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.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.” 2026 finalists – Merseyside Independent Business AwardsCulture & Tourism Business of the Yeardot-artHope Street HotelShiverpoolSound CityThe DaffodilCreative Business of the YearK2 ArchitectsLoveLossDiscoBallsNew Brighton Creative Futures CICPalm House StudioWild ThangFood Venue of the YearLuca Small Plates and CocktailsMarayNORDParliament Square CoffeeSpitroast KitchenRetailer of the YearEquip2CleanLiverpool Art FairSolo Car SalesTaskersThe Wild Loaf BakeryChildren-Focused Business of the YearFreedom to Flourish CICLittle FoxesSafe Hands CICSelect Training CICTalk the Talk the Education CICCommunity Interest Company of the YearBaltic Creative CICEvolving Mindset CICPoWEr Collective CICSafe Hands CICTalk the Talk the Education CICDigital & Technology Business of the YearGoodShip*MICTPALIViper ProductionsBusiness Person of the YearAdele Hollywood – Unity LivesAmy Gwynn – Hospitality EntrepreneurJames McConville – Solo Car SalesSean Keyes – SutcliffeSimone Roche MBE – We Are PoWErBest Start-UpCharmingo Sews AcademyFreedom to Flourish CICGoodShip*Ujima Ice CreamWild PantryTrades & Manufacturing Business of the YearAlgeosClan ContractingMersey RawSGD Fire ProtectionTry & LillyProfessional Services Business of the YearMICTOscar Ip & Co. Chartered AccountantsPALISutcliffeHealth & Wellbeing Business of the YearJust 4 Men BarbershopLaugh For Life Comedy Talk the Talk Education Your Voice Your ChoiceEmployer of the YearAlgeosStructec (N.W)The Forshaw GroupThe 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.For more information, visit www.mibawards.co.uk or contact the awards team at [email protected].
Finalists announced for Merseyside Independent Business Awards 2026 – Good News Liverpool
