8th March 2023

International Women’s Day at Metquarter

Today marks International Women’s Day and to celebrate we’re working with Liverpool BID to spotlight some of the wonderful women at Metquarter.

It’s important to honour the amazing work and achievements of those we work with, so we sat down with some of the incredible women at Metquarter to ask them about their journey so far in business to get to know them a little bit more.

We hope to bring some inspiration to young women all around by asking our staff and tenants, how they got into the industry they are in, any secret skills they have, who inspires them, what their goals are and how their businesses are working towards true inclusion inclusivity.

Enjoy reading below and Happy International Womens Day!

To read more about some of the incredible business women in Liverpool, visit Liverpool BID.

Jennina O’Neill, Centre Manager, Metquarter and Chair of Retail & Leisure, Liverpool BID

1) How did you get into the industry that you are in now?

Whilst at University, I secured a part time role as a Sales Assistant at the Littlewoods store in Manchester and then just before I graduated, I was promoted to a Duty Managers role. Nine months down the line, I went into a marketing role at the Littlewoods Head Office in Liverpool which then led to a promotion to Marketing and Communications Manager. After the birth of my first child, I joined Metquarter as Marketing and Communications Manager and was promoted to Centre Manager for a team of 20. I joined the BID Board in 2006, working collaboratively to raise the profile of Liverpool and its retail offer and in 2017 I became the Deputy Chair of the Retail Operating Board and currently sit as director of the Executive Board.

2) What is a skill that you have that not many people know about?

I love Open Water Swimming, and regularly swim in Princes Dock with the amazing WeSwimRun.

3) In what ways does your organisation strive to #EmbraceEquity?

My parents were really supportive when growing up, they told me there was nothing I couldn’t do – and this has stuck with me throughout my career. I now sit on the Savills Diversity and Inclusion Group and I’m joint chair for the Gender Group and believe embracing equity in the workplace is all about opening up conversations about career options accessible to all. Metquarter is home to a host of female owned and led businesses, and we’ve really grown a community here where we all empower each other to achieve our goals.

4) What goals do you have for the year ahead?

Personally, I want to complete the Manchester Marathon! Professionally, we are hopeful for a successful re-ballot of the Liverpool Retail and Leisure BID and at Metquarter, we want to continue to bring the tenants together and strengthen our position as a premium leisure and entertainment destination.

5) Who will you be celebrating this International Women’s Day?

My Team at work and my Family at home – remembering my nan who passed away last November – one of the strongest women I know. As a family, we had the pleasure to be part of her life and she had such a profound positive impact in our family life.

Gill O’Neill, Managing Director, Fairytale Endings

1) How did you get into the industry that you are in now?

I did a degree in Fashion Design and Production Management and I had to do a placement in a manufacturer as part of my degree. They took me on when I had finished my course and since then I have worked in manufacturing and direct sourcing for several retailers as well as having my own business. Once my twins were in year 11 and were looking for a prom dress, I decided to use my skills to open a Prom shop as I’ve always wanted my own boutique. Since then, we’ve added dresses of every occasion – evening, pageant, cruises, Bridal, bridesmaids, flower girls, mother of the bride/groom, wedding guest, races, communion, and christening.

2) What is a skill that you have that not many people know about?

I’m a pretty good vegetarian cook!

3) In what ways does your organisation strive to #EmbraceEquity?

I’m all for gender equity as I’ve had the experience of having to fight to get the same salary as male counterparts. Now I have my own business, it’s good to be in Metquarter, surrounded by a great group where we all support each other. We also embrace inclusivity for all and our aim is to ensure all customers regardless of sex, age, size, shape and colour find the perfect dress that makes them feel a million dollars. The models in our recent fashion show were actual customers and members of staff.

4) What goals do you have for the year ahead?

The business is still recovering from Covid so our goal is consolidate our business here in Metquarter, grow our customer base, strengthen our team and our social media presence with a view to expanding the business the following year.

5) Who will you be celebrating this International Women’s Day?

A local hero and friend of mine – Anne-Marie Swift. She has worked tirelessly to help women entrepreneurs. She had a franchise for Women in Business Networking but now works for the Women’s Organisation in Liverpool, giving business advice.

Anna McCartney, Group CEO, Elan Laser Clinics

1) How did you get into the industry that you are in now?

My entire career has centred around wellness however, I first entered the aesthetics industry back in 2007 when I worked for the largest chain of laser and dermatology clinics in the UK. Having suffered from acne myself during university, I was passionate to work in an industry that helps those suffering from skin concerns and looking for solutions. I just fell in love with making people feel more confident in their own skin, hence staying in the industry for the past 16 years.

2) What is a skill that you have that not many people know about?

I like to write poems! I think there is a hidden lyricist for song writing in me somewhere. Who knows maybe when I can retire that is what I’ll do.

3) In what ways does your organisation strive to #EmbraceEquity?

Élan Laser Clinics embodies everything that International Women’s Day stands for with inclusivity being one of our core values. Being a female CEO in the aesthetics industry in what is a very male-dominated sector for an executive role is something I am very proud of, leading our business to become the largest female-led aesthetic clinic chains in the UK.

4) What goals do you have for the year ahead?

We have big plans to grow our footprint of aesthetic clinics in the UK and Australia, whilst growing our infrastructure with some more powerful and inspirational women (and men) with years of expertise, so we can provide the best support to our clinic teams. Equally, I want to provide amazing career opportunities for our clinic managers and therapists who work so hard. Along the journey, we will continue to demystify the narrative that surrounds our industry making our treatments more accessible, with transparent pricing and maintaining that luxury feel that Élan is already known for.

5) Who will you be celebrating this International Women’s Day?

My amazing exec team and clinic teams of strong beautiful women. I will be celebrating twice over two different time zones (UK and Australia) with an ‘All Hands’ Zoom meeting inviting everyone to share with each other what their biggest achievements are, allowing everyone to celebrate each other. Plus, what a day just to simply say thank you for being themselves and bringing their individuality to our business and our clients.

Nina Patel, Director,GPO Food Market

1) How did you get into the industry that you are in now?

I did tourism and hospitality at university and worked at Malmaison during my placement year, I loved it! I moved into retail management due to very similar skill sets whilst with my husband, Matt, we opened The Milestone, Sheffield in 2006. I joined him full time to move the business into expansion mode a few years later and I’ve never looked back. Its challenging and demanding, rewarding and frustrating but ultimately it gives us great pleasure to see our teams and young business thrive and succeed.

2) What is a skill that you have that not many people know about?

It has to be making perfect round roti’s. My mum is an amazing cook, and I grew up with food from the Gjurati region where my parents were born. The focus on food, freshness and quality has always been with me. I don’t make them often enough these days, but my mum would still be proud of my roti making skills.

3) In what ways does your organisation strive to #EmbraceEquity?

We are a food business that strives for diversity, and we make community, people, and culture all part of our hub.
We’re always on the lookout to hire and promote individuals from diverse backgrounds, including gender, race, ethnicity, and socio-economic status, to create a more equitable workplace. We ensure our hospitality venues are accessible to all guests, all guests are treated fairly, we implement policies that promote diversity and inclusion within the workplace can help create a more equitable environment for all employees and we engage with the community to better understand their needs.

4) What goals do you have for the year ahead?

My goals are to open two more food halls but also, I ultimately want to find new talent. I want to nurture this talent and ensure we put authentic food on the high street. The future of high street food must be independent, it must be diverse, and it must evoke memories and emotions.

5) Who will you be celebrating this International Women’s Day?

I will be spending the day with my marketing team which is all ladies during the day and celebrating with some great food from one our female founded kitchens in which we have about a 50/50 mix in the foodhalls.