'They deserve to be recognised,' Wolverhampton BID manager says of city businesses after glittering awards night
Wolverhampton’s best city centre businesses were celebrated at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday July 10.
More than 220 people from city centre businesses attended the Wolverhampton BID Excellence Awards at the historic Grand Palace on Darlington Street.
Three winning businesses were situated on the city’s Temple Street.
The People’s Favourite Business was the subject of a public vote and Ana’s Coffee Shop received the highest total of votes.
Ana’s Coffee Shop owner Ana Maria Baltateanu, who opened the cafe in 2021, said: “I had a business previously, but after Covid I started coffee as a hobby. I really liked it and thought why not do something with passion and start something new?
"The team is like a family. We all love coffee, food, and quality and we like giving the best all the time.
"It’s a dream to receive recognition from our customers who have supported us for almost four years.”
Rustic Food Shop, also in Temple Street, won the New Business of the Year award.
Luciana Selar, of Rustic Food Shop, said “It’s unbelievable and so exciting. We didn’t expect to win. It was a huge honour to be finalists.”
Genting Casino Wolverhampton was named Hospitality and Leisure Business of the Year.
John Cooper, general manager, said “It’s amazing. We've worked really hard to develop our business so it’s open to females, males of all ages, and an all-round experience, whether you want to gamble, eat, or socialise.”
Cherry Shine, Wolverhampton BID’s managing director, said “The winners showcase the fantastic mix of people from all walks of life and from a wide range of sectors. They all work together to make a positive impact.
"Their passion and hard work are fundamental to the success of Wolverhampton. They deserve to be recognised.”
Alongside hospitality and leisure, three other awards celebrated industry excellence.
H. Samuel was named Retail Business of the Year.
Store manager Ian Griffiths took over the role 16 months ago, turning the store from at risk of closure to one of the top performing in the country.
He said: “ I knew that everybody could do what they needed to. They just needed a steering arm and the belief in themselves that they can do whatever they want and they can achieve anything. Now they have.”
Chapel Ash’s Rectory House Beauty and Wellness was awarded Health, Beauty and Wellbeing of the Year.
Owner Laura Garbett said “We have exciting plans on the horizon including opening another couple of rooms, more events in the yoga studio and expanding the team.”
Pertemps Network Group was named Professional Service of the Year. The recruiter has been in the city centre for 55 years.
Branch manager Lucia Taylor said “This award means so much because it recognises the heart and hard work that goes into what we do every day — supporting local businesses with staffing solutions and helping people find the right opportunities.”
Teams and individuals were also recognised in the awards.
Danceforce was named Team of the Year.
Danceforce’s director Naomi Wootton said “We work really hard and the hard work pays off. I’m really pleased for my team and we’re going to celebrate by getting everyone up and dancing with us.”
Nationwide’s Oluwabukola (Buki) Oladele was crowned Rising Star after judges identified her as a brand manager of the future.
Buki said “I’m very proud to have won. I love working for Nationwide because it gives me the ability to be myself and to evolve.”
Access to Business, which this year celebrates its 20th anniversary, scooped two awards: Community Champion and Leader of the Year for chief executive Josie Kelly.
She said ”We've got a great team who do tremendous work and we support so many people. We are just really proud of the work that we do.”
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre won Marketing Campaign of the Year for their Spotlight magazine.
Associate director Vicky Price said “ We’re really pleased because our brochure has completely transformed our campaigns and how we look at marketing.
"It's been able to communicate to our patrons our charity messaging, outreach work and audience development. That's why it's been such a positive thing for us to do.”
Wolverhampton West MP Warinder Juss said “It makes me feel very proud as the Member of Parliament for Wolverhampton West to see businesses doing so well and contributing so much to the city and our community.”
