Open Study College was the big winner at the inaugural Solihull Chamber of Commerce Awards.

The college claimed the overall outstanding business of the year prize, as well as outstanding small business and outstanding business person for chief operating officer Samantha Rutter.

The college, which specialises in providing home learning courses, was founded ten years ago and Ms Rutter is credited as the person who has transformed distance learning.

The college is based at Birmingham Business Park along with sister business Wiggles & Giggles Day Nursery.

The latter was established earlier this year as a childcare facility for those working at the business park and surrounding areas.

The college has seen substantial growth during the last five years in both student numbers and its own workforce.

The college is typically used by women in the 18 to 38 age group and those looking to switch careers.

Ms Rutter said: "We're absolutely thrilled, not only to be recognised as winners in one category, but in three.

"The team at Open Study College works tirelessly to make it a success and we're so pleased that all of the hard work has been recognised in this way."

Open Study College was a triple winner at the 2017 Solihull Chamber of Commerce Awards
Open Study College was a triple winner at the 2017 Solihull Chamber of Commerce Awards

The other winners were:

Large Business

Midshire Business Systems

Start-up Business

Limitless Travel

Contribution to the Community

SoLO Life Opportunities

Apprentice

Katie Pell, Xoserve

Russell Jeans, the chamber's chief operating officer and chairman of the judging panel, said: "Open Study College provided an excellent, evidence-based application, clearly demonstrating its exceptionally strong growth over the last few years.

"All in all, a great business and a very worthy winner of this these awards."

The award ceremony was held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole hotel and hosted by Heart FM presenter Ed James.