The Forshaw Group has been named the Merseyside Independent Business of the Year at the 2026 Merseyside Independent Business Awards.
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 October 16 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.”
Merseyside Independent Business Awards 2026 winners
Community Interest Company of the Year: poWEr Collective CIC
Trades & Manufacturing Business of the Year: Clan Contracting
Digital & Technology Business of the Year: PALI
Professional Services Business of the Year: MICT
Health & Wellbeing Business of the Year: Talk the Talk Education CIC
Best Creative Business: LoveLossDiscoBalls
Best Start Up: Wild Pantry
Retailer of the Year: Taskers
Food Venue of the Year: Maray
Children Focussed Business of the Year: Talk the Talk Education CIC
Culture & Tourism Business of the Year: dot-art
Employer of the Year: The Forshaw Group
Business Person of the Year: Simone Roche, We Are PoWEr
Overall Merseyside Independent Business of the Year: The Forshaw Group