Nominations are now open for the 2018 Merseyside Independent Business Awards.
Award categories include retail, health and beauty, professional services and trades and manufacturing, while businesses can also be nominated in categories such as best employer or community impact.
Each award winner will be announced at a glittering ceremony at Liverpool’s Rum Warehouse on Thursday 18 October.
The overall Merseyside Independent Business of the Year will also be revealed on the night, with the winner receiving a business support package worth £5,000. Previous winners have included Matta’s international food store, Constellations bar and event space, and innovative waste treatment firm Inciner8.
Organised by Morecrofts Solicitors and headline sponsored by Liverpool BID Company, the awards are now in their sixth year and aim to showcase the talents of small business owners and entrepreneurs and the contribution the independent business community makes to the regional economy.
Since last year’s MIB Awards, Morecrofts has rolled out a programme of seminars hosted in conjunction with previous award winners, covering a range of topics and aimed at sharing knowledge among the independent business community.
Alison Lobb, managing partner at Morecrofts Solicitors, said: “The MIB Awards continue to reach out to those areas of the regional business community that are otherwise untouched by other awards ceremonies.
“The volume of nominations grows year-on-year and they come from businesses large and small in all sorts of sectors, based across the Liverpool city region, who are doing some amazing things and deserve greater recognition.
“The response to our new MIB seminar programme further reflects the demand from within the independent business community to come together and grow together.
“Businesses can nominate themselves or be put forward by fellow businesses, so we encourage as many as possible to get involved and create another memorable night for our independent business community.”
Bill Addy, chief executive of Liverpool BID Company, said: “Championing independent business owners is at the core of every project that we deliver. BID levy payers in Bold Street, St John’s, Cavern Quarter and Metquarter use their vote to support the BID because we make a difference.
“Liverpool BID Company is truly committed to celebrating the unique mix of retail, leisure and commercial businesses that make up such a vibrant community, by creating an environment that is both clean and safe, so that they can flourish.
“Judging the MIB Awards is always very difficult, as there is such a high quality of entry. On behalf of Liverpool BID Company, I would like to wish all nominees the very best of luck for the night.”
To enter the Merseyside Independent Business Awards or for more information about the awards ceremony, visit www.mibawards.co.uk or call Ami-lee Price on 0151 236 8871.
Main photo – Southport firm Inciner8 were overall winners of the 2017 Merseyside Independent Business Awards
