Meet the business companies and heroes in the final of The Guide Liverpool’s Heroes 2025

The countdown is on with just days to go until The Guide Liverpool Heroes 2025.

For the last 10 years we’ve been sharing incredible stories of the individuals, fundraisers, charities and businesses who make our city region the amazing place it is.

And now, to mark our landmark birthday this year, it’s time to celebrate all those who’ve shown courage, resilience and determination in whatever they’ve done.

We are set to honour and recognise some incredible people and organisations at The Guide Liverpool Heroes 2025, brought to you by Liverpool Cruise Port and in partnership with San Carlo Restaurants, at the Titanic Hotel on Friday, November 21.

Awards are split into 16 different categories, focusing on everything from community projects, charities and emergency services to sports heroes and inspiring influencers.

So, as the excitement mounts, let’s introduce you to the business individuals and companies who all make us proud…

Business Hero sponsored by Morecrofts Solicitors – The Finalists

Anthony Grice – FIKA

From his Swedish coffee shop in Woolton, Anthony has created a real community hub, going beyond selling food and drink to offering friendship and support. With free meals and mental health walks to Christmas parties – and his famous daily uplifting quotes – he makes sure everyone feels looked after, included and inspired.

Michelle Langan – Paper Cup Project

The Paper Cup Project is a city-based charity which supports people experiencing homelessness, not least through its Paper Cup Coffee shop which opened in 2022 to provide food, a hot drink and dignity to those who are homeless through its Pay It Forward scheme. At its heart is founder and CEO Michelle whose determination and tireless work makes sure no one feels forgotten.

Mubinul Hoque – Owner of Portlands Fish & Chips

Not just the crème de la crème of fish and chip shops having won the Good Food Awards’ coveted Blue Ribbon last year, Mubinul proves that business is about people as much as profits. Serving up kindness alongside fish and chips, he offers support to the community around his Sefton Street shop, including sponsorship of the local Nicosia Juniors football team.

Paul Corcoran – Agent Marketing

Paul is the driving force at Agent, building a thriving creative agency while championing young talent, empowering communities and backing causes that make Liverpool better. Agent was recently certified as a B Corporation (B Corp) which recognises high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability – going beyond profit to make a positive impact.

Sarah Lovelock – Lovelocks

It’s not just the celebs who love the Old Haymarket coffee shop, in Lovelocks Sarah has created a café with heart. A safe and welcoming space for all customers – her loyal following includes the LGBTQ+ community thanks to Board Gaymes, a monthly queer board games night held there, migrants and refugees – it’s built on kindness, values and a community spirit where everyone belongs.

Business of the Year sponsored by Liverpool BID Company – The Finalists

Frank Rogers Building Contractors

Frank Rogers Building Contractors is known for quality and care – investing in people, supporting communities and delivering projects that make a difference across the city. The family-owned business is known for its expertise in construction, new-build, refurbishment, maintenance and repairs across all sectors including social housing and valued listed buildings like Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral and, more recently, the Victoria Gallery and Museum at the University of Liverpool.

Home Bargains

Home Bargains is a true Liverpool success story, growing from one local store to a national favourite while staying true to its roots and values. As well as investing in the region the company, led by owner Tom Morris, pledged £2.5m to help save Zoe’s Place, donates much to the community (like a brand new coach to St Margaret Mary’s Roman Catholic Junior School) and looks after its staff, last year closing stores for three days over Christmas so they could spend time with family and friends.

Mattas Bold Street

One of Liverpool best-loved shops, Matta’s international food shop has been a well-known fixture on Bold Street for just over 40 years, with now three generations of the Matta family having run it. Since it was founded by Kirpal and Kanta Matta in 1984 selling food from around the world, it’s prided itself not just on great service but a friendly one, drawing people from all over the UK into the city. 

Montirex

Friends Daniel Yuen and Kieran Riddell-Austin have grown Montirex from a small operation in Kirkby to a multi-million-pound company.  But more than building a global sportswear brand worn by athletes and influencers, they launched their Break the Wall campaign to tackle mental health issues among young men and, more recently, announced The Montirex Foundation, a dedicated charity aiming to support youth mental health through sport.

Mowgli

Mowgli has redefined Indian street food with heart – blending authentic flavours in beautiful spaces and putting Liverpool firmly on the culinary map. Yet founder and CEO Nisha Katona wanted to create a greater purpose through Mowgli, raising thousands for local charities like Claire House and, for every full-time employee, sponsoring a child in need. That kindness and compassion extends to members of staff like those at Mowgli in Water Street which became an emergency hub to treat injured fans in the aftermath of the Reds victory parade incident in May.

The Guide Liverpool Heroes is brought to you by Liverpool Cruise Port, in partnership with San Carlo Restaurants. With thanks to Morecrofts Solicitors, Liverpool ONE, Open Media, Radisson RED Liverpool, BOXPARK Liverpool, Wild Thang, Greatest Hits Radio, Sedulo, Gaskells Waste Services, and Liverpool BID Company. 

Find out more about The Guide Liverpool Heroes here.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.