'It was an amazing achievement' - Credit union punching above its weight reflects on big win at Express & Star Business Awards
The team behind an award-winning Black Country credit union have reflected on what a “fantastic experience” it was to be named Business of the Year at last year’s Express & Star Business Awards as eyes turn to the 2026 event.
Walsave Credit Union in Bloxwich, Walsall, won the key accolade at the 2025 event, which was held at The Halls Wolverhampton on June 5.
The not-for-profit financial cooperative, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, was recognised for its vital financial, ethical and community-focused services, which have helped 5,000 members amass £12 million in savings. The judges described the services and attitude among all involved with the organisation as "truly inspiring" said it provides a “genuine financial lifeline to many”.
Walsave Credit Union, located in Bloxwich High Street, provides a range of easy to access ethical financial services to people who live or work in Walsall and the friendly team offers help to many who have nowhere else to turn.
The judges were also impressed by how efficiently the organisation is run. They noted it had recorded a healthy surplus - offering a three per cent dividend to savers in 2023-4.
Assistant manager Sarah Lote said: “Winning the award last year was absolutely fantastic. It was amazing, very unexpected.
“It’s had a really good impact and uplift in business and brand awareness. It was a fantastic experience - for quite a small niche business, up against big businesses, to be recognised. It was an amazing achievement.
“For a really small business of seven people and a board of directors to get recognised as one of the best businesses in the West Midlands, it was absolutely fantastic.”
Entries are now open for the 2026 Express & Star Business Awards.
Now in their 15th year, the awards shine a spotlight on the region’s many successful companies and the inspirational leaders driving them forwards.
Express & Star editor-in-chief Mark Drew said “the standard of entries last year was incredibly high” and he added: “The event is a really special celebration that shines a light on the excellent work being carried out by our innovative business community.”
Judging for the 2026 event will take place in April ahead of a glittering awards evening at The Halls Wolverhampton on Thursday June 4 when the winners will be announced.
The black tie event, hosted by radio personality Dicky Dodd, will see finalists, sponsors and prominent figures from the business and civic world gather for an evening of celebration, networking and recognition.
Entries are now open for 13 separate categories. The finalists will be selected by our team of independent judges and announced in the Express & Star. Site visits will then be made to those shortlisted to determine the winners.
The deadline for submissions is April 3. Businesses and individuals can enter online at expressandstarbusinesswards.co.uk
The campaign delivers unrivalled marketing impact for businesses, putting brands in front of thousands of engaged readers from the nation’s top regional newspaper and its fast-growing website.
This year the trophies and drinks reception will be sponsored by Gough Group, with SV Contracts sponsoring the programme.
Funds raised as part of the campaign will go to our charity partner Aphasia Support.
