The legacy of Wirral businessman Drew Cockton is being kept alive.

The entrepreneur was the owner of the vegan fragrance brand Owen Drew and gained a following after appearing on Dragon’s Den - where he secured a £50,000 investment from Touker Suleyman.

Mr Cockton was found dead, aged 36, at his Claughton home in October 2022, just a few hours after hosting his second LGBTQ+ Business Awards ceremony at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool.

Mike Skeggs, Drew’s business partner and friend, has been working to continue Drew’s mission of “fostering support and visibility for deserving community members”.

The 30-year-old from the Wirral recently launched the Collaborative Network, a Community Interest Company (CIC) that prides itself on uplifting and connecting the LGBTQ+ community, alongside Capital FM radio presenter Josef Hollywood.

Following in Drew’s footsteps, the network has launched its own set of awards, The LGBTQ+ Flower Awards, and has dedicated the Entrepreneur of the Year trophy to Drew.

Mike told the ECHO: “When it came to the Entrepreneur of the Year category it made perfect sense to me to name the award after my dear friend Drew. To remember his exceptional contributions to the business community and his embodiment of the values we hold dear.

“The LGBTQ+ Flowers Awards will showcase the best our community has to offer, and Drew exemplified this through his leadership, and dedication to supporting LGBTQ+ individuals in business.

“While our awards are distinct from his, the network wishes to continue his legacy of fostering support and visibility for deserving community members. This tribute acknowledges Drew’s lasting impact and celebrates his spirit of excellence and inclusivity.”

Other awards up for grabs when the ceremony comes to Liverpool in October include the likes of the Rising Star, Ally, and Community Impact awards.

Josef said: “Why FLOWERS? Flowers symbolise the growth, collectiveness, diversity, and inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community, showcasing how individuals and identities come together beautifully - much like a bouquet.”

Entries for the awards are being welcomed until midnight on Friday, August 16 2024.