Black Country business awards triumph celebrated

Cold rolled forming firm Metsec was celebrating today after being announced as the winner of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce's business of the year.

The company in Broadwell Road, Oldbury, which employs around 350 people, is the UK's largest specialist manufacturer of cold rolled sections, predominantly selling into the construction market.

Metsec impressed the judges for the top award, sponsored by the University of Wolverhampton, through investment in people, processes and equipment. More than 300 people attended the chamber's Business is Good for the Black Country awards dinner at Wolverhampton Racecourse last night.

Chamber president Ninder Johal, said: "I would like to congratulate all our winners and thank the many more businesses who have taken part in the awards this year.

"Our judges were very impressed with the high standard and diversity of award entries. They had some very difficult decisions to make. It was great to see so many people celebrating Black Country business success."

The manufacturer of the year award winner was Ultra Furniture, of Pensnett Trading Estate, Kingswinford, which was praised for its product range and innovation. It also won the customer service award.

The aspirational business award went to law firm George Green, which has offices in Cradley Heath and Wolverhampton. Judges said it stood out because of its innovative approach to helping early stage businesses succeed. Wolverhampton security steel fence manufacturer Zaun landed the international trade award.

The company, which provided fencing for the London Olympics, is concentrating on winning work in the Middle East and Dubai.

Sandwell Woman's Aid was the winner of the people development award after judges were impressed with their local campaigns.

Service provider of the year went to Oldbury-based DPD (UK).

Based in Oldbury since the 1930s, Metsec was also the winner of the apprentice employer of the year at the Express & Star Business Awards in May.