The Black Country Chamber of Commerce Awards 2015 have been officially launched, celebrating the best in business from across the region. We are delighted to announce the 2015 headline sponsor as voestalpine Metsec plc, this follows their Business of the Year award win at the 2014 awards dinner. Neil Richardson, Managing Director of voestalpine Metsec plc, commented: “We are delighted to be the headline sponsor for the Black Country Chamber of Commerce Awards 2015. It is fantastic for us to support an event that celebrates the great businesses we have in the Black Country.

“We are proud to have won the Business of the Year award in 2014 as it acknowledged all the hard work the team at voestalpine Metsec plc put in, to make our business the success that it is. I would like to encourage Chamber members to apply for an award this year and attend the excellent awards dinner in November.”  

voestalpine Metsec plc is the UK’s largest specialist manufacturer of cold rolled sections, predominantly selling into the construction market. They inspired the judges last year with their investment in people, processes and equipment. A company that truly makes the Black Country a great place to work.

Our aim is to double the size of the Black Country economy by 2023, with the success and continued growth of the local business community being an integral facet in helping us to achieve this aim. Furthermore, our awards are an ideal platform upon which to showcase your company and celebrate your success, as we recognise those who truly strive to represent and contribute towards the local economy.

This year we want to make the celebrations bigger and better with more businesses applying and in attendance. The Black Country Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner 2015 will take place on 19th November 2015 at Wolverhampton Racecourse.

The Black Country Chamber of Commerce Awards 2015 are now open for entry.

This year’s categories include:

Community Champion Award

Sponsored by Paycare

This award is specifically for a company that has assisted the local economy in terms of employment, training and growth by supporting the local community.

Customer Service Award

Sponsored by JJX Logistics

This award is geared towards a company that has an ethos to exceed customers' needs and expectations.

Innovation Award

Sponsored by the University of Wolverhampton

This award is most suitable for a company that uses technology to enhance staff and customer experience, whilst developing in terms of innovation, business growth and employee training.

International Trade Award

Sponsored by Wolverhampton Racecourse

This award is designed for a company that has achieved in exporting by increasing international sales, entering new markets, or overcoming difficult trade barriers.

Please note, when entering one of the aforementioned award categories you will be asked to choose which one of the following categories you would like your entry to be considered for. In addition you can also apply directly for the following awards:

Manufacturer of the Year Award

Sponsored by Birmingham Airport

This award is for a manufacturing company that stands out in terms of sales turnover, profit, innovation and investment in business and people.

Services Firm of the Year Award

Sponsorship still available (please call 0330 024 0820 for more information)

This award is 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.

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.

Furthermore, all entrants will then automatically be considered for either:

Business of the Year Award - Small Business

Sponsored by Brammer and Buck & Hickman

The judges will look at what makes this small business shine.

Business of the Year Award - Large Business

Sponsored by BDO LLP

The judges will look at what makes this business the best in the Black Country.

You may apply for more than one award category and the awards are open to all members of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce.

Dates for your diary:

  •         All entries must be received by 3pm on Wednesday 9th September 2015
  •         Judging will take place October 2015
  •         Finalists will be announced in October 2015
  •         Winners will be announced at the Awards Dinner on 19th November