Liverpool Chamber launches Innovation in Business Awards
Liverpool Chamber has announced plans for a unique awards event to take place later this year.
Paul Cherpeau, Chief Executive of Liverpool Chamber
The Innovation in Business Awards will be held on Thursday 18 November at the new Innside by Melia hotel in Liverpool city centre and a ‘Green Room’ experience will also allow guest businesses to share the experience live with their wider teams at a separate venue.
The awards are designed to celebrate the spirit of innovation that has driven the recovery of many local businesses during the pandemic. Within each category, there will be a traditional award to an outstanding business in the field alongside a special award for an innovator that has confronted and overcome the challenges of the past 18 months.
Each category will recognise those who have made an outstanding contribution in areas such as Skills and Employability, International, Environmental and Responsible Business, while there will also be awards for Young Person and Local Hero. The winners of each prize will then be put forward as Liverpool Chamber’s nominees for the national Chamber Business Awards.
Two special prizes will also be presented on behalf of the Merseyside Independent Business (MIB) Awards, organised by Morecrofts Solicitors, which have not been able to take place in 2020 or 2021. One MIB Award will be presented to a firm with more than 30 employees and another will be awarded to a firm with fewer than 30.
Paul Cherpeau, chief executive of Liverpool Chamber, said: “We are absolutely delighted at the prospect of the Chamber Awards returning this year. Lots of businesses still face multiple challenges as we move forward, but this does feel like the beginning of a return to some kind of normality and I think we all need to feel that positive energy right now.
“Innovation really is at the heart of this year’s awards, not only in the awarding of separate prizes for innovation in each category, but also in the delivery of the event experience for guests. We’re also pleased to work with one of our strategic partners, Morecrofts, to deliver a cameo appearance from the MIB Awards and specifically honour the homegrown businesses that are the lifeblood of our local economy.
“The hybrid model of a traditional event in an incredible new setting combined with remote streaming means we can maximise the safety of our guests and also allow many more team members to socialise with their colleagues, network and support their organisation on the night. It will be fantastic to see so many of our members and some new faces at the event.
“Clearly, all aspects of this event are subject to the lifting of current Covid-19 restrictions but at all times we are committed to delivering an event which makes our guests feel comfortable and protected and we believe this format offers freedom to choose their level of participation without compromise.”
Alison Lobb, managing partner at Morecrofts Solicitors and chair of the policy committee at Liverpool Chamber, said: “We founded the MIB Awards to celebrate independent businesses and showcase their enduring impact on the regional economy. It has become such a popular event and we were incredibly disappointed, along with our wonderful MIB family, to have to cancel it in 2020 and 2021.
“It’s really exciting to make a guest appearance at this year’s Innovation in Business Awards and we are grateful to the Chamber for giving us this platform. We cannot wait to once again recognise local independent businesses that have continued to pursue their ambitions in very difficult times and joining fellow Chamber members for what should be a great evening.”
The ‘Green Room’ element of the occasion will be held at Dwntwn in nearby Harrington Street and all guests from both venues will be invited to its larger, adjacent venue Alibi for an aftershow party, with complimentary guest travel from the main awards event and welcome drinks receptions at all venues.
Clatterbridge Cancer Charity and Everton in the Community are the Chamber’s official charity partners and there will be fundraising activities on behalf of both charities during the evening.
Any organisation or individual wishing to make a nomination for the awards should visit www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk. A final shortlist of candidates will be put to a public vote which will account for 50% of the final decision alongside an independent judging panel.