The revamped contest aims to celebrate the people and organisations that are driving economic and social progress across the Liverpool City Region, from young businesses to global traders, recognising efforts around digital innovation, responsible practices or talent development.

The Liverpool Innovation & Impact Awards are an evolution of the Chamber’s Innovation in Business Awards, with a range of new categories and criteria designed to reflect the changing face of Liverpool’s economic landscape.

These include Storyteller for creative organisations, a Cornerstone award recogniosing the city region;s unsung heroes, and Catalyst, of professional services firms which support growing businesses. Three separate business categories – Start Up, Scale Up and Business of the Year – have also been added to celebrate businesses at different stages of development.

This year’s awards ceremony will take place on 22 October 2026 at Everton FC’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium, while the 2027 edition will be hosted at Anfield Stadium, the home of Liverpool FC.

Partners such as DHL, Liverpool John Lennon Airport, RTC North and Growth Platform are already signed up as category sponsors, and further partnership opportunities remain available for businesses to align their brands with the refreshed awards concept.

Paul Cherpeau, chief executive of Liverpool Chamber, said:

“Liverpool City Region is moving forward, and so are our awards. It’s crucial that our organisation and our programmes remain in lock-step with the evolving needs and ambitions of local businesses, as we have for 175 years. The awards are a focal point of our events and engagement programme, so we are delighted to unveil a refreshed identity and reimagined focus for this year and beyond.

“Innovation will be at the heart of the city region’s future economic prosperity, as highlighted by LCRCA Innovation Zone funding and its aspirations to create a life sciences superpower here. The Liverpool Innovation & Impact Awards are designed to showcase the incredible work of organisations across the city region, today and tomorrow – whether they are Chamber members or not – and we are confident they will remain a highlight of the city region business calendar.

“New categories underscore the importance of those people and organisations making a positive impact, while the new business categories reflect the challenges and accomplishments of businesses at different parts of the growth journey.

“I would encourage organisations of all shapes and sizes across the city region to take a look at the categories and make a submission for themselves and their peers.”

To make a nomination or to find out more about partnership opportunities, please visit https://liverpoolawards.com/