Matta’s International Foods was the big winner at this year’s Merseyside Independent Business Awards last night, scooping two prizes. The international food store take the mantle from last year’s winner Lunya.

The 50-year-old family-owned business was named Merseyside Independent Business of the Year 2014 and Independent Retail Business of the Year at the awards, organised by Merseyside law firm Morecrofts.

Matta’s, first created by the Matta family in Granby Street, Liverpool in 1965, is credited with introducing many Merseyside palates to world tastes from areas such as Arabic Africa, Indian sub-continent and the Caribbean.

It moved to its current home on the city’s Bold Street in 1984 and has remained a firm favourite for foodies, families and health enthusiasts ever since.

Though the independent business of the year award was perhaps the most coveted at the event several other businesses found success in other categories such as FACT, which left with the innovative ‘Creative Business of the Year’ award and The Brink, which picked up the award for ‘Social Change or Intervention’ for its service to the community.

The Merseyside Independent Business (MIB) Awards were created by Morecrofts Solicitors to recognise the region’s independent business sector and the prizes were awarded at a glittering ceremony at Liverpool’s Titanic Hotel.

Manager of Matta’s, Dalip Matta said:

“It’s 30 years since we first set up shop on Bold Street. None of us quite know where the time has gone but my brother, sister, father, mother and I have always loved the business and it’s great to think that we’ve been able to widen people’s horizons about different food cultures or help them to lead a healthier lifestyle.”

“My parents retire this year, so to win these two awards is a fantastic acknowledgement of everything they’ve worked so hard to achieve. I’d like to thank Morecrofts for bringing these awards to life and the judging panel for selecting us from so many strong candidates.”

Alison Lobb, managing partner at Morecrofts, said:

“As a long-standing independent business ourselves, nothing gives us greater pleasure than to see local businesses rewarded for their continued hard work and efforts to engage their communities with new and innovative ideas.”

“The Merseyside Independent Business Awards were created to shine a spotlight on those businesses. Matta’s track record over 50 years is stunning and they are very worthy winners of the headline and retail award.”

Other businesses receiving acclaim included FACT, winning Creative Business of the Year, Revolver Retail for Best Original Start-Up of the Year and Maghull Coaches for the Culture, Tourism & leisure Business of the Year. The full list of winners is below:
• Merseyside Independent Business Awards’ Business of The Year
Winner: Matta’s International Foods
• Independent Hospitality Business of the year
Winner: Mere Brook House
• Independent Retailer of the Year
Winner: Matta’s International Food
• Culture, Leisure and Tourism Business of the Year
Winner: Maghull Coaches ‘City Explorer’
• Digital and Technology Business of the Year
Winner: Apposing
• Online Business of the Year
Winner: Cyber Host Pro
• Beauty and Cosmetic Business of the Year
Winner: Anne Roberts Hair and Beauty
• Manufacturing Business of the Year
Winner: BAC Mono
• Creative Business of the Year
Winner: FACT
• Award for Social Change or Intervention
Winner: The Brink
• Award for Thinking Outside the Box
Winner: High Impact Consulting
• Award for Best Original Start-up
Winner: Revolver Retail
• Independent Business Champions Award
Winner: Kate Stewart from Made Here

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