Birmingham ambassador named top regional director
BIRMINGHAM businessman, Tim Andrews, has been crowned this year’s West Midlands Director of the Year at the annual IoD Director of the Year Awards.
With over three decades of experience at the helm of printing and signage giant Hollywood Monster, Mr Andrews has been recognised for his contribution to both business and the community in the region.
Jason Wouhra, chairman of IoD West Midlands, said: “Tim is quite simply a force of nature, somehow managing to fit several jobs into a working week.
“It’s clear from clients’ comments that he always puts them first and leads by example with his astonishing work ethic. Throughout the recession and ever since, Hollywood Monster has posted consistently strong growth and profits – a testament to his strategy to continually invest in the company’s people and technology.”
Mr Andrews and his father, John, co-founded what is now known as Hollywood Monster in their loft space in 1991. In August 2009, the two sister companies – Hollywood Signs and Monster Digital – were merged and moved to headquarters in Tyseley, where the business still remains today.
From this base, Hollywood Monster employs more than 70 people and provides specialist printing services to clients in sectors including commercial property, construction, events, exhibitions, retail, theatre and sport.
Some of the business’ best-known projects include the graphics adorning Birmingham’s Mailbox during its £50m makeover; Coca Cola advertising next to the 2012 Olympic Park in London; large scale hoardings for the Westfield Stratford shopping centre; and even banners to help Arsenal FC celebrate their victory over Aston Villa in the 2015 FA Cup Final – something the life-long Birmingham City supporter took great pleasure in.
“To say that I’m honoured to win this award is a complete understatement – being recognised by the IoD is, without a doubt, one of the highlights of my career to date,” he said.
“I am really proud that, after 25 years, Hollywood Monster remains a family-run business and operates from the heart of Birmingham. The challenging economy has seen the business, and our target sectors, change over the years but our team has remained dedicated to providing the best possible quality and service for each and every client.”
In addition to Hollywood Monster, at the beginning of this year, Mr Andrews was named as the new CEO of Birmingham City Ladies FC, taking responsibility for off-field activities, helping developing the club’s potential in an increasingly competitive and financially demanding climate.
He is also one of the region’s leading corporate fundraisers, having been behind major charity events and part of the team that launched the ‘7inSeven’ cycle initiative in 2013.
He is also chairman and trustee at LoveBrum, which unearths and funds hidden gem projects that underline Birmingham’s unique character.
He also a double recipient of Pride award at TheBusinessDesk.com’s Business Masters events in 2013 and 2015, and in addition to the IoD’s top honour he also picked up the body’s corporate social responsibility award.
“Giving back to the community and supporting the work of people in the community is something I’m extremely passionate about,” he said.
“I have been involved in many charity events and fundraisers over the years – and I’ve completed challenges from 700-mile bike rides through to running eight marathons around the world – raising well over £200,000 for local causes. Through LoveBrum, I’m able to help smaller projects run by people who simply want to make Birmingham a better place to live.”
