DON’T miss out on your chance to attend Merseyside’s premier black-tie business event.

The Liverpool Daily Post Regional Business Awards later this month will not only celebrate the achievements of firms through an extremely tough year, but will also raise money for an important local charity.

Twenty-two companies will compete for nine awards at the awards on Thursday, May 27.

Hundreds of business leaders from across Merseyside and Cheshire will gather at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral, when the judges’ choices will be announced.

Former cabinet minister and Mayor of London candidate Steven Norris is the keynote speaker in the awards’ 19th year, while broadcaster Peter Sissons will be the host.

Liverpool Unites, the official charity of Liverpool Daily Post and Echo, will be the beneficiary of the raffle, which last year raised more than £2,000.

The charity was set up after the murder of school boy Rhys Jones and is dedicated to helping improve the lives of underprivileged local children and young people.

Raffle prizes include a European city break with flights and hotel and KLM flights from Liverpool to Amsterdam.

Tom Woolley, Liverpool Unites’ corporate fundraising manager, said: “We are delighted that the business community has been so supportive of Liverpool Unites since the charity began.

“Despite difficult economic times we have received continual backing, which is vital in helping the charity to offer the disadvantaged children of the region an alternative to a life of crime and poverty. Liverpool Unites is grateful for the support of everyone at the awards.”

TICKETS for the awards dinner are on sale now, priced £95+VAT, with tables available with 10 or 12 places. To book, call 0151 472 2422 or e-mail events@liverpool.com