Chamber awards will recognise changing times

Two new categories to reflect changing times are to be included in this year’s Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) annual awards, which will take place online.

The awards, which are once again supported by headline sponsors Birmingham City University (BCU), will be revealed on the evening of Wednesday, July 28. They are open to all businesses and include new categories for the hospitality and retail sectors and a special one for companies showing excellence in sustainability.

It will be the second year the Chamber awards have been digital because of Covid-19 restrictions but plans are already under way to return to the ICC next year for an awards night bonanza with up to 1,500 guests.

Steve Allen, president of the GBCC, said: “We are disappointed that we can’t all gather at the ICC in the normal way, but we proved last year that it is still possible to have an evening of excitement and drama online.

“We shall still dress up for the occasion as many of our guests and viewers did last year. And we shall be announcing shortly the additional attractions we are arranging to make the evening go with a swing.”

Henrietta Brealey, the GBCC’s chief executive, said: “We are really looking forward to championing the local business community with our 2021 Awards. This well-loved, high-profile celebration is a brilliant platform for businesses to showcase everything they have achieved during the past year.

“Our awards reflect the major business trends of the day with the excellence in hospitality and retail award aimed at recognising those firms on the front end of pandemic restrictions. The sustainability award reflects another pressing issue for our time - the climate crisis - and aims to recognise businesses leading the way on addressing their environmental impact.

“The event will build on last year’s digital celebration with a few tricks up our sleeves that we are looking forward to sharing closer to the day. We are delighted to once again have the support of BCU as headline sponsors and we look forward to working with them on what we know will be a fantastic celebration of the region’s business community.”

The closing time for entries is 5pm on June 4. For more information visit: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com

Pictured: Steve Allen