Best of the Black Country 2008 awards.
The pride and passion of the Black Country were on display for all to see at a glittering awards event at Walsall’s Banks’s Stadium, celebrating the best businesses in the area.
More than 350 people packed into the ground’s Stadium Suite for the Express & Star’s Best of the Black Country Awards to see Kingswinford-based stairlift company Minivator lift the evening’s blue riband Best Company award.
Chief executive Mike Lord, who brought 20 of the firm’s workforce with him last night, said: “This is a fantastic end to what has been a great year for Minivator.
“Our success is down to a team effort and this trophy is for every member of that team.”
Minivator picked up a trophy and a cheque for £1,000. The other eight winners received trophies and cheques for £500.
The cheers, whoops and whistles that greeted Minivator’s award caught the mood of excitement that was sustained throughout the evening as companies large and small, traditional and new, waited to hear if they had been chosen for one the nine awards.
Compere for the evening was ITV Central news presenter Llewela Bailey, who said: “I don’t think that 12 months ago anyone had any idea of what 2008 would bring. To have even survived is testimony to the determination and spirit of innovation that prevails in the Black Country.”
The first award of the evening, for Business Growth and Innovation, was won by fledgling vehicle-makers Sirus Automotive, based in Wednesbury, who make specialist cars that can be driven by wheelchair-users.
Judges praised the firm for its rapid rate of profitable growth and the drive shown by key members of the team to develop products.
The young team, led by founders Russell Venvil and Simon Pearson, were even more delighted when they had won a second award, for Young Business of the Year.
“I can’t believe we have won two awards,” said Simon Pearson. “It means so much to us to get this kind of recognition after the last four years building the business. It is something really special.”
The award for Best Use of Digital Technology went to overnight delivery network Pallet-Track, which recently moved to a new hi-tech headquarters in Wolverhampton.
Managing director Nigel Parkes said: “We have never lost a single item and we have handled three million pallets. To win tonight is a fabulous achievement. We know we are exceptional but we didn’t expect others to recognise us like this. We are delighted.”
The Best Small Business award went to Wolverhampton-based Progress Children’s Services, a specialist care business now working with 50 young people. Clutching her award and hugging her colleagues, company founder Bal Dhanoa said: “This isn’t just for us, this is for all our children.”
The Regeneration Award was won by Dudley Infracare LIFT, a public/private partnership set up to develop and manage new healthcare facilities in the area. Chief executive John Coyne said: “It’s all about regeneration of the Black Country, and Brierley Hill in particular. It’s a lot wider than the people you see here tonight. There are a lot of people doing a lot of work.
The organisation has been working with Carillion, Dudley Council and Dudley Primary Care Trust to turn one and a half acres of brownfield land in Brierley Hill into a £26 million facility for GP surgeries, clinics and social care services. Winner of the West Midlands Champions award was Wolverhampton-based J&G Builders, which has used local skills to win construction projects around the UK. Mick Daffern, co-owner of the business with his brother John, said: “I am ecstatic. After winning an award here in 2006 we missed out last year. To win again this year is just wonderful.”
Dudley’s Blacks Veterinary Group was the winner of the Customer Service award. Surrounded by his celebrating team, managing partner Ian Orr said: “We have a great core of people providing the best care possible for people’s pets.” Practice manager Val Marsh added: “We have got an exceptional team. They are just the best.”
One of the final awards went to an individual, rather than a company, to recognise their Outstanding Business Achievement. The winner was Ian Walden, museum director and chief executive at the Black Country Living Museum. Mr Walden, who has headed the landmark attraction since it launched more than 30 years ago, said: “I like to lead from the front.
“I am surprised to win this award – after 30 years it is very unexpected but it’s brilliant.
“The museum is specific to the Black Country – it is about our patch. We get great satisfaction that people think we are getting it right.”
Despite tough times now gripping businesses, big-hearted business people dug deep to raise more than £2,000 for the evening’s chosen charity Rosie’s Helping Hands.
Founded by Karen and Sean Ross after the random fatal stabbing of their 16-year-old daughter, Rosie, the charity is dedicated to improving the quality of life and care of children and young people in the region.
The top prize in the raffle was a set of Italian-designed costume jewellery, valued at more than £500, donated by Wolverhampton jeweller John Henn. It was won by Chris Evans, group logistics manager at event sponsor Marston’s.
Organised by the Express & Star, the Best of the Black Country awards this year were sponsored by Bank of Scotland Corporate, BDO Stoy Hayward, Higgs & Sons, Precision Colour Printing, Westfield, Aspray Transport, Business Link and Marston’s. It was also supported by associate sponsors Walsall Football Club and ITV Central.
And the winners are:
Business of the Year: Minivator Group, Kingswinford.
Outstanding Business Achievement: Ian Walden, from the Black Country Living Museum.
Young Business of the Year: Sirus Automotive, Wednesbury.
Business Growth & Innovation: Sirus Automotive.
Best Small Business: Progress Children’s Services, Wolverhampton.
Customer Service: Blacks Veterinary Group, Dudley.
West Midlands Champions: J&G Building, Wolverhampton.
Regeneration: Dudley Infracare LIFT.
Best Use of Digital Technology: Pallet-Track, Wolverhampton.
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