The St Helens Borough Business Awards - winners and pictures

Among the big winners were Newton-based recruitment firm Mercury Hampton, Marie Cunliffe, the director of Ever-Evolving, which supports young adults with special needs, and vehicle charging firm E-Verve Energy.

The awards are a collaboration between St Helens Chamber and St Helens Borough Council and sponsored by Paramount Digital.

The E-Verve Energy Team

Lansbury Bridge School were honoured Bernard Platt (Image: Bernard Platt)

Old Tom's Workshop was honoured Bernard Platt (Image: Bernard Platt)

Bernard Platt (Image: Bernard Platt)

The winners were as follows:

• Thomas Shipley (E-Verve Energy) – Apprentice of the Year

• John Barlow (Café Laziz) – Business Hero: Community Commitment Award

• Old Tom’s Workshop – Business Start Up of the Year

• Lansbury Bridge School – Education and Business Partnership

• Mercury Hampton – Employer of the Year

• Marie Cunliffe (Ever-Evolving) – Entrepreneur of the Year

• E-Verve Energy – Green Business of the Year

• Mercury Hampton – Scale Up Business of the Year

• Mase Consulting – Small Business of the Year

• Parr Sports and Community Centre – Social Business of the Year

• Dylan Bowen (St Helens College) – Student of the Year#

A high five for the apprentice of the year Pic: Bernard Platt (Image: Bernard Platt)

Mercury Hampton’s Chris Hickey, Jonathan Sallis and Dan Smith with their award

Tracy Mawson, chief executive at St Helens Chamber, said: “The judges really did have a difficult job on their hands, but I believe we have found some truly outstanding winners.

“For me the Awards demonstrates the depth and breadth of the business community here in the Borough and that diversity is our strength.”

Host Pete Emmett with Saints' Paul Wellens

Marie Cunliffe reacts to winning Pic: Bernard Platt (Image: Bernard Platt)

Cafe Laziz were recognised for their efforts Pic: Bernard Platt (Image: Bernard Platt)

Councillor Kate Groucutt, cabinet member for economy, business & skills at St Helens Borough Council, added: “It’s great to celebrate and recognise some of the many examples of resilience, innovation, and achievements in the local economy despite the challenges faced by many businesses in recent times.

“Seeing the calibre of finalists, their stories, their people and progress gives me the utmost certainty that we can look forward with confidence as a borough. The quality of entries this year has been outstanding, and we are proud to host this sell-out event that throws a spotlight on business from all sectors.”

St Helens Chamber's Tracy Mawson

Dylan Bowen of St Helens College was student of the year

The awards ceremony was also supported by Halton & St Helens VCA, Glass Futures, Faun Zoeller and City Fibre.

Parr Sports and Community Centre were among the winner Pic: Bernard Platt (Image: Bernard Platt)

The event also raised money for two local charities, Willowbrook Hospice and Halton and St Helens VCA, with donations being divided between them.

It was a night of celebrations at the awards Bernard Platt (Image: Bernard Platt)

Marie Cunliffe and members of Ever-Evolving Bernard Platt (Image: Bernard Platt)

Enjoying the celebrations Pic: Bernard Platt (Image: Bernard Platt)