Lichfield wellbeing company wins top award at the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce
A workplace wellbeing company based in Lichfield is named Business of the Year 2025 at the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce awards at the ICC last night (Thursday, February 28)
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An organisation based in Lichfield that has “set the bar higher” to provide workplace wellbeing across the Midlands is the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) Business of the Year 2025.
The Listening Centre (TLC) Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Ltd was presented with the award in front of 1,000 guests at The ICC in central Birmingham after winning the Excellence in Customer Service category.
The company wasn’t the only Lichfield organisation to be recognised. The Lichfield Garrick Theatre was awarded the Excellence in Sales & Marketing award.
The Listening Centre has dedicated itself to maintaining and improving mental health and wellbeing since it was founded in 2002 by Sharon McCormick.
Its operations include counselling/talking therapy, mediation, clinical supervision, bespoke training, critical incident/trauma support and psychological assessment.
And last year TLC expertise was highlighted in a BBC Radio 4 ‘File on 4’ investigation into what defines a ‘Gold Standard’ Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
TLC was nominated by the British Association of Counselling Psychotherapy Programme (BACP) when they were approached by a BBC investigative journalist.
The programme aired in March, featuring founder Sharon, who narrated TLC’s best practices placing TLC firmly on the map.
TLC was portrayed as an exemplary example of how an EAP customer service should operate, providing “prompt, personalised, person-centred support that anticipates and exceeds our customer's needs, leaving both commissioners and employees feeling valued and understood at every interaction”.
TLC also featured in BBP Media and HR Magazine, providing valuable insights for HR managers on critical questions to ask when selecting the right EAP provider.
Sharon, also the owner and managing director of TLC, has worked in the counselling sector industry for 23 years and is a “life-long student” of the latest research in the wellbeing arena and helping people adopt a “trauma-informed” approach to make “better sense of their lives experiences...”
In their submission to the judges, TLC said they were established to achieve one purpose: “...to demonstrably improve the health and wellbeing of everyone we engage and support”.
They added: “We deliver services that are highly regarded by our customers, trusted by service users and most importantly, provide incredible results giving a sound return on investment.
“An EAP provides confidential support to employees facing personal or professional challenges, offering services like counselling, legal advice, financial guidance, and crisis intervention, aiming to improve employee wellbeing and productivity by addressing issues that might impact their work performance, all while maintaining confidentiality.
“At a time when many national EAPs fall short, we continue to set the bar higher, providing not only solutions to workplace wellbeing in the Midlands but doing so with integrity...”
The judges’ comments included: Mike Hopkins (principal at South & City College Birmingham) who said: “The nature of the business is clearly customer service-focused and a really good analysis and explanation of its success has been provided.”
Justice Williams MBE (editor-in-chief and co-founder of Black Business Magazine) added: “TLC exemplifies excellence in workplace wellbeing through proactive community involvement, tailored solutions, and outstanding service delivery. Their recognition by BACP as a ‘Gold Standard’ provider and their ability to consistently impress clients and customers with rapid, empathetic support highlights their position as a leader in their field. Strong testimonials and innovative solutions reinforce their candidacy for this award.”
Another big winner on the night was McDonald's franchisee Douglas Wright of Wright Restaurants who was presented with the President's Award. Mr Wright set up his first outlet in Lichfield in May 2003 and later openend branches across the West Midlands including Walsall.
The GBCC awards were hosted by broadcaster PJ Ellis. Headline sponsors were Birmingham City University and Group X. Entertainment was provided by Candy and The Sound, while PR agency Rewired were table décor sponsors.
Full list of winners at the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce 2025
Excellence in Contribution to the Community – sponsored by runyourfleet B:Music
Excellence in Customer Service – sponsored by Birmingham Airport The Listening Centre EAP Ltd
Excellence in Hospitality, Retail & Events - sponsored by Translift Bendi Eventurous
Excellence in Inclusive People Development - sponsored by Close Brothers Asset Management Birmingham Hospice
Excellence in International Business - sponsored by Gowling WLG Solotech
Excellence in Manufacturing – in partnership with JLR Translift Bendi
Excellence in Sales & Marketing - sponsored by Pyvital Lichfield Garrick Theatre
Excellence in Sustainability - sponsored by South & City College Birmingham Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre
Excellence in Technology & Innovation – in partnership with Birmingham City University Empro Business Group Ltd
Excellence in Third Sector – in partnership with Wesleyan Roshni Birmingham
Excellence in Training & Education - sponsored by AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group s Birmingham City University
President’s Award – presented by GBCC president Nasir Awan Doug Wright, Wright Restaurants (T/A McDonald’s)
Greater Birmingham Business of the Year - sponsored by Crowe UK LLP The Listening Centre EAP Ltd
