Awards shortlist shows strength of Merseyside’s independent businesses
Hundreds of guests will gather at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool’s northern docklands for the annual celebration of Merseyside’s independent business sector. Winners will be chosen in 13 categories
Organisers of the 2019 Merseyside Independent Business Awards have revealed the 51 finalists ahead of the awards ceremony in Liverpool on Thursday evening (October 10).
Hundreds of guests will gather at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool’s northern docklands for the annual celebration of Merseyside’s independent business sector. Winners will be chosen in 13 categories.
Bongo’s Bingo, Ghetto Golf, Western Approaches HQ and Knowsley Safari Park are all vying for the Culture, Leisure and Tourism Award while established high street outlets Blankstone Opticians and Delifonseca feature in the Retailer category alongside up-and-coming Vincentius and Liverpool Gift Gallery.
The Dental Café, Mindfit and Star Swimming Academy are shortlisted for the Health & Wellbeing award, with Make CIC and Nationwide Fencing Services joining Krol Corlett Construction, Ley Rubber and Central Group in the Trades and Manufacturing category.
Prior to this week’s ceremony a number of the finalists gathered at the Liverpool city centre head office of Morecrofts Solicitors, which founded and organises the MIB Awards, to toast their nominations.
Managing partner at Morecrofts Solicitors, Alison Lobb, said: “In spite of the ongoing political and economic turmoil at a national level, our independent business community continues to drive forward with a clear purpose, providing a robust foundation for our regional economy.
“The judges highlighted the exceptional calibre of entries this year and they found it more difficult than ever to arrive at a shortlist in many of the categories. I am so proud to lead this fantastic law firm, as we embark on our seventh year organising the MIB Awards.”
The shortlist in full:
Trades or Manufacturing Business of the Year sponsored by Wesleyan Bank
Professional Services Business of the Year sponsored by Butterworth Spengler
Culture & Tourism Business of the Year sponsored by Merseyrail
Best Creative Business sponsored by Forresters
- hi-impact Consultancy
- The Guide Liverpool
- Vincentius
The Award for Community Impact sponsored by Handelsbanken
Retailer of the Year sponsored by Walton Flooring Centre
Best Start Up Business sponsored by Bruntwood
Employee of the Year sponsored by Suites Hotel
- Hannah Todd – The Interesting Eating Company
- Joe Clark – Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa
- Lesley Nunn – MSB Solicitors
Restaurant of the Year sponsored by Bolland & Lowe
Health and Wellbeing Business of the Year sponsored by Titanic Hotel
Employer of the Year sponsored by Elliot Fletcher
Digital & technology Business of the Year sponsored by DSG
Business Person of the Year sponsored by InfoTrack