Local people and businesses have received honours at the North West's annual LGBTQ+ Business Awards.
On Friday, October 22, Wirral's Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa hosted over 350 guests at the black tie and ballgown event founded to highlight the achievements of LGBT+ business owners.
The black tie event was held in association with Liverpool FC and in support of the LGBT+ homelessness charity The Albert Kennedy Trust.
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Winners included microbiologist-turned-businessperson Erika Tranfield, whose business Pride Angel connects sperm donors with lesbian, gay and infertile couples to help them become parents.
Elsewhere, Manchester-based coffee shop Feel Good Club, owned by wives Kiera and Aimee, was crowned the overall winner of the LGBTQ+ Business Awards.
Liverpool's own Josef Hollywood scooped the prize for Entrepreneurial Spirit.
Josef, 20, told the ECHO : "From a young age I have always wanted to excel in all aspects of my life, however as a member of the LGBT+ community I have felt that I had to work harder and overcome barriers in my business and personal life.
"I am now proud to say I own and manage a successful media business, Ocular Media, produce and co-host InDemand Radio’s premier breakfast show and play a pivotal role in a men's mental health charity.
"Being nominated and recognised by the North West LGBTQ+ Business Awards was amazing, and actually winning the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award makes me feel so grateful to everyone who has, and continues to, support me in everything I do as a young gay man in business and the media."
Former chief executive officer of Siemens UK, Juergen Maier CBE, made an appearance at the ceremony and told the moving story of his personal experiences of homophobia in the work environment.
Juergen said: "I support the LGBTQ+ Business Awards because I believe that everybody should be encouraged and able to be who they are, particularly in the workplace.
"I spent the first half of my career pretending to be someone else because of the casual homophobia which existed in society at the time.
"Thankfully, moments like the LGBTQ+ Business Awards send a firm signal that discrimination is not acceptable and that for the health and prosperity of our nation, prejudices must be challenged and fought.”
Awards founder Drew Cockton described the atmosphere at the awards as 'electric'.
He said: "Everyone was in such a great mood, the room was filled with love and positivity.
"People have been telling me they have never ever been to an event like it!"
Planning for next year's LGBTQ+ Business Awards are already in full swing.
Drew added: "I want to thank everyone who was involved in this year’s awards, especially Liverpool Football Club."
A full list of winners can be found below:
- Young Person in Business Award - Aaron Jones
- Best Small Business Award - Pride Angel
- Community Impact Award - Agent Academy
- Diversity and Inclusion Award - Michael Franks Creative Styling
- Best New Business Award - Queer Lit
- Best Employer Award - The Senate Group
- LGBTQ+ Ally Award - The Open Door Centre
- Outstanding Personal Achievement Award - Daniel Hughes
- Best Hospitality Business Award - Manna Foods
- Entrepreneurial Spirit Award - Josef Hollywood
- Overall Winner of the LGBTQ+ Business Awards - Feel Good Club
- Best Social Media Award - Merseymade
- Investment in People Award - The Forshaw Group and Knowsley Chamber of Commerce
- Best Customer Service Award - Dobie Optimum Fitness
The LGBTQ+ Business Awards will be back in 2022. To get involved, please visit the website here for more information.
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