Liverpool entrepreneurs Natalie Reeves Billing and Alex Cousins launch new book designed to inspire more young people to pursue careers in maritime. 

Business duo Natalie Reeves Billing and Alex Cousins believe a new book will inspire more young people to seek a career in the maritime sector and increase diversity in the process. The Liverpool-based founders of the business and education adventure hub The Animates are focused on inclusive innovation and recently launched The River of Life book at the Power of Women fundraiser in the city.

The Power of Women 2026 event was conceived and organised by Trinity Logistics chief executive Amanda Unsworth and her team, with the book 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.”

Former docker Amanda, who founded Trinity Logistics in 2017, said 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 Construction Framework,  led by Sara Lawton, is another organisation collaborating with The Animates and is supporting Natalie and Alex on their next project covering the construction and regeneration industries. Founded in March 2016 as a social business, Rise has made a huge impact on the lives of people across communities who need additional support.

Natalie, speaking as part of International Women’s Month and who also recently won the Inspiring Role Model of the Year at the Downtown Women In Business Awards, said: “Coming from the same background, I’m in deep admiration of both Sara and Amanda. We’re looking to achieve a similar social impact as a female-led start-up with our digital and physical learning world. Alex and I have also worked with other brilliant female-led businesses including the likes of the pioneering Natalie Kenny of Biograd and Denise Harris at Sum Vivas, who created an AI version of ‘Bam Bam’ for The Animates.

“We’ve also partnered with many schools and organisations including Elevate EBP, Children’s University, Liverpool Learning Partnership, and the Liverpool City Region Careers Hub.”

Photograph by Ray Farley