Steve Sealy from Aquarius Equity Partners and Evan Davis

The Merseyside Innovation Awards, established twelve years ago, aim to recognise and reward innovation as a means of boosting growth and profitability. They are open to individuals or companies with less than 50 employees based within Merseyside.

Winners receive £10,000 in cash, £4,000 worth of legal, business, accounting or design consultancy; support from some of the region’s leading business advisors and publicity for the idea.

Judges this year included Evan Davis, presenter of Dragon’s Den and BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme, AM Paper tycoon Steve Morgan, now of the Bridgemere Group and Steve Sealey from Aquarius Equity Partners.

Chair of the judging panel, Brian McCann, of Vanguard said: “Over the last few years the number of applications has soared. Merseyside is a breeding ground for many world-class innovations. I would urge anyone with a great idea or product to fill in an application form and see what happens.”

Each month from now until May a winner will be selected to join the shortlist before the grand final in July where three finalists showcase their products before an audience of entrepreneurs and other leading figures in the business community.

Apply on line at merseysideinnovationawards.co.uk or call Jean Hughes, Merseyside Innovation Awards on 0151 705 3520.