Organisers of the Merseyside Independent Business Awards 2025 reveal shortlist ahead of the awards ceremony in October. Tony McDonough reports

Merseyside Independent Business (MIB) Awards are now in their 12th year and organisers have revealed the shortlist ahead of the ceremony in the autumn.

Celebrating the outstanding achievements and diversity of independent businesses across Liverpool city region, more than 500 guests will gather at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool for the awards on Thursday, October 16.

Organised by Morecrofts Solicitors, the MIB Awards were founded in 2013 to mark the firm’s 200th anniversary. Since then, they have become a key fixture in the region’s business calendar.

Alison Lobb, managing partner at Morecrofts Solicitors, said: “Each year, the MIB Awards uncover remarkable stories of business innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial determination.

“This year’s finalists reflect this, from inspiring start-ups to game-changing tech innovators and community-focused CICs. We are proud to celebrate them all.”

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Returning as headline sponsor is Liverpool BID Company. Chief executive Bill Addy added: “Independent businesses don’t just contribute to our economy, they shape the character, creativity and energy of our high streets, digital spaces and communities.

“The MIB Awards shine a well-deserved spotlight on the businesses that make Merseyside such a dynamic place to live and work. Congratulations to all the finalists, your success enriches our entire city region.”

Category sponsors for the MIB Awards are: JEC Business Finance, Everton FC, Merseyrail, Forresters, ONE Knowsley, The Guide Liverpool, Bruntwood, Butterworth Spengler, B&L Creative, Titanic Hotel Liverpool, Handelsbanken, DSG Accountants and FPC. The finalists are:

Culture & Tourism Business of the Year

• Blackstock Market
• GoodMarket
• Hope Street Hotel
• Southport Bijou Cinema CIC

Best Creative Business

• Gingerhead
• Hitch Marketing
• Loud Speaker
• LoveLossDiscoBalls

Food Venue of the Year

• Castro’s
• Derek’s
• Gran Caffe
• The London Carriage Works
• The Nashville Cluck

Retailer of the Year

• 92 Degrees
• Crosby Coffee
• Solo Car Sales
• ThinK Wine

Best Start-Up

• Ben Towell Consultancy
• Castro’s
• Derek’s
• Girls on the Go
• Harker

Children-Focused Business of the Year

• Evolving Mindset
• Freedom to Flourish
• Loud Speaker
• Safe Hands

Community Interest Company of the Year

• Apollo Active
• Inside Connections
• Southport Bijou Cinema
• Thrive

Digital & Technology Business of the Year

• MICT
• MyCardium AI
• Phantom Digital
• Quirky Digital

Business Person of the Year

• Joseph Stocks (Apollo Active)
• Sean Keyes (Sutcliffe)
• Adele Hollywood (Unity Lives)
• Katie Bowater (Young Entrepreneurs Club)

Trades or Manufacturing Business of the Year

• DefProc Engineering
• Intre Group
• Structec (N.W)
• Trinity Logistics
• Trojan Lighting Solutions

Professional Services Business of the Year

• Bathgate Business Finance
• MICT
• Samson Security
• Sutcliffe
• Young Entrepreneurs Club

Health & Wellbeing Business of the Year

• Dr Rez Dental
• Evolving Mindset
• Girls on the Go
• Unity Lives

Employer of the Year

• Black Capital Group
• Kitty’s Launderette
• Structec (N.W)
• Sutcliffe