OUTSTANDING employees and innovative companies were given their moment in the spotlight at the Solihull BID Excellence Awards 2019.
The Observer-supported event shone a light on the up-and-coming town centre trainees and businesses leading innovation and customer service in a variety of sectors including retail, leisure, professional services, banking, technology and charity.
Winners celebrated in style as they were announced by Solihull BID chief executive Melanie Palmer.
The event was attended by the Mayor of Solihull Councillor Stuart Davis, leader of Solihull Council Councillor Ian Courts, and chief executive of the council, Nick Page.
More than 360 people attended the red-carpet awards ceremony at the St Johns Hotel on Warwick Road.
Melanie said: “Well done to all our nominations for showcasing the success story that is Solihull, and a huge congratulations to the winners and highly commended companies this year.
“Once again the bar has been raised and the standard of applications were outstanding this year. Solihull is the hot spot of talent and vision that sets the standards for others to follow.”
The awards were split into seven categories; Outstanding Young Person, Best Customer Service, Best Independent, Outstanding Innovation and Enterprise, Outstanding Team, Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility Project and Best Hospitality and Leisure.
The Excellence Awards judges were: John Callaghan, principal at Solihull College and University Centre; Eileen Schofield of Schofield and Associates; Paul Brown, director at EY; David Colcombe, consultant chef; Ojay McDonald, chief executive of the Association of Town and City Management, Kevin Urquhart, managing director at Dluxe Magazine and Marcia Greenwood Northfield BID town centre manager.
Sponsors of this year’s awards were Mell Square, Touchwood, Solihull College and University Centre, Phoebus Software, BNP Paribas personal finance and Wasps Rugby.
Solihull BID Excellence Awards 2019 Winners
- Outstanding Young Person
Winner: Alexandra Sheldon – Phoebus Software
Highly Commended: Becky Salt – Dorothy Perkins / Burton
- Best Customer Service
Winner: Specsavers Opticians
Highly Commended: Holland and Barrett
- Best Independent
Winner: Jamaya
Highly Commended: Lucent Financial Planning
- Outstanding Innovation and Enterprise
Winner: BNP Paribas Personal Finance
Highly Commended: Touchwood
- Outstanding Team
Winner: Cancer Research
Highly Commended: Loaf
- Best Hospitality and Leisure
Winner: Asha’s
Highly Commended: Tap and Tandoor
- Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility Project
Winner: Phoebus Software
Highly Commended: Mountain Warehouse
