Solihull Chamber of Commerce has revealed the shortlist for its annual awards. The winners of the eight sector awards, alongside the overall Solihull Business of the Year, will be unveiled at the event taking place on October 17 at the Marriot Forest of Arden Hotel, near Meriden.
The event is being sponsored by Douglas Wright T/A McDonald’s, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and Solihull College and University Centre.
This year’s awards were judged by Qasim Majid (chief executive of Wow Group and president of Asian Business Chamber of Commerce), Mike Dale (managing director of Crown Highways), Helena Morrissey (director of Squire Patton Boggs) and Kiran Kaur (co-founder and chief executive of Girl Dreamer).
Helen Bates, chair of the judges and chief financial officer at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “The judges for the Solihull awards had their work cut out, with some amazing businesses applying in each category. There was a lot of discussion about the shortlist in each case but at the end of the process, the results were remarkably consistent and the overall winner was a unanimous choice.
“There is clearly a lot going on in Solihull and the judges would like to congratulate all the applicants – individuals, community organisations and businesses of all sizes - on their achievements."
Here's the shortlist:
Outstanding Large Business of the Year - Sponsored by Jask Creative: Johnsons Coach & Bus Travel, Prime Accountants Group, SG Fleet, Sydney Mitchell LLP, Thursfields
Outstanding Small Business of the Year – Sponsored by Omni Cyber Security: Eric Lyons Fine Food Specialists. Indico Street Kitchen & Bar, Jask Creative, Morgan Parkes Recruitment Ltd, The Marketing Pod
Outstanding Start-Up Business of the Year: JAMAYA, Living Space Housing, Redknows, Vincent BMR Limited
Outstanding Contribution to the Community - Sponsored by Telephone Europe: Hogarths Hotel Solihull, Solihull BID, Solihull Moors, Solihull Specsavers Ltd, Touchwood
Outstanding Apprentice of the Year – Sponsored by Plum Personnel: Ollie Bethell (Leap IT Ltd), Katie Harrington (KE247 Staffing Solutions), Richard Scott (Solihull School), Sophie Corr (ARUP)
Outstanding Young Achiever of the Year - Sponsored by Millennium Point: Joseph Vaughan (1683 Chocolate Place), Kristiana Briede (Jask Creative), Matt Hartas (The Wilkes Partnership), Oliver Deverall (BNP Paribas Personal Finance)
Solihull Business Person of the Year - Sponsored by Western Union: Natalie Taylor Herrick (Taylor Herrick Recruitment), Dr Lorraine Hill (Hampton Clinic), Pawan Kenth (Asha’s Restaurant/Corporate Wear UK), Tony Elvin (Touchwood)
Outstanding Charity of the Year: Arrive Alive, Baby Lifeline, Breast Cancer Haven, Get A-Head Charity, Help Harry Help Others
Future Faces nominees announced in annual awards
Scheme offers guidance to firms who struggle to get Coronavirus support
Annual event sees 82 companies shortlisted
Ceremony will be live streamed online
Businesses reconsider major suppliers to mitigate potential risks
Grant programme designed to help following pandemic
Manifesto calls for government leaders to build real links after Brexit uncertainty
Chamber announces entries on the shortlist
Two new categories introduced for virtual ceremony
The single point of contact for business support, funding and advice
SME manufacturers urged to take up post pandemic funding
Airport employees will take regular on site tests
Multi-million pound project creates four mixed-use apartment buildings
Scheme will offer support in aftermath of Covid-19
Company becomes part of The Ladder for Greater Birmingham