Lesley Martin Wright was appointed as the the High Sheriff of Merseyside for 2022 – 2023. She had been appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for Merseyside in May 2014.
Lesley was born in Corbridge, Northumberland. After attending a local grammar school, Lesley became a student at Newcastle Polytechnic (now University of Northumbria). In 1979, she left the UK to work in Singapore.
On her return to the UK, Lesley went to live and work in London, where she spent 10 years working for ‘blue chip’ companies before moving to Merseyside in 1989. Since then, Lesley worked for several local companies, and ran her own successful business consultancy. It was during this time that Lesley was approached by one of her clients, a local commercial law firm, to join them on a full-time basis. After 10 years undertaking the role of Head of Marketing & Business Development at the law firm, Lesley was recruited to take on the role as Chief Executive of Knowsley Chamber of Industry & Commerce in 2010. A role that she continues in today.
Knowsley Chamber is a non-political organisation and supports companies and organisations to start-up, grow, invest, and become more resilient. Chamber membership consists of sole traders, charities, not-for-profit organisations, small to medium sized businesses, and large international and public companies. Whilst there is representation from across sectors, Knowsley Chamber has a large cohort of companies from advanced manufacturing, logistics, construction, and professional services. Recognised as the ‘Voice for Business for Knowsley’ the Chamber is successful for being independent and membership driven. In October 2015, she was appointed by Head of Business Growth and Inward Investment at Knowsley Council. This is an innovative public/private partnership enables businesses to access the full range of business support and advice through a single gateway.
Lesley Martin Wright has two adult children, both of whom were born in London. Their education began at Merchant Taylors’ Schools Crosby and they both went on to obtain degrees from Liverpool University. Ms Martin-Wright was the Chair of the Merchant Taylors’ Girls School’s Parents Association for several years whilst her daughter attended the school, and then served on the School’s Governing Board for seven years until March 2019.
Ms Martin-Wright is a Dame of the Order of Military and Hospitaller Order of St Lazarus. In 1993, she became one of the youngest magistrates ever to be appointed in the county. She has been a Presiding Justice for 25 years. She has served as a Trustee of the PH Holt Foundation since September 2016. The Foundation provides grants to small and medium sized charities which have the capacity to change lives and to develop flourishing communities across Merseyside.
In 2017 Ms Martin-Wright became Honorary Colonel of 156 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps. 156 Regiment is formed of 5 Squadrons spread over the North West but the history of the Regiment can be traced back to the formation of the Army Reserve in 1908.
In July 2021, Lesley received an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of Bolton. In August 2021 Lesley became a member of the Council of Liverpool Hope University. The University Council is responsible for managing the business and affairs of the University. This includes determining the mission, the policies as well as ensuring the financial solvency of the institution, all plans for academic work, the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor and the Rectorate team, as well as the level of tuition fees.
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