YM Liverpool April 2023

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N E WS | I N T E R I O R S | H O M E S | L I F E ST Y L E | FAS H I O N | GA R D E N I N G

www.ymliverpool.com APRIL 2023

Essential Eurovision Guide Development in Focus Hey, Farina! review Race Day Fashion

Liverpool’s ‘comedimum’ speaks ahead of sell-out tour

e i h p o S McCartney

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ello and welcome to the latest edition of YM Liverpool!

First up is my interview with Liverpool’s very own ‘comedimum’, Sophie McCartney.

I chatted with the Allerton-born social media sensation and best-selling author ahead of her highly-anticipated debut stand-up tour.

Sophie was on great form as she revealed how an Ed Sheeran parody video led to her quitting a job in PR to become ‘Instagram’s funniest mum’ with more than a million online followers.

Next, with excitement building for next month’s Eurovision Song Contest, we’ve got your essential guide to the pop spectacular featuring all the important dates, details and events taking place across the city centre.

Meanwhile, Annie S shares her favourite outfit choices ahead of the Grand National meeting at Aintree and Jon Atkinson picks out five wines of the future for you to try.

Plus we shine the spotlight on a collection of highly sought-after new homes in the heart of Birkdale Village and Tom Beattie gives his verdict on the latest foodie addition to Williamson Square’s ‘Italian Quarter’.

Last but not least, our gardening expert Heather Marsh explains how you can get your garden fit for Easter with a spot of spring cleaning and some bountiful flower baskets.

Until next time!

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LAWRENCE SAUNDERS Editor NEWS | IN

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Race Day Fashion

Liverpool’s ’ ‘comedimum s ahead

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Sophie McCartney

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Insta appeal Allerton-born comedian and best-selling author Sophie McCartney has been dubbed ‘Instagram’s funniest mum’ for her hilarious representations of modern day parenting. With a sell-out stand-up tour getting underway next month and new novel just published, we caught up with Sophie to discuss her remarkable rise from PR manager to internet sensation words lawrence saunders Live Nation has revealed that your new tour is the fasting-selling debut tour of the year so far. How does that make you feel?

Pretty good I imagine!

It’s a little bit mad and quite overwhelming! I was getting some good feedback before the tickets went on general release because they were selling out on the likes of O2 Priority and the Live Nation presale. But I didn’t have a full grasp of what that meant because I know they only sell a certain percentage of the tickets that way. Before my husband left for work on the day they went on general sale he said: “Brace yourself, they’re not going to all sell out straight away. We might have a couple of months of graft flogging tickets but you’ll get there in the end!”. By the time he’d reached work, they’d all gone! It was complete madness.

terrified about leaving him. I’ve only had one night out since he was born. But I’m kind of easing into the idea of being away from him. My mother-in-law is coming up for a few weekends to look after the kids, but my two eldest might come with me for a few of the dates as there are places on the tour they’ve never been to before. Mummy can do her thing and they can just not listen to all the swearwords!

How did you first get started on social media?

I got knocked up basically! I was working for a PR company in Manchester, commuting from where we live in Warrington. When I found out I was pregnant with Jack, who is my eldest, it was an opportunity for me to step away from a job that I wasn’t overly in love with. I started doing a written blog about the trials and tribulations of Is the material for the tour based around the content fans will be being a new mum. I was 28 years old at the time and didn’t really have used to seeing on your social media? any friends who had children. I felt a bit isolated and when I started Yes. I think for my debut tour it might have been a little bit foolish to blogging, I immediately felt a connection with other people who felt completely stray from what people are used to seeing from me. I get the same way that I did. Then I had my second child, Evelyn, and it a lot of people telling me my videos got them through lockdown was just absolutely pointless for me to go back to work. The amount and those are the kinds of people who have bought tickets. So I think of money I was earning in comparison to what I’d have to pay for both if I just suddenly started rambling on about politics, they’d be like of them to go into childcare, I would have been taking away £100 a ‘what is this!?’ month for other people to raise my kids. That The show is very much a journey, as I say, was the time I really started looking at social I decided to do this from perky tits to killing nits – being 20 years old media as an option. Early on, I had about and carefree, to the stage of life that I’m at now all-singing, all-dancing 500 Facebook fans and one of my friends with a newborn baby, when my eldest are 10 and told me that in order to grow my followers, seven, and I’ve gone right back to the beginning. parody of Ed Sheeran’s I needed to start doing videos. I was a bit Before my third child came along, I could leave of a wallflower but I decided to do this ‘Shape of You’. I put the house without a million bags, and I’ve put all-singing, all-dancing parody of Ed myself straight back into it and obviously, there’s the video up and it just Sheeran’s ‘Shape of You’. I look back on a lot of comedy which comes along with that. I it now and cringe but it was actually the think if you’re a parent, you’re going to enjoy the one thing that really propelled me into spread like wildfire. show but even if you’re not, there’s going to be doing what I’m doing now. If I hadn’t bits in there for you as well. I do a lot of ’90s and ’00s throwbacks to done the video, I don’t think I’d be sitting here now talking to when the world was so much more simple than the one we’re living in you with a sellout tour and whatnot. now. There’s a little bit of something for everyone.

I put the video up and it just spread like wildfire. It resonated with so many people and I think it was all very timely because the How do you think you will cope with being away from your kids song was number one at the time. I suddenly went from having about during the tour?

500 Facebook followers to about 80,000 in the space of a few days.

I’m really conflicted about this because I do joke that I’d do anything for eight hours in a Travelodge on my own! But my little one is only A lot of your fans comment on how they appreciate how honestly six months old. I thought, because he’s my third and last child, that you speak about the realities of having children. Is that something I’d be happy to ship him off to childcare. But because I know he’s my you had in mind when you started Tired and Tested? last, I’ve been really emotionally attached to him and I’m absolutely The whole reason for me doing what I do is to make other people

4 YM Liverpool

INTERVIEW

feel better about the way that they do things [with their kids]. There’s nothing worse than a judgy parent is there? They’re everywhere you go! When you’re feeding the baby, if you choose to breastfeed or bottle feed. Regardless of what you do, there will be somebody who has their own opinion and will be more than happy to tell you. I don’t know what it is about children because when it comes to other aspects of life, people can hold their tongue, but whether it’s because it’s a child, and there’s a commonality, maybe people think: ‘Well, I have my own child, so therefore I am an expert!’

Nate, my youngest, was born three weeks early, and he had quite bad reflux when he hit about four weeks. I was breastfeeding him and people were messaging me on the internet saying: ‘Give that baby a bottle of formula. You’re starving him. You need to go to the doctor and get this special baby milk’. I was like ‘Oh my god! Nobody has asked you for your opinion! And actually, the doctor has told me that my milk is the better option for him anyway. You’re not a medical professional!’ But that is a small percentage of people though and what I do find with my socials is that actually, for all of those people who weigh in with their opinions, there are people who actually are genuinely caring and want to help. That’s what is quite nice about having a community on social media, you have got people that have your back.

As well as the tour, your first novel, Mother Hens, has just been released. What made you move away from non-fiction for your latest work?

About 15 years ago, I had some half-written manuscripts that I never quite got around to doing anything with, but I always wanted to do fiction. My non-fiction book (Tired and Tested: The Wild Ride Into Parenthood) was kind of a step into fiction, I guess. Just to see how I land as an author and then move forward. But my publisher, HarperCollins, are brilliant, and they had such faith in me because they signed me straight away for two books. The first was always going to be non-fiction and then the second was going to be fiction.

Writing my novel has been a completely different experience to writing non-fiction. Also, I was pregnant throughout all of it and then Nate came early, and I hadn’t finished it. So I then had to finish it postpartum, you know, rocking in the corner with a brand new baby.

So that was quite stressful! I now fully understand the phrase ‘lost the plot’. I had about four or five chapters left to do when Nate arrived.

For a couple of weeks, I was writing things and the sentences just didn’t make sense. Nate was up every hour during the night with his reflux, I wasn’t sleeping, and I wasn’t eating, but I just had to finish the book. My biggest driver was thinking that once it was done, I could enjoy my baby and this new part of motherhood. So yes, it was a bit of a slog, but I’m so proud of myself for being able to spell my name at the end of it all!

Can you give us a brief overview of what the new book is about?

It’s a bit bonkers and quite a departure from my first book. I do like to give people a little bit of a heads-up if they’re about to pick it up thinking it’s going to be in a similar vein to Tired and Tested. It’s not just about motherhood. It’s about what a bunch of mums are like when they don’t have their children around. It celebrates motherhood, but it’s not about the school run, it’s not about feeding your baby or changing nappies. It’s actually about a bit of escapism, and finding out who you really are when you don’t have any kids around you. You lose your identity, and I think this goes for men and women, when kids come onto the scene. Your life is based around them, isn’t it?

Everything you do is for them and you put yourself to one side, you don’t go out and have fun. However, the minute a hen or stag party comes along, for some reason, it’s those things that you manage to carve out a bit of time for.

So that’s what this book is about. It’s a hen party, where a bunch of frazzled mums put the time aside in their diaries to go to Ibiza. It’s a little bit ‘murdery’ in places and there’s a little bit of accidental drug ingestion and the Mafia might be involved as well. I just wanted to make something that was a complete departure from everyday, mum life. Hopefully, I’ve managed to do that!

Sophie McCartney plays Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre on 27 May. Her debut novel, Mother Hens, is available now.

YM Liverpool 5

MUSIC

This month in H

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From a tragic loss to the birth of an iconic logo, April has featured some career-defining moments for the Fab Four

W

e start this month’s timeline with a tragic event in Beatles’ history. Just three days before the band began their legendary stint at Hamburg’s Star-Club on 13 April 1962, original bassist Stuart Sutcliffe died of a brain haemorrhage on the way to the hospital at the age of only 21.

Klaus Voormann, a friend of Stuart’s and designer of the Revolver front cover, was at The Star-Club and witnessed John Lennon walk on stage dressed like a cleaning woman, knocking over microphones and crashing into the drum kit. “The people in the club were laughing – they didn’t know Stuart had died,” Klaus later recounted.

“They didn’t know Stuart. It gave me shivers to watch it, but this is what clowns do, bring humour to tragedy. It was hilarious.”

Fast-forward 12 months and The Beatles performed what was probably their most unusual concert at the prestigious Stowe School.

The show was booked after student and fellow Liverpudlian David Moores wrote to Brian Epstein. So impressed was Epstein with Moores’ approach, that he agreed to bring the band down to Brackley for the princely sum of £100. Moores made £20 from ticket sales and later went on to become chairman of Liverpool Football Club.

April 1963 was also the month which saw the birth of The Beatles’ iconic logo. Featuring a capital B and dropped T to emphasise the word ‘beat’, the logo came about almost by accident when Ringo Starr and Brian Epstein travelled to London’s Drum City in search of a new kit. Ringo settled on a small 20” Ludwig kit, which Epstein wanted for free given The Beatles’ fame. After some negotiation, Drum City owner Ivor Arbiter agreed to trade the new kit for Ringo’s Premier kit – on the proviso that the Ludwig name remain on the skin, as he had only recently began distributing the brand. Epstein countered by insisting The Beatles name be included, in larger lettering, on the front of the bass drum as well. The drum skin was painted by local sign writer Eddie Stokes during his lunch hour and The Beatles logo has endured as the band’s official marque

6 YM Liverpool

since 1963. Quite remarkably, it wasn’t trademarked by Apple until the 1994 Anthology project.

On April 25 1963, The Beatles performed at a ‘Mersey Beat Showcase’ in Croydon with three other artists from Epstein’s roster. Concerned he wouldn’t fill the venue, promoter John Smith arranged for singer John Leyton to headline the concert. On the day of the show, Leyton fell ill, leaving The Beatles to the top of the bill.

When Smith posted notices outside Fairfield Hall ballroom there was great cheering as no one had come to see Leyton!

1964 will always be remembered as the year Beatlemania swept through America and The Beatles’ influence on popular music took the world by storm. On 11 April 1964, the band set a new record, notching a remarkable 14 entries on the Hot 100, with ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’ at number one. This feat stood for more than 50 years, until Billboard changed the way songs were included on the charts.

In April 1968, Apple placed a press advert seeking demo tapes from unknown artists. Designed by Paul McCartney, the ad featured Apple’s general manager Alistair Taylor under the title ‘This Man Has Talent...’. The response was phenomenal, with the manager of the then-unknown David Bowie receiving a stock rejection letter saying: ‘We don’t feel he’s what we’re looking for at the moment’.

Bowie later became friends with Lennon and co-wrote 1975’s ‘Fame’ about their dissatisfaction with the troubles of fame and stardom.

On 10 April 1970, eight years to the day from the death of Stuart Sutcliffe, Paul McCartney announced the break-up of The Beatles. The following week he released his debut solo album, McCartney, which, in a break from his former band’s polished sound, was a stripped-down production.

Recorded in secrecy, mostly using home-recording equipment at Paul’s house in St John’s Wood, the album peaked at number two on the British charts behind Simon and Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water.

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YM Liverpool 7

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YM Liverpool 11

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FOOD

Restaurant review

Hey, Farina!

By Tom Beattie |

Italian |

££ |

It’s impossible not to be impressed by the ‘Italian Quarter’ which has been created by the Cillo family over the last decade on the edge of Williamson Square Spread across four floors, there are seven businesses on the site, all run by this one small Italian family. Behind the scenes, various members of the Cillo clan take charge of different aspects of the operation, from baking bread to creating bespoke cakes.

The venue has established itself as a real fixture on Liverpool’s foodie scene over the past 12 years, with the P&D Gran Caffè winning hearts and minds as word of its incredible selection of pastries, sandwiches and desserts travels far and wide. The premises is also now home to Brunchin’, run

by Cillo’s son Antonio, which as its name suggests, serves up everything from healthy breakfasts to bottomless brunch.

But we were here to review the newest aspect of the business empire, Hey Farina!,

Fresh pasta combined expertly with the pancetta and creamy sauce to create a flavour that would charm any lover of Italian cuisine.

30 Richmond Street, L1 1EF

which opened earlier this year and is an authentic Italian family restaurant run by husband and wife team Carmine Cillo and Antonella Bovino.

Seated to our table by the affable and welcoming waitress Christina, my guest and I were immediately struck by the relaxed atmosphere and felt at home right away.

Keen to sample different aspects from the menu, my guest and I went for the arancini (£3.50) and bruschetta Hey Farina! (£6), which comes served with spread ‘Nduja sausage, burrata and yellow cherry tomato on sourdough bread.

The starters were simply breathtaking and shared between two, were more than sufficient in terms of portion size, with the prices very reasonable given the quality of each plate.

The staff were also kind enough to throw in a cheese and garlic pinsa (£5.50), a delightful Italian flatbread which is crispy on the outside and light and airy on the inside.

Appetites sufficiently whetted, it was time to pick our mains. My guest plumped for the classic carbonara (£9), while I opted for the house specialty, pacchero (£9.50), a pasta dish served with a slowly cooked Genoese sauce consisting of beef and onion straight from Naples.

My guest reported that the carbonara was “simply sublime”, with the fresh pasta combining expertly with the pancetta and creamy sauce to create a flavour that would

charm any lover of Italian cuisine.

As impressive as this was, however, my pacchero represented a truly authentic taste of Neapolitan nourishment, with the different aspects of this unique recipe coming together to produce a truly memorable dish.

To finish, my guest and I somehow found enough room to sample the desserts on offer, courtesy of the P&D Gran Caffè next door.

A slice of strawberry cheesecake (£4.50) and some white chocolate gelato (£3) rounded things off perfectly.

There is no shortage of Italian food options in Liverpool city centre, but I would posit that there is no place more authentic than Hey, Farina!

The fact that this place was packed out across four floors on a Saturday afternoon probably tells you all you need to know, and there is no doubt that the eatery is firmly on its way to establishing itself as one of the city’s finest Italian establishments.

Bellissimo!

VIEW FOOD PHOTOS @YM_LIVERPOOL

YM Liverpool 13

ADVERTORIAL

A guide to wills and probate – Consult the legal experts Paul Crowley & Co’s expert Wills and Probate team are here to guide you through the legal process of making a will The process of grieving a loved one is always difficult, this can be made even worse by uncertainty if the deceased person has failed to make a will and the consequences of what can happen to their estate if they pass without one.

When do you need a will?

A will is a legal document which lets you direct how your belongings will be distributed after your death. If you pass away without a will, your belongings will be distributed according to ‘intestacy law’, which could mean that your property does not pass to the people you would want to inherit it.

Most people would benefit from having a will, as no matter how small your estate, a will makes it so that you can appoint an ‘executor’ to manage your assets and distribute your property according to your wishes.

How are wills executed?

The law sets out formalities for making a valid will, which must be: In writing Signed by the ‘testator’ (the person making a will), and Signed by and in the presence of at least 2 witnesses

• • •

The witnesses who sign your will must not be ‘beneficiaries’, or the spouse or civil partner of a beneficiary.

What is a trust?

When making a will, you may wish to put some of your property into a ‘trust’. Trusts are a way of managing wealth including money, investments, land or property. When you put assets

into a trust, they are under the control of an appointed person or persons called ‘trustees’, who manage the trust according to your instructions after your death.

Trusts are often a good way of leaving property to your children, as the trustees will manage their inheritance until they are old enough to receive it.

What is probate?

Probate is the legal right to deal with a deceased person’s estate.

If a person dies with a will, the executor needs to apply for a ‘Grant of Probate’, as proof of their right to manage the deceased person’s estate.

If a person dies without a will, their estate will be dealt with by an ‘administrator’, who will need to apply for a ‘Letter of Administration’. Who can apply for this is determined by rules of ‘intestacy’, under which the responsibility will fall in the following order of priority: Spouse or civil partner Children Grandchildren Parents Siblings Grandparents Aunts and Uncles

• • • • • • •

If you need to apply for probate, Paul Crowley & Co dedicated team of legal experts will guide you through the process of dealing with your loved one’s estate.

in order to receive a death certificate.

Then, you can apply for a Grant of Probate. This usually takes around 16 weeks, but can take longer if additional information is required.

When is probate required?

The beneficiaries of the deceased person are not allowed to sell the property or access any of the deceased persons bank accounts until probate has been granted. Generally, banks and building societies will ask to see proof of probate before allowing you deal with property belonging to someone who has passed away.

Probate will be required in most cases, but it may not be needed if: The estate is small (usually below £5,000) and banks or building societies have confirmed they will release funds without sight of a Grant of Probate.

All property was held jointly with someone who is still living, who will automatically inherit through survivorship.

• •

If you would like to make a will or apply for probate, our friendly team of Wills and Probate solicitors at Paul Crowley & Co are here to help.

How long does probate take?

The entire process usually takes at least 6 months, but can take longer depending on the complexity. The first step is to register the person’s death within 5 days

For a free, no obligation chat with one of our experienced Wills and Probate solicitors, call us now on 0151 264 7363. www.paulcrowley.co.uk 14 YM Liverpool

NEWS

APO GROUP OPENS IN LIVERPOOL AS PART OF NATIONWIDE EXPANSION Management company brings membership-style model to city centre development APO (A-PART-OF.COM) has announced the launch of Apo Liverpool, the operator’s third rental scheme and its first outside of London.

Located at The Copper House on The Strand, the development offers 382 new homes – a mix of furnished and unfurnished one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.

Through its flexible membership model and varied events programme, Apo Liverpool is designed to accommodate post-pandemic patterns in how we live, work and socialise from our homes.

Apo’s collection of resident services and members-only facilities include two flexible working areas, designed to extend residents’ living space, with free high-speed Wi-Fi

throughout and coffee on tap.

‘The Local’ is complete with meeting areas, group tables and office pods, whilst ‘The Sky Lounge’ includes a fully-fitted kitchen and is the ideal place to meet up with friends and neighbours for a game night.

Other membership benefits include the Apo resident app, which tenants can use to remotely control their membership, arrange services such as cleaning, as well as message neighbours, set up their own social groups or book spaces at Apo Liverpool’s community events.

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR YM LIVERPOOL PROPERTY & BUSINESS AWARDS 2023 Industry representatives set to celebrate another year of success at prestigious event NOMINATIONS FOR THE YM Liverpool Property & Business Awards 2023 are now open.

Leading lights from the Liverpool City Region’s property and business sectors will gather at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on 30 November 2023 to once again reflect on another 12 months of achievements.

Accolades will be handed out across a diverse range of categories including Property Developer of the Year, Best Affordable Housing Scheme, Residential Property Agency of the Year, Business Leader of the Year and LCR Business of the Year.

November’s glittering ceremony will take place a year on from a highly-successful return for the long-running awards following a brief pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The black-tie event, hosted by Claire Sweeney and headline sponsored by Greenwood Developments, featured a charity raffle in aid of Football For Change alongside the main presentation.

For a full list of categories and to submit your entry for the YM Liverpool Property & Business Awards 2023, head to www.ymliverpool.com For ticket information or to discuss sponsorship opportunities for this year’s event, contact awards@ymliverpool.com

Matt Finch, brand director at Apo, says: “The launch of our third build-to-rent development, and first to open outside London, is a very proud moment for Apo. “We strive to deliver quality, modern lifestyle experiences that capture both the excitement of city life and the values of community, so it is hard to imagine a more suitable location for our latest scheme than Liverpool; a city renowned for its vibrant culture and deep tradition of togetherness.”

PC&CO ‘ANFIELD TO ISTANBUL’ CHALLENGE AIDS EARTHQUAKE APPEAL Law firm covered more than 2,500 km in support of those affected by the Turkey/Syria disaster PAUL CROWLEY & CO SOLICITORS recently took part in an ‘Anfield to Istanbul’ challenge to raise money for the victims of the Turkey/Syria earthquake.

Matthew Kay, from PC&Co’s conveyancing department, suggested the idea for the unique endeavour during one of the firm’s regular breakfast club meetings.

A total of 50 people signed up to compete in the challenge, with the aim of raising £500 by covering a cumulative distance of 2,752 km in two weeks, the distance from Anfield to Istanbul.

The target distance over the two weeks was an average of 196 km a day, and on the final day of the challenge, the group surpassed the 2,752 km mark.

Hayley King (conveyancing) topped the charts with an impressive 260 km, followed closely behind by Mark Hayes (crime) and Alison Priestley (marketing).

The directors at PC&Co thank everyone who took part including Matthew for his fundraising idea, organiser Becky Brown, and most importantly, all those who kindly donated.

A total of £1,398 has now been forwarded on to the British Red Cross Society’s earthquake disaster appeal.

YM Liverpool 15

n o i s i v Euro 2 ESSENTIAL 023 GUIDE

Excitement is reaching near fever pitch as Liverpool gears up to host the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine. Around 100,000 extra visitors are expected to descend on the city next month as the pop extravaganza takes place at the M&S Bank Arena

WHEN IS THE EUROVISION SONG CONTEST 2023?

The 67th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest will be held at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena from 9-13 May.

WHY IS LIVERPOOL HOSTING THE EVENT? In accordance with tradition, the winner of last year’s contest, Ukraine, was initially given the opportunity by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to host Eurovision 2023.

However, due to Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country, it was concluded that the event could not be held there for safety and security reasons.

It was announced on 25 July 2022 that the 2023 contest would be held in the United

Kingdom, with British cities invited to bid to host the event.

The BBC received expressions of interest from 20 UK towns and cities, whittling this list down to just Liverpool and Glasgow by 27 September.

Liverpool was revealed as host city on 7 October, with Eurovision officials praising its world-class facilities; the innovation behind its cultural programme and its plans to celebrate the people of Ukraine.

WHO IS REPRESENTING THE UNITED KINGDOM? Mae Muller (left) will represent the UK at Eurovision 2023 with her track ‘I Wrote A Song’.

The 25-year-old Londoner co-wrote her entry with Brit-nominated songwriter Lewis Thompson and Karen Poole, who has written for the likes of Lily Allen, David Guetta and Kylie Minogue.

WHO IS THE BOOKIES’ FAVOURITE? Loreen, who won Eurovision 2012 with ‘Euphoria’, is the current favourite to bring home what would be a record-equalling seventh title for Sweden.

The singer will represent her country for the second time after winning the grand final of Sweden’s national selection competition, ‘Melodifestivalen’.

Finland and Ukraine are the other two with the best chance of victory according to the bookies, with the odds of a ‘home’ win for the UK as big as 40/1.

16 YM Liverpool

WHICH COUNTRIES ARE TAKING PART? A total 37 countries will participate in this year’s contest:

🇦🇱 Albania 🇦🇲 Armenia 🇦🇺 Australia 🇦🇹 Austria 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan 🇧🇪 Belgium 🇭🇷 Croatia 🇨🇾 Cyprus 🇨🇿 Czechia (Czech Republic) 🇩🇰 Denmark 🇪🇪 Estonia 🇫🇮 Finland 🇫🇷 France 🇬🇪 Georgia 🇩🇪 Germany 🇬🇷 Greece 🇮🇸 Iceland 🇮🇪 Ireland 🇮🇱 Israel 🇮🇹 Italy 🇱🇻 Latvia 🇱🇹 Lithuania 🇲🇹 Malta 🇲🇩 Moldova 🇳🇱 Netherlands 🇳🇴 Norway 🇵🇱 Poland 🇵🇹 Portugal 🇷🇴 Romania 🇸🇲 San Marino 🇷🇸 Serbia 🇸🇮 Slovenia 🇪🇸 Spain 🇸🇪 Sweden 🇨🇭 Switzerland 🇺🇦 Ukraine 🇬🇧 United Kingdom Of the 37 countries taking part, 31 will compete in two semi-finals with 10 successful acts from each semi-final joining four of the ‘Big 5’ (France, Germany, Italy and Spain), hosts the United Kingdom and Ukraine in the grand final.

EUROVISION

CAN I STILL GET TICKETS? All 6,000 tickets for the live shows were snapped up less than two hours after going on sale last month.

Prices ranged from £90 to £290 for the live semi-final shows, and from £160 to £380 for the live grand final.

The government has announced that around 3,000 tickets will be made available for displaced Ukrainians living in the UK.

BBC/NATALIA IVANOVA/RAY BURMISTON/DARREN BELL/GUY LEVY; HARRY CARR/CAPITOL/EMI; LIVERPOOL CITY COUNCIL/JAMES STACK

HOW CAN I WATCH EUROVISION? Eurovision 2023 will be shown live on BBC One with a star-studded hosting team set to guide viewers through the two semi-finals and grand final.

Graham Norton is once again returning as part of the BBC’s presenting line-up for the grand final alongside Ukrainian singer, Julia Sanina, Emmy Award-winning actress, Hannah Waddingham, and pop star/TV presenter, Alesha Dixon.

Norton will be joined in the commentary box on 13 May by actress and comedian Mel Giedroyc, with the pair taking turns to offer their views on the 26 acts.

For the first time in the UK’s Eurovision history, both semi-finals will be live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with radio DJs Scott Mills and Rylan providing their colourful insight.

Ukrainian broadcaster Timur Miroshnychenko will cover the opening ceremony live stream on the official Eurovision Song Contest YouTube channel in the company of Liverpool’s very own Sam Quek.

Meanwhile, fellow Liverpudlian Claire Sweeney will be heading up BBC Radio Merseyside’s coverage of the grand final alongside the soon to be announced winner of ‘The Voice of Eurovision’ talent search.

HOW IS LIVERPOOL CELEBRATING EUROVISION 2023?

Aside from the live shows at the M&S Bank Arena, a host of cultural events linked to Eurovision will be held across the city centre next month – the biggest of which being a massive outdoor party in front of St George’s Hall on 7 May. Up to 30,000 free tickets have been made available for ‘The National Lottery’s Big Eurovision Welcome’, which will feature “high profile performances, collaborations and stunning production”.

Tickets will be released in early April on a first come, first served basis, for anyone who is a National Lottery player, as a thank you for the £330m they have contributed to over 3,600 music and cultural projects in Liverpool.

Meanwhile, Liverpool City Council has revealed the first details of a two-week cultural festival which will take over the city in the lead up to Eurovision.

Running from 1-14 May, EuroFest will present 24 brand new commissions – 19 of which are collaborations between UK and Ukrainian artists.

The majority of the work being produced has been inspired by the Eurovision 2023 slogan ‘United by Music’, none more so than The Blue and Yellow Submarine Parade by The Kazimier – a huge outdoor underwater sea disco which will make its way through the city to kickstart the Eurovision party.

Working with UK and Ukrainian designers, musicians and community groups, expect hundreds of performers, incredible music and a huge glitterball jellyfish!

Meanwhile, the English National Opera does Eurovision is being created by the English National Opera and will be a unique show bringing together two very different musical worlds into one epic outdoor performance with live chorus and orchestra.

On a more poignant note, Izyum to Liverpool by Ukrainian artist Katya Buchatska, will transform the iconic Liverpool Cathedral into a train carriage replicating the journey from Izyum to the border with Poland. Filmed in real-time, this piece offers an extraordinary window into the landscape of Ukraine as it is today and also serves as a reminder of the spirit and resilience of the Ukrainian people.

Finally, Rave Ukraine is a collaboration between producer Jez Collins, UAME I Music Saves UA and Open Culture to deliver a simultaneous rave in Liverpool and Kyiv which will be streamed across the world. This commission is a celebration of the uniting power of music and the resilience of Ukrainians throughout the last year to keep making music, dancing and celebrating culture.

Plans for the official fan park at Pier Head and other Eurovisionspecific events are set to be made public soon.

KEEP AN EYE ON YMLIVERPOOL.COM FOR ALL THE LATEST EUROVISION NEWS

YM Liverpool 17

What will you discover? E

From the ‘what’s’ of the world around us to the ‘why’s’ of the human body, Eureka! Science + Discovery challenges visitors to look at the ordinary every-day and see the extraordinary!

ureka! Science + Discovery is a brand-new attraction, housed in the Seacombe Ferry Terminal building, that has been created with and for children and young people aged 0-14. If you’re familiar with our sister site in Halifax you’ll recognise our unique blend of creative, hands on learning combined with cutting edge 21st Century technology that has resulted in an engaging and fun-filled family day out and discovery experience!

Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) – how do they influence and shape our lives?

18 YM Liverpool

ADVERTORIAL

Explore the ginormous digestive system in Bodies, investigate the Amazing Inventions shed in Nature and marvel at our supersize cat ‘Luna’ in Homes; there’s plenty to keep the whole family busy for hours! If you don’t manage to see everything in just one day – fear not! A standard entry ticket is automatically an Annual Pass, meaning that you can book a revisit for free, any number of times for a full year (so all those rainy days are sorted!)

Throughout the year, we’ll also be rolling out activities and events during all the school holidays. So, there’ll always be something fresh and exciting!

MakeCreate, our making and tinkering space, will be programmed with supervised workshops that encourage creativity and allow participants to get hands-on! Permission to get messy?

Granted! Talks and presentations will also be hosted in our Science Theatre on scheduled dates throughout the year.

Over on the other side of the ferry terminal, we have the Discovery Café – a spot to refuel and energise when curious minds need a break! We have a varied selection of food, drink and snacks on offer and a comfortable space for grownups to grab a brew. Gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options are available.

Coming soon is The Burrow, designed to inspire the under-7’s featuring objects, activities and play areas themed around local nature and our environment (there’s

even an adorable Wood Mouse nest with a slide!). Your Annual Pass will also cover your entry into The Burrow once it’s open, as well as additional activities. #EurekaDiscover. Please check our website and social media for opening hours and for what’s on! On-site parking is available. Multiple bus stops outside with regular connections to Woodside, New Brighton and Wallasey. www.eurekadiscovery.org.uk

SCAN ME

YM Liverpool 19

HOME

DEVELOPMENT

in focus

Highly sought-after new homes in the heart of Birkdale Village From £270,000

20 YM Liverpool

INTEREST IN A NEW BIRKDALE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT has “exceeded all expectations” according to the property company behind the exclusive scheme.

Located in the centre of Birkdale Village, Westview is a collection of nine apartments and three spacious town houses from Intunique.

Following the launch of the development at the beginning of March, Intunique received a flood of enquires from potential buyers and has now taken reservations for seven of the properties.

Each new home will be fitted out to a high standard with bespoke kitchens, underfloor heating and fully-tiled bathrooms contributing to a truly luxury aesthetic.

Ground floor apartments benefit from private gardens whilst residents on the first floor and above have access to their own private balconies.

Added safety features include a gated carpark, touch pad video intercom to each apartment and external security lighting.

Westview is situated in the heart of Birkdale Village and is just a short walk from Birkdale train station which offers easy access to Southport, Liverpool and further afield.

The area boasts an array of amenities including independent coffee shops, restaurants and bars, as well as the world-famous Royal Birkdale Golf Club.

Tom Lovelady, managing director of Intuita Property Group, says: “Whilst we were always confident in the market, we have experienced unprecedented interest so far and have now reserved seven of the nine apartments in the first couple of weeks of marketing.

“We always pride ourselves in creating well designed new homes finished to a high standard and Westview is no different.

“Allowing buyers their choice of kitchens, bathrooms and floor finishes has made the development as bespoke as possible, and has proven very popular.”

For more information call 07985 192921 or email sales@intunique.co.uk YM Liverpool 21

ADVERTORIAL

Entrepreneurs offered chance to take risk out of selling products and ideas Special offer for YM Liverpool readers at Red Brick Markets in the Baltic Triangle

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mall businesses, start-ups and prospective owners have been handed an incredible opportunity to take almost of all the risk out of selling their products and ideas.

Red Brick Markets, which has just opened in a new venue in the Baltic Triangle, boasts a unique concept that allows would-be traders and those already operating to open stalls without the need to physically operate them.

Units and wall spaces start from £50 per week and include all rates and charges, with the venue taking no commission on any items sold.

The Beaufort Street location already houses 120 small businesses, with a range of sizes to suit any need in what the owners promise is a move that offers more choice for shoppers and greater flexibility for traders.

And now Red Brick Markets is handing new entrepreneurs an offer of one free week when signing up for a lease at the market, when quoting ‘Red Brick Liverpool YM’.

Chris, owner of Red Brick Markets, says: “With no long-term leases, business rates or huge price tags placed on physically running a shop premises, this is an opportunity for sellers that will mitigate as many of the risks as possible.

“The offer of a free rent week should help any business just starting out and

Red Brick Markets’ owner Chris Day

take the risk out of going it alone. The whole idea is to help small businesses.

Shops come with massive price tags, business rates and long leases but we try to mitigate as many of the risks as we can for sellers.

“Our staff and central payments desk really set us apart, traders don’t have to man their own businesses, so people with kids, jobs and other responsibilities can have a go at setting themselves up and visiting whenever they like.”

A champion of individuality, Red Brick Markets is already popular with shoppers thanks to the eclectic mix of traders, artists and businesses in situ.

Alongside retail spaces, the venue has flexible units for workshops, artist studios and non-selling businesses with short leases and basic rents while further extra space is being used to offer training courses.

To get involved please, contact redbrickliverpool@gmail.com

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Amy Yarker and Sam Watson, Liverpool The Fermentation Station UK

For every br�ght �dea everywhere Business & IP Centre Liverpool, in partnership with the British Library, is inspiring a thriving community of new and existing business owners. We offer a wide range of high-value services which are free of charge.

Visit us in Liverpool Central Library where you can access powerful databases with the latest market and company information, discover our events programme and get expert advice on starting or growing your business.

Get in touch to find out more about how our team can support you or your clients. +44 (0)15 1233 5835 libraries.enquiries@liverpool.gov.uk

BIPC Liverpool, Liverpool Central Library, William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 8EW

liverpool.gov.uk/bipc 24 YM Liverpool

BIPCLiverpool

BIPC Liverpool City Region

ADVERTORIAL

Get ready for growth and scale up Have you got an idea to start a business? Are you wondering what’s involved in being self-employed or do you need help to grow and existing business? You can access a huge range of resources at the Business & IP Centre (BIPC) in Liverpool Central Library

B

IPCs are a free service designed to support anyone who wants to start or grow a business. Some are not for profit, some are charities, others are small business or sole trading operations right through to multi-million-pound companies.

BIPCs offer a wide range of resources and a comfortable, welcoming space with free wi-fi in which to work on your business. If you have an idea and you want to protect it, you can access professional legal advice around copyrights, trademarks or patents. For anyone writing a business plan or

researching a market there are free databases providing up-to-the-minute market trends and information.

You can download industry guides and explore all sorts of opportunities such as running your own pub, consultancy, café or restaurant or starting up an online business. There are how-to guides on everything from fashion, art, wellbeing and personal fitness to food, music, technology, hospitality and much more.

Liverpool Central Library is a fully accessible venue. The BIPC team is friendly and approachable with a genuine passion for helping

entrepreneurs. Since being set up in 2015 over 6,000 people have benefited from BIPC support.

Our Entrepreneur in Residence, Gary Millar and his team of volunteers run drop-in clinics in Central Library every Thursday from 1pm-4pm. This is a great opportunity to access free, impartial quality advice on everything from protecting your idea through to making more sales or solving a business problem.

We also run a fantastic programme of online and physical events on a wide range of topics which are all completely free. These are designed to allow people to network, connect, access information, be inspired and learn valuable business skills. We’ve covered everything from podcasting to cybercrime, health and wellbeing to social media marketing and presentation training.

BIPC Liverpool is part of a national network led by the British Library in London. Last year BIPC services were launched across Liverpool and in St Helens, Sefton, Knowsley, Wirral and Halton.

If you would like to find out more about how BIPC Liverpool can help you with your business idea, email libraries.enquiries@liverpool.gov.uk or call 0151 233 5835; Twitter @BIPCLiverpool; liverpool.gov.uk/bipc YM Liverpool 25

HOME

PROPERTY

in focus

Studio living at new eco-friendly apartment scheme £185pw/£650pcm

26 YM Liverpool

LOCATED ON THE EDGE OF LIVERPOOL’S burgeoning Knowledge Quarter, this new studio apartment at Element – The Quarter is ideal for eco-conscious renters.

The £45m scheme on Low Hill boasts a range of eco-friendly features and low-carbon smart technologies, including energy-efficient LED lighting, solar panels, air-source heat pumps and a rainwater recycling system.

Designed by renowned Liverpool-based architects Falconer Chester Hall, the apartments have been delivered by Nexus Residential and Legacie Developments, which is currently undertaking a £140m revamp of the historic Heaps Rice Mill building.

Communal facilities at Element – The Quarter consist of a gym, common room and study area, but the stunning roof terrace is the real star of the show. Located up on the fifth floor, it enjoys blissful views over the waterfront and provides a picture-perfect perspective of Liverpool’s world famous skyline.

Other resident benefits include a 24-hour concierge, bike storage and an on-site laundry service.

This studio apartment, available from September 2023, comes fully-furnished with a kitchenette, double bed, wardrobe, desk, bathroom and smart TV. For more information or to book a viewing, contact Legacie Management & Lettings on 0151 207 9990 or email kevin@legacie.co.uk YM Liverpool 27

ADVERTORIAL

Sourced Development Group boss speaks of pride as key gateway project accelerates Joanne Waller started her career in conveyancing and is now managing director of Sourced Development Group, which has residential and commercial sites across Liverpool and Manchester

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ourced is working on a number of gateway sites across Liverpool, including Scotland Road and Tuebrook, with Ms Waller believing the work will transform areas of the city “left neglected”.

Ms Waller says: “There is so much opportunity in Liverpool and we are excited to build more than 1,000 new homes for local people.”

The property firm is currently working on several projects, including a vital one in Tuebrook, known as Derby Court.

Meanwhile, the developer’s site on Scotland Road will change the area’s “whole outlook”, with Ms Waller adding: “It’s been quite derelict for some time and this changes the whole outlook of Scotland Road completely.

“It’s transforming something unloved and neglected – a bit like upcycling.

It’s special when it’s an area that’s personal to you.

“Any investment in Liverpool is good for everybody. It boosts the economy, boosts jobs and boosts morale.”

As one of the few female bosses in a male-dominated industry, Ms Waller says that although it has its challenges, her gender acts as a huge source of pride when the company is delivering state-ofthe-art projects.

She adds: “Property development and wider construction is a great industry to be in as a woman, it’s fast-paced, exciting and challenging, and no two days are the same. 30 years ago, I’d have never imagined working in construction, and at that time, it was not encouraged, but I am so happy to be here.

“Seeing your projects develop from the initial design to completion is one of the most fulfilling aspects of working in this industry. We are providing homes for

Any investment in Liverpool is good for everybody. It boosts the economy, boosts job and boosts morale.

28 YM Liverpool

families and individuals to start a new chapter in their lives; what could be more rewarding than that?

“Women remain massively underrepresented in the sector, but little by little, we are seeing a muchneeded positive shift with more women taking on construction roles at various levels of seniority.

“The rise of organisations such as

‘Women in Construction’ is helping to normalise the position of women in the industry, which is fantastic, particularly with gender fluidity and broader inclusivity.

“This is something that needs encouragement from school level, rather than gender-traditional courses being pushed on our teenagers. The world is changing, and the construction industry needs to evolve with it.”

WINE

Classic

alternatives

Jon Atkinson picks out five wines of the future for you to try

THERE ARE QUITE A FEW wine-growing regions that have garnered considerable reputation and pedigree, often over hundreds of years, with the majority of these being in Europe. This heritage allows those lucky Vignerons whose vineyards lie within these feted designations to charge a (hefty) premium for their wares. This is fine if your pockets are suitably deep, but for most of us, this isn’t the case, so what to drink if your palate isn’t aligned with your bank balance?

I am often asked just why some wines are so expensive and are they worth the premium? There are a multitude of factors that will impact on the price of a bottle of wine from very obvious things such as the price of grapes and the cost of living, to more obscure facets such as which forest provided the oak to make the barrels in which the wine

was aged. When it comes to the top end, however, it is supply and demand that really dictates the pricing. Fine wine is a truly global commodity these days and wine lovers are increasingly priced out of the market by Chinese billionaires, Russian oligarchs, etc.

One of the things that I enjoy most about the wine trade is discovering and promoting the fine wines of the future – wines that have an obvious quality but are just starting to find their place in the market. Even the Chateau Lafite’s and Domaine de la Romanée Conti’s of this world had to start somewhere! Often, the most viable alternatives to the ‘establishment’ will be grown very much in the same locale, so sniffing around the edges of the classic regions can often, quite literally bear fruit – here are some examples…

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Ch9 was the first wine region in France to be granted Appellation Contrôllée status almost 100 years ago. It is the standard bearer for the wines of the southern Rhône valley and based on the amount that I sell, primarily as gifts, it’s safe to say that a lot of wine drinkers rate it as one of their favourites. Around £30 should get you a respectable example with really good ones for an additional £20 or so. The most reputable properties, as ever, come at a premium, with Ch. Rayas now selling for north of £1,000 a bottle! If Ch9 is your thing, then it is worth trying other wines from the southern Rhône; Gigondas and Vacqueyras are both in very much the same vein, but even a decent quality Côtes du Rhône-Villages can give it a good run for its money. Try: Domaine de Mourchon ‘Tradition’ Côtes du Rhône-Villages 2020 (£15.75)

Barolo The ‘king of wines and the wine of kings’, Barolo from Piemonte in north west Italy is one of the more enigmatic fine wines and I would expect to pay upwards of £40 to get a good one. You can find examples for less and many are perfectly drinkable, although I invariably conclude that £15-£20 goes an awful lot further in other, less ‘popular’ wine regions. However, if those distinctive aromas of leather, truffle and violets are what you crave, then seeking out a Langhe Nebbiolo from a good producer such as Pio Cesare should sate you for a more manageable sum. Alternatively, give Barbera a try – it is often regarded as a poor relation to Barolo, but for me it is one of the most typical Italian reds with its juicy acidity and meaty, savoury flavours making it a brilliant food wine. Try: Barbera Superiore Colli Tortonesi Cantine Volpi 2020 (£12.50)

Sancerre Long before New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc became a thing, this was the pinnacle for lovers of Sauvignon Blanc, and while a decent Sancerre won’t run to the sums of some of the other wines featured here, it is still somewhat ‘steep’ for drinking on a school night. Happily, there are several very viable alternatives grown just a stone’s throw away. In my humble opinion, Menetou-Salon is the best of these, but do also consider Quincy, Reuilly and Haut-Poitou, all of which are 100% Sauvignon Blanc, also from the Loire Valley with similarly fresh, verdant aromas and crisp palates bursting with vitality. Try: Haut-Poitou ‘O’ Sauvion 2021 (£11.95)

Burgundy At its best, this small region in northern France produces the ultimate Chardonnay whites and Pinot Noir reds. Demand is sky-high and availability seemingly ever more limited. This has been exacerbated by a succession of smaller than average vintages due to climatic conditions. Historically, I have advised seeking out less fashionable appellations from within Burgundy itself, such as Pernand-Vergelesses or Chorey-les-Beaune, but even these are now really quite pricey so instead, I would look to France’s vast vinous reserve that is the Languedoc. Alternatively, New Zealand produces some outstanding Pinot Noir, albeit in a different style to Burgundy, whilst I have enjoyed excellent Chardonnay from many countries, I would place South Africa pretty much at the top of that list.

Try: L’Artisan IGP Pays d’Oc ‘Le Pinot Noir 2021 (£11.95); Vondeling ‘Barrel Selection’ Voor-Paardeberg Chardonnay 2021 (£15.95)

TO CLICK & COLLECT ANY OF THESE RECOMMENDATIONS OR TO VIEW THE REST OF OUR RANGE PLEASE VISIT WWW.WINETIMEWINES.CO.UK

YM Liverpool 29

Easter’s here again!

Get your garden fit for the spring celebration with Heather Marsh’s top tips

30 YM Liverpool

GARDENING

PREPARING FOR EASTER outdoors starts with the usual chores we all know about. Giving the lawn its first cut of the season is a job I’m usually itching to do – probably because it always makes an instant difference and spurs me on to do the rest. Next is a general tidy-up of the borders with some light weeding and maybe any last bits of pruning that need doing before it’s too late (don’t forget your roses and lavender bushes). Giving your patio a scrub (a stiff yard brush is needed here) and cleaning any garden furniture is a must as well. This will have them looking like new and helps give your garden that spring freshness ahead of the Easter holidays. n DECORATING THE GARDEN Once everything’s spick and span, it’s the decorative floral touches which I enjoy adding the most. After all, Easter is a time to relax and enjoy yourself. April is a month that can still look quite bare in the garden, so buying seasonal plants already in bloom is a quick and easy way of injecting some vibrant colour into the areas that need it most.

Purchasing plants in pots and containers means you can easily move them around, arranging them on empty patios or by the front door, as I like to do.

n BOUNTIFUL BASKETS Baskets are the traditional seasonal favourite and make lovely gifts too.

Shop-bought ones are so expensive and unnecessary when filling them yourself with spring bedding plants couldn’t be easier. Baskets can be picked up cheaply from lots of discount stores – I’ve had some good finds in charity shops, so you don’t need to spend a fortune. Lining the basket with plastic or thick tin foil, to begin with, makes the container waterproof – which is essential if you want to bring them indoors.

Filling the basket halfway up with some potting compost is the next step, and then it’s the fun bit. Seasonal bedding plants and bulbs are cheap and cheerful and can be picked up everywhere right now. Lidl and Aldi both have a fantastic range to select from that won’t break the bank. Choosing a wide variety of different plants works best. Here are some of my classic favourites to help you along.

Primulas bring instant cheer with their vibrant colour and with such an array to choose from, I’m always spoilt for choice. From bright pinks to deep purples set against sunny yellows and crisp whites, I usually end up buying one of each. Even though some would consider them garish, I grow what brings me joy and I think these have it in bucket loads.

Pots of dwarf daffodils and narcissi are the quintessential spring flower I just couldn’t leave out and are so easy to plant up in between the others in your basket. I simply adore hyacinths as well, particularly the soft pink and deep blue varieties. Buying these ready-grown in pots

takes all of the hard work out of planting them months beforehand.

Like daffodils bought in the same way, when the hyacinths have finished flowering you can just leave them in the basket to flower again next year or carefully lift them and plant them out into borders. This is called planting in the green, something I much prefer to do rather than planting bare bulbs.

If you’re going for maximum overload with your Easter basket, as I always do, you surely have to find a spot for a pansy or two. These cheerful plants really earn their keep and will go on flowering well into early summer. Violas, the pansy’s dainty little cousin, are worthy of a space too and are hardy even when it’s still quite nippy outside. Finally, if you’ve got an inch of space left, novelty additions like decorated eggs, chicks and bunnies are the perfect finishing touches. Children love these and baskets make a great place to hide eggs too.

If, however, you fancy having something a bit more dramatic, bigger containers always provide maximum impact. Planting a tree in blossom right now or a flowering shrub will certainly add a wow factor to any patio or front garden. Camellias are in full bloom right now and I’ve seen some breathtaking specimens around the city. Magnolias are stunning too. If you like the idea of making them centre stage, before you plant them out, fill enough pots with all those spring flowers and bulbs I’ve suggested, and simply arrange them around the tree container. Ta-da! A showstopper guaranteed to stop any Easter bunny in its tracks!

UNTIL NEXT TIME, HAPPY GARDENING AND HAPPY EASTER! | HEATHERMARSHYM@GMAIL.COM

YM Liverpool 31

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NEWS

JAMIE CARRAGHER TO HOST INAUGURAL WOMEN’S FOOTBALL AWARDS WITH ENI ALUKO The ceremony will honour those contributing to the growth of the women’s game LIVERPOOL FC LEGEND Jamie Carragher is set to host a major event celebrating the achievements of women in football.

The Women’s Football Awards, supported by MailOnline Sport, will honour the people, brands and organisations who are contributing to the phenomenal growth of the sport.

Sponsored by global online fashion, beauty and lifestyle retailer SHEIN, it is the first time that all levels of women’s football will be recognised at one flagship event.

The ceremony is set to be hosted by former Chelsea and England international Eni Aluko alongside Sky Sports presenter Carragher.

The pair will be joined by leading personalities from the women’s game, male football allies and celebrities.

Jamie, who is an advocate for the growth of women’s football, says: “In recent years the growth of the women’s game has been phenomenal.

“It is now time the people involved got the

recognition they deserve and that is why the Women’s Football Awards are so important.

It will celebrate the players, personalities, brands and allies who have been key in lifting the profile of women’s football.

“It is going to be a brilliant night and I am delighted to be involved.”

The shortlist will be announced on 4 April 2023 ahead of the event, held in partnership with SHEIN, on 25 May.

EVERKOOL’S SUCCESS CONTINUES AS FIRM PREPARES TO OPEN NEW BANK HALL HQ

BOOTLE-BASED air conditioning firm Everkool has reported a strong start to the first quarter of 2023 – with a 15% spike in installations across the North West.

Everkool has registered 2,000 orders during the opening months of the new year for both commercial and private spaces, with the company also set to work on the major regeneration of Mathew Street’s Cavern Walks shopping centre.

The firm’s continued success comes as it prepares to move into a new 18,000 sq ft headquarters in Bank Hall which will see its capacity increased fivefold.

Established in 2007 by Liverpool entrepreneur Craig Greenwood, Everkool is

34 YM Liverpool

one of the leading providers of air conditioning and ventilation in the North West, working alongside brands including Merseytravel, Knowsley Council and Epic Hotels.

Craig (pictured) says: “We are delighted to continue providing high-quality ventilation and air conditioning services for not only leading businesses, restaurants and bars across the city,

but also to families and homes across the region.

“Everkool continues to receive great demand and we provide a guaranteed service from experienced professionals.

“It is an exciting and busy time for the business as we are about to move into our new Bank Hall premises while launching our new apprenticeship scheme to find the best talent the North West has to offer.”

GETTY IMAGES

Company to work on major regeneration of Mathew Street’s Cavern Walks

YM Liverpool 35

HELLO, LIVERPOOL 0151 317 7157 membershiplpl@a-part-of.com 36 YM Liverpool

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