With around 400 people in attendance, the Black Country Chamber of Commerce Awards 2015 was bigger and better than ever. The Dinner, sponsored by voestalpine Metsec plc, which took place on 19th November at Wolverhampton Racecourse acknowledged and celebrated local business success.

Ninder Johal, President of Black Country Chamber of Commerce, said “I would like to congratulate all our winners and thank the many more businesses who have taken part in the awards this year. Our judges were very impressed with the high standard and diversity of award entries. They had some very difficult decisions to make. It was great to see so many people celebrating Black Country business success.”

Community Champion Award sponsored by Paycare

The judges were looking for a company that has assisted the local economy in terms of employment, training and growth by supporting the local community.

 

The judges felt that the winner, The Midcounties Co-operative, actively demonstrated their contributions to their local communities. The judges saw how this is embedded through every aspect of their business objectives and culture. They are a very committed and transparent organisation, which is obvious in every aspect of their employee’s lives.

Customer Service Award sponsored by JJX Logistics

Applicants were encouraged to apply for this award if they are a company that has an ethos to exceed customers' needs and expectations.

The winner Klick Business Solutions impressed the judges with their back to basics approach to customer service. They are a great example of a business that is led from the front. It is clear that they always pride themselves on going that extra mile for their customers, ensuring they give 110%.

Innovation Award sponsored by University of Wolverhampton

Companies that applied for this award use technology to enhance staff and customer experience, whilst developing in terms of innovation, business growth and employee training.

Innovation Award winner ASSA ABLOY revealed that they are at the forefront of product innovation and the judges pinpointed the opportunities they were generating in mass markets. They utilise lean practices and have a very systematic approach to innovation.

International Trade Award sponsored by Wolverhampton Racecourse

The judges were looking for a company that has achieved in exporting by increasing international sales, entering new markets, or overcoming difficult trade barriers.

Dudley College picked up the International Trade Award as they demonstrated massive growth with a clear strategy and proven delivery. The judges were pleased to see a really wide business spread, with an impressive range of international business cultures that they are working with; a clear and professional commitment to international development.

Manufacturer of the Year Award sponsored by Birmingham Airport

This Award celebrates companies that stand out in terms of sales turnover, profit, innovation and investment in business and people.

Manufacturer of the Year Award winner Futura Group demonstrated that they obviously know their market well with an impressive range of clients. The judges saw that they are a serious player both in our region and throughout the world. They put a great emphasis on training and their employees are obviously valued within the business.

 

Service Firm of the Year Award sponsored by Black Country Chamber of Commerce

The judges were looking for a service company that stands out in terms of sales turnover, profit, investment in business and people, innovation and makes a real difference to staff and customers.

The Service Firm of the Year Award was collected by Dudley College. Dudley College are clearly reinvesting in order to make themselves a truly outstanding business. The judges felt that they had demonstrated an understanding of where they wanted to be through a clear delivery strategy. They are developing in many different areas, turning opportunities and challenges into growth.

Social Enterprise or Charity of the Year Award sponsored by Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital

This award is for a social enterprise or charity that stands out in terms of sales turnover, profit, innovation, and investment in business and people.

Black Country Living Museum were crowned winners with the judges noting that they had submitted a really enthusiastic application illustrating innovation and a high rate of growth. The judges were impressed with their business model, and the museum stands out as an excellent facility, which is making significant investment and continuing a great success story in the region.

 

Business of the Year Award – Small Business sponsored by Brammer and Buck & Hickman

The judges were looking at what makes this small business shine.

Business of the Year – Small Business Sandwell Women’s Aid supports women, children and men who have been victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, child sexual exploitation and international human trafficking. They believe that no-one should have to live in fear of abuse. The judges saw that their business model covered all aspects of life dealing with matters people are often reluctant to talk about. The charity demonstrates a commitment right across the board, resulting in a strategy to be the very best in everything they do.

 Business of the Year Award – Large Business sponsored by BDO LLP

The judges were looking at what makes this business the best in the Black Country.

Business of the Year – Large Business Black Country Living Museum (BCLM) is one of the UK’s top five open-air museums and the leading authority on Black Country heritage. The Museum has welcomed over 8 million visitors since it opened nearly forty years ago. The Black Country Living Museum have turned their business around, moving from loss to profit through an innovative and passionate approach to business. This stand out large business of the year, which combines passion and enthusiasm with a firm business approach, is taking heritage to another level.

The Black Country Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all the sponsors for their continued support of the Chamber.