Entries are now open for the Merseyside Independent Business Awards (MIB Awards) 2026, celebrating the impact of independent businesses across the Liverpool City Region.
Entries are now open for the Merseyside Independent Business Awards (MIB Awards) 2026, celebrating the impact of independent businesses across the Liverpool City Region.
Founded by Morecrofts Solicitors in 2013 to mark the firm’s 200th anniversary, the awards were created to champion the independent businesses that play a vital role in driving the regional economy.
The 2026 awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 15 October at the Titanic Hotel Liverpool, bringing together businesses from across the region for a prestigious black-tie celebration.
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 start ups and scaling businesses to purpose-led 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.
Liverpool Business Improvement District returns this year as headline sponsor of the awards. CEO Bill Addy, 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.”
How to enter
Entries for the MIB Awards 2026 are now open and can be submitted via: www.mibawards.co.uk.
Businesses can either enter themselves or be nominated by others. Once a nomination is received, the MIB Awards team will contact the business directly with full entry details.
Award categories
This year’s awards feature a wide range of categories, including:
- Trades or Manufacturing Business of the Year
- Professional Services Business of the Year
- Culture & Tourism Business of the Year
- Best Creative Business
- Children Focussed Business of the Year
- Retailer of the Year
- Best Start Up Business
- Community Interest Company of the Year
- Food Venue of the Year
- Health and Wellbeing Business of the Year
- Employer of the Year
- Digital & Technology Business of the Year
For more information, please contact the MIB Awards team at mibawards@morecrofts.co.uk.