This year’s competition, founded and hosted by Morecrofts Solicitors, includes a new category for Children-Focussed Business of the Year, which aims to recognise businesses in a range of sectors including childcare providers, activity clubs, visitor attractions and retailers.

Other categories include Digital & Technology, Professional Services, Trades & Manufacturing and Employer of the Year, with one of the individual category winners also claiming the overall title of Merseyside Independent Business of the Year.

Businesses wishing to enter or to nominate their peers are able to do so via a recorded video submission, while a more traditional online nomination form is also available. Entries close in August and the winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony at the Rum Warehouse in Liverpool on Thursday 17 October.

This will be the tenth instalment of the MIB Awards and they are once again headline sponsored by Liverpool BID Company.

Alison Lobb, managing partner at Morecrofts Solicitors, said:

“When we first devised the Merseyside Independent Business Awards, we wanted to highlight the enormous and irreplaceable contribution that our independent sector makes to the city region economy.

“It is incredible to think that we are now approaching our tenth event, despite a two-year hiatus caused by the pandemic, and the awards are arguably more relevant and necessary than ever before.

“Our judging panels of local business leaders take real joy in hearing about all of the various success stories happening across our SME community and we look forward to receiving nominations in the coming weeks.”

Bill Addy, chief executive of Liverpool BID Company, added:

“The fact that the MIB Awards has endured and thrived to reach its tenth event signifies the important role it plays in recognising the work of the local independent business community.

“We are thrilled to continue our long-term support of the awards and it will be a pleasure to join our business owners and their inspirational teams at the awards ceremony in October.”

To enter the Merseyside Independent Business Awards 2024 or for further information, visit www.mibawards.co.uk.