Black Country business heroes honoured

The awards took a shift in direction earlier in the year when the chamber decided to utilise them to recognise the work and endeavours of the businesses and professionals in the Black Country who have gone the extra mile to help with the coronavirus crisis.

It was the culmination of the chamber’s ongoing Business Heroes campaign that has been running since the pandemic hit.

The winners were: large business hero and adaptability and innovation awards, SIPS Education; small business, Cox & Plant; family business, Robinson Brothers; international trade, FMS; start-up, ADL Bespoke Security Systems; retail resilience, Compton Care; business hero of the year, John Donovan from JJX Logistics; collaboration and partnership, whg (for work with Walsall Healthcare) and Compton Care Homes (for work with Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust); outstanding key worker, Darren Cook from whg and Nav Kaur from Tamaar; kindness in the community, One 4 You Services and exceptional employee or team, IPU Group fuel cleaning team.

Alongside the heroes’ categories, the chamber dedicated a special lifetime achievement award to Roy Richardson, whose company Richardson Developments was founded more than 60 years ago and is known for landmark developments that include the Merry Hill shopping centre and the Waterfront business park in Brierley Hill.

Corin Crane, chief executive of the chamber, said: “There has been such an amazing amount of work done in the Black Country to help fight the coronavirus locally, regionally and on a national level and it’s great that we have been able to acknowledge and celebrate our businesses and professionals for their valiant efforts. The afternoon has certainly been highly entertaining and one that will be remembered for a long time to come.

“I am also pleased that we were able to use this opportunity to recognise Roy Richardson for his lifetime achievement in business, and to the Black Country alike. Roy and his family business have been a familiar part of the Black Country for six decades and have made a huge contribution to the community in many ways, over the years.

“A massive thank you also goes to all our 2020 sponsors and partners – in particular our headline partner, the University of Wolverhampton whose collective support has enabled the Awards to happen.”