Enterprise excellence celebrated at awards ceremony

The Business Achievement Awards recognise individuals and companies that have made an excellent contribution to enterprise and the regional economy.

The bi-annual awards, held at Molineux stadium, celebrate business collaborations and academic partnerships, graduate employment support and graduate start-up companies.

The winners included Morgan Motor Company, who clinched Business Collaboration of the Year. The company works with the university to to improve the skills of tthe next generation of craftsmen and women, apply research to current design and manufacturing practices and develop new motor racing cars.

Santander won Strategic Business Partner of the Year. The banking giant has committed £120,000 in funding to the University over three years, which will fund students on an international study scholarship as well as international graduate work experience placements in Europe and South America each year.

The Graduate Start-up of the Year award was voted for by the audience on the night, and dAudio Music Group scooped the £3,000 prize to invest in their business. Broadcasting worldwide, the company works with independent musicians to discover, develop and promote new talent in Birmingham and surrounding areas.

The Graduate employee of the year was Reuben Caesar, an architect who worked on the redevelopment of the university's Wolverhampton city centre campus.

Deputy vice-chancellor Professor Ian Oakes said: “The Business Achievement Awards enable us to celebrate graduates, employers and organisations who deserve recognition for their excellent contribution to business, enterprise and the economy.

“As a university, we are committed to ensuring our graduates have the best opportunities to gain work experience, internships and access to business start-up support. Our impressive 96% graduate employment rate is testament to the strong partnerships we have built with industry, business and the professions and the commitment of our graduates to reach their potential.

“All of the shortlisted individuals and organisations have made enterprising and innovative contributions to the region’s business landscape and they deserve to be incredibly proud of their achievements.”

A carefully chosen judging panel, made up of representatives from the region’s business community as well as representatives from the University selected the winners.

The full list of winners:

Business Collaboration of the Year: Morgan Motor Company

Strategic Business Partner of the Year: Santander

Graduate Employer of the Year: Enterprise Rent-a-Car

Graduate Start-Up of the Year (voted for on the night): dAudio Music Group

Graduate Employee of the Year: Reuben Caesar

Business Leader of the Year: Dr Clive Hickman

Academic Expert of the Year: Professor Mark Stanford