Categories
From innovative start-ups to industry-leading organisations, our business awards continue to attract an outstanding calibre of entrants — each one contributing to the Black Country’s legacy of enterprise, resilience, and innovation.
The Headline Partner will select the Business of the Year from the nine business category winners.
Start-up Business of the Year
In partnership with
Open to businesses registered since January 2024, the business will have made a positive impact, growing revenues and customer satisfaction. Already gaining traction in either the private or public sector, they must show credible plans for the next 12 months, demonstrating the businesses opportunities for growth and how they plan to scale up.
Family Business of the Year
In partnership with
Celebrating the best, established family business from any sector, entrants will need to show how they work together to achieve ambitions for growth. As well as strong financial performance, they will deliver against defined family values that shape company culture, decision-making and overall business operations as well as innovation amid changing market conditions.
Black Country Future Star
In partnership with
We are looking for a Future Star who is under the age of 25 and has made a real difference within a Black Country business. Employers should nominate a person within their organisation who has made a real impact to the company whilst boosting their career and building skills for life.
Business in the Community
In partnership with
This award is for the business or organisation which demonstrates a significant and positive commitment in the community. Judges will select the business or organisation which has tackled pressing social issues and can provide a clear understanding of the positive impact their actions have had. Entrants will outline key facts and impact figures to support their submission.
Catalyst for Creativity
In partnership with
This award recognises a creative business that is driving impact through originality and innovation. Entrants should clearly evidence how their work delivers results, showcasing standout projects, measurable outcomes and how they push boundaries in their field. They will have a strong creative vision, testimonials, varied and growing portfolio, and show the development of a team achieving sustainable and profitable growth.
International Trade Excellence
In partnership with
For businesses of all sizes and in all sectors, with sound financial management they will excel as an exporter or in assisting others to export goods or services across international borders. Working to a strategic vision, they have developed their markets and overcome issues such as Brexit changes and CBAM to build on our region’s exporting heritage.
Manufacturing Champion
In partnership with
For businesses of all sizes within the manufacturing sector. As an entrant they must show their contribution and advancement in their field, including efforts to diversify their offering or engage with new markets. They must also demonstrate how they have met the challenges of inflation, energy costs, increases in raw material prices, and the impact of investments in the business as we enter the next chapter of the region’s industrial history.
Professional Service Business of the Year
In partnership with
This award recognises a company that has demonstrated exceptional performance and impact in delivering value to its customers, bringing quantifiable improvement in client performance. They will have testimonials, long-term repeat business, a record in innovation and can show the development of a team achieving sustainable and profitable growth.
Sustainability, Technology and Innovation
In partnership with
This award celebrates businesses demonstrating exceptional advancements in sustainability, technology, and innovation, who contribute to positive societal impact. They must be able to demonstrate a new approach to problem-solving, with potential for scalability and future impact, as well as evidence of market adoption and customer satisfaction.
Employee of the Year
In partnership with
This award recognises an outstanding employee who is aged 25 or over and has been with the company for at least one year. Nominated by their employer, the recipient must have made a significant impact beyond their daily responsibilities. This could be through exceptional support of a colleague, spearheading a successful fundraising initiative for the company’s Charity of the Year (if applicable), or implementing a major improvement to company systems. The change must be meaningful and demonstrate dedication, innovation, and a commitment to excellence in the workplace.
Employer of the Year
In partnership with
The award to recognise employers who excel in developing their workforce and engage employees in company values. Entrants must detail successful plans to develop employees and policies to promote diversity, equality and inclusion, including any impact on retention and recruitment. Entrants must also outline efforts to promote employee welfare and engagement.
Bostin' Business Person of the Year
In partnership with
Exclusive to our 50 Bostin’ Black Country businesses, this award celebrates an exceptional senior leader who truly embodies what it means to be Bostin’ in the Black Country. Entrants will champion the diversity, strengths, and pride of our region while driving outstanding business success. They will demonstrate innovation, create opportunities for others, and shout loud and proud about what makes our region special.
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