Movers and Shakers

The ceremony saw talent from across the legal profession in the Liverpool City Region come together for Liverpool Law Society’s Annual Dinner.

Family law solicitor Eleanor Slater took home the Rising Star Award. Judges commented on how impressed colleagues are with her hard work and professionalism. Although only recently qualified, she deals with some complex and sensitive family law cases and received a number of glowing testimonials from satisfied clients. The judges all agreed she was a worthy winner. Eleanor said: “It was such an honour to be selected by Morecrofts to be entered, and then to be shortlisted was such a surprise in itself. “To actually win the award was amazing. It meant a lot to be recognised in such a tough category and to know that the small part I play in the family system is making a difference to people’s lives.”

Managing partner Alison Lobb also received a special recognition award for her role in the local professional community and was described as a driving force behind initiatives to support and strengthen the regional economy though networking, collaboration and fellowship.

Alison said: “I am immensely proud to have received this award, and very grateful to Liverpool Law Society. It is wonderful to be appreciated for my determination to serve the legal community in the business world and my aspiration to support and motivate the next generation of legal talent as much as possible.

“Nobody does these things for reward, in my case it is because I am passionate about both issues, but to be recognised for it means I must be doing something right!”

The President of the Society, Julie O’Hare, congratulated all those who had taken part, saying: “We are extremely fortunate to have some of the best talent the legal profession has to offer and as a society we strive to encourage and promote the Liverpool City Region as a centre of legal excellence.”

More than 300 members of the legal profession, sponsors and guests attended the event at the Rum Warehouse in Liverpool, raising more than £3,000 for the Owen McVeigh Foundation.

Morecrofts Managing Partner Alison Lobb with Law Society President Julie O’Hare

Rising Star Eleanor Slater.

A Huddersfield-based Learning and Development Manager has been recognised in the Queen’s 2022 New Year’s Honours list.

Richard Holliday, who works for TransPennine Express (TPE), has been given the British Empire Medal for services to mental health in West Yorkshire. The railway worker, known as Rich, regularly gives up his time to provide life-saving support for Samaritans, and has been a strong advocate in raising awareness about suicide prevention on the railway.

He is passionate about creating opportunities for young people and helps lead TPE’s annual apprenticeship programme, where individuals are also given the opportunity to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme. Outside of work, between 2013 and 2018, he volunteered with Kirklees Council as an Appropriate Adult supporting 10–17-year-olds in police custody.

Rich played an important role in supporting his colleagues through the Covid-19 pandemic, introducing ‘Zoom elevenses’ calls that anyone could dial into. He champions mental health awareness in the workplace and is open about his own experience in this area when providing support to others. Reflecting on his achievement, the 47-year-old said: “I’m completely overwhelmed.

“I didn’t realise I’d been nominated but am thrilled – what an incredible honour.

“Samaritans do such important work and I am proud to do what I can for them. Giving back to others is so important and I’m so happy that my contribution has been recognised in this way.”

Matthew Golton, Managing Director for TransPennine Express said: “I am so proud to see Rich recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.

“His passion and energy are infectious, and he uses this in the best possible way, by supporting and inspiring others.”