Local businesses vie for MIB Awards glory

New faces and independent grandees vie for MIB awards glory

A host of businesses have been shortlisted for the very first time at this year’s MIB Awards.

Among them are arts venue Southport Bijou Cinema, live events business Virtuopo and Baltic-based restaurant Manifest.

Liverpool Food Walking Tours, For Dogs’ Sake Treats, Lunko By The Lane and Heatio are also among those making their debuts on this year’s shortlist.

They are vying for awards glory alongside established names from the regional independent business community, including Merseymade, Delifonseca, Wongs Jewellers and engineering firm Sutcliffe.

A total of 46 different businesses are shortlisted across 12 categories, while five individuals have also been shortlisted in the Business Person of the Year category.

The hugely popular MIB Awards were created by Morecrofts Solicitors to showcase the positive social and economic impact that independent business owners and leading entrepreneurs have on the city region. Winners will be announced at Liverpool’s Rum Warehouse on Thursday 19 October.

Alison Lobb, managing partner at Morecrofts Solicitors, said:

“It is wonderful to see so many new businesses entering the MIB field and rubbing shoulders with a host of businesses that have blazed a trail for independence for many years.

“The high quality and volume of entries continue to amaze us every year and the process of shortlisting has been an incredibly tall task for our judging panel once again.

“As hundreds of local businesses and entrepreneurs have found out over the past ten years, the MIB Awards is a vibrant community within a community, and I hope they are able to reap the rewards of that for years to come, regardless of who wins each award.”

The awards are headline sponsored by Liverpool BID Company. Its chief executive, Bill Addy, said:

“We are delighted to play our part in recognising the incredible achievements of local independent businesses who continue to aspire and inspire during uncertain times.

“The event promises to be a wonderful celebration of our shared achievements as a city region business community and we look forward to meeting many familiar and new faces on the night.”