Deadline for entries for the North West LGBTQ+ Business Awards 2022, which are being held in Liverpool, is being extended as its revealed Everton FC is the latest sponsor to sign up. Tony McDonough reports

Organisers of the North West LGBTQ+ Business Awards 2022 have extended the deadline for entries.

People and businesses wishing to enter the awards, taking place at the Rum Warehouse, Titanic Hotel Liverpool, on Friday, October 21, now have until Tuesday, May 31, to get their submissions in. It has also been revealed that Everton FC will be one of the main sponsors.

Nominations for the awards opened in February. They were held for the first time in October 2021 at Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa in Wirral. More than 350 people saw 14 accolades handed out at the event which was held in association with Liverpool Football Club.

They were founded by Wirral entrepreneur Drew Cockton. He launched his luxury fragrance business Owen Drew in 2016. It offers scented candles, luxury soaps, perfumes, bath oils and other home fragrance and bath and body products. In May 2021, Drew secured £50,000 investment for his business on BBC’s Dragons’ Den.

He decided to set up the North West LGBTQ+ Business Awards to celebrate the accomplishments of the LGBTQ+ community in business during the pandemic. They were also intended to send a clear message that prejudice and intolerance should not be tolerated and must be challenged wherever encountered.

“The first LGBTQ+ Awards celebrated the contributions of a wide variety of LGBTQ+ owned and allied businesses, from one-man bands to larger, more established companies.  But this year, we want to recognise and celebrate even more,” said Drew.

“There are 15 prizes up for grabs in categories including ‘Best New Business’, ‘Young Business Person of the Year’ and ‘LGBTQ+ Ally Award’ along with several judges’ awards, with companies large and small being encouraged to enter.

“The last two years, without doubt, have been the most challenging time but there is much to celebrate as businesses innovate, grow, and thrive lead by inspirational teams and individuals.  We are calling on those businesses and individuals to take a look at the award categories open for entry and submit a nomination.

“We have a strong and resilient LGBTQ+ community in the North West and I look forward to seeing all of the nominations and success stories.”

To see a full list of categories and enter the awards visit www.lgbtqbusinessawards.co.uk

Sponsors already confirmed for the 2022 awards are: Chillimix Holidays, Everton FC, MSB Solicitors, The Growth Platform, Westminster Associates and Homes for Students.  Sponsorship opportunities are still available.