Three new categories have been added to this year’s annual Birmingham Chamber awards and dinner, which is a sell-out event with over 1,000 guests attending. The new categories are ‘Excellence in Manufacturing’, ‘Excellence in Sales and Marketing’ and ‘Business of the Year’. The latter will be drawn from the winners of the other seven categories. The new awards will be presented for the first time at the awards and dinner on 30 March at the ICC, at which the host will again be broadcaster Gyles Brandreth, back by popular demand.
‘Excellence in Manufacturing’ is recognition the region’s rich manufacturing heritage, which has its roots in the Industrial Revolution of the 18th century. Although the region is today known for many commercial activities, including service industries, retailing and tourism, it remains the UK’s industrial heartland.
A shortlist of five in seven categories has been drawn up by the five judges, who were Mark Smith (director of enterprise and employability, Birmingham City University), Victoria Lineton (president Future Faces and bid adviser at lawyers Mills & Reeve), Russell Jeans (chair and chief operating office, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce), Axel Wittenberg (chief financial officer, Yazaki Europe Ltd) and Alan Gilmour (head of acquisition and retention at Police Mutual),
Mr Jeans said: “The judging process for this year’s awards has been particularly challenging given the volume and the quality of entries and the judges deserve huge credit for their scrupulous fairness and attention to detail.
“The contribution to the community category had a record number of entries, reflecting the importance community-based activities have on the wellbeing of the region.”
HSBC and Elonex are on board as headline sponsors for the awards ceremony, while Arup, Wesleyan and West Midland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets Association (WMRFCA) will sponsor the International Business, Contribution to the Community and Business of the Year awards respectively.
But there are a range of other sponsorship packages available, from pre-drinks and table sponsors to awards categories for a variety of different sectors.
