Managing partner of fast-growing MSB Solicitors, is shortlisted in the Corporate Ally of the Year category for her work to promote diversity in the firm which has three Liverpool offices. Tony McDonough reports

Leading Liverpool lawyer Emma Carey will be in London this weekend to find out if she is one of the winners in the NatWest British LGBT Awards 2018.

Ms Carey, managing partner of fast-growing MSB Solicitors, is shortlisted in the Corporate Ally of the Year category for her work to promote diversity in the firm, which employs 100 people across three offices in Liverpool.

Other city region notables also up for awards include comedian John Bishop and top TV entertainer Paul O’Grady.

The Liverpool connection to the LGBT Awards goes even further still as developer and hotel operator Signature Living, is one of the event’s headline sponsors.

‘Full potential’

Ms Carey will attend the ceremony at the Marriott Hotel in Grosvenor Square on Friday evening and following her nomination, she said: “I am proud  that I manage a firm where all our staff, irrespective of sexuality, gender, race or social circumstance, feel supported, included and empowered to reach their full potential.

“We all, as individuals, have something unique to offer to the workplace and to the world, and we recognise that at MSB. We appreciate the value of having a multi-faceted, multi-skilled and diverse workforce and the benefits it presents for our clients.

“I do not view equality and diversity as a business ‘policy’ – a set of rules we are obliged to follow. I see equality and inclusion as something that guides our principles and defines our values.”

Ms Carey has been recognised in the awards alongside business leaders from some of Britain’s biggest companies, including Vodafone, Fujitsu, Disney, Diageo and Virgin Money.

The shortlist was put together following public nominations, and a panel will decide who takes home the award for each category.

Track record

Signature Living has a track record of backing LGBT+ initiatives. The company sponsored the LGBT Awards in 2017 and in the same year supported Liverpool Pride. Last summer the firm, which operates the Shankly and 30 James Street hotels, displayed rainbow flags across its hotel network to demonstrate their commitment to LGBT+ rights and equality. 

Company founder Lawrence Kenwright said: “From the boardroom down to the shop floor Signature Living is all about diversity.

“We embrace all people and proudly celebrate the vibrant and diverse nature of our employees and hotel guests.  I am pleased to reaffirm our commitment to the LGBT+ community by backing this important event again.”