E&S Business Awards 23 10th Jan 2023

HEADLINE SPONSORS ASSOCIATE SPONSORS:

Collins fuelspassion forengineering

With theaviationand aerospaceindustryrecovering andgrowing, it is essentialfor companies to attractnew talenttomaintainthe UK’s global leadership in aviation.

Collins Aerospace in Wolverhamptonhas been actively engaged fordecades in helpingstudents andlocal communitiesbuild their awarenessand interest in aerospace as acareerpath. This year again, it will sponsor theManufacturing Awardtoreaffirm itscommitmenttothe growing anddiverse manufacturingtalent that keepsthisindustrymoving anddeveloping Collins Aerospace,aunitofRaytheonTechnologies, isaleaderin technologically advanced andintelligent solutionsfor theglobal aerospace anddefence industry.Herein theBlack Country, Collins provides thefundamental,vital,and operational capabilities that canmakeall flights saferand moreefficient.

Itsinnovative actuationsolutions use lightweight, durable materials to controlnew generationsofaircraft. It also produces morethan 2,000different thermoplasticcomposite partswithhundreds of parts

currentlyinqualification foraircraftmanufacturesinthe UK but also globally

Thermoplasticcomposite parts produced at Collins Aerospace are supplied to 20 differenttypes of aircraft rangingfromwidebodies, single aisletobusinessjetsand helicopter platforms. Partscan be foundonthe fuselage,wing, tailplane, nacelles, flight control surfacesand doors.

“Our Collinssites arecommitted to localinvestmentinanumberof ways, andour strategy sets outhow we do this in threepillars– industry, people andcommunity”said SteveHolder, generalmanager of NASCOM andUKsitelead.

“A bigpartofinvestinginthe localeconomy includes outreach opportunitiesinrelationtoSTEM, we’rekeentoimprove theSTEM talent pipeline andweworkwithlo-

caleducation providerstoimprove thepipelinetoensurefresh and newtalentin theindustrycontinuestogrow.”

Thenew partnershipwill support teacherprofessionaldevelopment andraise engagement andachievement in STEM subjects, especially thosefromdisadvantaged andunderrepresented groups.Thisyear Collins is particularly interested in focusing on how it canmakeSTEM

more accessible forwomen anddiverse groups andlaunchedthe ‘Enthuse’partnership

As longstandingsponsors of the ManufacturingAward,Collins Aerospace want to take this opportunity to celebrate thetalentwithin manufacturingand continue to grow diverse talent whichkeeps this industry innovative.

To learnmoreabout Collins Aerospace visitcollinsaerospace.com

CollinsAerospace aims to fuel young people’s interest in engineering

Collinshas itsWolverhampton site at Stafford Road,Fordhouses

Annual search to find the best in business begins

TheExpress &Staristodaylaunchingits annual search to find thevery best companies, entrepreneurs,productsand services that ourregion hastooffer.

TheExpress &StarBusiness Awards returned last year after they couldnot be held in 2020 and 2021 duetothe pandemic

They shineanimportant spotlightonand celebratethe success of thebusinessesthatrepresent the wholeamazing rangeofcommercialactivityacrossour region from thesmallestsingletradersworking from atowncentre office to the majormanufacturers employing hundreds on majorout-of-town enterprise parks–and everything in betweenthem.

Express&StarEditor-in-Chief Martin Wright said:“When our awards returned in 2022 afteran enforced breakdue to theCovid-19 pandemic,wewerenot sure what to expect.Would therestill be an appetite forthe awards?Would businesses putthemselves forwardfor theawards? Theanswertobothof these questionswas aresounding ‘yes’.

“Not only didweget fantastic supportfromour sponsors –all of whom areagain generouslysupportingusagain this year –but we also receiveda record number of entriesfor theawards. Thelevel of interest washumbling.

“Itremindedusofthe importanceofcelebrating ourwonderfulbusinesscommunity that has

JOHN CORSER

john.corser@mnamedia.co.uk

shownsuchresilience andcreativity to weatherthe stormofpandemic and, in recent times, the impact of spiralling energy costs.

“And notonlywerethe number of entriesup, thestandardofthe entrieswas higher than ever.Choosingwinnersineachofthe categories wasarealheadachefor the judges

“Sothe barfor 2023 hasbeenset very high.Wewantthese awards to shinealightonthe verybestbusinesses in ourregion,highlighting thecontributiontheymaketoour economy –and to oursociety more generally. Entering couldn’tbeeasier. Thereare nine categories up for grabs –and entryisfree.

“Simplyscanthe QR code printed on page 28 andsubmityournomination.The closing date is March 3and our finalistswill be notified during theweekcommencing March 20

“The awards themselves will take placeatWolverhamptonRacecourse on June 8, so make anotein yourdiary now.

“Finally, awordofthankstoall of oursponsors formakingthese awards possible. We sayitevery year but, withoutthe supportof these organisations, theawards wouldnot take place. Thank you.”

This year we aredelightedthat allofthe sponsors have stayedon for2023including 2022’s Business of theYearwinnersinHomeserve Furniture Repairs.

MNADigital,Richardson, Carv-

ers, Collins Aerospace,Crowe, Higgs& Sons andthe BlackCountry&Marches InstituteofTechnologymakeupthe rest of thecategory sponsors with TheExpress &Star itself once againsponsoring the overallBusinessofthe Year category

Commercialprofilesofeachofthe sponsorcompanies forthe Express &StarBusiness Awards 2022 appear over thepages of this supplement

WolverhamptonGrand Theatre is againsponsoring thedrinksreceptionatthe startofthe awards evening, whichisproducedbyYarringtonand held in themainEBC Suiteat WolverhamptonRacecourse

Silvaman Groupwill againbe supportingthe awards –the premier business eventinthe region –as associate sponsors

Theawardsare free to enter. Turn to thecentre pages of this specialawardssupplement to find out allabout thedifferent categories andfull detailsofhow to enterthe Express&StarBusinessAwards for2023.

Most categories areopentojust abouteverybusinesswhileothers have some restrictions

Allare worth taking aclose look at.You have untilthe deadline of March 3tosubmitanentry.

All finalists, alongwithour sponsors andother representatives from acrossthe regions’ business andcivic communities, will attend theglitteringawardsnight at Wolverhampton Racecourse on June 8 when the2023winnerswillberevealed

John Bowaterand JamesLanefromHomeserve Furniture Repairs in BrierleyHill, whichwhich wonthe Businessofthe Year awardin2022

Celebrating successatthe Express &StarBusinessAwards2022

2022FamilyBusiness of theYear awardwinners Formbend with sponsor JohnathonDudleyfromCrowe,right, on stageatthe awards dinnerthatwas held at Wolverhampton Racecourse

Comedian AaronJames wasthe hostfor the2022business awards

We are proud tosponsor the

BUSINESS PERSON OF THEYEARAWARD

AdecadeofHiggs’businesssupport

HiggsLLP’s long and proud associationwith theExpress &Star Business Awards will continue into 2023 as it celebratesadecade sponsoring theSmall to Medium Size Business of theYearcategory.

Sitting at theveryheart of the BlackCountry –and widerWest Midlands –legal community,Higgs hasbeensynonymouswithowner-managed businesses across the region,providing expert advice and supportacrossall of itsservice areas.

Despitethe recent challenges posedbythe Covid-19 pandemic andthe currentcostoflivingcrisis, HiggsLLP continuesto flourish

Acombination of itsproud reputationfor deliveringoutstanding clientservice andshowcasingthe highestlevel of legalexpertise and advice has provided theplatform forHiggs LLP to continue to enjoy anotherexcellent year of sustained growth acrossthe firm

The firm’s business services team continuestoexcel,advisingon scores of dealseachyearinthe West Midlands,the UK andbeyond.

In therecentlypublished Legal 500report–ahighly-regardedin-

dustrystandard– theCorporate team wasroundly praisedfor its “experienced,knowledgeableand commerciallyfocused” approach Nick Taylor,managingpartner, said:“We aredelightedwiththe waythatthe firm andthe entire team is progressingand 2023 promises to be anotherbusyand exciting year.Overthe last 12 months, we have continuedtosupport ourcore audience of owner-managed busi-

nesses acrossthe BlackCountry, widerWestMidlandsand beyond “Frompropertytobusinessservices, privateclienttodispute resolution, familytoemployment and many more practice areas, our teamshaveworkedtirelesslytoensure we have been –and remain –on hand to offerexpertise andsupport to allour clients.

“Our talented anddedicated team continue to supportbusiness-

es across theWestMidlandsand ourongoing sponsorshipofthe Express&StarBusinessAwardsfurther illustratesour commitmentto ensuring we canplayour part in ensuring theeconomicsuccess of theregion–and continuedgrowth.”

At theheart of HiggsLLP’s success andlongevity is itspeople and thewellbeing of itsemployees is placed firmly at thetop of theprioritylist. Several significant pro-

grammesand initiativeshavebeen launched overthe last 12 months with thegoalofimproving mental, physicaland financialhealth.

An internal wellness teamhas been created,with16membersof the firm becoming qualified mental health firstaiders.

Nick concluded:“Ourpeopleare ourmostimportant assetand we aredoing everything within our powertosupport them.”

TheHiggs LLPteam at itsheadquarters on Waterfront BusinessPark

NickTaylor is themanaging partnerofBrierley Hill’sHiggs LLP

Furniturerepairs specialist advances

Onwardsand upwards –the journey continuesmovingforward for JamesLane, founder andchief executive of HomeserveFurniture Repairs.

Thegrowing Brierley Hillbusiness is proudtonow be officialpartners with AstonVilla andtohave movedduringlastyearfromits originalset of buildingstoa beautifulnew head office andtraining academy.

SinceJames foundedthe business in 2004, he andhis team have built thecompany into what is nowBritain’slargestupholstery,bed,mattress andcabinet furniturerepair specialist.

Largest

“We’ve come alongway.Asthe largestfurniture repair company coveringthe UK andIreland,our focusisquality of service, andensuring thecustomercomes first,”he explained.

HomeserveFurniture Repairs hasalready hadplentyofcause forcelebration over thelastyear, includingscooping theBusinessof theYearaward at theExpress & Star BusinessAwards2022, amajor West Midlands event, whileJames

himself also wonBusinessPersonof theYearatthe awards

“I started HomeserveFurniture Repairs18years agoonmyown –withjusta£5,000 loan from the bank to getmestarted,” said James.

He recalls: “Likeall businesses,I’vehad some challenges along theway –and still continue to now, alongwithlearningeveryday.

’However,Iabsolutelylovewhat we do andthe people Iworkwith.

Ihaveanabsolutelyawesome team –the passion, commitment andtogetherness is just brilliant.

“Wenow have over 250peoplein theHomeserveFurniture Repairs family. Istill have avisiontocontinueour growth, andamalways reinvestinginthe business,soto getrecognisednot only forour business,but me personally, is just amazing.

“Whatayearwehavehad along

with theveryproud moment we became officialpartnerswithAston Villa, we have now movedtobigger premises, incorporatingbrand-new trainingfacilities

It meansHomeserveFurniture Repairscontinues to offeracomprehensiveand fullyup-to-datetrainingacademy –and we have afantastic team of technical managers with extensiveknowledge on allaspects of thefurniturerepairservice,to

providetrainingtoconsistentlyimprove ourteam.”

“Onceagain,” Jamesconcludes, “fromme, andthe Homeserve Furniture Repairsteam, amassive ‘thankyou’toall ourstaff,clients, andreaders foryoursupport.”

l HomeserveFurniture Repairs is at Unit 8, Waterfront Business Park.Contact 01384473 000 or e-mail:info@homeserverepairs co.uk

Officialpartnersof AstonVillaFC

Homeserve Furniture Repairs movedintoits brand newoffices last year

TheHomeserve Furniture Repairheadquarters at Waterfront BusinessPark

Instituteisleadingthe way on skills

TheBlack Country&Marches InstituteofTechnology, whichopened itsdoors in September 2021,iscontinuingtoexpandits offerwithnew trainingprogrammesfor 2023

Ourfocus is supporting yourcareer,whether you arestartingout or moving on.Ifyou want to carry on learning whilst working and getadditionalskillsand qualificationstoimprove your jobprospects we have aprogramme that can fit around yourneeds.Withshort courses, eveningstudy optionsand online deliveryavailable.Weoffer qualificationslinkedtocareersin engineering, modern methodsof construction,medical engineering, healthcare anddigital Allofour qualificationsare developed with respected industry partners,which meansopportunities to meet employersand thereassurance that theskillsyou arelearningare relevant to thejobsmarket Andmanyofour programmes don’t follow theacademicroute of ALevelsand traditionaldegrees.They’re vocational andtakea more practical, hands-on approach to learning Higher apprenticeshipsare also offeredsoyou canearnwhile you learn. Supported by leadingtrainingexperts In-CommTraining Services andAvensysUK, we offer sector specifictrainingfor manufacturingand engineering.

For2023wehavetwo exciting newpartnershipswiththe University of Worcesterand theUniversity of Wolverhamptonaswewill be deliveringtwo newdegreeprogrammes. Foranyonewitha HNC/ L4 apprenticeship in engineering we canoffer theopportunitytoenrolonthe manufacturingengineer degree apprenticeship top-up day programmestartinginMay.The degree will be delivered from the

IoTbythe University of Wolverhampton.

Starting in September 2023 The University of Worcesterwill also be deliveringasportstherapy degree from theIoT’s Dudley base,allowinglocal people easy access to their programme.

TheIoT whichwas builtas one of only 21 institutes of technology acrossthe country, hasapurpose built£22 millioncampusinDudley

If you areinworkand wantingto upskill throughpart-time studyor you arelooking forfull-timestudy butdon’t want thehassleofmoving away,weprovide personalisedInformationand guidance to help you chose therightcourse to meet your ambitions. If you arelooking to recruitanapprenticewecan give you access to high qualitycandidates or whynot offer aworkexperience placementtoone of ourstudents?

Thereare lots of ways to getinvolved with theIoT from visiting ournextopenday on Saturday, January14tobooking atourwith one of ourfriendlybusiness advisors by emailing:iotemployerservices@ dudleycol.ac.uk. Formore informationvisit www.blackcountryandmarchesi-ot.ac.uk,email ouradvisors on io-temployerservices@dudleycol.ac.ukorcall01384 363808

Theinstituteoffershighlysupportedcoursestodevelop your talent

TheBlack Country&Marches Institute of TechnologyisinDudley

9AWARD CATEGORIES

GROWTH AND INNOVATION AWARD

Open to businessesthathaveaturnoverof £5M+ andcan showimpressive growth over the lastthree years.Theyshould be able to tell an inspirationalstory that will encourageothersand be able to motivate othercompaniestomaximise opportunities forgrowth.

MANUFACTURING CHAMPION

Thewinnerofthiscategorywill demonstrate theuse of traditional skill combined withnew technology, whilecontinuingtostrengthenthe regional economy.

BUSINESS OF THEYEAR

Open to allsectors of business whose trackrecord setsthemapart from therest. Theevenings most prestigious accolade theBlueRibbonaward will go to thecompanywithan impressive turnoverthat hasdelivered an outstandingperformance across everypartoftheirbusiness, setting the standard within theirindustry.

SMALLTO MEDIUM SIZE BUSINESSOFTHE YEAR

If your businessemploys between 11 and200 people andisoutstandinginanumber of ways this couldbethe categoryfor you. The ultimate winner is likely to be an innovative company that is lookingforward to the challengesahead

APPRENTICE OF THEYEAR

This awardseeks to acknowledgeand celebrate an apprentice’s outstandingcontributions to their workplace andexceptional progress in both their skillsdevelopment andstudies.The candidate should demonstrate inspirational qualities andbe ashining example forvocational qualifications.

BEST MARKETING CAMPAIGN

Thejudges arelooking

Prideatsupportfor familybusinesses

TheMidlandsoffice of National audit, tax, advisory andrisk firm Croweisproud to sponsorthe Family Business of theYearAward,as we continue to buildour reputation as theBlack Country business advisors of choice.

We know what it is liketobea winner in theExpress &Star’sannual celebrationofthe best of Black Countrybusiness, having previously wonProfessional Services Firm of theYear.

Oursuccess in theawardswas basedonour fine record of service andsupport to familybusinesses, helpingour owner-managers to realise theirambitions of thosebusinesses

Crowehas been supporting familybusinesses acrossthe Black Country, Worcestershire,Shropshire, Staffordshireand thewider Midlands formorethan150 years.

At Croweweoffer so much more than thetraditional accountancy services of preparationofaccounts, corporationtax,and income tax.

We arebusinessadvisors to some of themostsuccessfulfamily businesses from acrossthe region, standing alongsidethemastheir

partnerin deliveringtheir business plans.

Ourspecialistteamthatisbased in Oldbury canhelpyou to focus on developing thefutureleaders of yourbusiness, andassistinbringingthrough thenextgenerationof managers,whether they arefamily membersorstaff working in the business

Growth andsuccessionstrategies arekey to thefuturesuccess

of anyorganisation,but none more so than thefamily-ownedand managed business

We reachclients worldwide through ourcolleaguesacross CroweGlobal, whichisrankedas oneofthe top10largestglobalaccounting networks,consistingof 180independentaccountingand advisory firmsin 145countries around theworld

We canhelpyou grow in theUK

andreach outgloballytotakeadvantageofall trading opportunities that existinyoursectorand marketplace.

At Crowe, we aimtobelongterm trusted advisors to thefamilybusinesses we work with –weprovide specialistadviceand go theextra mile to help them make smartdecisionsthatprovide lastingvalue Andthat’swhy we areparticularly pleasedtojoinwiththe Express

&Starinrecognisingand celebratingthe contribution that family businesses make to theeconomy l Crowehas itsMidlandsoffice at BlackCountry HouseinRounds GreenRoad, Oldbury

This summer theMayor of the West Midlands,AndyStreet, openeda manufacturingshowcase hosted by the firm to supportBritishmanufacturers basedinthe Midlands

Andy Street,Jonathan Dudley andNigelBostock at theshowcasePaintboxwereone of thebusinesses that took part in theshowcaseevent

Celebrating125 yearsofserving city

CarversBuildingSuppliesisproud to have beensupplying thetrade andgeneral public in the heartofWolverhampton formorethan125 years.

Establishedbackin1896, the family-runbusinessisnow in the fifthgenerationofthe Carver family.

In 2020 Henry’seldest sonJack became the firstofthe fifthgenerationtoworkinthe business.This wasamomentousoccasion, that highlights family continuity which is centraltothe company’ssuccess

Carversare open to both the tradeand generalpublicand have ahostofretailfriendlyshowrooms andspecifictrade counters to ensure customersofthe best quality of service.

TodayCarvers coversalarge localmarket of five millionpeoplein andaroundWolverhampton,Stafford,Birmingham,Shrewsbury, Walsalland Worcesterand employs over 300members of staff.

Most of Carverssales aresupplyingmaterials direct to tradecustomers andtheypride themselves on making sure they keep one step aheadofthe competition.

Carversknowtheir tradecustomers areshortontimeand the purposebuilt DriveThrough Ware-

housestocksafullrange of insulation,plasterboards,cement, timber andjoinery products

It stocks awiderange of products, andthankstotheir membership of independentbuyingconsortium, Fortis, ensuresthatpricesremain competitive.

Carversare proudtohaveapool of knowledgeable, long serving staff, with 46 employees with over 20 yearsservice and52employ-

eeswith10years service. Carvers areaware that withoutcustomers, thereisnobusiness

Directorsand staffare keen to spendtimewiththeir customers to ensure thecompany is meeting theirneeds anddeliveringthe best qualityofservice Pridingthemselves on beingone of thebestlocally,the landscaping displayatCarversshowcases thousandsofproductstoinspire any

garden project. Carversevenhas a Hire Centre equipped to ensurethe righttoolfor therightjob

Business Awards

Carversare once againdelighted to supportthe YoungBusinessof theYearcategory. HenryCarver is proudtochampionyoung,local businesses andcomments: “I think it is importantthatweshine aspotlightonand celebratenew business-

es,astheyare so importanttoour city

“Young businesses, need to be nurtured andencouragedand that is what theExpress &StarBusiness Awards areall aboutand why we aredelighted to supportthem.

“I am lookingforward to the2023 events gettingachancetocelebrate newlocal businesses,who aregoing above andbeyond, particularly in thesedifficult timesoftrading.”

SUPPLYING THE INDUSTRYSINCE 1896

Proud to be sponsoring the Young Businessof the Year award

Dixons Decorating Showroom within Carvers

Landscape displayislargest in theWestMidlands

Searching fortop marketingcampaign

digital marketingagency in theWestMidlandsis throwing itsweightbehindone of thebiggest business events in the region.

MNADigital is sponsoring the Best MarketingCampaigncategory at the2023Express &StarBusiness Awards.It’sone of themost exciting events on thebusinesscalendar, whereregionalcompanies showcaseall theirinitiativesand creative ideasfromthe last year

MNADigital wasrecentlylisted as thetop-rated digitalmarketing agency forthe West Midlands on Google

TheWolverhampton-basedbusiness hasreceivedahugenumber of five-starGooglereviews from its many clients, putting it at thetop of thesearchenginerankingsfor the region

NatalieCoughlan,headofmarketingand client services said the team wasexcited to sponsoran awardfor thesecondyearinarow

“Everyone here at MNADigital can’twaittosee what variouslocal marketingteams have to offer– we know it will be nothing shortof amazing,”she said

“The Express&StarBusiness

Awards is an eventwhere we all come together andcelebrate the fantasticworkdoneby companies andorganisations in theBlack Countryand beyond

“There arealot of businesses out therethatare firmly back in the

swingofthingsafter Covid, andwe can’twaittosee

“Wehaveavariety

MNADigital we providethe help andassistancetheyneedtoget

theresults theyare after.”

MNADigital’s team consists of 20 digitalexperts that workwithin WebDesign, SEO, PPCand Paid Socialservicestoshine alighton businesses acrossthe region and help them reachtheir target audience

Theteamalso provides awhole host of digitalmarketingresources forbusinesses,suchas free webinars, marketingaudits, free guides andblogs –all of these fantasticresourceshelpbusinessestokeepthe marketingmomentum going.

Theproofreallyisinthe pudding, as this year MNADigital wasproud to seetheir Google ratingsoarto 4.8 outof5,thankstothe 95 fivestar reviewsfromclients

Natalieadded: “Weare proudto sponsorthe Best MarketingCampaignaward,and can’twaittostart judgingthese talented localbusinesses

“It’sgreat to seeentries from so many differentbusinesses–each onehas done afantastic joband is worthyofanaward.”

If youneeddigital marketingassistance andare lookingtoimprove your presence online,thenyou have come to theright place, find out more aboutMNA Digitaland what they provideat mnadigital.co.uk

what they’vebeen up to

of clientsthat come to us forour digitalexpertise, as they arekeentorevitalisetheir business online

“Manyofour clientsoftenjust don’tknowwhere to startwhenit comestoinvestingindigital.However,theyknowtheyneed to invest in theirwebsite andsocialmedia platformsthatcatch theattention of potentialconsumers.Hereat

them

Theteam at MNADigitalinWolverhampton whichisonceagain asponsor of theExpress &StarBusinessAwards

Rewardingthe very best in business

TheExpress &Staras oneofthe UK’s biggest sellingregionalnewspapers is proud to beat the drum forits business community.

Thenewspaper wasoriginally foundedinWolverhampton way back in 1874

It hasalwaysprovidedaplatform forthe best in business acrossthe region andisastrong championfor localindustryand givesavoice to thewider business community.

TheExpress &Star, whichis dedicatedtomakingadifference, is once againsponsoring theprestigious Business of theYearcategory in its2023business awards

TheBusinessofthe Year category hasbeenselectedbecause as apublishingplatformthe teamhighlight businesses in theBlack Country andsurrounding area andcontinually shineaspotlight on thetrades Thereare ahugenumberofplatformstopromote abusiness, includingregular supplements, news pages, thededicated weekly business section, website, socialmedia andthe annual awards themselves

As well as theevent at WolverhamptonRacecourse,construction, educationand traininghavededicatedfeatures.

As aplatform, thepaper canen-

couragebusinessesand localcommunity leaderstoshowsupport for localopportunitiesand raise issues at anationallevel

In 2022,the newspaper revived theawardsaftera two-year break duetoCovid-19and continuedto supportthe Ladderfor theBlack Countrycampaignwhich is helpingtopromoteapprenticeships and assistingbusinesses in findingkey employeestohelpthemgrow.

TheMidland News Association’s newmanagingdirectorMattRoss said:“I’mlooking forwardto findingout whoall thewinnerswillbe when theExpress &Starstages the awards dinner at Wolverhampton Racecourse on June 8.

“The Express&Starhas been a huge supporterofall thebusinesses acrossthe region over many years.

“Sponsoring theBusiness of the Year category is just oneofthe ways

in whichwecontinuetodothisimportantwork.

“The BlackCountry is home to a wealth of brilliantand innovative businesses andthe awards arean importantway to celebrateall the greatachievements andcongratulate thosethathaveworkedsohard in achievingsuccess

“Itwill be greattomeetmanyof theestablished andnew businesses that make such an importantcon-

tributiontothisareaatthe awards dinner whichisahighlightofthe year fororbusinesscommunity.”

Editor-in-ChiefMartin Wright said:“TheExpress &StarBusiness Awards is always ahighlightinour calendar.The chance to showcase thefantastic workofbusinesses here in theBlack Countryand SouthStaffordshire is something that we alllookforward to here at theExpress &Star.”

Editor-in-ChiefMartinWrightsaysthe awards areahighlightofthe year 2022 Businessofthe Year winners were Homeserve FurnitureRepairs

Silvaman Groupisa leader forinnovation

Silvaman Groupbased in West Bromwich areproud to be supportingthe Express&StarBusiness Awards 2023 andlookforward to seeing thediverse range of business that will be represented at this year’s awards

Silvaman deliversadiverse rangeofprojectsacrossthe UK primarilyinthe retail sector working closelywithinternational brands Puma,Armani, The NorthFace, Timberland andJack &Jones.The companyisproud of itsBlackCountry rootsand championsthe diverseskill base of its workforce on theworld stage.

As part of itscontinued and plannedgrowth, thecompany has broughtits electrical installation teamsin-house andisnow an approvedNICEICcontractor enablingthe companytooffer awider scopeofworks to clientswhilst offering increasedvalue andcontrol overcosts andquality

Over thepast12monthsSilvamanhavecontinued to grow its client base andhavedeliveredan increasing amount of design and buildprojects. In recent months they have delivered thenew ‘Elevated’ conceptfor Puma andhave

an exciting pipeline of projects plannedwiththe brandin2023.

Managing director Phil Boden said:“Thesectorisshowing strong signs of growth even with

theuncertainty surroundingthe widereconomy at this time,we areinvesting in ourteams and strive to be at theforefront of innovation andchanges.”

Racecourse is theideal venue

WolverhamptonRacecourse,set on 22 acres of privateland, is oneof Britain’sbusiest racecourses.

It hosts80horse racing fixtures acrossthe year,aswellasseveral large-scaleevents.

Alongsidethe racing,itisapopularchoicefor venue hire as it offers the flexibility to accommodatewider choice of conferences, exhibitions, festivalsand business meetings

It offers hard standing grounds andextensive grassedareas

Thecentre course caneasilybe transformedintoafullyoperational arenafor anyoutdoor eventand with theirsuppliers,technical andsupport stafftheycan buildeverything from acar show or food festivals, to outdoorcinemas andfun fairs.

Theinfrastructureofgated entrances, turnstiles,sound systems, digitalscreens andfreeparking for up to 1,500vehiclescan be workedin plansand theon-site HolidayInn Hoteloffersaccommodation packages

Yarrington:25years of events excellence

Award-winningmarketing,

TheShrewsbury-basedcompany hasworkedwiththe RoyalFamily, chart-toppingmusicians,and many starsofstage andscreenthrough conferences,awardsceremonies, exhibitions, andaseriesoflive andpre-recorded studio shows.

Mark Allsop, Yarrington’s managingdirector, said:“We have succeeded in growingbycontinuingtoadapt and evolve,working everywhere from palaces to museums, marquees, theatres andfootballclubs.”

Sinceits formation, Yarrington has workedin27countries,fromthe frozenwildernessofnorthernCanadato theheatofthe Saharandesert. It used boats to move equipment into Venice

andhelicopters to manoeuvreintothe millionaires’ paradiseofMonte Carlo.

Closertohome Yarrington have workedwiththe Express& Star over many yearstoproduceevents includingthe business awards andthe recent apprenticeship awards

Yarrington builtaTVstudioat its Shrewsbury headquarters during the heightofthe Covidpandemic to help businesses stay in contactwiththeir customers, streamingaroundthe world

Thecompany is theproud winner of no fewerthannineMeetings &Incentive Travel awards

Mark added: “Ifit’sjusta one off event, website or maybeacomplete rebrandand marketingsuite,wehave theskill set, imagination andinnovative attitude to help you alongthat journey.”

Silvaman Groupisaleading fitout andgeneral contractor

TheYarringtonteam

An exciting newseasonatthe Grand

Following another enchanting pantomime season,WolverhamptonGrand Theatrelook forwardtoanexciting selectionofshows approachingin2023.

February openswithaseries of one-nightshows, rangingfrom Strictly Come Dancingchampion Giovanni Pernice’sMadeInItaly to StewartLee’s brandnew standup BasicLee

In theweekpreceding therun of feel-good sensationStrictlyBallroom:The Musical, therereallyis somethingfor everyone.And for anyone pining formorepantomime by then,Sir IanMcKellenand JohnBishopare joiningforcesto bringthe hilarious familyfriendly MotherGoosetothe Grand’sstage From theimaginationsofJonathan Harvey (CoronationStreet, Gimme, Gimme, Gimme) and‘Britain’sfunniestdirector’ CalMcCrystal,and theonlyMidlandsdatefor thetour, this is notone to be missed

Theseasoncontinues with musicals, comedy,drama,and dance, afabulousrun of JerseyBoysis followed by West Bromwich Operatic Society’sGrease, andjoyous comedy TheBestExoticMarigold HotelstarringBelinda Lang,Paul Nicholas,Tessa Peake-Jones and Graham Seed

As ever,the varietyofshows ensure anotherexcitingseasonatthe theatre foreveryone.

Fortickets,pleasevisit grandtheatre.co.uk or call thebox office on 01902429212.

Themusical Jersey Boys is coming to Wolverhampton to rock theGrandTheatrefromMarch 7to18thisyear

Glittering night will capawards

Wolverhampton Racecourse will once again be thevenue forthe Express& Star Business Awards 2023.

Around 400 guests will be at the black-tieevent on June 8. Full detailsofthe glittering presentation dinner will be announced nearer to thedate.

Theawardsreturnedlastsummerafter the2020and 2021 awards hadtobecalledoff duetothe coronaviruspandemic.

Thedinner is oneofthe great socialoccasions forthe business communityinthe BlackCountry, Staffordshireand north Worcestershire.

Therewas plentyoffun and laughter alongsidewildcelebrations as theawardsmadeits long-awaited return last summer.The threecourse dinner in theEBC Technology SuiteatWolverhampton Racecourse raised£3,000 forcharityPromise Dreams.Guestsmade donationsand took part in aHeads andTails competitiontowin £200

TheExpress &StarBusinessAwards2022was held at theracecourse Guests at the2022awardsBaz andSunnyKooner of JL Drinksenjoying thefun at theannualawards

TheEBC SuiteatWolverhampton Racecourse will onceagain be used for theawardsdinnerand presentation