Birmingham's business community has been urged to grip the potential of the coming years and become the "New Victorians".
Tim Pile, president of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said the city should be proud of what it had become as it faced a highly exciting future.
He was speaking at the annual Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce business awards which recognised winners across seven categories last night.
Mr Pile told an 800-strong audience: "This great city, that was the home of the first industrial revolution, that brought so much economic progress to the world, is at it again.
"HS2, which delivers two new stations and the national maintenance depot, will catalyse economic growth in so many ways. UK Central will bring together the exceptional assets we have around Solihull and the M42 Corridor.
"Airport expansion. Digital investment. Transport infrastructure. NEC development. The New Library. Paradise circus, the economic zones, new businesses, new innovation…..the list goes on and on ….and represents £1.4 billion of investment already under way.
"I genuinely believe that if we do grip the potential that is before us, then not only will we benefit, and our businesses benefit but also future generations will thank us and label this period as the New Victorians."
A total of 35 companies were shortlisted for the chamber's awards, producing seven winners and three commendations at the ceremony at the International Convention Centre.
The winners were:
Excellence in Contributing to the Community
Citysave Credit Union, Birmingham: A not-for-profit membership financial services organisation, promoting community-based banking services, saving and loans.
Excellence in People Development
Walter Smith Fine Foods, Birmingham: Retail butchers and farmers since 1885 with 20 shops across the Midlands, committed to training and developing staff.
Excellence in Customer Service
Crescent Motoring Services, Burton: Independent garage providing car, van and truck servicing, repair and maintenance.
Excellence in the Use of Social Media
East Staffordshire Citizens' Advice Bureau, Burton: Provides free advice and dedicated to pioneering social media to bring issues facing local people to a national audience.
Excellence in Innovation
Datatecnics, Birmingham: Formed to address the huge and growing problem of pipeline leakage facing the oil industry, spending past three years developing a real-time pipeline integrity system.
Commended
Specialised Orthotic Services, Tutbury: First dedicated specialist seating company in the UK which has invested in new technology to improve its range of products and efficiencies.
Excellence in International Business
Grayson Thermal Systems, Tyseley: Products include engine cooling, heating and air conditioning systems with a reputation for quality, innovation and partnership working. It has developed business opportunities and areas of operation in Europe and New Zealand.
Commended
emc europe, Burton: A leader in mobile phone and laptop recycling for corporate organisations throughout Europe, with work aimed at expanding the life span of electronic equipment through recovery and reuse.
The Future Face of Business
Louise McCathie, Birmingham Children's Hospital: Has gained a wide range of experience during 12 years in the charity sector and is planning the largest multimillion-pound fundraising appeal outside of London for a new state-of-the-art children's hospital.
Commended
Alison Mennell, Norton & Stafford Bathrooms: Entered the family business in Cannock as managing director after working as a general nurse in 2011 and has introduced many measures to improve the business' performance.
The judging panel was: Tim Pile, Tracy Ledward of Deutsche Bank global services, Axel Wittenberg of Leoni AG, David Smeeton of Colliers International, Alan Gilmour of Cogent Elliott and Russell Jeans of the chamber.
