Entries are now open for the Merseyside Independent Business Awards (MIB Awards) 2026, celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit, innovation and community impact of independent businesses across the Liverpool City Region.

Founded in 2013 by Morecrofts Solicitors to mark the firm’s 200th anniversary as a proud independent business, the MIB Awards were created to champion the diverse and thriving independent business landscape that underpins the region’s economy.

The black-tie awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 15 October at Titanic Hotel Liverpool.

Alison Lobb, Managing Partner at Morecrofts Solicitors, said: “The Merseyside Independent Business Awards are about celebrating the ambition, resilience and creativity of the independent businesses that drive our regional economy. Every year we are inspired by the stories we hear – from startups and scaling businesses to purposeled organisations making a real difference in their communities. I would encourage every independent business in our region to consider entering the MIB Awards 2026 and taking this opportunity to be recognised and celebrated.”

Returning to support the awards is the Liverpool Business Improvement District, reflecting its continued commitment to championing the City Region’s independent business community.

Bill Addy, CEO of Liverpool BID, said: “Independent businesses play a vital role in creating vibrant, successful places to work, visit and invest in. The MIB Awards celebrate not only business success, but the innovation, diversity and determination that make Merseyside’s independent sector so special. We are proud to support the MIB Awards once again and look forward to recognising the outstanding businesses that contribute so much to the City Region.”

List of categories
 Trades or Manufacturing Business of the Year-Sponsored by JEC Business Finance
 Professional Services Business of the Year-Sponsored by Everton FC
 Culture & Tourism Business of the Year-Sponsored by Merseyrail
 Best Creative Business-Sponsored by Forresters IP
 Children Focussed Business of the Year–Sponsored by Hatfields Jaguar Land Rover Liverpool
 Retailer of the Year–Sponsored by The Guide Liverpool
 Best Start Up Business-Sponsored by Bruntwood
 Community Interest Company of the Year-Sponsored by Butterworth Spengler Insurance Group
 Food Venue of the Year-Sponsored by B&L Creative
 Health and Wellbeing Business of the Year-Sponsored by Titanic Hotel Liverpool
 Employer of the Year-Sponsored by Handelsbanken
 Digital & technology Business of the Year-Sponsored by DSG Accountants

For more information please contact the MIB Awards team at mibawards@morecrofts.co.uk.

Entries for the MIB Awards 2026 are now open and can be submitted via www.mibawards.co.uk.

Businesses can enter themselves or be nominated by others. When a nomination is received, the MIB Awards team will contact the business directly with full entry details.