The shortlist has been revealed for the 2026 Merseyside Independent Business Awards (MIB Awards), shining a spotlight on the businesses, entrepreneurs and organisations helping Liverpool City Region thrive.
Now in their 13th year, the awards celebrate the region’s independent business community, from start-ups and family-run firms to charities, social enterprises and established employers.
2026 finalists – Merseyside Independent Business Awards
Culture & Tourism Business of the Year: dot-art Hope Street Hotel Shiverpool Sound City The Daffodil
Creative Business of the Year: K2 Architects LoveLossDiscoBalls New Brighton Creative Futures CIC Palm House Studio Wild Thang
Food Venue of the Year: Luca Small Plates and Cocktails Maray NORD Parliament Square Coffee Spitroast Kitchen
Retailer of the Year: Equip2Clean Liverpool Art Fair Solo Car Sales Taskers The Wild Loaf Bakery
Children-Focused Business of the Year: Freedom to Flourish CIC Little Foxes Safe Hands CIC Select Training CIC Talk the Talk the Education CIC
Community Interest Company of the Year: Baltic Creative CIC Evolving Mindset CIC PoWEr Collective CIC Safe Hands CIC Talk the Talk the Education CIC
Digital & Technology Business of the Year: GoodShip* MICT PALI Viper Productions
Business Person of the Year: Adele Hollywood – Unity Lives Amy Gwynn Hospitality Entrepreneur James McConville – Solo Car Sales Sean Keyes – Sutcliffe Simone Roche MBE – We Are PoWEr
Best Start-Up: Charmingo Sews Academy Freedom to Flourish CIC GoodShip* Ujima Ice Cream Wild Pantry
Trades & Manufacturing Business of the Year: Algeos Clan Contracting Mersey Raw SGD Fire Protection Try & Lilly
Professional Services Business of the Year: MICT Oscar Ip & Co. Chartered Accountants PALI Sutcliffe
Health & Wellbeing Business of the Year: Just 4 Men Barbershop Laugh For Life Comedy CIC Talk the Talk Education CIC Your Voice Your Choice
Employer of the Year: Algeos Structec (N.W) The Forshaw Group
The MIB Awards continue to attract a high calibre of entries from across the region, with finalists selected by expert judging panels representing a range of business sectors.
Winners will be announced at a black-tie awards ceremony at the Titanic Hotel Liverpool on Thursday 15 October, when around 500 guests are expected to come together to celebrate another year of business success across the city region.
Organised by Morecrofts Solicitors, the awards were founded in 2013 as part of the firm’s bicentenary celebrations and have since grown into one of the region’s most recognised business awards. Alison Lobb, managing partner at Morecrofts, said: “Every year we’re reminded just how much talent, hard work and determination exists across the Liverpool City Region, and this year’s shortlist is no exception. What stands out is the variety of businesses being recognised. We have innovative tech companies, independent retailers, hospitality businesses, manufacturers, community organisations and inspiring individuals all making their mark. Getting to the finalist stage is a fantastic achievement in itself and I’d like to congratulate everyone who has made the shortlist. We look forward to welcoming them to the Titanic Hotel in October and celebrating their success.”
The Liverpool Business Improvement District returns as headline sponsor of the event. Bill Addy, chief executive said: “Independent businesses give our city region its character. They’re often the places people remember, recommend and return to, and they play a huge role in making Merseyside such a great place to live, work and visit. The quality of entries this year has once again been outstanding and the finalists represent the ambition, creativity and resilience that can be found right across the city region. Congratulations to everyone who has been shortlisted and good luck for October.”
For more information, visit www.mibawards.co.uk or contact the awards team at mibawards@morecrofts.co.uk.
