Express & Star

Amplify crowned business of the year at Birmingham awards

The hospitality arm of the NEC Group has been crowned the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Business of the Year.

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Amplify, a six-strong team led by Sally Walder, impressed judges at the chamber's annual business awards with its growing performance from modest beginnings.

It was selected for Thursday night's top award after clinching the award for Excellence in Sales and Marketing.

It has helped the NEC Group become one of the UK’s leading live events business operating in exhibitions, conferences, music, sports, family entertainment and hospitality.

Judges praised its newly introduced call-back technology which means staff do not lose potential sales leads as well as website enhancements which have made it easier for customers to book.

Russell Jeans, the GBCC’s chief operating officer, who chaired the judging panel, said: “Amplify exude a continual improvement ethos – capitalising on innovative new digital commerce, exceptional client knowledge, customer service and outstanding brand marketing to drive sales in this incredibly dynamic and exciting business.”

Elsewhere, St Mary’s Hospice won the Excellence in Contribution to the Community category, Handle Kingdom Ltd won Excellence in Customer Service, Conference Aston won Excellence in Hospitality, AFL Architects won Excellence in International Business, and KEP Print Group won Excellence in Manufacturing.

Transport operator National Express won Excellence in People Development, Loki Wines won Excellence in Retail, Managed Enterprise Technologies won Excellence in Technology & Innovation, and Services for Education won Excellence in Training and Education.