Shortlist revealed for the 2026 Merseyside Independent Business Awards with the winners to be announced at a black-tie ceremony in October

Organisers of the 2026 Merseyside Independent Business (MIB) Awards have revealed the shortest in what is the event’s 13th year.

Backed by Morecrofts Solicitors, the awards were founded in 2013 as part of the firm’s bicentenary celebrations and have since grown into one of the region’s most recognised business awards.

They celebrate the region’s independent business community, from start-ups and family-run firms to charities, social enterprises and established employers.

Winners of the MIBs will be announced at a black-tie awards ceremony at the Titanic Hotel Liverpool on Thursday, October 15, when around 500 guests are expected to attend.

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Alison Lobb, managing partner at Morecrofts, said: “Every year we’re reminded just how much talent, hard work and determination exists across Liverpool city region, and this year’s shortlist is no exception.

“What stands out is the variety of businesses being recognised. We have innovative tech companies, independent retailers, hospitality businesses, manufacturers, community organisations and inspiring individuals all making their mark.”

Liverpool Business Improvement District returns as headline sponsor of the event. Bill Addy, chief executive added: “The quality of entries this year has once again been outstanding.”

The shortlist is:

Culture & Tourism Business of the Year

• dot-art
• Hope Street Hotel
• Shiverpool
• Sound City
• The Daffodil

Creative Business of the Year

• K2 Architects
• LoveLossDiscoBalls
• New Brighton Creative Futures CIC
• Palm House Studio
• Wild Thang

 Food Venue of the Year

• Luca Small Plates and Cocktails
• Maray
• NORD
• Parliament Square Coffee
• Spitroast Kitchen

 Retailer of the Year

• Equip2Clean
• Liverpool Art Fair
• Solo Car Sales
• Taskers
• The Wild Loaf Bakery

 Children-Focused Business of the Year

• Freedom to Flourish CIC
• Little Foxes
• Safe Hands CIC
• Select Training CIC
• Talk the Talk the Education CIC

 Community Interest Company of the Year

• Baltic Creative CIC
• Evolving Mindset CIC
• PoWEr Collective CIC
• Safe Hands CIC
• Talk the Talk the Education CIC

 Digital & Technology Business of the Year

• GoodShip*
• MICT
• PALI
• Viper Productions

 Business Person of the Year

• Adele Hollywood – Unity Lives
• Amy Gwynn – hospitality entrepreneur
• James McConville – Solo Car Sales
• Sean Keyes – Sutcliffe
• Simone Roche – We Are PoWEr

 Best Start-Up

• Charmingo Sews Academy
• Freedom to Flourish CIC
• GoodShip*
• Ujima Ice Cream
• Wild Pantry

 Trades & Manufacturing Business of the Year

• Algeos
• Clan Contracting
• Mersey Raw
• SGD Fire Protection
• Try & Lilly

 Professional Services Business of the Year

• MICT
• Oscar Ip & Co. Chartered Accountants
• PALI
• Sutcliffe

 Health & Wellbeing Business of the Year

• Just 4 Men Barbershop
• Laugh For Life Comedy CIC
• Talk the Talk Education CIC
• Your Voice Your Choice

 Employer of the Year

• Algeos
• Structec (NW)
• The Forshaw Group