Chamber launches awards to recognise changing times

The awards, again supported by headline sponsors Birmingham City University, will be revealed on the evening of Wednesday, July 28.

They are open to all businesses and include new categories for the hospitality and retail sectors and a special one for companies showing excellence in sustainability.

It will be the second year the chamber awards, have been digital because of Covid-19 restrictions but plans are already underway to return to the ICC next year for an awards night bonanza with up to 1,500 guests.

Steve Allen, president of the GBCC, said: “We are, of course, disappointed that we can’t all gather at the ICC the normal way. However, we proved last year that it is still possible to have an evening of excitement and drama on-line.

“We shall still dress up for the occasion as many of our guests and viewers did last year. And we shall be announcing shortly the additional attractions we are arranging to make the evening go with a swing.”

Henrietta Brealey, the GBCC’s chief executive, said: “We are really looking forward to championing the local business community with our 2021 Awards. This well-loved, high-profile celebration is a brilliant platform for businesses to showcase everything they have achieved during the past year.

“Our awards reflect the major business trends of the day with the excellence in hospitality and retail award aimed at recognising those firms on the front end of pandemic restrictions. The sustainability award reflects another pressing issue for our time – the climate crisis – and aims to recognise businesses leading the way on addressing their environmental impact.

“The event will build on last year’s digital celebration – with a few tricks up our sleeves that we are looking forward to sharing closer to the day.

“We are delighted to once again have the support of BCU as headline sponsors and we look forward to working with them on what we know will be a fantastic celebration of the region’s business community.”

Professor Julian Beer, deputy vice-chancellor at the BCU, said: “It is a privilege to again join with the Chamber for the most prestigious business awards in the region.

“And we look forward to sharing the digital stage in July when the winners will be revealed. Last year’s event had all the pomp and ceremony of the awards dinner at the ICC and represented a fitting reward for some amazing businesses.”

The award categories are: excellence in contribution to the community; excellence in customer service; excellence in hospitality and retail; excellence in international business; excellence in manufacturing; excellence in people development; excellence in responsible business; excellence in sales and marketing; excellence in sustainability; excellence in technology and innovation; excellence in third sector and excellence in training and education.

The Greater Birmingham business of the year will be picked from the category winners.

The closing time for entries is 5pm on June 4 and all details and entry forms are available at: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com