Tourism Industry stars set to shine

25th January 2010

The search for our local tourism and leisure industry stars is nearly over as nominees await the St.Helens Tourism & Leisure Awards ceremony, taking place on Friday 29th January 2010 at Haydock Park Racecourse. The event will once again recognise the excellence and achievements of all those businesses, organisations, and individuals who contribute so much to the Borough’s growing tourism industry.

There are 12 categories in total covering the whole spectrum of the industry, from Most Welcoming Receptionist to Tourism/Leisure Entrepreneur of the Year. Independent guest judges, from across Merseyside, have been reviewing applications and interviewing nominees to determine the most deserving winners in each category. Following the judges’ deliberations, the winners will be announced at the seventh gala awards ceremony.

The shortlisted nominees for 2009 are:

Emma Carter - Lee - Renaissance

Gill Smith - Haydock Park Racecourse

Sarah Cross – Ramada Encore Haydock

Catherine Lyon - Renaissance

Valerie Park Funnell - Marks & Spencer

Emma Briscoe -Trilogy Jewellery

Mark Jennings - St.Helens Council

Beth McCartney - Go Active

Colin Pownall - Sutton Leisure Centre

Elaine Tabern – Houghwood Golf

Matthew Cozens - Thistle Haydock

Marvin Joyce - Park Inn St.Helens

Rebecca Lynch - Haydock Park Racecourse

Joshua Cieslar - Thistle Haydock

Rachel Thomas - Park Inn St.Helens

Stephanie Tabern - Houghwood Golf

Vikki Atherton – St.Helens Council

Val Cunliffe - Tyrers

Marian White - Shining Lights Heritage Group

Beryl Hendley – Ramada Encore Haydock

Phil Newcombe - Griffin Inn

Mark Brown – Houghwood Golf

Chantelle Nolan - Theatre Royal

Annabel Hilton – Houghwood Golf

Dawn Hooper – Thistle Haydock

Eleanor Senior - Haydock Park Racecourse

Haydock Park - Operations Team

Merseytravel Centre - St.Helens

Caffe Nero

The World of Glass

Julie Melling – Houghwood Golf

Sue Dootson – Thistle Haydock

Kathryn Eaton - Haydock Park Racecourse

Emma Fairclough - Darkstar Laser

Lynn & Mustafa Ben – Yousef – Darkstar Laser

Ian Jones - Griffin Inn

Glenn Turner - NW National Golf & Country Club

To be announced on the evening

Councillor Ferry, Executive Member for Urban Regeneration & Housing at St.Helens Council added:  “The Awards ceremony is the perfect showcase for one of the Borough’s most important and dynamic growth sectors in terms of developing the local economy. St.Helens has become a new destination of choice for visitors to the Northwest with an eclectic mix of premier sport, glorious countryside, fascinating heritage, vibrant nightlife and quality events.”

Dickon White, Chair of the Tourism and Leisure Business Network and MD of Haydock Park, commented: “The standard of entrants this year has been particularly high, and the judges have had a tough job to determine the winners from such strong shortlists. All nominees have displayed tremendous commitment, enthusiasm, & professionalism to support a successful tourism industry”.

If you would like to attend the event, tickets can be purchased from Jo Wight at St.Helens Council on 01744 673288 or e-mail joannewight@sthelens.gov.uk