing roots and apply for a maternity cover position at the Bluecoat.

Since then I have started a new role as Business Development Manager, to help the Bluecoat generate more income so we can continue to do important work bringing art to the communities that need it most.

What is a skill that you have that not many people know about?
It’s probably not much of a secret because I harp on about it all the time, but I recently started knitting and I LOVE it! It can be mindless or mindful, and the community around it is so supportive. It’s not necessarily a female dominated hobby anymore (which is amazing), but there are brilliant women out there creating innovative patterns and sharing knowledge.

In what ways does your organisation strive to #EmbraceEquity?
This year we’ve introduced certain policies that help us to continue to work against bias. For the first time we have a menopause policy to support menopausal women to feel comfortable in work.  We’ve also appointed a wellbeing team which we hope will allow us to draw attention to discrimination and bias within the workplace. Creating a channel for feedback from staff is an important way to help us acknowledge where we can do better.

It’s very important to the team at Bluecoat that our programming reflects the visitors who come here, and we’re committed to ensuring that we programme exhibitions by a diverse range of artists. This includes ensuring that women are well represented, and since reopening the building we have hosted work by Deborah Roberts and Sumuyya Khader amongst many others.

What goals do you have for the year ahead?
Professionally, I want to run a series of profitable activities at the Bluecoat that benefit the community, businesses and the Bluecoat Charity. I want our recently reopened print studio to be a success, and help to build a thriving print community in Liverpool city centre.

Personally, I want to knit a cardigan that I can actually wear.

Who will you be celebrating this International Women’s Day?
There are so many brilliant women in my personal and professional life. I’ll be celebrating my Mum who is endlessly giving and looks after four of my lovely foster siblings. I’ll also be celebrating my amazing colleagues who bring real passion to everything they do.

Find out more on Bluecoat, here.

Business:
Heart of Liverpool Tours & Blue Badge Tour Guide for BID Netwalks!

How did you get into the industry that you are in now?
My first career was a a librarian then as a marketing manager for the city, now I’m a sole trader with a local tour business called Heart of Liverpool Tours – I feel like all roads were leading to this. Organising information & reading local history as a librarian then promoting Liverpool as a great place to live, work and study was part of my marketing experience. Tourist guiding brought it all together.

What is a skill that you have that not many people know about?
I’ve got a certificate in British Sign Language also I’m part of a local pub quiz team and we keep winning almost every week.

In what ways does your organisation strive to #EmbraceEquity?
We (the Tourist Guides) all pass work to each other and support each other in other ways I have a little group of guides I can always call on including Harriet Gilmour, Simone Peter, Charley Martin and Marie Passey – all fabulous women and great guides.

What goals do you have for the year ahead?
More of the same! The tourists are definitely coming back and we are busier than ever. More cruise, national and international visitors . But also and importantly, local people. I’ve been taking Ukrainians around the city and will carry on hoping to help the individuals and families feel familiar with our region . I try to add a new themed walk each year (film locations, music beyond Beatles etc) and am writing one at the moment called Sisters of Mersey about women who’ve influenced our region ( the titles a little nod back to my school).

Who will you be celebrating this International Women’s Day?
I’m going on a Walk in Chester (I’m also a guide for Chester) with some wonderful guides who have put on a special IWD walk.

Find out more on Heart of Liverpool Tours, here.

Business:
Liverpool BID Company

How did you get into the industry that you are in now?
I applied through the Graduate Futures scheme led by Liverpool John Moores University, where I found an internship advertisement for a Marketing and Communications Assistant role within Liverpool BID Company. Having studied BA (Hons) Fashion: Design and Communication it made me interested in social media and how it is used with an industry setting.

What is a skill that you have that not many people know about?
I can draw and paint.

In what ways does your organisation strive to #EmbraceEquity?
Having only started at Liverpool BID a few weeks ago, I can already say that the company embraces equity to a high level. There is always a sense of inclusion and a strive to treat everyone as equals.

What goals do you have for the year ahead?
My goal is to gain as much experience as possible within my internship, to help kick-start my career. Another is to travel to more places and explore countries I haven’t been to.

Who will you be celebrating this International Women’s Day?
On this day, I will be celebrating all of the women in my family and friendship circle, who are all powerful ladies! They have been through some tough times last year and the start of this one, and they’re still going strong and I’m proud of them all.

Connect with Evie on LinkedIn, here.

Business:
Liverpool BID Company

How did you get into the industry that you are in now?
I started my career at the BID through a Level 3 Apprenticeship and developed a love for the company and the work that we do for the City and our businesses. I was lucky enough to be offered a full time position at the end of my apprenticeship and have continued to support the administration team as well as taking on more responsibility in other areas of the company.

What is a skill that you have that not many people know about?
The skill I have which many people may not know is my dedication to fitness and weight training. If there’s anyone you might catch in the gym at 05:30 in the morning, it’s me! I feel passionate about empowering women and believe that every women should feel comfortable, confident and equal when stepping into a gym. We deserve to be there just as much as everyone else ladies!

In what ways does your organisation strive to #EmbraceEquity?
Here at the BID, we work hard to embed equity into every aspect of the company and ensure that every employee has a say in what equity means to them. We channel this into all of our work and are always open to any feedback our team or levy payers may have.

What goals do you have for the year ahead?
This year my goal is to continue inspiring young women to look after their health & wellbeing through fitness. After running my fitness Instagram account for two years, I feel as though the work and content I’m producing is finally inspiring women and supporting them to get where they want to be. I aim to continue doing this, to better my knowledge and understanding for both myself and the women who follow me.

Who will you be celebrating this International Women’s Day?
This International Women’s Day I’ll be celebrating all of the amazing women who fought to get us to where we are today and the women who continue to fight to get us to where we deserve to be.

Connect with Martha on LinkedIn, here.

Business:
Liverpool BID Company

How did you get into the industry that you are in now?
Fell into journalism through advertising copywriting, and then jumped into the comms side from there. Like many people in the city – I had my start at the Daily Post & Echo!

What is a skill that you have that not many people know about?
I’m a decent waterskier…

In what ways does your organisation strive to #EmbraceEquity?
Everything we do is channelled towards equity – we work for the benefit of the city, our businesses and all the people who live, work and visit here.

What goals do you have for the year ahead?
Its such an exciting year ahead for the city, goals include a successful Retail & Leisure ballot where we’ll see the Georgian quarter join the BID.

A huge focus will be looking to secure the long term benefit of Eurovision for our city businesses, and also seeing the benefit of the Accommodation BID to the visitor economy.

Who will you be celebrating this International Women’s Day?
My daughter – who makes me proud everyday. Also a celebration of all the amazing women who work so hard in the city, and who are so passionate about Liverpool’s future.

Connect with Katie on LinkedIn, here.

Business:
Liverpool BID Company

How did you get into the industry that you are in now?
I’ve always enjoyed working with people & getting to know them & their businesses. I’ve worked in employer engagement focussed roles for the majority of my career, first within welfare to work & then more recently managing a work experience programme across both private & public sector.

What is a skill that you have that not many people know about?
I can pack for a week long holiday in just carry on luggage!

In what ways does your organisation strive to #EmbraceEquity?
At the BID we have been focussing on embedding EDI practises into everything we do & developing as an organisation.

This will be becoming more visual to our Levy Payers, partners & stakeholders over the coming months. The first thing to come will be Neurodiversity training which will be available for our Levy Payers soon.

What goals do you have for the year ahead?
This year we are going to ballot for the 5th term of our Retail & Leisure BID area which we are also planning to expand. I want the ballot to succeed with an even higher % of yes votes.

Who will you be celebrating this International Women’s Day?
All the women who have had a positive impact in my life & supported me whether that be family, friends, colleagues or businesses I’ve worked with.

Connect with Beth on LinkedIn, here.

Business:
Liverpool BID Company

How did you get into the industry that you are in now?
I did an English Literature and Linguistics degree at the Uni of York and after travelling, began my career at a placemaking marketing agency and worked my way up before starting at Liverpool BID Company.

What is a skill that you have that not many people know about?
I’m great at accidentally burning food in the oven.

In what ways does your organisation strive to #EmbraceEquity?
Liverpool BID Company is great at always thinking of potential questions for Equity and Diversity in the organisation and strives to constantly do better. We have a dedicated EDI team.

What goals do you have for the year ahead?
Learn a new language, practise yoga regularly, watch every film from the top 25 movies of all time and go island hopping in Greece!

Who will you be celebrating this International Women’s Day?

All women!

Connect with Chloe on LinkedIn, here.

Business:
Liverpool BID Company

How did you get into the industry that you are in now?
I wanted a new challenge and was told about this job after being rejected for an interview for another job. I loved the idea of working for a company that helped people, help their businesses, to help support and grow Liverpool. I still love this mentality and this company does what it says it does on the tin (website 😊)

What is a skill that you have that not many people know about?
I don’t really have any “skills” I am just me and like to help people where I can.

In what ways does your organisation strive to #EmbraceEquity?
The company really cares for all and continually works to be inclusive for all. We are currently working on EDI process for the office to make it fluid in our office and flow out Liverpool from here.

What goals do you have for the year ahead?
To grow in strength and self-belief throughout the year.

Who will you be celebrating this International Women’s Day?
My Mum and sister, because they are both amazingly strong, loving women who inspire me to be a better person every day.

Connect with Bernice on LinkedIn, here.

Business:
Liverpool BID Company

How did you get into the industry that you are in now?
I have previously worked in the public sector and the voluntary sector both of which I really enjoyed. I found satisfaction in knowing that what I was delivering was helping people. Having grown up in 80’s Liverpool when it was a completely different city, it was important to me to work for a company that helps the local economy. Liverpool BID does just that, and some, so I can take pride in knowing that I’m contributing to the city’s development.

What is a skill that you have that not many people know about?
I helped to develop one of the first prison workshops at HMP Liverpool to train prisoners in new skills and provide work and wrap around support services upon release with the aim of reducing reoffending. I met Jack Straw, the then Home Secretary, who visited the prison workshop and was most impressed with what we’d achieved.

In what ways does your organisation strive to #EmbraceEquity?
Equity is a state of mind and the BID takes it seriously and values the opinions of all it’s staff and the wider community. We have open discussions about what equity means to each of us and encourage that discussion to embed acceptance, understanding, inclusion and good practice into everything that we do.

What goals do you have for the year ahead?
My mail goal for this year is to become one of the first BIDs in the country to bill and collect its own BID levy. This is no mean feat and will take considerable planning and determination. The end goal is to achieve closer working relationships with our levy payers and ensure that the income we generated benefits the business and wider communities.

Who will you be celebrating this International Women’s Day?
I will be celebrating International Women’s Day with the beautiful, hard-working women and men that I work with. To me this is an acknowledgement and recognition of what women have achieved over the years, particularly being of the “older generation”. It makes me proud to be a woman.

Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn, here.

Business:
Liverpool BID Company

How did you get into the industry that you are in now?

I began my journey at Liverpool BID Company back in 2016 after completing my A-levels, where I spent a year at the BID completing an apprenticeship as I wasn’t yet sure on what career path to take. During that year I gained invaluable experience across all departments as I assisted the whole BID team, but marketing definitely appealed to me most and led to me studying Marketing at Nottingham Trent University.

I absolutely love the diversity of work we do here at the BID, representing so many different businesses in Liverpool city centre, so I returned to BID after my studies to complete a marketing internship and have been here ever since!

What is a skill that you have that not many people know about?
I think my special skill is definitely bargain hunting, which is not quite a secret as I love shouting about my latest vintage or charity shop finds!

My new year’s resolution for the past two years has been to decrease the amount of fast fashion I buy and support our local highstreet second hand stores, (Bold Street, I love you!)

In what ways does your organisation strive to #EmbraceEquity?
Myself and other members of the BID Team have been working over the past year to embed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion into our organisation. Rather than drafting a token statement on EDI, we are creating a long term plan to ensure we think, talk about and embrace EDI at each level of the BID’s organisational structure, both internally and externally.

We aim to be equal in our opportunities always, and are committed to embracing equity and making sure we recognise the different circumstances people may have, in order to becoming a truly equal workplace.

What goals do you have for the year ahead?
I love videography and would love to become more confident in this. Personally, I want to pick up a new hobby, maybe learning to play drums?!

Who will you be celebrating this International Women’s Day?
The person I would like to spotlight this year is Scottish MP Mhairi Black, who continues to inspire me every day.

And of course I’ll be celebrating all of the amazing women here at the BID, in my family, and my wonderful friendship group which is full of some of the strongest women I know.

Connect with Kayleigh on LinkedIn, here.

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