The Black Country Chamber of Commerce (BCCC) crowned the winners of its 2020 Business Awards on Friday 13 November in an online live-streamed ceremony hosted by actor and comedian, Aaron James.

The awards, headline partnered by the University of Wolverhampton, took a shift in direction this year as the Chamber decided to utilise them to recognise the endeavours of the businesses and professionals across the Black Country who have gone the extra mile to help during the coronavirus crisis.

When the pandemic began the Chamber started a ‘Business Heroes’ campaign and stories emerged of the valiant efforts by businesses and people in the region supporting the national effort. The awards ceremony celebrated these stories and the winners of the twelve ‘Business Heroes’ categories were announced during an afternoon of entertainment that included Sandwell comedian and musician, Jonny Cole; Britain’s Got Talent finalists the Rock Choir; and magician Matt Fell.

The winners of the prestigious awards were:

• Large Business Hero sponsored by MHA MacIntyre Hudson – SIPS Education
• Small Business Hero sponsored by Nant Ltd – Cox & Plant
• Family Business Hero sponsored by CK Chartered Accountants – Robinson Brothers Ltd
• International Trade Hero sponsored by Walsall Council – FMS Ltd
• Start-Up Business Hero sponsored by Forresters – ADL Bespoke Security Systems Ltd
• Retail Resilience Hero sponsored by Black Country Business Club – Compton Care
• Business Hero of the Year sponsored by FMS – John Donovan from JJX Logistics
• Collaboration and Partnership Hero sponsored by Walsall College – whg (for its work with Walsall Healthcare) and Compton Care Homes (for its work with Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust) – both highly commended
• Outstanding Key Worker Hero sponsored by the Black Country Business Festival – Darren Cook from whg and Nav Kaur from Tamaar Ltd – both highly commended
• Adaptability and Innovation sponsored by the University of Wolverhampton – SIPS Education
• Kindness in the Community sponsored by the University of Wolverhampton – One 4 You Services
• Exceptional Employee or Team sponsored by the University of Wolverhampton – IPU Group Fuel cleaning team.

The Chamber dedicated a special ‘lifetime achievement’ award to Roy Richardson, whose company Richardson Developments of Oldbury was founded more than 60 years ago and is known for landmark developments in the region, including the Merry Hill shopping centre and the Waterfront business park in Dudley.

Corin Crane Chief executive of the Black Country 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.”

Congratulations to all the winners and everyone who took part to make the event such a success!