AROUND 500 guests from Liverpool’s business community will assemble at Liverpool Cathedral tomorrow night for the annual Liverpool Daily Post Regional Business Awards.

Now in its 20th year, the Regional Business Awards seek to recognise the achievements of the enterprising companies and individuals who play a crucial role in the local economy. Their success in business creates both wealth and jobs for people in our region.

Ten awards will be handed out tomorrow night recognising the financial performance of businesses of all sizes, as well their achievements in winning international export orders, their contribution to the local community, and the part they are playing in trying to improve our environment.

One of the key awards dished out each year is the DLA Piper Business Person of the Year Award. This award is made in recognition of the achievements of a notable entrepreneur who has made a major contribution both to the development of his or her business and the local economy. Last year, it was won by Widnes businessman Steve O’Connor, who grew the family haulage firm into one of the major transport groups in the region before selling it to Stobart Group and becoming managing director of Stobart Ports.

Daily Post business editor Bill Gleeson said: “In the past two decades, the Regional Business Awards have earned their place right at the top of the social calendar of Merseyside’s business community.

“We expect another great turnout tomorrow and we’re really looking forward to meeting old friends and making new contacts with businesses attending for the first time.

“The awards are seen by many who enter as a very important recognition of their achievements, with many past winners telling me how success in our awards has led directly to doors opening for their businesses.”