West Midlands Business Masters 2015 shortlists revealed
THE shortlists for this year’s TheBusinessDesk.com West Midlands Business Masters Awards are revealed today.
They throw up a number of mouth-watering contests in which well-known Midlands business go head to head in an attempt to win one of our prestigious awards.
In the always hotly-contested Manufacturer (Large) category, drinks producer Aston Manor Cider takes on aerospace firm Dunlop Aircraft Tyres, pottery maker Portmeirion and automotive supply chain firm ZF Lemforder.
And in the Pride category, which rewards business efforts in the corporate social responsibility (CSR) field, signage firm Hollywood Monster takes on training and recruitment group PPDG, Warwickshire Country Cricket Club and employment and baking operation Miss Macaroon.
TheBusinessDesk.com editor in the Midlands Andy Coyne said: “Wherever you look in these shortlists there are interesting companies telling fascinating stories.
“They range from some of our most prominent plcs to SMEs starting out on the growth trail.
“The Masters this year are as keenly contested as ever – perhaps more so – and I look forward to meeting the shortlisted companies and chatting to them on the night.”
The winners will be announced at a gala awards evening at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham on Thursday June 11.
The shortlists in full (in alphabetical order)
Innovator
Intatec
Kimal
Mercato Solutions
Penso Group
Newcomer
Clearabee
Greengineering
On-Power Electrical Services
Pride/CSR
Hollywood Monster
Miss Macaroon
Pertemps People Development Group (PPDG)
Warwickshire County Cricket Club
Manufacturer (SME)
Fracino
Mercian Labels
Penso Group
Manufacturer (Large)
Aston Manor Cider
Dunlop Aircraft Tyres
Portmeirion
ZF Lemforder
Exporter (SME)
Crofts & Assinder
Fracino
Ultraseal International
Exporter (Large)
Dunlop Aircraft Tyres
GKN Driveline
Portmeirion
Apprentice Scheme
Aston Villa FC (Restaurant VMF)
Brandauer
Mereway Kitchens
Listed Business
Clinigen Group
HomeServe
Real Estate Investors (REI)
Fast Growth Business
AFH Financial Group
Clearabee
Glide Utilities
On-Power Electrical Services
Penso Group
An award will also be made on the night to the judges’ chosen Ambassador of the Year. This is presented to a person whom the judges suggest goes out – beyond the call of duty and company interests – to bat for the region and the larger business community.
We will be looking at the shortlisted firms in more detail later this month.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available for this year’s awards and you would be joining Birmingham’s Hotel La Tour, Birmingham Airport, Black Country law firm Higgs & Sons and accountancy firm MHA Bloomer Heaven who have all given their backing to the Masters this year.
For sponsorship inquiries please e-mail Brett Murray at brett.murray@thebusinessdesk.com or call him on 07875 499667.
If you are interested in taking a table or a number of seats for the West Midlands Masters Awards dinner please send an email with your requirements to Ellie Callender at ellie@outthereevents
This year’s Masters judging panel was made up of
Richard Butler, regional director, CBI
Rowan Crozier, CEO, Brandauer
Adrian Maxwell, managing director, Facino
Mark Hales, chairman, TheBusinessDesk.com
Richard Halstead, Midlands region director, EEF
Stephen Hynes, marketing director, Ultraseal International
Dani Saveker, founder and chief executive, FiB
In categories where there was a conflict of interest, the relevant judge or judges left the room.