Bostin’ Black Country businesses crowned at awards evening
Eleven of the region’s leading businesses ‘made history’ last night when they were named the ‘Best in the Black Country’ at a glittering ceremony in front of 450 people at the University of Wolverhampton at The Halls.
Cradley Heath-based RunFlat International was crowned Business of the Year in recognition of its rapid expansion across the globe.
The family-run firm produces innovative tyre inserts that can withstand extreme conditions and ballistic threats - and these are now sold in 45 global markets.
A high-profile judging panel also cited the company's contribution to the local economy, helping to support more than 50 highly skilled jobs.
With 13 trophies presented in total, Wolves Foundation came out as double winners in the Business in the Community and Business in Schools categories, while Isaac H Grainger walked off with Manufacturing Champion, Pallet-Track (Employer of the Year) and Robert Hopkins Environmental Services (Family Business of the Year).
iBiotech’s work in driving medical innovation with ground-breaking research that could transform treatment for neurological conditions like Parkinsons and Alzheimer’s contributed to it securing the Sustainability, Technology and Innovation title.
Sarah Moorhouse, CEO of Black Country Chamber of Commerce, said: “It has been another year of global challenges and economic uncertainty, yet our region has once again shown its resilience, determination and ambition to create jobs, drive international expansion and push the boundaries of innovation in new emerging sectors.
“Our 11 winners this year illustrate the very best of the Black Country and it was fantastic to celebrate their achievements in front of so many people, who all believe that our region is Bostin’.”
She added: “The awards is a fantastic way of putting the spotlight on our companies and showcasing some of the unique characteristics that makes our region such a fantastic place to live, work and do business.
“For the first time ever, all of the winners will automatically become the next group of Bostin’ businesses, joining the magnificent seven announced earlier this year.”
Other winners on the evening included:
Black Country Future Star: Jack Roper, ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland
Start-up Business of the Year: Helix Education Hub
Professional Services Business of the Year: Nant
Employee of the Year: John Bonser of Juniper Training
International Trade: RunFlat International
Not for Profit Organisation: InPower Academy CIC
Staged by the Black Country Chamber of Commerce since 2001, this year’s Business Awards was based on the theme ‘Making History Everyday’ to mark the region’s heritage while looking forward to the sectors that are moving firms into the future.
