Be inspired by best in business Top firms took the glory at last year’s Birmingham Post Business Awards
COMPANIES are lining up to enter this year’s Birmingham Post Business Awards (BPBA) – one of the most important dates in the city’s business calendar.
Entries to the prestigious event are now open and judges are looking to honour the best in business that the city has to offer.
Last year saw an abundance of nominations from impressive companies, organisations and individuals striving to increase the economic success of the West Midlands – but selecting the overall winners was not easy.
This week the Post looks back at the cream of the crop from six categories at last year’s awards to help firms looking to enter this year understand how they too can inspire the judges.
This year’s 13 categories have been especially chosen to reward the top performing businesses across all sectors of the economy.
A shortlist of three is drawn up before an overall winner is announced for each one. winner Top Banana did.
The company creates memorable leadership-driven events for brands around the country.
They faced tough competition from visionary communications company, Connect Group and Specialist PR Agency, Story Comms. Crofts & Assinder, a decorative hardwear company specialising in furniture fittings, handles and knobs, were crowned winner last year.
The two runners-up were hydraulic valve manufacturers Hydraforce and educational music company Rainbow Colours which works across 15 countries.
Judges of this year’s award will look at the amount of international trade achieved and the measurable financial results and growth that came off the back of it. This award honours businesses or organisations that have not only made an impact on the business community but Birmingham as a whole.
Last year’s winner was Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer, which has given over £1 million to the Queen Elizabeth’s Cancer Unit since the charity was established in 2000.
Judges were impressed by LFBC’s dedication to raising money and helping fight the disease.
Non-surgical aesthetic clinic MediZen was also shortlisted, along with Opus Restaurants, which was voted Most Sustainable Independent Restaurant in 2015. This award is focused on the hard work that a charity or organisation puts into making people’s lives better.
Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity won last year’s category after impressing judges with the care and fundraising it delivered to youngsters suffering extremely challenging medical conditions.
Typically this is one of the most difficult awards to judge, as all entrants are more than worthy of winning.
Last year’s two runners-up were John Taylor Hospice and Spring Housing Association.