Liverpool celebrates its independents at annual MIB Awards

Independent businesses across Merseyside were celebrated at the 2023 Merseyside Independent Awards in October.

Merseymade, Dead Crafty Beer Co and Mowgli were amongst the winners at the annual MIB Awards ceremony put together by Morecrofts solicitors.

Indian street food business Mowgli won the headline award at this year’s Merseyside Independent Business (MIB) Awards.

The popular independent chain of restaurants was named Merseyside Independent Business of the Year, as well as Restaurant of the Year,

Founded by Nisha Katona in Liverpool in 2014, this year Mowgli has added two more restaurants in Edinburgh and Brighton, taking the total number to 17, including two in Liverpool city centre, with more planned in the coming year. It has also won awards for its employment standards and its charitable foundation has raised more than £1.6m to date.

The MIB Awards were created by Morecrofts Solicitors to showcase local independent businesses and leading entrepreneurs and highlight their social and economic impact in the city region.

Other winners on the night included Knowsley-based Dams Furniture, which won the Trades or Manufacturing Award, Merseymade in the Retailer of the Year category, and electronic signature software business E-Sign, winner of the Digital and Technology Award.

The awards were presented in front of 500 guests at the Rum Warehouse and were once again headline sponsored by Liverpool BID Company. A full list of winners can be found below.

Alison Lobb, managing partner at Morecrofts Solicitors, said:

“There is clearly an enormous sense of pride and kinship within our independent business community and that is always demonstrated through the MIB Awards.

“Every year, we are taken aback by the high volume of entries and the incredible performance of some of our fellow local independent businesses. Entrepreneurs and business owners are rightly proud of their own achievements and those of their peers, and that is what makes these awards so very special.

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Bill Addy, chief executive of Liverpool BID Company, said:

“The variety of businesses winning awards this evening is a clear reflection of the diversity and strength of local independents. There is always a palpable energy and optimism when the community comes together, despite the many external factors that continue to challenge businesses right now, and we are delighted to be part of this occasion.”