It is time to celebrate this year's sensational business successes in Birmingham.

We are pleased to launch the Birmingham Post Business Awards 2016.

The West Midlands' premier business event will honour the stunning entrepreneurial triumphs which have helped our region thrive.

We are looking for firms eager to highlight their achievements to add their names to the long list of victorious ventures.

Manufacturing award winner 2015 - i2r Packaging Solutions
Manufacturing award winner 2015 - i2r Packaging Solutions

The successful businesses will be the cream of the crop of Birmingham and the West Midlands - companies which have demonstrated resilience and fortitude while flying the flag for the city.

They may be companies which have launched a new product, enjoyed exporting success or have contributed to improving the environment.

If this applies to your company, then we urge you to enter this year's accolades. You don't have to be a headline-grabbing project to enter. We want to hear about successes big and small.

Among the 2015 winners were Witton-based coffee machine manufacturer Fracino, which took home the Export and overall Company of the Year award, O'Brien Contractors was named Property and Regeneration winner while law firm Weightmans won the Legal award.

Special Recognition Award 2015 for Paul Dransfield from Birmingham City Council (second left) and Chris Montgomery from Network Rail (centre) for their work on the Birmingham Gateway Project to redevelop New Street station and Grand Central
Special Recognition Award 2015 for Paul Dransfield from Birmingham City Council (second left) and Chris Montgomery from Network Rail (centre) for their work on the Birmingham Gateway Project to redevelop New Street station and Grand Central

A Special Recognition award was also given to Birmingham City Council and Network Rail to mark the success of Grand Central.

Over the years, these awards have grown in popularity to become one of the most important events in the region's professional calendar with 650 in attendance last year and a record number of entries from more than 100 businesses.

This year's gala will be held on Wednesday, October 26 at ICC Birmingham. Hosts will be comedian and TV personality Dominic Holland and ITV weather presenter Emma Jesson.

Marc Reeves
Marc Reeves

Birmingham Post editor-in-chief Marc Reeves said: "With the continuation of huge regeneration projects and developments across the city, it has never been a better time to celebrate business in Birmingham.

"The city is winning increased international acclaim for its innovative and creative transformation, which is attracting investment from across the UK and overseas.

"This is aided by our young population whose talents are being honed in our excellent universities, ensuring we have the skills and expertise to build on this success in the future.

"We had a record number of entries for the Birmingham Post Business Awards last year and we hope even more companies will join us to celebrate business in the city this year."

  • Nominations for this year’s awards are now open, so if you think you have what it takes, or if you know a business worthy of one, then enter here or contact Katy Hedge on 08453 31 30 31 or 07741 261 248, or email khedge@championsukplc.com. Please make sure to get applications in as soon as possible as nominations will be closing on 29th July

Birmingham Post Business Awards 2014 highlights

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Award categories

Birmingham Company of the Year

The standout award of the night, to honour an exceptional standard of excellence – including strong business presence, market share, economic success, innovation, employee and customer satisfaction.

Small Business of the Year

Celebrating firms employing more than six and less than 75 people. The winner will have caused a sensation in industry – despite their compact size – showing consistent growth, strong financial performances while understanding their market and customers.

New Business of the Year

Recognising companies which have exceeded their initial targets and got people and fellow businesses talking.

Business Entrepreneur of the Year

For an innovative individual whose entrepreneurial acumen has led to business ventures that have achieved considerable success.

Legal Services Award

This category recognises firms working in a legal capacity with other businesses, offering them support and advice.

Financial Services Award

This category recognises companies working in a financial capacity with other businesses, offering them support and advice.

Finance award winner 2015- Catalyst Corporate Finance
Finance award winner 2015 - Catalyst Corporate Finance

Sales & Marketing Award

For businesses which have produced sales and marketing strategies that have been the talk of the city due to their innovation and creativity and ability to overcome challenges.

Excellence in Science & Technology Award

Finalists will be judged on the quality of their products and services, their dedication to sales performance, their commitment to innovation and sustainability

Retail Business of the Year

To recognise companies that have hit all the right notes in creating, marketing and selling their products. Finalists will have achieved measurable results and show they are building a reputation for excellence, while contributing to the local economy.

Creative Communications & Digital Bus8iness of the Year

For companies that have excelled in giving their clients and customers effective solutions. Judges will look for dedication to developing truly creative campaigns across a variety of industries.

Excellence in Manufacturing

For firms which uphold the manufacturing traditions of Birmingham while strengthening the economy and demonstrating excellence through quality, sales performance, sustainability and investment.

Export Award

The winner will be a truly international brand, having generated substantial and sustained increases in imports and exports. Judges will look for unique offerings and business approaches as well as financial results.

Contribution to the Community

Judges will be looking for businesses that have shown a considerable dedication to corporate, social and ethical responsibility through various means – including society-led projects, aiding economic regeneration and supporting local suppliers.

Not-For-Profit Organisation Award

To celebrate the most successful organisations that make a contribution to the community while maintaining financial performance. Judges will examine the cultural influence of the organisation and the potential benefits it brings.

People Development award winner - Adi Group
People Development award winner - Adi Group

Sponsors

Headline sponsors for this year’s awards so far are wealth management and employee benefits company Mattioli Woods plc, who have got behind the Excellence in Manufacturing Award.

Turkish Airlines will be recognising businesses that have made an impact on the community through the Contribution to Community Award.

Leading brand agency Champions are working with the Birmingham Post to organise the awards ceremony.

• For information about sponsorship opportunities, call Michelle Gardiner on 08453 31 30 31 or 07791 122627, or e-mail mgardiner@championsukplc.com