Entries open for 2026 Merseyside Independent Business Awards

Entries are now open for the Merseyside Independent Business Awards (MIB Awards) 2026.

The black-tie awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 15 October at Titanic Hotel Liverpool.

Alison Lobb, Managing Partner at Morecrofts Solicitors, said:

“The Merseyside Independent Business Awards are about celebrating the ambition, resilience and creativity of the independent businesses that drive our regional economy. Every year we are inspired by the stories we hear – from start‑ups and scaling businesses to purpose‑led organisations making a real difference in their communities. I would encourage every independent business in our region to consider entering the MIB Awards 2026 and taking this opportunity to be recognised and celebrated.”

Returning to support the awards is the Liverpool Business Improvement District, showing its continued commitment to championing the City Region’s independent business community.

Bill Addy, CEO of Liverpool BID, said:

“Independent businesses play a vital role in creating vibrant, successful places to work, visit and invest in. The MIB Awards celebrate not only business success, but the innovation, diversity and determination that make Merseyside’s independent sector so special. We are proud to support the MIB Awards once again and look forward to recognising the outstanding businesses that contribute so much to the City Region.”

Businesses can enter themselves or be nominated by others. When a nomination is received, the MIB Awards team will contact the business directly with full entry details.

List of categories

• Trades or Manufacturing Business of the Year – Sponsored by JEC Business Finance
• Professional Services Business of the Year – Sponsored by Everton FC
• Culture & Tourism Business of the Year – Sponsored by Merseyrail
• Best Creative Business Sponsored by Forresters IP
• Children Focussed Business of the Year – Sponsored by Hatfields Jaguar Land Rover Liverpool
• Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by The Guide Liverpool
• Best Start Up Business – Sponsored by Bruntwood
• Community Interest Company of the Year –  Sponsored by Butterworth Spengler Insurance Group
• Food Venue of the Year –  Sponsored by B&L Creative
• Health and Wellbeing Business of the Year – Sponsored by Titanic Hotel Liverpool
• Employer of the Year – Sponsored by Handelsbanken
• Digital & Technology Business of the –  Year Sponsored by DSG Accountants

Entries for the MIB Awards 2026 are now open and can be submitted here.

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