The Forshaw Group has been named the Merseyside Independent Business of the Year at the 2026 Merseyside Independent Business Awards, founded by Morecrofts Solicitors.
The Knowsley-based business also won Employer of the Year before being selected by the judges as the overall winner of this year’s awards. The Forshaw Group employs around 80 people and provides property restoration, construction, refurbishment and insurance reinstatement services, alongside its award-winning INS-PIRE Academy, which focuses on training, apprenticeships and career development.
The announcement was made at a black-tie ceremony held on Thursday 15 October at the Rum Warehouse, Titanic Hotel Liverpool, bringing together hundreds of business leaders, entrepreneurs and organisations from across the Liverpool City Region to celebrate the achievements of the region’s independent business community.
The awards recognise businesses, individuals and organisations that make a significant contribution to the region’s economy and communities.
Alison Lobb, Managing Partner of Morecrofts Solicitors and founder of the awards, said: “Every year I’m amazed by the quality of businesses we see entering the MIB Awards, and The Forshaw Group really stood out to our judges.
“It’s a business that has built an excellent reputation in its sector while also making a real commitment to developing people and creating opportunities for others.
“Winning Employer of the Year was a huge achievement in itself, but to then be selected as our overall winner is a fantastic result. Congratulations to everyone involved.”
This year’s awards were supported by headline partner Liverpool Business Improvement District alongside category sponsors from across the Liverpool City Region business community.
Katie Bentley, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Communications at Liverpool BID Company, added: “The MIB Awards are one of the highlights of the business calendar because they celebrate the independent businesses that help make Liverpool City Region such a vibrant and successful place to live and work.
“Independent businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and Liverpool BID Company is proud to continue supporting an event that shines a spotlight on their achievements.”
Merseyside Independent Business Awards 2026 winners
Community Interest Company of the Year (sponsored by Butterworth Spengler Insurance Group)
poWEr Collective CIC
Trades & Manufacturing Business of the Year (sponsored by JEC Business Finance)
Clan Contracting
Digital & Technology Business of the Year (sponsored by DSG Accountants)
PALI
Professional Services Business of the Year (sponsored by Everton FC)
MICT
Health & Wellbeing Business of the Year (sponsored by Titanic Hotel Liverpool)
Talk the Talk Education CIC
Best Creative Business (sponsored by Forresters IP)
LoveLossDiscoBalls
Best Start Up (sponsored by Bruntwood)
Wild Pantry
Retailer of the Year (sponsored by The Guide Liverpool)
Taskers
Food Venue of the Year (sponsored by B&L Creative)
Maray
Children Focussed Business of the Year (sponsored by Hatfields Jaguar Land Rover)
Talk the Talk Education CIC
Culture & Tourism Business of the Year (sponsored by Merseyrail)
dot-art
Employer of the Year (sponsored by Handelsbanken)
The Forshaw Group
Business Person of the Year (sponsored by FPC)
Simone Roche, We Are PoWEr
Overall Merseyside Independent Business of the Year (presented by Liverpool BID Company)
The Forshaw Group
ENDS
For more information contact:
Rebecca Keegan
Morecrofts Solicitors
rek@morecrofts.co.uk
0151 236 8871