There is still time to get your entries in for the sixth annual Mersey Maritime Industry Awards 2020 which take place at Liverpool’s St George’s Hall in March. Tony McDonough reports

Organisers of the Mersey Maritime Industry Awards 2020 (MMIAs) say they are on course for a record number of entries after seeing a surge in nominations.

There is still time to get your entries in for the sixth annual MMIAs, which celebrate the best of Liverpool city region’s £4bn powerhouse maritime sector. The awards ceremony will take place at St George’s Hall on Friday, March 6, 2020.

Mersey Maritime has also released details of the heavyweight judging panel which will choose the winners in each of the 13 categories. Deadline for entries is Tuesday, January 7. Click here for more details.

Chief executive of Mersey Maritime, Chris Shirling-Rooke, said: “In just a few weeks since launching our #MMIA20 we are delighted to have seen a huge amount of interest in them already. Every day more businesses are applying across a range of categories which really capture the essence of our thriving maritime industry here in the Liverpool city region and further afield.

“From Employer of the Year, open to businesses demonstrating true commitment to supporting their employees’ wellbeing, through to the Innovation Award which highlights those pushing the boundaries in maritime products, services or practices and the Maritime 2050 Award for those making a big contribution to the national policy agenda, the range of options to choose from is there for all to see.”

Judging panel includes:

• Petra Wilkinson, Deputy Director Maritime Strategy and Programme at the Department for Transport.
• Anne-Marie Mountfield, chief executive of Solent Local Enterprise Partnership.
• Cameron Mitchell, director of the Isle of Man Ship Registry.
• Prof Michael Parkinson, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Civic Engagement at the University of Liverpool.
• Helen Kelly, head of communications at Nautilus International.
• Ben Murray, director of Maritime UK.
• Angie redhead, Head of City Assets at Liverpool City Council.
• Jamie Gardiner, associate director at Royal HaskoningDHV.
• Cdre Phil Waterhouse, Naval Regional Commander, Royal Navy.
• Ben Ludzker, managing director of Kays Medical.
• Richard Baigent, head of FX sales, Wester Union Business Solutions.
• Gard Hodgson, managing director – port and logistics at Peel Ports Group.

“The significance of these awards is recognised in every aspect of them,” added Mr Shirling-Rooke. “Our venue will be spectacular with the iconic and historic St George’s Hall hosting the expected 500 guests, with Hill Dickinson generously supporting the welcome reception.

“Every category is now fully sponsored by leading businesses and organisations with a significant regional and national profile and our panel of judges is second to none in our industry.

“And once again, one of the most familiar faces in BBC broadcasting, Louise Minchin, has specifically asked to be able to host the event for us. What a vote of confidence in all respects for this event which grows every single year and that we are so proud to organise.

“Our motto as an organisation is that our members are #StrongerTogether. I hope even more maritime businesses will take the opportunity to be part of this fantastic showcase for our sector, so get your applications in today.”

The list of categories, and sponsors, is as follows:

• Employer of the Year, sponsored by Kays Medical.
• Business of the Year, sponsored by Peel Ports Group.
• Engineering Company of the Year, sponsored by Manufacturing Technology Centre.
• Environmental Impact Award, sponsored by Wirral Waters.
• Innovation Award, sponsored by RoyalHaskoningDHV.
• International Trade Award, sponsored by Western Union Business Solutions.
• Maritime Ambassador’s Award, sponsored by Beech Group.
• Maritime 2050 Award, sponsored by Maritime UK.
• Maritime Professional Services Award, sponsored by Fort Recruitment.
• Micro Business of the Year, sponsored by Brookes Bell.
• Positive Impact Award, sponsored by Tapiit Marine.
• Rising Star Award, sponsored by the Royal Navy.
• SME of the Year Award, sponsored by Denholm UK Logistics.