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 [email protected].
