Eric Martyn
Liverpool’s Year of Reading launch this weekend will be the city’s literacy event of the year
The Liverpool Year of Reading launches this Saturday with commentators in the city maintaining it will be the city’s literacy event of the year.
Joel Jelen, founder of Ubiquity PR and head of communications for the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, will launch the event and he says “It promises to be a lively afternoon featuring writers, readers, families, publishers, performers and community organisations all coming together to celebrate books, creativity and the power of storytelling.”
Being held from 12pm – 3pm at Central Library in William Brown Street, the inclusive launch will also welcome lifelong book lovers, aspiring writers, parents looking for a lovely day out, and those simply curious about what Liverpool’s reading scene has to offer.
Spearheaded by The Lord Mayor Of Liverpool Cllr Barbara Murray and Liverpool Literacy Cycle, the event represents a vibrant, welcoming space where people can discover new voices, meet local talent, and take part in activities that celebrate reading in all its forms.
Activities include:
- Authors and writers sharing their work and experiences
- Book readings to enjoy live storytelling and powerful extracts
- Books for sale, perfect for finding your next favourite read
- Panel discussions exploring ideas, writing, literature and community
- Reading activities for all ages and abilities
-
Storytelling sessions that bring books to life
-
Shared reading, encouraging connection through words and conversation
-
Poetry performances, featuring spoken word and live readings
-
Publishers and creative organisations showcasing opportunities
-
Book and literacy stalls offering resources, recommendations and inspiration
-
Family-friendly activities, making it a great day out for children too
-
Workshops for those who want to get involved and develop their skills
As the Lord Mayor of Liverpool Cllr Barbara Murray enthused: “The 2026 Year of Reading is part of the wider Liverpool Literacy Cycle 2020–2026, with the launch event set to be a major moment for the city. It will bring together libraries, schools, universities, community groups, festivals, literacy organisations and local creatives who all share the same goal: helping Liverpool fall in love with reading all over again. The launch is a chance to discover the real depth of Liverpool’s literacy community. This includes the many emerging voices and independent publishers to the long-established organisations working to make books and reading accessible to everyone.
“It’s going to be a brilliant afternoon with the broader emphasis of the event fitting perfectly with my skills acquisition-themed fundraising* campaign. In all my years of serving on Liverpool City Council and working in education, what has shone out most is the power of literacy in helping people of all ages develop the powers of self-confidence and personal development as well as enhance their career and job prospects. The launch is going to be a fantastic experience for everybody concerned.”
More details about the event, including free tickets, can be found at:
https://ubiquitycollective.co.
Pictured with the Lord Mayor are head of fundraising Sylvia Lewis and Liverpool zeitgeist Peter Schriewersmann
MWOTY 2026 nominations open as new headline sponsor announced
Merseyside Women of the Year Awards (MWOTY) has revealed Rathbones as its new headline sponsor, as nominations for the 2026 event open.
The partnership draws together the firm’s long-standing heritage in the city and commitment to championing local communities and playing its part in helping them to thrive.
Founded in Liverpool in 1742 as a family-run timber merchant, Rathbones evolved over the centuries and by 1912 its business focused solely on managing its clients’ wealth. Today it stands as one of the UK’s leading wealth and asset managers, overseeing more than £100bn in assets and employing 3,500 people across over 20 offices in the UK and Channel Islands.
While 2026 will mark Rathbones’ first year as headline sponsor, the business is already a familiar supporter of MWOTY, having sponsored the ‘Entrepreneur’ category for the past two years, underpinning its commitment to supporting founders and business owners across the region.
Marion Reilly, Senior Director – Wealth Planning, said: “We are delighted to announce that Rathbones is the headline sponsor of the Merseyside Women of the Year Awards. These awards play a vital role in celebrating the remarkable achievements of women who inspire change and make a lasting impact in our communities. At Rathbones, we are passionate about championing diversity, leadership, and opportunity. This partnership reflects our commitment to recognising and supporting women whose contributions shape a better future for all.”
The firm will present the coveted overall “Merseyside Woman of the Year” award at the glittering 2026 event which will take place at the Crowne Plaza Liverpool, on Friday 26th June, with nominations now open.
The longest-running women’s awards on Merseyside, MWOTY provides a platform for exceptional women from across the region to be seen, heard, and found. Renowned for shining a spotlight on changemaking women the region who do not seek the limelight, the awards pride themselves on being “a movement not a moment”, supporting winners and finalists to personally grow and expand their work through year-round events, networking, training and mentorship.
Its alumni include a host of high-profile business and charity leaders, multi-award winners, as well as recipients both the Kings Award for Voluntary Service and Enterprise, British Empire Medal and MBEs.
MWOTY founding director, Ellie Kerr, said, “Rathbones has been an incredible and supportive partner to MWOTY as category sponsor over the past two years, and senior director Marion Reilly is nothing short of an MWOTY veteran, having been a supporter since 2012, so we are over the moon to be welcoming the firm as our headline sponsor for 2026! Rathbones is a business rooted in our city and deeply committed to our communities, working to foster growth, support entrepreneurs and helping the region to thrive, which aligns with MWOTY’s vision and aims. We’re excited to see our partnership grow and support those mutual aims, and we can’t wait to see what this year’s nominations hold for us – so if there’s a woman you think deserves to be seen, heard and found, get nominating!”
Headline sponsor Rathbones joins returning category sponsors, the Community Foundation for Merseyside, FPC, McIver Scott Recruitment, Morecrofts, Auteur Media and Rise Construction Framework, as well as new additions The City of Liverpool College and Brownlow Health.
The final deadline for nominations is midnight on Monday 30th March 2026. There are a range of categories including Business Leader, Women Making a Difference, Community Leader, Young Entrepreneur, Social Impact, Inspirational Women and Women of Courage.
The awards are open to anyone who identifies as a woman or non-binary.
The overall Merseyside Woman of the Year 2026 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.
Nominations can be submitted here: https://merseysidewomenoftheyear.co.uk/nominate/
The 2026 MWOTY awards will take place on Friday 26th June 2026 at the Crowne Plaza in Liverpool City Centre.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available for 2026, please contact ellie@mwoty.co.uk for details.
To find out more about the event, visit: https://merseysidewomenoftheyear.co.uk
Photograph: Marion Reilly from Rathbones presenting 2025 MWOTY entrepreneur winner Katie Bowater with her award at last year’s ceremony
photo credit: Ray Farley.
October 2025
Project Four Building Safety Experts’ Report Sharp Rise in Turnover Driven by Building Safety Act Consultancy and Technical Excellence.
THIS ARTICLE ALSO FEATURES IN THE DECEMBER 2025 ISSUE OF MY PLANET LIVERPOOL magazine: https://myplanetliverpool.co.uk
Project Four Building Safety Experts has reported a 53.6 % increase in turnover over the past 12 months, with revenue rising from £2.83 million in 2024 to £4.35 million in 2025.
Chairman Alan Robson says the significant growth is underpinned by the continued expansion of Project Four’s building safety consultancy offering, the strengthening of its technical team nationwide, and increasing repeat business from key clients across the UK. Celebrating its ninth anniversary this year, Project Four now operates from offices in Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, and London, with plans already in motion for a Birmingham office in 2026.
Project Four provides specialist consultancy across three core service areas…Building Safety Act consultancy, CDM consultancy, and site safety services. It supports clients from project inception through the design, construction, and occupation stages of a building’s life cycle.
Robson attributes the company’s success to its ability to deliver expert, actionable advice that simplifies complex regulation and ensures compliance throughout the building life cycle. “We have become synonymous as a highly technical team in helping clients achieve essential Gateway 2 Approval.” he explains. We’ve also got a proven business model, strong client retention, and scalable service delivery. We’re well positioned for continued expansion and strategic investment too.”
Project Four’s reputation for helping clients navigate the complexities of the Building Safety Act has cemented its position as a trusted adviser to developers, asset owners, and Tier 1 contractors alike. Managing Director Max Meadows, who joined the company in 2017, highlights that the company’s growth has been built on quality, consistency, and ensuring the team are always equipped to deliver at the highest standard. “There’s a huge amount of work currently available in the building safety sector.” says Meadows. “But our focus has never been on chasing volume — it’s on maintaining quality. We only take on projects where we know we can deliver to the standards our clients expect, and where our team have the time, support and resources to perform at their best. Client satisfaction and the quality of our work have been fundamental to our growth. That approach has been consistently welcomed by our clients and our people, and it will remain central to our strategy moving forward.”
In 2024, Project Four’s leadership team met with employees for a company-wide strategy session to set the firm’s key priorities for the year ahead. These included quality of work, including dedicated time for internal peer review, upskilling the team through structured training and CPD, and improving infrastructure and systems to enhance efficiency and delivery standards. We have been clear about what drives sustainable growth,” Meadows continues. “It’s the quality of what we deliver, the capability of our people, and the confidence our clients have in us. Every success we have achieved has come from staying true to those principles.”
With over 200 active clients and a team of more than 50 professionals, P4’s expertise spans residential, healthcare, infrastructure, heritage, education, and public sector projects.
Long-term partnerships with Tier 1 contractors such as Galliford Try and Morgan Sindal continue to drive larger, more complex opportunities.
Project Four’s industry influence continues to grow, with National Director Allan Binns recently invited to present evidence before the MHCLG Select Committee, sitting alongside Dame Judith Hackitt to discuss the effectiveness of the Building Safety Act’s new regulatory framework.
Looking ahead, Project Four’s has set a target of £11 million turnover by 2030, supported by sustainable, quality-led growth and a commitment to continuous improvement. “Our foundation is solid,” concludes Robson. “We’ve built a model that combines deep technical knowledge with commercial understanding, giving clients clarity, compliance and confidence.”
“Now it’s time to build further on that success.”
https://www.projectfoursafety.com/
Choir With No Name Liverpool announces Big Christmas Singalong returns to the Tung Auditorium on 7th December
The Choir With No Name (CWNN) Liverpool, a local choir involving people with experience of homelessness and marginalisation, will return to the Tung Auditorium for its Big Christmas Singalong on Sunday 14thDecember (7pm).
Now in its third year at the University of Liverpool’s state-of-the-art concert hall within the Yoko Ono Lennon Centre, this much-loved festive event promises an evening of joy, community spirit and uplifting performances.
Renowned for its feel-good, life-affirming live shows, the Choir with No Name Liverpool will perform its unique take on Christmas classics, joined by the Asylum Link Merseyside Choir and the PSS Wellbeing Choir “Sing! Sing! Sing!”.
Sonia Chapman, CWNN Liverpool’s Choir Manager, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be back at the Tung Auditorium for a third year, with our talented friends from the Asylum Link Merseyside and Sing! Sing! Sing! Choirs. Our Big Christmas Singalong is the highlight of the year for all of us. It’s something to work towards and look forward to at a time of year that can be really tough. Our choir members bring so much energy and joy to their live performances, and we can’t wait to give the Liverpool crowd a festive night to remember!”
The Choir with No Name Liverpool meets every Wednesday evening at The Quaker Meeting House on School Lane. Each rehearsal is followed by a hot meal cooked by volunteers, offering members a safe, welcoming space to sing, connect, and grow in confidence in a supportive community.
Proceeds and donations from the Big Christmas Singalong will directly support the ongoing work of the Choir with No Name Liverpool, helping to provide creative, inclusive opportunities for people who have experienced homelessness.
The event will take place on Sunday 14th December 2025, 7.00pm at the Tung Auditorium, with tickets costing £15 (£8 concessions). Tickets available here
Follow The Choir With No Name on Instagram @choirwithnoname / @cwnn_liverpool or Facebook.www.facebook.com/choirwithnoname
Photographs by RichIE Yates
Gaskells Waste prepares to celebrate 35 years at forefront of industry innovation
Success boosted by recent acquisition of Welsh waste management business, Egan Waste
A Liverpool-based waste management firm boss has revealed how it continues to empower its local communities as it prepares to celebrate 35 years in the industry in 2026.
Jonathan Gaskell, who founded the firm in 1991, set out with nothing more than a single waste collection vehicle and a determination to succeed. He said: “That was the start of Gaskells North West Ltd, that now stands alongside Gaskells Midlands Ltd, which was founded in 2015. The companies now achieve an annual turnover of more than £18.5 million and employ 108 dedicated staff.”
For Gaskell though, the real measure of success is the stability his firm provides for its loyal, long-serving employees, the opportunities they create for new generations and the positive role Gaskells plays within their local communities. Jonathan adds, “My vision has always been to grow a force for good, delivering on environmental benefits, creating jobs and makes a lasting difference in the locations we serve.”
Gaskells has also made several strategic moves in the market to further boost its operational efficiency and national base. Jonathan continued: “We’ve developed new partnerships and acquisition opportunities opening up further growth in terms of the demographics we can help, the solutions we can deliver and the technology we can harness. For example, our recent acquisition of Welsh waste management business, Egan Waste has enabled us to broaden our operational footprint and deliver services across new territory including Cardiff, Swansea and surrounding South Wales areas.
“Egan’s capabilities complement Gaskells’ existing services and bolsters our offerings with niche expertise.”
“These acquisitions continue to help us power Gaskells’ commitment to community value and environmental responsibility. The company is passionate about people, investing time, money and resources into charitable causes designed to make a real difference.”
Gaskells’ £3.2 million summer investment programme centred around sustainability, reliability, and long-term growth.
“Creating our own in-house maintenance workshop and introducing a brand-new fleet, ensures our vehicles are maintained to the highest standards, reducing downtime and guaranteeing a consistently reliable service for our customers. Our modern fleet has been selected specifically to be more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly, helping us significantly reduce carbon emissions and further our commitment to sustainability. This investment not only strengthens our operational resilience, but also ensures we continue to deliver a dependable, cost-effective service while supporting our wider goal of creating a cleaner, greener future for the communities we serve.”
Well known for supporting the local economy by creating stable jobs and investing in apprenticeships and training to develop future talent, Says Jonathan, “Working with local suppliers keeps investment local and actively supports a critical mass of schools, charities, and community projects at a regional level. It’s the combination of job creation, skills development, and sustainability that continues to help us build a stronger, greener future for our communitie. We are also committed to achieving zero waste to landfill by maximising recycling and recovering energy from residual waste.”
Gaskells continues to drive its carbon reduction programme through investment in modern, fuel-efficient fleet, route optimisation, and vehicle tracking technologies to reduce emissions. “By providing customers with equipment like balers and compactors, and using data to improve recycling performance, we’re helping businesses and communities work towards a greener future,” maintains Jonathan.
Gaskells is aiming to continue its growth as a leading independent waste management company, with an even stronger presence across the North West, Midlands and Wales.
Jonathan concludes: “Our focus is on driving innovation, sustainability, and zero waste to landfill solutions, supported by a fully modern, low-emission fleet and the latest technology. Most importantly, we will remain a business with excellent customer service at its heart, providing stability for our employees and a cleaner future for the communities we serve.”
From one single vehicle, Gaskells now has four operating centres, with 46 waste collection vehicles and a business with more than 100 employees and a turnover of more than £18.5 million, but, as Jonathan is quick to point out, “None of this would have been possible without the loyalty and dedication of the company’s team and the support of the communities they serve.
Liverpool’s Lord Mayor Christmas fundraiser highlights skills acquisition agenda
Local businesses and organisations encouraged to support event.
The Liverpool Lord Mayor is looking to her campaign’s Christmas fundraiser to help bring further mass awareness to her skills acquisition initiative.
Cllr Barbara Murray revealed at her inauguration that getting more young people access to the skills required to qualify for better jobs was her campaign’s driving force.
The Lord Mayor has flown the flag for children and young people for decades in the city. She is also the elected member for Yew Tree ward (since 2007). She was returned for her fifth term as a city councilor in the all-out elections two years ago and has regularly spoken about the city’s major skills gap when it comes to filling the top jobs.
She said: “I set up the Liverpool Literacy Cycle in 2020 to help close the literacy gap as part of helping young people in their future career development. I’m also hoping to dramatically boost youth work provision and safe places for children and youth to develop my campaign. As mentioned at the Annual Civic Service for the Lord Mayor last month, the City Council used to employ more than 80 youth workers, it currently employs just two.”
Bolstered by the strong support she has from The Lord Mayoral Committee, Cllr Murray now sees her campaign’s Christmas fundraiser on Friday November 28th at Liverpool Town Hall as the ideal opportunity to bring her message firmly home to the widest possible audience.
She continued: “The past 5 months have flown by but we’ve reached thousands of people in raising awareness of my chosen charity, the Liverpool Education Grants Charitable Trust, previously known as the Council of Education. This provides financial awards, bursaries and grants for extracurricular and cultural activities to students up to the age of 25 years. What we now want to do is appeal to even more businesses from the private sector in boosting our fundraising total, which is much needed. Our Town Hall Christmas event can do just that.”
The Lord Mayor has asked the charity to set up a specific funding stream for lifelong learning and skills to improve employability and address poverty. The direct beneficiaries during her mayoral year are Liverpool Literacy Cycle, Youth Works apprenticeships and Liverpool Poetry Space.
STEP INTO CHRISTMAS
LIVERPOOL TOWN HALL – FRIDAY 28th NOVEMBER 7.30pm-11.30pm (Doors open 7pm)
Tickets are priced at £120 or £1100 for a table of 10 and are available along with further information via: jo.hynes-perez@jhp-assist.co.
‘The Nourish Reset’ – Author Margaret Bell launches “Honest, Practical book as support for women.”
“MAM INSPIRED MY LIFE NOW DEDICATED TO GUT HEALTH”
Author Margaret Bell will tell you that her latest book, ‘THE NOURISH RESET’ really comes from her own story.
“When my mam was diagnosed with lupus at 45, she was juggling perimenopause, something which wasn’t even a thing back then. She had teenagers too, and was caring for her own mam.”
“Back in 1990 there was no support and no internet to turn to. I became determined to learn everything I could about food, hormones, and gut health because I sensed it might just help. Throw in my own struggles with eating disorders, and so I have also seen first-hand how food and our emotions around it can shape our health.”
“Given my mam’s condition, that mix of lived experience and the science, it all added up to inspire me to write a book, something honest, practical, and supportive for women.” ‘THE NOURISH RESET’ is written for women over 35, going through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. “It’s for women who want real answers and tools, not quick fixes as we know they don’t work, and many are sick of the disappointment they bring,” maintains Marg, originally from her native North East and now residing in Wirral. “It will also appeal to anyone who’s interested in feeling more balanced, energised, and at ease with food. I’ve kept it down-to-earth, no fads or strange ingredients, so it’s approachable for everyday life.”
Quoted by one reviewer as “It’s a work of art and science wrapped up in deliciousness.”, Margaret came up with the idea for the details and various chapters in her book via knowing that she didn’t want to write just another diet book. “For me, it had to be rooted in the seasons. Nature gives us exactly what we need at the right time of year, and that’s how the chapters are structured. Each section combines science with seasonal recipes and guidance. It’s the same approach I use with clients…making health practical, sustainable, and enjoyable.”
Margaret believes her blatant honesty “and the fact that it will feel real reading it” will attract the right target audience. “Women are tired of being told to cut everything out or overhaul their whole lives – we simply haven’t the time. This book lets them start where they are in life and still see changes. It’s full of warmth and Geordie personality, with recipes that are completely unique and seasonal. People will feel like I’m in the kitchen with them, not talking down at them.” As part of the book’s publication, Margaret is hosting “A very untypical”, as she describes it, book launch. “Because it’s not your typical book launch, it’s a chance to taste the food from my book, watch me demo some of the recipes, and ask me questions in real time.”
“There will also be some wonderful Think Wine to enable us to raise a glass in celebration, and plenty of honest conversation about how food shapes focus, mood and energy.”
“Guests will leave with practical ideas for their own gut and hormonal health, and they’ll also be able to purchase a signed copy of the book on the day. More than that, it’s about connection, stepping into a calm space at the end of the day where people can learn, be inspired, and take something home that can genuinely change how they feel.”
‘THE NOURISH RESET’ BOOK LAUNCH TAKES PLACE THURSDAY NOVEMBER 13TH AT 5.30pm AT:
THE BAKEHOUSE, 22 ARGYLE STREET, BIRKENHEAD CH41 6AE
Places are limited to 50 guests.
All booking form requests and further information should be addressed to:
Mental wellbeing brand Laugh For Life Comedy returns to the Hot Water Club on November 7th
One of Liverpool’s most popular comedy hotspots is featuring the latest in series of wellness-oriented showcases this November by Liverpool comedian Henry Churney and his CIC Laugh For Life Comedy.
Mixing stand-up comedy and mental wellbeing to create empowering courses has proved a great success for Churney since he began the organisation in February 2024. Henry enthused: “Comedy as a vehicle to improve an individual’s mental wellbeing has been very well received since we began delivering courses last year across Merseyside.
“Laugh For Life Comedy has brought together so many people, from the participants, to their families and friends and we’ll be demonstrating why at the Hot Water Comedy Club on Friday November 7th.
“I’m delighted that we have secured the support of Matt Jones as guest MC, with the whole evening showcase made possible by Merseycare NHS Trust to whom I’m very grateful.”
Tickets for the Hot Water Laugh For Life Comedy Showcase are priced from just £5 and are available via