Breaking news: David Grove honoured at West Midlands Business Masters
THE late industrialist and business leader David Grove was selected as the Ambassador of the Year at TheBusinessDesk.com’s inaugural West Midlands Business Masters awards at Birmingham Town Hall today.
Grove, who died at the end of last year aged just 63, had a long and distinguished career at the heart of Midlands manufacturing and was a great champion of the region and its manufacturing base. The Masters judging panel and readers of TheBusinessDesk.com voted in favour of him receiving this award, sponsored by Clearwater Corporate Finance, posthumously.
His son Jon – who also works at Stratford-based Grove Industries – picked up the prize on his father’s behalf at the gala awards ceremony, staged in partnership with Jaguar.
Birmingham’s Sertec won the prestigious Best West Midlands Manufacturer award, sponsored by RBS. The firm has experienced a dramatic change of fortunes in recent years, culminating in it receiving a best supplier award from Jaguar Land Rover.
The equally prestigious Best West Midlands Exporter award, sponsored by Baker Tilly, went to Birmingham’s Brandauer. The firm produces everything from parts for 80% of the world’s kettles to heat shields for the Hadron Collider and exports 75% of everything it makes.
The Hazel Tree Barns Initiative won our Pride category, sponsored by Hotel La Tour, which celebrates a commitment to CSR. The project provides much-needed accommodation and funding for a community foundation in Warwickshire.
Also from Warwickshire, Purity Brewing Company picked up the West Midlands Newcomer prize, sponsored by Higgs & Sons, for its ability to take on the big boys and gain access to supermarkets and pub chains whilst staying true to its ethical routes.
The West Midlands Innovator award, sponsored by Millennium Point, was given to Telford-based Elite Precast Concrete, for its success in introducing new techniques, products and processes in a traditional industry.
TheBusinessDesk.com editor Andy Coyne said: “In business terms the Midlands has clearly got talent. It also has an ability to innovate, a doggedness to overcome hurdles and a willingness to go out and seek new markets.”
The drinks reception was sponsored by Harvey Nichols.
