Changes to Merseyside Women of The Year Awards as event celebrates milestone

MWOTY Founding Director Ellie Kerr
-Credit:Ray Farley


The Merseyside Women of the Year Awards (MWOTY) are returning for a milestone year with some changes. The event, held under the stewardship of founding director Ellie Kerr, is celebrating 15 years with the launch of a podcast and an affiliated conference.

The ceremony honours those whose work has improved and supported the lives of people in Merseyside and beyond. This includes everything from business leadership to voluntary work, activism, charitable organisations, and entrepreneurial and creative endeavours.

Ellie told the ECHO: “This is always an exciting part of the MWOTY calendar, as we wait to be inspired by the amazing stories and achievements of women across the region. However, this year is even more exciting as it marks 15 years since it became a completely women-led event.

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“In the last two years, we have really begun to realise the importance and impact of MWOTY and its alumni on the Liverpool City Region. It is more than a moment in time at an awards ceremony, it is a movement, and we are working hard to harness the power of our network and help it impact more people through our new podcast and the business conference that I will be bringing to the city in April.

“Taking sole ownership of the event in 2022 was a huge step. I urge everyone to look at the women around them who deserve to be in the spotlight, whether they are business leaders, entrepreneurs, activists or charity leaders, and get nominating.”

MWOTY 2024 Winner Donna Scully
MWOTY 2024 Winner Donna Scully -Credit:Ray Farley

The first episodes of The Crispy Ear Podcast will be published in Spring 2025 and will feature guests from the awards’ extensive network discussing themes core to the MWOTY movement’s mission.

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Ellie will also present a new convention later in the year, with a host of speaker panels and workshops exploring the essentials needed to allow anyone to improve approaches to business while balancing the pressures of life.

The MWOTY awards alumni include a host of high-profile business and charity leaders, multi-award winners, recipients of the British Empire Medal and MBEs. It provides a platform for exceptional women from across the region to be seen, heard, and found.

Managing partner of FPC Moira O’Shaughnessy, said: “A third year as headline sponsor of MWOTY is truly a privilege, especially as these years have marked a period of remarkable growth and momentum for the movement – something we are proud to have supported.

“2025 feels like a watershed moment, where the dedication and achievements of everyone involved have combined to elevate MWOTY to new heights. We have no doubt the nominations will be stellar as ever, leading to an awe-inspiring awards ceremony this summer.”

The final deadline for nominations is Friday, April 4. The awards are open to anyone who identifies as a woman or non-binary, and there are a range of categories including Business Leader, Community Leader, Entrepreneur, Inspirational Women and Women of Courage. The MWOTY awards will be held on Friday, June 27, at the Crowne Plaza in Liverpool City Centre.