MEET THE JUDGES

Entries to the Knowsley Business Awards will be judged by senior executives and professionals spanning sectors from retail and property to education and manufacturing.

The combined global experience of the judging panel provides those shortlisted businesses with an opportunity to showcase their achievements and successes to these highly influential independent experts.

CARMEL BOOTH
CARMEL BOOTH
Carmel is a chartered accountant and Partner at Calderstones Consulting, previously at KPMG and Deloitte. She has more than 20 years’ experience of advising businesses and governments on transformation programmes, infrastructure and major investment opportunities. Carmel has advised on many of the North West’s high-profile developments and is also a Board Member of the National Museums Liverpool and the University of Liverpool.
ANDREW DICKMAN
ANDREW DICKMAN
Andrew is a Chartered Surveyor and director of db symmetry, a joint venture between Delancy and Barwood Developments. Andrew has delivered over 2,000,000 sq. ft. of new business space across the NW, including the logistics centre recently occupied by Matalan in Knowsley as their new regional distribution facility. Andrew is currently leading on a number of new development projects here in Knowsley.
MIKE HARDEN
MIKE HARDEN
As Chief Executive of Knowsley Council, Mike is responsible for leading on major regeneration initiatives and working closely with businesses to drive forward investment and prosperity in Knowsley. A chartered accountant by profession, Mike has gained extensive and varied experience within a local government setting and has worked in Knowsley for 18 years.
JOHN IRVING
JOHN IRVING
John Irving is the Chief Executive of John Lennon Airport, having taken up the post in March this year.
A qualified management accountant, Mr Irving was formerly the chief commercial officer at Newcastle Airport, and has also held senior commercial and financial positions at Newcastle United FC and Procter and Gamble.
TARUN KAPUR
TARUN KAPUR
Tarun is the Chief Executive and Academy Principal of The Dean Trust, an organisation dedicated to improving educational outcomes for children. The trust manages a number of academies across the North West, including the Lord Derby Academy in Knowsley.
LESLEY MARTIN-WRIGHT
LESLEY MARTIN-WRIGHT
Lesley has a joint role as the Chief Executive of Knowsley Chamber and Head of Knowsley’s new Growth Hub – a joint initiative from the Chamber and Knowsley Council’s Business Investment Team. Her career has spanned all elements of marketing and business development and she is a passionate advocate for businesses, particularly small and medium sized enterprises.
EDWARD PERRY
EDWARD PERRY
Edward Perry is the Chair of the Knowsley Place Board and Operations Director of Knowsley Hall & Safari Park. His professional background is incredibly diverse including time in the Army, teaching archaeology and working in the heritage sector.