Merseyrail will support the Merseyside Women of the Year awards’ (MWOTY) 15th anniversary year as new sponsor for the “Women Making a Difference” category.

The category celebrates remarkable women who have profoundly influenced their communities or industries, serving not just as a catalyst for change, but also as an inspiration to those around them, with previous alumni working in fields including social justice, sustainability, education, the arts and healthcare.

As well as operating almost 800 regular services per day, to 69 stations throughout the Liverpool City Region, providing an award-winning service to customers and employing a team of over 1,200 people, Merseyrail also supports local communities, proactively working with charity partners and community groups to make a difference in the region.

The announcement of its support for the 2025 MWOTY awards comes as organisers extend the nominations deadline to midnight on Wednesday 9th April.

Speaking of its decision to sponsor the ‘Women Making a Difference” category, Sally Ralston, Head of Community & Engagement at Merseyrail, said:

“Supporting the Merseyside Women of the Year awards and “Women Making a Difference” category is a way to recognise and celebrate the incredible contributions of women in the region. We want to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and resilience of women who may otherwise go unnoticed. It’s a way of fostering equality, empowering women, and promoting role models for future generations and of course it can inspire others to make a difference in their own communities.”

The prestigious 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.

Founding Director and inaugural ‘Woman of the Year’, Ellie Kerr, took over the awards’ organisation in 2010, taking sole ownership in 2022. Since then, they have grown in popularity and impact, developing a powerful network, known as the “MWOTY Movement”, which supports women in Merseyside year-round.

Ellie said:

“Not only does Merseyrail keep our city region moving, but it is also at the heart of all of our communities, supporting charities and organisations that are making a huge difference, which makes them a perfect match for this wonderful category.

“Since coming on board, Merseyrail has already made a big difference for us, helping up to call out for nominations from across its network via is screens and stations, which supports our mission to ensure that the amazing women working tirelessly in our region are seen, found and heard. We’re excited to have them join the MWOTY movement for our 15th anniversary year!”

Merseyrail joins returning category sponsors Neo Community & ADDvanced Solutions, McIver Scott Executive Search, Morecrofts, Rathbones, the Community Foundation for Merseyside, Auteur Media, and returning headline sponsor FPC.

The final deadline for nominations now midnight on Wednesday 9th April 2025, with the shortlist being announced week commencing 19th May. There are a range of categories including Business Leader, Community Leader, Entrepreneur, Inspirational Women, Women Making a Difference, Arts, Media & Culture, Women of Courage, and Women to Watch. The awards are open to anyone who identifies as a woman or non-binary.

The overall Merseyside Woman of the Year 2025 will be selected from all finalists, following a public vote (contributing 50% of the overall score) and being 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 27th June 2025 at the Crowne Plaza in Liverpool City Centre.

Nominate: https://merseysidewomenoftheyear.co.uk/nominate/
Buy Tickets: https://merseysidewomenoftheyear.co.uk/tickets/
Find Out More: https://merseysidewomenoftheyear.co.uk/

If you find it difficult to nominate using the online form, due to disability or other reason, please contact us at nominations@mwoty.co.uk or call 07966 308 405.