Finalists for this year’s Innovation in Business Awards are revealed by organiser Liverpool Chamber. Tony McDonough reports

Liverpool Chamber has revealed the finalists across 13 categories for this year’s Innovation in Business Awards.

Almost 150 nominations were received, described as “unprecedented” by the chamber. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Thursday, October 26 at St George’s Hall. More than 400 guests are expected to attend.

A number of businesses have been nominated in multiple categories. Bootle brand marketing specialist Wild Thang, is shortlisted in the International Business of the Year category, Sustainable Business of the Year and Business of the Year (over 30 employees).

Wirral heating, ventilation air-conditioning firm Kimpton is also up for three accolades – Social Impact Award, Sustainable Business of the Year and Talent Development.

Civil engineering firm Sutcliffe, housing group Sovini and Wong’s Jewellers in Liverpool city centre are all shortlisted in two categories.

One of the new categories this year is the Leadership Innovation Award. Finalists for this are Professor Janet Hemingway (iiCON) Liam Quirk (Quirky Digital), Greg Johnson (Warwick North West), Alison Poutney (University of Liverpool), Tom Harrison (Local Solutions and Andy Walker (Walker Engineering).

Award winners will be decided by an equal split combination of public vote and judging panel verdict. The public vote will now take place until Friday, August 25, alongside a judging panel scoring of each application.

The combination of both scores will decide which of the shortlisted businesses and individuals will receive a prize.

Paul Cherpeau, chief executive of Liverpool Chamber, said: “Last year, we received more than 15,000 public votes for the Innovation in Business Awards. We fully expect this year’s ballot to be just as popular.

“The awards serve to recognise and celebrate those businesses, and the individuals who lead them, that have driven forward throughout the past year, often in very challenging economic circumstances.

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“The high number of nominations for some of our new categories demonstrates the collective appreciation and understanding of how businesses have continued to adapt and innovate.”

The Innovation in Business Awards 2023 are headline sponsored by Blok ‘N’ Mesh. Tickets for the awards ceremony are now available, with more than half already sold. Click here to buy a ticket and to see the full shortlist and cast your vote.