The black-tie event, which aimed to showcase the best of the best businesses in the Black Country, was held at The Halls Wolverhampton this evening (Thursday, June 5).
Radio DJ PJ Ellis hosted the glittering event, which was attended by the Mayor of the West Midlands Richard Parker and representatives from businesses across the region.
Awards, sponsored by a raft of big name businesses, were handed out during the evening which included a drinks reception, three-course dinner and a charity raffle raisings funds for the Beacon Centre which helps people impacted by sight loss.
Three finalists were selected in each of the 12 award categories, with the worthy winners confirmed this evening.
Express & Star editor in chief Mark Drew said shortlisting the entries had been “a big and very difficult job” during what remains a tough time for businesses facing national insurance and minimum wage increases as well as economic uncertainty resulting from US tariffs.
Entries were up compared to last year, he said, adding: “The quality was quite extraordinary.”
Here are the winners in all 12 categories:
Apprentice of the Year – sponsored by Black Country and Marches Institute of Technology
Deborah Colley – apprentice at AF Blakemore
Having faced personal hardship in early 2023, Deborah chose to undertake a two-year team leader apprenticeship, plus maths and English functional skills studies. Her passion and dedication, despite her circumstances, resulted in a distinction for her apprenticeship and she was named Apprenticeship Hero at AF Blakemore. Deborah has exemplified that apprenticeships aren’t just for the young and her manager said: “I’ve not met anybody who has inspired me so much.”
Employee Wellness Excellence Award – sponsored by MNA Digital
Higgs LLP
The company, based at Waterfront Business Park, Brierley Hill, aims to create a workplace culture that prioritises the health and well-being of its people. It does this in a variety of ways including offering private medical insurance with confidential access to a mental health pathway, mental health workshops and mindfulness sessions. Flexible working options and discounted gym memberships are also available and healthy snacks provided plus generous paid time off, a health and wellbeing day, and the option to purchase extra holiday.
The judges said: “Their unwavering commitment to employee wellness is truly exemplary. A healthy work-life balance is not just encouraged but seamlessly woven into the fabric of the organisation, evident in their hybrid working arrangements and thoughtfully designed wellness spaces. Standout initiatives like the innovative ‘Wellness Passport’ and a comprehensive mentoring scheme highlight their holistic approach, setting a gold standard for workplace wellbeing.”
Sustainability Award
Iron & Velvet
Iron & Velvet, based in Dudley, was founded to address the significant plastic waste issue in the household cleaning market. The company develops, produces and sells household cleaning refills. Its water-soluble refill sachets are designed to be kind on the environment but tough on dirt, giving consumers an easy sustainable swap.
The judges were extremely impressed with the business and how it takes sustainability incredibly serious. They said: “They have a clear passion with a strong commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices. From start to finish this business is what the sustainability award is all about.”
Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Business of the Year
Little Dessert Shop – Wolverhampton
Little Dessert Shop, known for the UK’s Most Viral Desserts, started its journey in 2015 with a single store in Wolverhampton. Since then, the brand has revolutionised the dessert scene, setting trends and redefining indulgence. With more than 50 locations nationwide, it has ambitious plans to double to 100 stores within the next 24 months.
The judges described The Little Desert Shop as “a true gem in Wolverhampton” and a “business whose brilliance shines not only locally but across the country” They added: “From its humble beginnings of a single shop in Queen Street to the impressive network of franchised and owned stores today, every step has been guided by a dedication to excellence and an understanding of customer needs.”
Family Business of the Year – sponsored by Crowe
Gough Group – Wolverhampton
Gough Group Holdings is a family-owned construction and refurbishment company with 125-year history and an emphasis on family values. Founded in Wolverhampton in 1900 by painter and decorator William Gough, the company has been passed down through generations – with current third-generation owners John and Jonathan Gough continuing the family legacy.
The judges said Gough Group Holdings stood out “as a remarkable family business” and they praises its deep-rooted understanding of its heritage, strong financial position and clear strategic direction, as well as passion for supporting rising stars and the local community. They added: “It was evident that the team is not only passionate about their legacy but also genuinely committed to supporting the local community. Their thoughtful strategic planning and community-focused values reflect a business that is both resilient and purpose-driven.”
Growth & Innovation Award
Doocey Group – Tipton
Doocey Group is a leading civil engineering firm that has significantly expanded its operations and market reach. Established in 1981 as a traditional utility infrastructure provider for British Gas evolving into water and electric markets, the family-run business experienced substantial growth in 2022 and 2023 – fuelled by successful retention of key contracts, such as the National Grid framework, and winning new contracts in regions like Hereford, Bristol, Gloucester and Worcester.
The judges said: “Doocey Group has displayed innovation and the ability to identify and take advantage of new markets across civil engineering, infrastructure, traffic management and recycling – and now it is rapidly adapting its business model to take advantage of the opportunities in electric vehicle charging and green energy. Also, its investment in the youth of the Black Country is impressive – Doocey Group is passionate about developing the next generation of talent, and does this through apprenticeships, which ultimately lead to permanent positions at the company for young people.”
Manufacturing Champion of the Year – sponsored by Collins Aerospace
A&M Pure Precision – Smethwick
A&M EDM Pure Precision based offers rapid response engineering solutions to manufacture bespoke high value, low volume components and tooling for many sectors including aerospace, food production tooling and Formula 1. The company, which invests in people, systems, sustainability, and machinery to improve productivity and competitiveness, achieved a record £8.75m in sales by September 2024.
The judges praised the team’s creativity, values and loyalty to customers during strong growth. They said: “They’ve invested in high-end new machinery and a staff gym, made strides in high-spec sectors like Formula One and have an impressive client list that includes BAE and Rolls Royce.” The judges also liked how the company empowers apprentices – one of whom made a big impact on a key product used in making Pom-Bear crisps.
Small Business of the Year
Bowers & Jones – Bilston
A world-renowned leader in the design, manufacturing and refurbishment of rolling mill components based in the heart of the Black Country. For 70 years B&J has been making high precision roll tooling and equipment for the steel and copper rolling industries, but now the company has customers in oil and gas, medical and fibre composites industries worldwide.
The judges said after their visit: “The business was subject to a management buyout in 2020 after a long period of ownership by foreign venture capital funds and they’ve gone from strength to strength ever since. They stood out with their clear strategy, their commitment to manufacturing in the region, and the passion they displayed for the business.” They added that “Bowers & Jones impressed with their terrific turnaround story” and a “great set of results at the end of their first five year plan”.
Medium Business of the Year – sponsored by Higgs LLP
T.C. Morris – Dudley
T.C. Morris, a third-generation family run business, specialises in the production of quality pork pies for the food service and catering sectors. Established in 1939 by Thomas Charles Morris, T.C. Morris has evolved from humble beginnings as a butcher’s shop to a thriving manufacturer serving the food service sector.
The judges said the business “has shown exceptional resilience and ambition, expanding into international markets, diversifying products, and overcoming significant challenges” and they added: “Their commitment to excellence, from employee development to unmatched customer service, sets them apart.”
Young Business of the Year – sponsored by Gough Group
DAE Energy Solutions Ltd – Brierley Hill
DAE Energy Solutions was founded in February 2020 to meet a growing need for smart, efficient, and customer-focused Building Management System (BMS) solutions. In just five years, it has evolved from a two-person start-up into a trusted, high-performing business delivering multi-million-pound BMS projects across the UK.
The judges said after their visit: “A natural entrepreneur, the founder identified a clear gap in the market and had the courage to pursue it. Their strong commitment to training and reinvestment has set the business apart, enabling them to compete with larger companies in the sector—a testament to their outstanding product and service offering. Guided by strong core values that build trust and inform every decision, DAE Energy Solutions has grown from a two-person start-up into a trusted, high-performing company delivering multi-million-pound BMS projects across the UK in just a few years.”
Business Person of the Year – sponsored by Richardson
John Joseph Donovan – JJX Logistics – Kingswinford
Back in September 1997 John was a man with a van and a plan – to provide a reliable, honest and customer-centric transport service. Over the years his company based on the Pensnett Trading Estate has evolved from a general logistics provider into one of the UK’s most respected names in time critical high security logistics.
The judges described Mr Donovan as “a business leader with a strategic vision and a hands-on, values-driven approach” and they said: “He has successfully overseen a planned shift in the company to emphasize excellence alongside premium logistics solutions.”
They said he was a “passionate advocate for developing talent from within” – adding: “He remains committed to fostering young professionals into management roles through significant investments in training and career development.”
Business of the Year Award – sponsored by Voestalpine Metsec
Walsave Credit Union Ltd – Walsall
The not-for-profit financial cooperative offers a range of easy to access ethical financial services to people who live or work in Walsall. It provides various savings accounts, including those with free life insurance and budgeting accounts to help members manage their bills.
The judges said “Walsave Credit Union should not be Walsall’s best kept secret”. They described the services and attitude among all involved as “truly inspiring” – adding; “They provide a genuine financial lifeline to many and have a very personal relationship with customers, importantly maintaining a counter service at its Bloxwich office and offering guidance and help for many who have nowhere else to turn. The non-for-profit credit union is also run efficiently, recording a health surplus and a three per cent dividend to savers in 2023-4.”
