MIB Awards announce this years list of finalists

The Merseyside Independent Business Awards (MIB Awards) has announced its shortlist of finalists for 2025, celebrating the outstanding achievements and diversity of independent businesses across the Liverpool City Region.

Now in its twelfth year, the MIB Awards continue to spotlight the innovation, resilience and community spirit that define the region’s independent business landscape. The winners will be revealed at a prestigious black-tie ceremony on Thursday October 16 at the Titanic Hotel Liverpool, attended by more than 500 guests from across the region.

Organised by Morecrofts Solicitors, the MIB Awards were founded in 2013 to mark the firm’s 200th anniversary. Since then, they have become a key fixture in the region’s business calendar.

Alison Lobb, managing partner at Morecrofts Solicitors, said:

“Each year, the MIB Awards uncover remarkable stories of business innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial determination. This year’s finalists reflect this, from inspiring start-ups to game-changing tech innovators and community-focused CICs. We are proud to celebrate them all.”

Returning as headline sponsor, the Liverpool BID Company continues its long-standing support for the independent business community. Bill Addy, CEO of Liverpool BID Company, said:

“Independent businesses don’t just contribute to our economy, they shape the character, creativity and energy of our high streets, digital spaces and communities. The MIB Awards shine a well-deserved spotlight on the businesses that make Merseyside such a dynamic place to live and work. Congratulations to all the finalists, your success enriches our entire city region.”

Category sponsors for the MIB Awards are: JEC Business Finance, Everton FC, Merseyrail, Forresters, ONE Knowsley, The Guide Liverpool, Bruntwood, Butterworth Spengler, B&L Creative, Titanic Hotel Liverpool, Handelsbanken, DSG Accountants and FPC.

2025 Finalists – Merseyside Independent Business Awards:

Culture & Tourism Business of the Year

• Blackstock Market
• GoodMarket
• Hope Street Hotel
• Southport Bijou Cinema CIC

Best Creative Business

• Gingerhead
• Hitch Marketing
• Loud Speaker
• LoveLossDiscoBalls

Food Venue of the Year

• Castro’s
• Derek’s
• Gran Caffe
• The London Carriage Works
• The Nashville Cluck

Retailer of the Year

• 92 Degrees
• Crosby Coffee
• Solo Car Sales
• ThinK Wine

Best Start-Up

• Ben Towell Consultancy
• Castro’s
• Derek’s
• Girls on the Go
• Harker

Children-Focused Business of the Year

• Evolving Mindset
• Freedom to Flourish
• Loud Speaker
• Safe Hands

Community Interest Company of the Year

• Apollo Active
• Inside Connections
• Southport Bijou Cinema
• Thrive

Digital & Technology Business of the Year

• MICT
• MyCardium AI
• Phantom Digital
• Quirky Digital

Business Person of the Year

• Joseph Stocks (Apollo Active)
• Sean Keyes (Sutcliffe)
• Adele Hollywood (Unity Lives)
• Katie Bowater (Young Entrepreneurs Club)

Trades or Manufacturing Business of the Year

• DefProc Engineering
• Intre Group
• Structec (N.W)
• Trinity Logistics
• Trojan Lighting Solutions

Professional Services Business of the Year

• Bathgate Business Finance
• MICT
• Samson Security
• Sutcliffe
• Young Entrepreneurs Club

Health & Wellbeing Business of the Year

• Dr Rez Dental
• Evolving Mindset
• Girls on the Go
• Unity Lives

Employer of the Year

• Black Capital Group
• Kitty’s Launderette
• Structec (N.W)
• Sutcliffe

The MIB Awards continue to attract hundreds of entries each year, with finalists selected over several expert judging panels representing a range of business sectors.

For more information, visit www.mibawards.co.uk or contact the awards team at mibawards@morecrofts.co.uk.

For more information about MIB Awards, visit their website.

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