Diversity and inclusion is the Signature of successful businesses
The importance of diversity and inclusion were celebrated at the Signature Awards, which highlighted some of the businesses and individuals which are excelling across the region.
The fifth annual awards attracted a capacity 560 people to central Birmingham on Friday night.
Awards organiser Ninder Johal, who is chief executive of Nachural, said: “In uncertain times, a business that has a diverse workforce is one that will have a greater probability to succeed in the future”.
Johal, who became a Deputy Lieutenant last week, observed that despite the uncertainty around Brexit, the region had several positives including being a test bed for 5G and the greatest number of start ups outside London.
Keynote speaker Piers Linney, well-known for his time on BBC’s Dragons’ Den, outlined the changing economic landscape as a result of technological changes and the impact of AI.
He spoke about his journey transitioning from working as a lawyer to becoming a highly successful entrepreneur. He asserted that the increasing robotisation would change the employment landscape but humans’ creativity will mean they are not replaced.
Winners on the night included:
Veale Wasbrough Vizards won the Excellence in Legal Services award
- Paul Kalinauckas and Damon Walford: Excellence in Finance
- Kulraj Dassaur: Excellence in Law
- Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank PLC: Excellence in Financial Services
- Veale Wasbrough Vizards LLP: Excellence in Legal Services
- Probuild: Excellence in Real Estate
- JM Wilson Solicitors: Excellence in the Owner Practice for the Professions
- Microfresh: International/Innovation/Enterprise
- KMB Shipping Group: Small Business of the Year
- Manjeet Rai: Business Person of the Year
- Turner and Townsend: Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion
- James Tark: Entrepreneur of the Year
- Total Training Company: Excellence in Promoting Apprenticeships
- The Staffing Group: Overall Business of the Year
The Staffing Group won Business of the Year at the 2019 Signature Awards
Based in Walsall, The Staffing Group (TSG) is in the top 30 largest recruitment agencies in the country and continuing to grow quickly. The £350m-turnover business source clients supplies temporary and permanent workers, locally, regionally and on a national based.
The event, which was hosted by Tommy Sandhu, raised £6,500 for charity Acorns.
