Today we publish the fourth instalment of our ‘Friday Fifteen’ list – 15 women who are making their mark in Liverpool city region – an extension of our International Women’s Day focus
This week’s Friday Fifteen features three women who are well-connected high-profile professionals, each playing their part in helping to grow the Liverpool city region economy.
Real estate solicitor Paula Hanlon has recently arrived at Gregory Abrams Davidson with a proven track record of deal-making, independent corporate consultant Christine Vaudrey is one of the best-connected professionals in Liverpool while Katie Nicholson of Gateway Angels is on a mission to make the city region a hotspot for angel investing.
Click here to see week one’s trio, click here for week two and here to read week three. Check out LBN next Friday to see the final trio in our Friday Fifteen list…
Paula Hanlon
Paula Hanlon is one of the most recognisable names and faces on the Liverpool legal scene and has recently joined one of its best known law firms, Gregory Abrams Davidson (GAD).
An experienced real estate solicitor, Paula qualified in 1999 and has established a strong track record in the commercial property sector. She specialises in areas such as acquisitions, commercial leases and real estate finance.
Paula acts for investors of industrial units and commercial buildings and also small and medium-size developers on site acquisitions for the purposes of commercial or residential development. She has represented both landlords and tenants.
In addition, she has represented many high street lenders, commercial lenders and bridging finance companies in secured lending transactions, as well as advising borrowers.
She also routinely represents clients in the retail sector with a particular focus on shops and restaurants and deals with lease negotiation, lease assignments, lease renewals and agreements for sale.
According to GAD, Paula “consistently achieves effective outcomes with a commercial and pragmatic approach”.
“International Women’s Day is a moment for reflection, celebration, and action,” said Paula. “For me, it represents an opportunity to honour the incredible achievements of women, both past and present, while recognising the challenges that persist in our journey toward equality.
“I am delighted to be recognised in the Friday Fifteen given the large number of strong, resilient women shaping the city around me.
“Working at Gregory Abrams Davidson, a company that values and encourages the development of all its staff is inspiring as there is a strong culture of inclusivity and equality.”
Christine Vaudrey
Few people in Liverpool city region’s business community have an impressive a CV as Christine Vaudrey.
Her 25 years of high-level experience in both the private and public sectors, and latterly her work as a senior independent consultant, has established her as a big hitter.
Earlier in her career she worked for the city of Liverpool in roles including a guidance and career coach, social enterprise development officer and a programme manager at Culture Liverpool.
And it was during more than six years at Liverpool Vision where she really forged her reputation. One of her key roles at Vision was as ‘head of international’ for the International Business Festival.
She oversaw the attraction and management of 200 international business delegations during the 2018 International Business Festival from 103 countries. From December 2019 to July 2024, Christine was group director of strategy and communications for social housing provider Torus.
Since leaving Torus Christine has developed her own consultancy – V-Connect Global – offering strategic advice on business and policy, income generation, stakeholder management and international engagement.
A long-time yoga enthusiast, Christine also owns YogaBots, a consultancy which provides support for mental, physical and emotional health and wellbeing issues.
Christine says: “I’m really humbled to be part of this list. I don’t see myself as anything other than a person who is passionate about being purposeful in my job, and about my city.
“I was always driven by purpose, something I inherited from my dad, who served the city proudly for over 40 years as a local councillor.
“A father of five girls, he encouraged me to spread my wings and be the best I could be. I’m incredibly proud that throughout my career I have been able to contribute and serve my city and have an influence in industries where women are still underrepresented.
“It’s one of the reasons I was so keen to go into consultancy. I feel it affords me more freedom to make better decisions. I hope to be an example for other women that we can take charge and have a seat at the table.”
Katie Nicholson
As director of Liverpool-based angel investment network, Gateway Angels, Katie Nicholson is focused on growing angel investment across the North West of England.
Her mission is to ensure that early-stage founders in the region—especially those outside traditional startup hotspots – have access to the funding, support, and networks they need to thrive.
With a strong belief in the power of collaboration, Katie works closely with venture capital firms, ecosystem partners, and fellow investors to unlock opportunities for startups and scaleups across the region.
Her day-to-day focus is on building meaningful connections between investors and founders, and championing a more inclusive and vibrant investment landscape.
Katie is particularly passionate about increasing the visibility and participation of women in angel investing.
She believes that when more women are involved in funding decisions, we see a wider range of ideas backed, stronger teams built, and better outcomes for communities and the economy.
Along with members of the Lifted Project Liverpool regional board she’s working to shift the narrative—moving women from being underrepresented founders to becoming active investors and leaders in the startup ecosystem.
“International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder that representation matters—not just in who starts companies, but in who funds them,” said Katie.
“When more women step into roles as investors, decision-makers, and leaders, we unlock broader perspectives, stronger businesses, and a more inclusive startup ecosystem. That’s something worth championing every day.”