A raft of top sponsors are set to celebrate the sensational business successes in Birmingham.

Jaguar Land Rover, Jerroms, Browne Jacobson, Turkish Airlines, Mattioli Woods and Birmingham Airport are all backing 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 forward to honouring the cream of the crop in business this year – 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.

We want to hear about successes big and small.

Special Recognition Award 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 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

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.

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

The 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.

Each year the awards attract a wealth of prestigious sponsors.

Here is why six of this year’s sponsors are on board:

Jaguar Land Rover – Company of the Year

Les Ratcliffe, Head of Community Relations, JLR
Les Ratcliffe, Head of Community Relations, JLR

Les Ratcliffe, Head of Community Relations, said: “The automotive industry is changing at an unprecedented speed.

“To ensure they are ready for these changes, companies need to be agile and look at new, innovative ways of doing business.

“Over the past few years, we’ve seen significant growth in the automotive sector across the region.

“We’re delighted to be part of that success and demonstrate the benefits investing in products, skills and innovation can bring to the British economy.

“Jaguar Land Rover is proud to sponsor this award, celebrating the achievements of other businesses in Birmingham who are making a positive contribution to the regional economy through sustained financial growth, investment and the creation of highly skilled jobs.”

Jerroms – Small Business of the Year

Mark Eden, Director, Jerroms
Mark Eden, Director, Jerroms

Mark Eden, Director, said: “Small businesses are the back bone of Birmingham’s economy, driving forward innovation and creativity that continually changes the face of business today.

“Jerroms is proud to sponsor this award, dedicated to the region’s entrepreneurs at the forefront of idea generation.

“The award recognises the dynamism of their approach to business, as well as their commitment to providing the people of Birmingham with opportunities for career advancement and personal development.

“With a particular focus on businesses showcasing drive and vision, this award celebrates uniqueness of idea and significant contribution to Birmingham’s growth and success.”

Browne Jacobson – Business Entrepreneur of the Year

Kevin Jones, Corporate Partner, Browne Jacobson
Kevin Jones, Corporate Partner, Browne Jacobson

Kevin Jones, Corporate Partner, said: “The Birmingham Post Business Awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the importance of local businesses in driving forward the economy and supporting the community.

“As well as recognising and applauding success, these awards can act as an important catalyst to deliver further growth as well as being an inspiration for others.

“For that reason we are proud to be part of an initiative that celebrates the passion, quality and diversity of companies in the region and would like to wish all involved in the 2016 awards the very best of luck.”

Turkish Airlines - Contribution to the Community Award

Selim Ozturk, Birmingham General Manager for Turkish Airlines
Selim Ozturk, Birmingham General Manager for Turkish Airlines

Selim Ozturk, General Manager, said: "For the third consecutive year, Turkish Airlines is sponsoring the Birmingham Post Business Awards. It is an opportunity for local businesses to celebrate their achievements and publicise the Birmingham area as a vibrant hub of enterprise and innovation.

“Turkish Airlines, voted Best Airline in Europe for five years in a row, is proud to offer 14 weekly flights from Birmingham Airport as of May 30th. The airline transports travellers to 288 destinations across the world in award-winning comfort.

“As businesses continue to thrive, the airline will continue to act as a partner to facilitate international travel and discovery.”

Mattioli Woods – Excellence in Manufacturing Award

Ian Mattoli, Chief Executive, Mattoli Woods
Ian Mattoli, Chief Executive, Mattoli Woods

Ian Mattioli, Chief Executive, said: “Birmingham is a key manufacturing centre with many inspiring success stories.

“In today’s challenging environment, it is essential that businesses maintain an overwhelming competitive edge through innovation and the right strategy.

“This award specifically highlights the exceptional achievements of the company, which led to its prosperity in every respect, and thus significantly increased its competitiveness.

“For this award, we are not just looking for those who have the highest turnover, but the businesses that have the most original ideas, best practices and cutting edge strategies to build a competitive advantage.

“Birmingham is home to some excellent companies, so we really look forward to discovering and recognising this talent.”

Birmingham Airport – International Trade Award

Paul Kehoe, CEO, Birmingham Airport
Paul Kehoe, CEO, Birmingham Airport

Paul Kehoe CEO, said: “Birmingham Airport is delighted to be sponsoring the export category at the Birmingham Post Business Awards this October.

“The export category aligns perfectly with Birmingham Airport as it celebrates local companies that have demonstrated excellence in international trading.

“Last calendar year was a very successful year for the Airport with the ten million passenger mark smashed and the introduction of seven new airlines.

“And 2016 is shaping up to match 2015, with four new carriers which launched before the end of April. All of these new routes open up opportunities for local companies which export.

“We look forward to judging the entrants and finding a worthy winner.”

Birmingham Post Business Awards 2015 @ the ICC, Birmingham
Birmingham Post Business Awards 2015 @ the ICC, Birmingham

How you can become a sponsor

There are still a number of sponsorship opportunities available.

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

Birmingham Post Business Awards 2015 @ the ICC, Birmingham
Birmingham Post Business Awards 2015 @ the ICC, Birmingham

Nominate your business now

To nominate your business go to our dedicated website here

The 2016 categories are:

Company of the Year

- Small Business of the Year

- New Business of the Year

- Business Entrepreneur of the Year

- Professional Services Award

- Sales & Marketing Award

- Excellence in Science & Technology Award

- Retail Business of the Year

- Creative Communications & Digital Business of the Year

- Excellence in Manufacturing

- Export Award

- Contribution to the Community

- Not-For-Profit Organisation Award