The Birmingham Sports Awards benefits greatly from the support of its partner organisations.

Last year’s inaugural event was a wonderful success in large part due to the assistance it received from sponsors.

The partner groups played their part in establishing the awards’ credibility with the West Midlands public and this year is, of course, no different.

Mattioli Woods plc, one of the UK’s leading providers of wealth management and employee benefit services, have been an enormous help with getting the 2014 Birmingham Sports Awards off the ground again.

They have kindly reprised their 2013 role as headline sponsors of the whole event and chosen, just as last year, to support the Manager/Coach of the Year Award.

Their chief executive, Ian Mattioli, took time out from his busy schedule to lift the lid on the company’s decision to back the awards once more.

Mr Mattioli explained further, saying: “Our Midlands-based firm is involved with various projects across the region and we welcomed the opportunity to celebrate the best of Birmingham sport and help the region to continue to raise its game.

‘‘These awards are a great opportunity for us to support and recognise the great sporting talent on offer in the region.”

He certainly thinks that the Birmingham Sports Awards had a positive impact in 2013.

“We have learned from sports clubs that after last year’s awards there was increased interest from youngsters and adults alike in either becoming actively involved or simply attending and supporting games and matches. Hearing that really makes it all worthwhile,” he added.

Mr Mattioli went on to outline his reasons for again sponsoring a category that recognises leadership.

“Mattioli Woods is proud to sponsor the Manager/Coach of the Year award again.

‘‘We believe that good teamwork brings the very best results and for every team to succeed, they need to have a strong and inspirational leader to guide them to the top.

‘‘These individuals often go unnoticed and a good manager or coach provides the essential co-ordination and encouragement needed to enable people to achieve their full potential. 

“Behind every medal winner, each star athlete, each great regional team and every talented group of young people who are forging a great future for West Midlands sport, there are fantastic coaches whose dedication and passion are the fuel for sporting success.

“We have great respect for the coaches who continue to work with their teams, enabling them to achieve ultimate levels of success and carrying a great local sporting legacy forward into the future. This is exactly what we look to replicate at Mattioli Woods plc.”

In the context of the much-publicised economic recovery, we asked Ian Mattioli for his thoughts on the current trading climate in the West Midlands.

He commented: “The recent financial crisis hit the West Midlands more than any other region.

“However, as the UK economic recovery gets underway, things do seem to be on the up.

‘‘It has been reported that exports from the region are up significantly and businesses are clearly feeling more confident about the future.

‘‘Recent surveys suggest that manufacturers are expecting to increase output and anticipating a surge in orders in this quarter.

“This all highlights the strength of the West Midlands economic recovery, which will hopefully translate into meaningful employment growth as companies look to boost capacity.”

Nominate now - www.birminghamsportsawards.co.uk