Liverpool entrepreneurs Natalie Reeves Billing and Alex Cousins launch new book designed to inspire more young people to pursue careers in maritime. Tony McDonough reports
Business duo Natalie Reeves Billing and Alex Cousins hope a new book will inspire more young people to seek careers in maritime and increase diversity in the sector.
Liverpool-based Natalie and Alex are founders of the business and education adventure hub The Animates, which is centred around inclusive innovation.
They launched The River of Life book at the Power of Women fundraiser conceived and organised by Trinity Logistics chief executive Amanda Unsworth and her team. It has been written by multiple award-winning local author Natalie.
Alex said: “River of Life is a storybook celebrating our region’s maritime heritage and is inspiring children to explore skills, careers and innovation in a fun way. It’s also part of a much wider business strategy of activity that we as The Animates have been immersed in.
“Beyond the book, we’ve established an impressive business network, collaborating with many diverse businesses along the route.
“The launch of the book at the event coincided with the growth of female empowerment within many leading businesses and organisations on Merseyside.
“It proved to be the perfect platform to highlight Amanda and many other leading female lights working across different industries in Liverpool city region.”
READ MORE: Completion date in sight for £13m canalside homes
READ MORE: Developer plans 70-storey skyscraper for Liverpool waterfront
Former docker Amanda, who founded Trinity Logistics in 2017 maintains some of her proudest business moments have been growing a female-led logistics company in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
“Beyond commercial growth, a major focus has been giving back working with local colleges, universities and schools to educate young people about logistics and encourage more women to consider careers in the industry,” she explained.
Rise, another organisation collaborating with The Animates and led by Sara Lawton, is supporting Natalie and Alex on their next project covering the construction and regeneration industries.
Founded in March 2016 and as a social business, Rise has made a huge impact on the lives of people across communities who need additional support.