THIS award will go to the company that can best demonstrate how recent investment has made a major impact on the business and the local economy. The category is open to firms new to the region or existing businesses that have made fresh investment in the area.

Mark Basnett, director of operations at The Mersey Partnership, said: “As the inward investment agency for Liverpool city region, The Mersey Partnership (TMP) is delighted to be supporting the Investment of the Year Award for the fifth consecutive year.

“Like many businesses, TMP operates in a fiercely competitive global marketplace. Together with its pri- vate and public sector members and partners, TMP is expanding its activities to reflect this. We are working with all six local authorities and the North West Regional Development Agency to attract and support more inward investment across the Liverpool city region, from both existing and new investors.

“Our collective approach and the long-term commitment to TMP shown by our partners, coupled with improved funding, make us better equipped than ever to do this.

“The Investment of the Year award recognises significant investments made in the region by businesses over the past 12 months. Such investments are vital to our economy and a real vote of confidence in the city region by the investing companies.

“The businesses involved fully deserve the recognition this award provides and we offer both our congratulations and support to all of them.”