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

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, October 18.

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, 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.

Bill Addy, chief executive of Liverpool BID Company, added: “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. 

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.