Black Country Chamber Business Awards 2023

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WELCOME

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ORDER OF THE EVENING

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THANK YOU TO THE BLACK COUNTRY CHAMBER AWARDS 2023 SPONSORS

AWARD CATEGORY SPONSORS

AFFILIATE SPONSOR

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HEADS & TAILS PRIZE

DONATED BY

4 Premier Admission tickets to any Race Day in 2023 or 2024 subject to availability A 4 Ball game of Golf at The Mount Golf & Country Club 4 Tickets to see Jesus Christ Superstar on 16 November to include a private booth before the show Family Pass for 4 to the Museum A pair of hospitality tickets to the Kidderminster Harriers vs Aldershot Town football match on Saturday 20th January 2024 A Family Ticket to visit Weston Park in Summer 2024

your workplace technology partner

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BLACK COUNTRY MENTAL HEALTH The Black Country Chamber of Commerce are proud to support such a supportive and important charity.

They are a mental health charity that aims to improve, promote and enhance a better quality of life for people living across the Black Country affected by poor mental health.

As a non profit charity, they rely on fundraising as one of the main ways to bring in funds to support themselves and fund the services which they provide across the community.

To Donate directly to Black Country Mental Health please click here.

Our SUPPORT LINE should you or anyone you know need us 01384 442938.

Or for more information please contact us on enquiries@blackcountrymentalhealth.org.uk

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OUR JUDGES

Alison Bradley Central Business Finance Director & Black Country Chamber of Commerce Board Member

Brian Cape SIPS Education Chief Executive & Black Country Chamber of Commerce Board Member

Lorrain Morris University of Wolverhampton Associate Director, Business School

Lucy Rook BlackRook Media Founder & Director

Nella Share MET Recruitment Commercial Director

Robin Tong MET Recruitment Managing Director

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OUR JUDGES

Jim McKinnon People’s Partnerships Ltd, Compton Care Non-Executive Director, Charity Trustee

Lee Meredith Azets Partner

Michelle O’Hara Thursfields Solicitors Managing Director

Mike Cook EBC Group Chief Operating Officer

Nicola Dolman Freeths LLP Senior Business Development Manager

Stephen Giles voestalpine Metsec Environmental, Safety & Training Manager

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OUR JUDGES

Amy Brockenshire George Green LLP Partner & Black Country Chamber of Commerce Board Member

Jamie Cooper ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UKI UKI Group Environmental Health and Safety Manager

Nicy Morgan Sandwell Council Sandwell Anchor Network Coordinator

Suzanne Davies Black Country & Marches Institute of Technology Director – Institute of Technology and Partnerships

Paul Hull KBM Shipping Group Co-owner

Rachel Cooper Halesowen College Apprentice Support Manager

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OUR JUDGES

Anna-Maria McAuliffe McAuliffe Group Director

Dan Turner Walsall Council Business Growth Manager

Donna MacDonald EBC Group Head of Group HR and Compliance

Clive Wolverson voestalpine Metsec Manufacturing Director

Jeff Marlow City of Wolverhampton Council Business Development Manager (Enterprise)

Emma Bew BBC Apprentices Hub Apprenticeship Manager

Jay Patel City of Wolverhampton Council Business Development & Investment Manager

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EXCELLENCE IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE Celebrating the international trade achievements of the region, this award recognises a business’ strengths on the international stage. Entrants should detail quantifiable international trading activity, responses to barriers and approaches to growth through importing or exporting activities.

SPONSORED BY Azets is a top 10 accountancy and business advisory firm and the largest regional business advisor to SMEs in the UK, delivering accounting, tax, audit, business and advisory services both digitally and at your door.

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THE FINALISTS To find out more about the finalists, click on their logo.

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EXCELLENCE IN PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Celebrating the excellence of the region’s professional service sector and open to businesses demonstrating strong performance and excellent customer service. Entrants should highlight how the business’ values and goals drive service and growth alongside any plans for expansion or increasing market share.

SPONSORED BY Walsall Council’s Business Growth Team supports businesses of all shapes and sizes across the borough through a range of services including sites and premises location, innovation and diversification and employment and skills support.

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THE FINALISTS To find out more about the finalists, click on their logo.

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EXCELLENCE IN MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING This award recognises companies of all sizes who excel in manufacturing or engineering performance.

The judges will be looking for evidence detailing business growth, plans for expansion and how processes and strategy drives productivity and innovation.

SPONSORED BY A FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM BUILT AROUND YOU. Proud to put people first, Thursfields provides high-quality and reliable legal advice to businesses and individuals nationwide.

As a full service law firm, we’ve brought together a team of dedicated individuals that possess an in-depth understanding of your industry and particular requirements. Whatever your query, whatever your circumstances, you can rely on Thursfields to achieve your desired results.

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THE FINALISTS To find out more about the finalists, click on their logo.

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EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION This award celebrates businesses whose products, services or operations have been transformed through innovation or the application of new technology or science which enhance productivity and enable growth.

SPONSORED BY

your workplace technology partner

EBC Group are an award-winning managed IT service provider of IT, cloud hosting, cyber security, print and data solutions. As an integrated provider, EBC plans, implements and supports their clients’ IT and technology requirements to that they can operate smoothly, swiftly and safely.

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THE FINALISTS To find out more about the finalists, click on their logo.

SANDWELL COLLEGE A CAREERS COLLEGE sandwell.ac.uk

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BUSINESS COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY Open to any business of any size and sector who demonstrates strong commitment to supporting the community through schemes or activities which make a positive difference to the lives of others. Entrants should outline how the values of the businesses drive its CSR response, highlighting the work it has been involved in and the impact this work has had on the communities it supports.

SPONSORED BY Through Think Sandwell, Sandwell Council provides business services which help the borough’s communities thrive including support and advice, location and relocation services, guidance on accessing finance and technical expertise to help businesses of all sizes grow.

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THE FINALISTS To find out more about the finalists, click on their logo.

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MOST PROMISING START-UP BUSINESS Celebrating a new business or venture which has started in the last three years and is able to demonstrate how its entrepreneurial vision is planning for future growth.

SPONSORED BY Proud sponsors of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce’s Start-Up Business Club, the Institute of Technology is a major new development based in Dudley and opened in September in 2021. Providing industry-led training designed by employers, the Institute of Technology ensures young people and adults have the skills they need to gain well-paid, rewarding careers and businesses access a highly skilled and productive pool of talent.

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THE FINALISTS To find out more about the finalists, click on their logo.

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OUTSTANDING SUPPORT TO THE ARMED FORCES This award is open to any business who plays an active role in supporting the armed forces community through activities such as employing ex-forces personnel, reservists or family members of those serving alongside other endeavours which provide a vital link between business and the armed forces.

SPONSORED BY A leading manufacturer of door and window locks and hardware supporting the residential and commercial markets. Their main brands are Yale and Union which have a long history of lockmaking dating back several hundred years. ASSA ABLOY operates across seven UK and Ireland factories. At the Willenhall site the Yale team manufacture over 35,000 locks every week.

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THE FINALISTS To find out more about the finalists, click on their logo.

SANDWELL COLLEGE A CAREERS COLLEGE sandwell.ac.uk

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YOUNG EMPLOYEE OR YOUNG APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR This award celebrates the achievements of a young person or young apprentice under the age of 30 working in any business or sector in the region for more than six months. Recognising the next generation, applicants should demonstrate how their enthusiasm and skills are making a difference to their organisation.

SPONSORED BY For many years, Halesowen College has held a reputation for high standards, an excellent learning environment and a caring, supportive sense of community. We offer exceptional support and opportunities for students making the transition from school to higher education or the career of their choice and we are ranked within the top 10% of colleges for examination performance.

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THE FINALISTS To find out more about the finalists, click on their logo.

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MEDIUM OR LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Celebrating the contribution made by medium and large businesses to the Black Country and UK economy. This award is open to any business employing more than 51 full-time employees and demonstrating exceptional strategic leadership, performance or growth, commitment to customers and any plans for future expansion or innovation.

SPONSORED BY The UK’s largest specialist roll forming company. Providing engineered solutions for a wide range of construction and manufacturing applications, with high quality, added value and technical expertise.

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THE FINALISTS To find out more about the finalists, click on their logo.

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SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Open to businesses employing fewer than 50 full-time employees, this award is for businesses demonstrating how their business plan and strategy enables consistent growth, excellence in the markets it operates within / expand into new markets.

SPONSORED BY Standing for Innovate, Grow, Navigate, Ideas, Technology and Entrepreneurship, IGNITE is a free to use business and enterprise hub located in i10, Wolverhampton City Centre’s office and retail complex.

Developed by the City of Wolverhampton Council in partnership with Black Country Chamber of Commerce and University of Wolverhampton, IGNITE is a modern hub where start-ups, established SMEs, students and graduates can meet, learn, discover and collaborate.

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THE FINALISTS To find out more about the finalists, click on their logo.

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FAMILY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR This award is open to businesses of all sizes, operating in any sector, that is family owned and actively managed by members of the family.

Entrants will need to demonstrate how the business has grown, plans for the future alongside how they are preparing the next generation to maintain family ownership and how the values of the family contribute to the business’ success.

SPONSORED BY Crowe UK is a leading audit, tax, advisory and risk firm with a national presence and international reach. Through their broad technical expertise and deep market knowledge, Crowe supports businesses of all sizes, professional practices and sectors.

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THE FINALISTS To find out more about the finalists, click on their logo.

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EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR This award celebrates organisations who demonstrate excellence in the promotion and implementation of a learning and development culture. Entrants must highlight how they are the region’s employer of choice through activities which support the health and wellbeing of its people and the positive impact it has on the region.

SPONSORED BY The internationally renowned Wolverhampton Business School at the University of Wolverhampton has a mission to educate and develop the responsible professionals, leaders and entrepreneurs that the world of business needs. A centre for teaching, learning, research and support, the Wolverhampton Business School runs undergraduate, postgraduate and apprenticeships.

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THE FINALISTS To find out more about the finalists, click on their logo.

SANDWELL COLLEGE A CAREERS COLLEGE sandwell.ac.uk

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EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR People are one of the most valuable assets in any business. This award recognises the accomplishments of a key team member in any business or sector whose performance has made a positive impact to the work of their organisation.

SPONSORED BY MET Recruitment provide Black Country businesses with temporary, permanent, and contract staffing solutions across commercial, industrial and skilled / technical recruitment sectors.

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THE FINALISTS To find out more about the finalists, click on their logo.

John Bonser

Kellie Simcox

Lloyd James

Tracey Alexander

Leighton Gill

Nathan Richards

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ABOUT THIS YEAR’S CENTREPIECES Stainless Steel Services Ltd worked alongside UKF Stainless to come up with a centrepiece that symbolises the Black Country with elements to reflect Dudley Castle and chain making which the area is renowned for along with the Black Country flag.

irestal.com

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ABOUT THIS YEAR’S CENTREPIECES Introducing our apprentices’ incredible welding skills through our recycled steel centrepieces.

These pieces are not only a testament to their craftsmanship but also our commitment to sustainability.

Our journey towards achieving 0% emissions for Scope 1 and 2 has begun, symbolised by the sprouting tree. Together, we’ll nurture this growth and watch it flourish. By using recycled steel, we reduce our environmental impact and promote responsible resource use. Explore these unique works of art and join us in our journey towards a more sustainable future.

metsec.com

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ABOUT THIS YEAR’S CENTREPIECES Our table centrepiece is designed around the concept of a flowering plant. The centrepiece has been designed and created using the themes at the heart of this year’s awards: Talent Designed and constructed by members of our operations team using their talent and creativity. The majority of the work has been completed by 3 of our operations-based apprentices supported by different team members where required.

Tenacity ASSA ABLOY’s never ending desire to innovate it’s security products and internal processes is at the heart of the components used within the design. During the design and build phases the team were determined to meet the project brief.

Transformation Components used on a daily basis in our security products have been used to create different decorative forms. Levers that are normally hidden within lockcases have made really effective petals for example.

assaabloy.com

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ABOUT THIS YEAR’S CENTREPIECES Crafted with meticulous care, this exquisite tea light holder exudes the rustic charm of nature, while embracing modern sustainability. Fashioned from upcycled 304 Stainless Steel, sourced directly from the heart of Birchills Automotive, this artful piece tells a compelling story of transformation. Once an exhaust silencer, taming the roars of high-performance sports cars, this stainless steel marvel has been reborn as a captivating tea light holder.

Discover this unique fusion of artistry and sustainability on our website, where you’ll find a treasure trove of garden and lifestyle products, each with a story as captivating as this one. Explore the world of Birchills Sculptures, where every piece is a testament to the beauty and purpose that can be found in the unlikeliest of places.”

birchillsautomotive.com