October sees return of the Merseyside Independent Business Awards after a two-year gap due to the pandemic. Tony McDonough reports

Nominations are now open for the Merseyside Independent Business Awards (MIBs) which return in October following a two-year break due to COVID.

Organisers of the awards expect to welcome 500 guests to the awards ceremony at Liverpool’s Rum Warehouse on Thursday, October 20. They are inviting people to submit nominations across 14 categories.

Created by Morecrofts Solicitors, the MIBs shine a light on the economic impact of the region’s independent business owners and entrepreneurs. Alison Lobb, managing partner at Morecrofts, said: “I am delighted that the awards are now able to resume and that we can look forward with greater optimism.

“When we last came together for the MIB Awards in October 2019, we could not have envisaged the personal and professional storm that lay ahead. We know it has been a particularly difficult period for a lot of smaller business owners.

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“The awards ceremony will be an opportunity for businesses of all shapes and sizes to make a proud return to the spotlight. They can celebrate each other’s successes, share their own experiences with peers and rebuild bonds.

“We would encourage businesses, their advisors, suppliers or other peers to put forward their nominations. Help us to make this year’s awards a true celebration of the resilience, creativity and quality that characterises Merseyside businesses.”

Categories this year include trades and manufacturing, health and wellbeing and creative business. There are also awards recognising community impact and best employer. And there is a new category for bar of the year, recognising the challenges facing hospitality operators during the pandemic.

Headline sponsor is Liverpool BID Company. Chief executive Bill Addy added: “The MIB Awards is one of the most popular events in the professional calendar. It plays an important role in recognising the economic and social contribution of our independent business community.”

To enter the Merseyside Independent Business Awards or for information, visit www.mibawards.co.uk