Investec Wealth & Investment (UK) agrees to sponsor category for Merseyside Women of the Year awards as nominations open. Tony McDonough reports

Nominations are now open for the Merseyside Women of the Year awards (MWOTY) 2024 as organisers secure another key sponsor.

Investec Wealth & Investment (UK), part of Liverpool-based Rathbones Group, is revealed as new category sponsor for the ‘Entrepreneur’ award. The wealth management firm manages more than £40bn for its clients with roots in the city going back to 1827.

The MWOTY awards, whose alumni include business and charity leaders, multi-award winners and MBEs, provide a platform for exceptional women from across the region to be ‘seen, heard, and found’.

They are renowned for shining a spotlight on those women who do not seek the limelight, but instead work to make a difference to the people, sectors, and communities they serve.

Marion Reilly, senior director – wealth planning, at Investec, said: “Over the past few years, we have seen a notable increase in demand for our services from female entrepreneurs throughout the region.

“We are therefore thrilled to have the opportunity to support the awards which celebrate the talent, and recognise the strength and tenacity, of women within the local business community.”

Since founding director and inaugural Woman of the Year, Ellie Kerr, took over the awards’ organisation in 2010, they have grown in popularity and impact, developing a powerful network, known as the ‘MWOTY Movement’.

Ellie added: “Over the past 12 months, MWOTY has been spoken of as a ‘movement not a moment’ and I’m so proud of that accolade, as the results of MWOTY last far beyond the one-day event.

“Our sponsors, supporters and alumni work together to help provide and connect in the city with the four things they need to thrive – access to a network, information, money, and self-belief.”

Investec Wealth & Investment joins returning category sponsors the Institute of Directors (IoD) Liverpool, Neo Community & ADDvanced Solutions, the Community Foundation for Merseyside, Auteur Media, and returning headline sponsor FPC.

Final deadline for nominations is Tuesday, April 2. The awards are open to anyone who identifies as a woman or non-binary.

There are a range of categories including Business Leader, Community Change, Entrepreneur, Inspirational Women, Women Making a Difference, Women of Courage, and Women to Watch.

The awards are open to anyone who identifies as a woman or non-binary. Overall Merseyside Woman of the Year 2024 will be selected from all finalists, following a public vote (contributing 50% of the overall score).

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They will be marked by the organisation’s judging panel against its criteria, which can be viewed here, contributing the remaining 50% of the final score. The coveted top prize will be presented by headline sponsor FPC.

The 2024 MWOTY awards will take place on Friday, June 28, at the Crowne Plaza in Liverpool city centre. Click here for nominations.