Two of the categories in this year’s Black Country Chamber of Commerce Awards are in memory of the late Tony Andrews, who was regarded as one of the region’s leading business advisers.

Tony worked as an adviser for SWEDA (Skills, Work and Enterprise Development Agency) and was previously employed by Business Link West Midlands and the Black Country Chamber. He helped hundreds of people to set up their own businesses and was held in high esteem by members of the business community – including our team here at Think Sandwell.

From an early age, Tony had a passion for helping others – training as a lifeguard, being a regular blood donor, and achieving the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. A prolific networker and innovator, Tony always found a way of helping someone develop a business idea. His friendly and professional approach ensured people felt both at ease and energised. No ask was too much for Tony, who always went the extra mile to support clients and colleagues. A number of current Chamber member businesses were established as a result of the enthusiasm, knowledge and confidence he instilled.

Tony passed away earlier this year following a short battle with cancer. In memory of the work that he did, this year’s BCCC Awards will include the Tony Andrews Enterprise Award, recognising those who have successfully applied the advice and guidance from a pre-start workshop to establish their businesses. There will also be an Enterprise Adviser Award, an opportunity to recognise advisers, like Tony, who have excelled in the eyes of those they have sought to support.

Nominations for the BCCC Awards are now closed, but if you are interested in finding out more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Black Country Chamber on 0330 024 0820 or email awards@blackcountrychamber.co.uk. The award finalists will be announced in September and winners will be presented at the Awards Dinner on Friday 17 November 2017 at Wolverhampton Racecourse.