BUSINESSES across Halesowen were honoured for their hard work and dedication which led to them surviving and even thriving through the uncertainty of the covid pandemic.
The Halesowen Business Awards 2022 hosted by Halesowen BID were held at the B63 Bistro at Halesowen College on Thursday (March 24).
Actor, singer and ITV weatherman Des Coleman compared with VIPs including The Mayor of Dudley Cllr Anne Millward and MP James Morris present.
The newcomer of The Year award, acknowledging the hard work and dedication that goes into starting a new business, was won by town centre cafe Salao de Café.
Pic: Newcomer of the Year award winner Sherry Davies of Salao De Cafe (centre) with Des Coleman and Dudley Mayor councillor Anne Millward
Employee of the Year recognising hard-working individuals who go above and beyond went to "smiling, helpful" Shelley Jones from HSBC Halesowen.
Her nomination stated: "The branch gets in undated with letter of praise for Shelley’s outstanding customer service."
Pic: Employee of the Year Shelley Jones with Halesowen BID manager Vicky Rogers
The Manager of the Year award went to Steve Jones from Ruskin Properties who "is committed to his staff and always has their best interest at heart."
Entrepreneur of The Year went to Kenneth Grey of Gingertree boutique.
Guests heard how "over the last two years Kenny has grown his chain of boutiques, opening two extra branches during the pandemic including the newest store here in Halesowen."
Pictured: Entrepreneur of the Year Kenneth Grey (centre) with Des Coleman and the Mayor of Dudley Cllr Anne Millward
The Tony Billingham Community Impact Award in memory of the stalwart businessman was won by the town's dedicated street cleaners Julie Harris and Stuart Freeman.
The award was presented to Cornbow Centre manager Eve O'Connor by Tony's widow Pam in Julie and Stuart's absence.
The Business of the Year title was won by Workoutz gym which was "a lifeline to so many people throughout the pandemic with classes being delivered online, free classes for essential workers."
Owner Tracey Nicholls dedicated the award to all the community of businesses in Halesowen who work together to support each other.
BID manager Vicky Rogers said: "Our first ever Halesowen Business Awards was a great success, we're thrilled that so many businesses nominated their colleagues and managers as well as neighbouring businesses."
"The awards celebrated the achievements of Halesowen's businesses and the passionate people in our town who work tirelessly to help our town thrive."
"We will continue these awards so everyone has a chance to share their story and receive special recognition for their ongoing success and achievements"
The awards received over 200 nominations for six categories.
Winners were selected through a shortlisting process with final selections made by a small panel of judges.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here