Monkeyz, a pineapple and a choir are among the names shortlisted for this year’s Merseyside Independent Business Awards.

The awards, organised by Morecrofts Solicitors, are now in their third year and received a record number of nominations across all 11 categories, exceeding last year’s total by almost 20%. The event is headline sponsored by the Liverpool BID Company.

Shortlisted businesses this year include hairstyling product Pro-Blo, snacks company Tags and farm shop and festival organiser Claremont Farm.

Some of the more eye-catching names on the list include digital marketing agency Fire Pineapple, day nursery Cheeky Monkeyz and The Choir With No Name, which runs choir sessions for the most disadvantaged members of society.

Vying for the coveted Businessperson of the Year award are Mark Hensby, managing director of Liverpool Organic Brewery and Real Ale Events, Mococo founders Maureen & Lee Hooson, crowd-funding entrepreneur Annie O’Toole and John Tague, founder of Tags snacks.

The awards aim to recognise the region’s most inspiring entrepreneurs and SMEs, with the winners announced at a glittering ceremony at the Rum Warehouse, Stanley Dock on Thursday October 1.

Alison Lobb, managing partner at Morecrofts Solicitors, said:

“We have a wealth of homegrown business talent right here on our doorstep and the MIB Awards is designed to highlight the very best of those.

“The shortlist reflects the diversity of our independent business community, from manufacturers of bespoke church furniture and urban regeneration to boutique hotels and organic gin. We even have pints of lager and packets of crisps.

“We are looking forward to meeting all of the shortlisted businesses and showcasing their efforts at the awards ceremony, which promises to be a tremendous celebration of Merseyside’s independent business champions.”

A full list of the shortlisted businesses is detailed below.

Best Independent Start-Up
TAGS
Cheeky Monkeyz
The Distillery
Pro-Blo

Independent Place To Stay
Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa
Epic Apart-Hotel
62 Castle Street

Best Independent Trades Business
Les Perry
Manor
Merseyside Developments

Retail Business of the Year
Claremont Farm
Mococo
Parbella
Delifonseca

Culture, Leisure & Tourism Business
Sound City
Bistro Qui
The Interesting Eating Company
Palm House
Real Ale Events

Best Independent Digital & Technology Business
Fire Pineapple
Studio Mashbo
Connect

Beauty & Cosmetic Business of the Year
Urban Calm
Voodou
Pro-Blo

Manufacturing Business of the Year
The Leather Satchel Company
Hayes & Finch
Abbey Engineering

Independent Creative Business
Liquid
Meet & Potato
Hi-Impact
Mocha

The Community Award
The Choir with No Name
MDI
We Make Places

Independent Business Person of the Year
John Tague
Maureen & Lee Hooson
Mark Hensby
Annie O’Toole