Today we publish the fifth and final 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
For the final week Friday Fifteen focuses on three dynamic women who work in Liverpool city region’s £6bn powerhouse visitor economy.
Tourism and hospitality are key drivers of the city region economy and this week is one of the biggest few days in the calendar as we welcome thousands of racegoers for the three-day Aintree Grand National festival. This week’s trio is:
- Anna Shires, aviation development manager at Liverpool John Lennon Airport, who is part of a team that overseen significant growth in passenger numbers in the past 12 months.
- Katie Bentley, strategic partnership and communications director at Liverpool BID Company, which operates three distinct BIDs – Retail & Leisure, Culture and Commerce and the recently launched Accommodation BID.
- Helen Wynn who, for the past 20 years, has been a driving force behind the rise of Carrington’s Catering, the go-to caterer for the biggest events across the region.
Click here to see week one’s trio, click here for week two, here to read week three and here for week four.
Anna Shires
As aviation development manager at Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA), Anna Shires plays a key role in driving the airport’s growth and competitiveness.
With more tan 15 years of experience in the aviation industry, having worked alongside airlines and airports, Anna has developed a deep passion for aviation and its transformative impact on regions and communities.
Focused on route development, Anna uses industry tools and strategies to attract new airlines, optimise the network, and enhance connectivity for both leisure and business travellers.
She is responsible for growing passenger numbers, identifying new opportunities, and ensuring the airport stays competitive in a dynamic market. By monitoring industry trends and competitor activities, Anna ensures LJLA adapts to changing demands.
Her work also delivers significant economic impacts, including the agglomeration effect, where improved connectivity drives business growth in sectors like logistics, tourism, and retail. This clustering creates a thriving economic ecosystem that boosts job creation and investment.
Additionally, Anna plays a crucial role in supporting inbound tourism by securing international routes, contributing to the growth of Liverpool’s tourism industry. This influx of visitors stimulates local businesses, from hospitality to retail, further benefiting the regional economy.
She said: ”Enhancing the city’s connectivity and supporting its thriving tourism industry is incredibly fulfilling.”
As a woman in aviation, Anna is proud to break down barriers and serve as a role model. She added: “I am incredibly proud to be working as a woman in aviation. The industry has made great strides, and I hope the growth continues on an upward path, inspiring more women to pursue careers in this field.”
Katie Bentley
Katie Bentley, is strategic partnership and communications director at Liverpool BID Company.
Her marketing career began with copywriting in advertising agencies, then into PR and with the Liverpool Echo. In 2004 she launched Hope Street Hotel, the city’s original boutique hotel which wowed visitors and travel editors alike.
She established a communications consultancy focused on destinations, tourism, hospitality and property across the North West.
Two years ago her “dream job” came up at Liverpool BID, where she works with their 800 levy payers across the city centre, local, national and international partners.
Currently balloting for a new ABID visitor levy, the results will be in June, the funding will open up many opportunities for inward investment, subvention and major events in the city.
Katie said: “There are so many days that we mark every year that need to be more than one day. IWD is an ethos, a movement and a call to action that is vital all year round.
“It’s been so important to me, throughout my career, to have strong and powerful woman who hold the door open for those coming behind them.
“As I’ve developed my career I’m very conscious of doing that myself. If we don’t make sure people can come through behind us, what are we building?”
Helen Wynn
Along with her husband Darren, Helen Wynn has spent the last 20 years transforming Carrington’s Catering into the go-to caterer for some of the biggest events in the region.
They took over the business in 2004 which was founded by another female entrepreneur, Helen Carrington in 1978. Helen Wynn was named after the family friend and as a teenager she worked in the business washing pots and assisting the chefs.
After graduating from university Helen continued to work in Carringtons, working her way up the ranks to become venue manager and then assistant manager. Aged just 25 she became a director of the company.
As Liverpool city region’s economy has enjoyed a renaissance over the past two decades, Carringtons has grown with it. Darren’s skills as a chef (Masterchef of Great Britain) combined with Helen’s expertise at building relationships and focusing on delivering exceptional service has pushed the venture to new heights.
In 2008, Carringtons catered for the opening dinner for the Liverpool Capital of Culture celebrations and were chosen without rival to cater for Queen Elizabeth II on a visit to Liverpool.
Carringtons faced one of its biggest challenges when the COVID pandemic hit in 2020. They weathered the storm and have since gone from strength to strength with sales continuing to increase and its reputation is as brilliant as ever.
Helen said: “I am so proud of what we have achieved. So many young people see hospitality as a stopgap instead of a genuine career opportunity. I hope that my achievements show what is possible.
“This industry offers many opportunities for women to thrive. I’ve focused strongly on leveraging a personable approach, building relationships and being meticulous in how I organise events. Attention to detail is critical.
“And I would love to see more women come into the sector and really push for the top jobs, many of which are still taken by men.”