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.
THE FINALISTS FOR EACH CATEGORY ARE AS FOLLOWS:
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 2025 OVERALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR WINNERS- WONGS JEWELLERS
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.
