Tourism stars honoured at glittering Haydock Park ceremony

31st January 2011

The woman who heads St Helens’ best known retail outlet, Tyrers, has been named as the town’s 2010 Ambassador at the Tourism and Leisure awards.

Ali Tyrer took over as Managing Director of the famous store in 2002 following the death of her father John. But far from being overawed by the challenge, Ali has gone on to play a major role not just in the fortunes of the company, but those of the borough too.

Ali has served on the board of St.Helens Chamber, was Deputy Chair of the former Town Centre Partnership and continues to strive constantly for improvement in standards and customer service.

Councillor Barrie Grunewald, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Culture, Communications and Town Centre, said: “Ali is dedicated to helping the local community – whether it’s simply financial help or perhaps something far more precious – her time. Beneficiaries include Willowbrook Hospice, St.Helens Young Carers, St.Helens Deaf Society and many local schools. “

Paying tribute to all those who work in the local tourism and leisure industry, Councillor Grunewald added: “It is your hard work and dedication that contributes significantly to our local and regional economy.

“Tourism is an experience-based industry. Every one of us has a role in shaping our visitors' impressions of St.Helens. Every single contact counts. We have a first class product and an excellent geographical location, but these would come to nothing if our services do not match up to our visitors' expectations.

“It is our people's warmth, our personal touch, our extra effort – the unique and holistic experience our visitors receive - that make their stay memorable. It is this distinctive service experience that gives St.Helens the edge over its competitors.”

The full list of winners is:

Most Welcoming Receptionist (Sponsored by The Mersey Partnership)
Kim Sharples - Premier Inn St Helens North

Most Helpful Retail Assistant (Sponsored by Knowsley Safari Park)
Diane Atherton – The World of Glass

Most Professional Sports & Leisure Person (Sponsored by Central Sports)
Mark Deluce – St.Helens Council, Sherdley Park Golf Course

Most Professional Bar Person (Sponsored by St.Helens Star)
Pat Grier – Compass Group at Haydock Park Racecourse

Most Professional Waiter/Waitress (sponsored by Colours Restaurant at St.Helens College)
Jackie Burke - Compass Group at Haydock Park Racecourse

The Unseen Hero (sponsored by The World of Glass)
Phillipa Chesworth – The Citadel Arts Centre

Chef of the Year 2010 (sponsored by The Citadel Arts Centre)
Martin Gregory – Thistle Haydock

Outstanding Young Person (sponsored by Houghwood Golf)
Simon Patterson - The Citadel Arts Centre

Team of the Year (sponsored by DTM Legal)
The World of Glass

Most Supportive Tourism / Leisure Manager/ Supervisor (sponsored by Merseytravel)
Lesley Blakemore – The World of Glass

Tourism / Leisure Entrepreneur of the Year (Sponsored by St.Helens Chamber)
Fir Tree Farm (Farmers Markets)

2010 St.Helens Ambassador Award (Sponsored by St.Helens Council)
Ali Tyrer - Tyrers Department Store