A RUNCORN-based technology firm has been named Merseyside Independent Business of the year.

Polymorph also scooped the Digital & Technology award at the MIB Awards. and was commended by judges for its Mercury software, which enables naval forces, countries and intelligence agencies to securely share information in real-time and has supported aid vessels to deliver food and reduce piracy.

The awards were presented during a glittering ceremony at the Rum Warehouse, where much-loved Liverpool eatery and gourmet food market Delifonseca also scooped two awards, in the Retailer and Restaurant categories.

Joe Clark, who turned 76 on the day of the awards ceremony, was the toast of the evening when he was named employee of the year for his role at Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa in Wirral, while IT provider Doris was named Employer of the Year.

Knowsley Safari Park, Krol Corlett Construction and Your Payroll were among the Knowsley-based contingent to win awards in the Culture & Tourism, Trades & Manufacturing and Professional Services categories respectively.

The Guide Liverpool was named Best Creative Business and Nicola Pink, managing director of Pink Media, was voted Independent Businessperson of the Year. Mindfulness coaching firm Mindfit won the Health & Wellbeing award, Juice Immersive was named Best Start Up and the Community Impact Award went to Northern Power Women.

Morecrofts Solicitors founded and organises the MIB Awards to celebrate the achievements of independent businesses and showcase the enduring impact they have on the regional economy.

Alison Lobb, managing partner at Morecrofts Solicitors, said: "Now in its seventh year, the MIB Awards continues to provide a unique platform to highlight the endeavours of local entrepreneurs and business owners who continue to pursue their ambitions and provide a strong foundation for our regional economy.

"From the incredible Polymorph to the indelible Delifonseca and the inimitable Joe Clark, this has truly been an outstanding year and I must congratulate all of our shortlisted and winning nominees on the high calibre of their submissions.

"It has been wonderful to see so many business teams gathering at the ceremony, many meeting each other for the first time, and we hope they will remain part of the ever-growing MIB Awards community for years to come."

The MIB Awards is headline sponsored by Liverpool BID Company and the winners are decided by an independent panel of judges drawn from within the regional business community.