The Black Country’s leading business awards has received a major boost with news that the University of Wolverhampton will be this year’s headline sponsor.
In a deal that cements a relationship that dates back nearly 25 years, the Black Country Chamber of Commerce will again tie up with the area’s leading educational provider to promote enterprise and economic success in the region.
This year’s event, which takes place on Thursday November 20 at The Halls, will be the biggest highlight in the local business calendar and the best place to celebrate the achievements of companies and entrepreneurs in Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton.
For 2025 and in a first for the competition, the headline sponsor will be responsible for selecting the Business of the Year from the winning firms across twelve different categories.
“Our relationship with the Black Country Chamber of Commerce is vital in strengthening links between academia and the regional business community,” said Vikki Potts, head of the Business School at the University of Wolverhampton.
“It means we can stay attuned to the evolving needs of local industries and help create students who have real-world insights and the knowledge to make an immediate positive difference to companies in the area.
“It seemed a natural progression for us to move our sponsorship of The Black Country Chamber of Commerce Business Awards to the next level and we look forward to being a headline sponsor that proudly champions the companies and entrepreneurs who make our area so special.”
Sarah Moorhouse, chief executive of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, said: "Collaboration is vital if we are to produce the talent and the companies that provide graduates with the opportunities to stay and prosper in our fantastic region.
“The University of Wolverhampton has been a major supporter of our business community for nearly 25 years, and we welcome it as headline sponsor in what can only be good news for the profile and reach of our Awards.”
Entries are now open for this year’s competition, with firms from across the Black Country encouraged to submit their applications to be in with a chance of being honoured at the glittering black-tie dinner.
Free to enter for Chamber members, companies have until 5pm on Friday July 25 to submit their applications via www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk/awards.
Awards up for grabs range from Business in the Community, Employer of the Year, and International Trade to Manufacturing Champion, Professional Services Business of the Year, Sustainability and a new category - Black Country Future Star.
Helen Sargeant, associate director Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “We are passionate about the local area and ensuring we continue to support more than 1000 companies every year with incubation space, high growth assistance and tailored skills support.
“The Women in Leadership initiative is another movement we feel very strongly about and is a fantastic vehicle for championing some of the best female business leaders and entrepreneurs in the region. Our involvement with the Awards accelerates this approach.”
