The late leader of Sandwell Council was named Ambassador of the Year at TheBussinessDesk.com’s Business Masters awards, and will have an award named after him at the Nachural Summer Business Ball and Awards.

Before his untimely death earlier this year, Mr Cooper had been a prominent politician in the region and was the driving force behind the creation of the West Midlands Combined Authority. He was committed to a collective approach to business development and was passionate about driving up success across the region, which is regarded as the second highest performing Local Enterprise Partnership area in the country.

Mr Cooper led a number of initiatives designed to support new businesses, including specially designed incubator units with preferential rental rates for start ups. It was this championing of new businesses that inspired the Nachural Business Awards to name the Start Up prize in his honour.

The Nachural Summer Business Ball and Awards aims to celebrate the important role of Asian businesses and is due to take place at Wolverhampton Racecourse on 15 July. Award categories include Business Start Up, Entrepreneur of the Year, Community Excellence, Regeneration, International Trade/Enterprise, Business Woman of the Year, Hospitality Business of the Year, and Business Person of the Year.

The Business Masters awards, hosted by television presenter Steph McGovern at Edgbaston Cricket Ground, celebrated and recognised the achievements of West Midlands businesses. As well as naming Mr Cooper their Ambassador of the Year, recognition was given to a number of companies in the region.

Sixth Sense Salon took the Lifestyle title for its work with cancer patients. Futura Group won in the Manufacturer category, the Exporter title was given to Portmeirion and the Pride award for corporate social responsibility was given to Stephen Jones from Brewin Dolphin for raising £80,000 for Cure Leukaemia. Catalyst Corporate Finance took the Professional Services title, Story Comms was given the Newcomer award, BDHT claimed the Employer title, Cundall took the Innovator title for its Virtual Acoustic Reality system and Colmore Tang was recognised in the Fast Growth category for its expansion in Asia.

Think Sandwell offers our congratulations to all the Business Masters winners. To find out more about the forthcoming Nachural awards, email ninder.johal@nachural.co.uk. To find out what support Think Sandwell can offer your business, take a look at our Business Services pages.