The black-tie event, held at The Halls Wolverhampton on June 9, was attended by the Mayor of the West Midlands Richard Parker, Wolverhampton West MP Warinder Juss plus representatives from businesses across the region – and hosted by Radio WM DJ PJ Ellis.
It was a chance for the best of the best businesses in the region, in an array of different sectors, to celebrate their successes.
Here’s more on our 12 worthy award winners.
Apprentice of the Year – sponsored by Black Country and Marches Institute of Technology
Deborah Colley – apprentice at AF Blakemore
Apprentice of the Year winner Deborah Colley has exemplified that apprenticeships aren’t just for the young.
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.
Despite having been out of education for some time, Deborah showed enthusiasm and dedication, quickly impressing her instructors. She passed both maths and English functional skills Level 2, submitted high-quality work and provided detailed examples of how her learning applied to her role.
As a demand planner team leader at Willenhall-based AF Blakemore Foodservice, Deborah forecasts stock needs and faced significant professional challenges during her apprenticeship. She successfully led a major project to restructure a storage depot and transfer stock, originally given a six-week deadline which was changed to two weeks overnight. Her leadership, project management skills and resilience resulted in the project being completed within the new deadline, saving the company more than £1.2 million.
Her manager Lee Sirett said: “Very quickly I could clearly see the drive and passion Debbie had and how she went above and beyond in her role as a demand planner.”
He added: “With everything Debbie has been through in the last 18 months – and how much she has given back in so many special ways – I am genuinely so proud of her.”
Deborah, however, never expected to win, she said – adding: “I was quite surprised!”
She told the Express & Star the recognition meant the world to her. She said: “It just means the last couple of years, the effort I’ve put in, it’s just amazing to me.”
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 company also celebrates employee achievements, fosters mentorship and peer support, and encourages breaks and outdoor time, including organised wellbeing walks. They also support financial well-being with planning workshops and competitive salaries.
Their strategy is characterised by a top-down approach with dedicated resources, a Wellness Passport for confidential health information sharing, a Wellness Team of Mental Health First Aiders, and optional Wellness Mentors. A recent wellbeing audit was also conducted to identify gaps to better inform any future initiatives.
The positive impacts include improved retention rates (90 per cent), revenue growth (13 per cent), increased diversity, reduced mental health treatment costs, and high employee satisfaction reflected in Glassdoor and Review Solicitors ratings. They have also received accolades like the Silver Investors in People Accreditation and award short-listings.
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.”
Sophie Wardell, people director at Higgs LLP, said they were delighted to win the award, adding: “Our entire purpose is to make work better. It’s what we do every day and we try to weave it into everything we do. Making work better is what we’re all about, so we’re delighted.”
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.
Recognising the industry heavily relies on single-use plastic packaging and often includes harsh chemicals, Iron & Velvet developed water-soluble sachets containing concentrated cleaning solutions.
The sachets allow customers to reuse existing bottles, reducing the need for new plastic containers.
The company emphasises reuse over recycling, highlighting the waste often associated with other eco-friendly packaging options.
Based at Deepdale Works in Deepdale Lane, Iron & Velvet manufactures all of its products locally, keeping its carbon footprint low and supporting the regional economy and it sources more than 80 per cent of its suppliers within a 30-mile radius of its factory.
The company’s commitment to sustainability extends to its packaging, which is made from recycled and recyclable materials with planet-friendly inks and adhesives, to achieve zero waste packaging.
Its products are designed to be environmentally responsible and effective, and they use sustainably sourced active ingredients that result in more than 99 per cent natural diluted products.
The company’s products are vegan and cruelty-free and tested by local cleaning companies to guarantee high performance.
This approach has earned them the Cleaning Product of the Year award in 2024 and Plastic Free Approved status from Surfers Against Sewage.
Iron & Velvet aims to make eco-cleaning accessible and affordable, ultimately striving to end the need for single-use plastic cleaning bottles.
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.”
CEO Debra Glover was beaming as she accepted the win for the company, along with Alex Dunham and Phebe Hankins, and she said of the award: “It means so much to us, because we’re based in the Black Country, in Dudley, and this is the culmination of everyone’s work here.
“We’re a very small company and we try and use local suppliers but this award is for all of us, Alex the chemist and Phebe the creative, thank you so much.”
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.
The brand started its journey in 2015 with a single store in Wolverhampton and it has since revolutionised the dessert scene, setting trends and redefining indulgence. With more than 50 locations nationwide, it has ambitious plans to double to 100 stores in the next 24 months.
The Little Dessert Shop has made a name for itself thanks to its innovation, bold flavours, and trendsetting creations and the company is now focused on redefining indulgence with its rebranded stores and new Pleasure Without Guilt menu – featuring must-try desserts like Sticky Toffee Cakey Dough, Golden Lotus Bananza French Toast, and fun treats for little ones like Bear Crunch Pop and Unicorn Waffle.
From welcoming students at University Freshers’ Fairs to serving sweet treats at festivals and catering for private and corporate events, the brand continuously integrates with the community and the company has created thousands of jobs over the years.
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.”
Mohini Arora, of Little Dessert Shop, described the award win as “surreal” and she added: “Kudos to the team who have put everything into the business to bring it to what it is today.”
She said the company would work hard to continue to win the hearts of customers by selling the UK’s ‘most viral desserts’.
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 group recently invested more than £2million into their Tudor House headquarters – transforming it into six serviced and furbished offices to provide a professional working environment for small businesses in Bilston and Wolverhampton.
A company spokesperson said: “We believe in giving back to the region that has supported our family and our business for 125 years, and we are proud to invest in initiatives that improve the lives of local residents.”
The business operates with a ‘company before self’ ethos, prioritising the well-being and stability of its employees and their families.
Many employees have worked for Gough Group since leaving education at 16, creating a home-grown workforce that has been supported by the company for more than 40 years. John and Jonathan, who demonstrate their commitment to the business with their regular presence, take pride in providing structure and safety for more than 100 directly and indirectly employed people allowing them to support their own families.
Values such as quality, honesty and integrity are deeply ingrained in the company culture, with a motto of ‘to do the best possible job and show a keen eye for detail’. The values, combined with a tradition of training apprentices and developing skilled tradespeople, highlight the family’s long-term vision and dedication to their employees and the community.
The firm also has a strong commitment to the local community. Chairman John Gough was instrumental in establishing The Way Youth Zone in Wolverhampton and served as its first chairman – reflecting the family’s desire to provide opportunities and support to young people in the area.
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.”
Jonathan and John Gough, accepting the award on behalf of the group, told the Express & Star: “There’s a lot of people behind us.
“There’s a third of a millennia of people up on that stage with over 350 years of service between us, they own this business as much as we do and we’d also like to dedicate the award to our fathers and grandfather for the first 60 years – we’ve just done the last 40.
Growth & Innovation Award – sponsored by Express & Star
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.”
Doocey’s health and safety director Allan Davies said: “It just shows how far we’ve come. It’s a massive achievement by everyone.”
Kirstie Stuart, head of HR and support services, added: “We’ve given back so much locally as well as within the business, it’s been a massive achievement, so it means loads to win.”
Manufacturing Champion of the Year – sponsored by Collins Aerospace
A&M Pure Precision – Smethwick
A&M EDM Pure Precision based in Smethwick 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.
It holds various certifications and invests in capital equipment, including high-speed mills and machining centres.
The firm’s F1 sales have seen significant growth, with supplies to four teams. It has a partnership with Collins Aerospace for EDM services and component manufacturing. In food production, the company works with KP Snacks and its parent company Intersnack Deutschland and this has led to increased production of Pom Bear shapes.
It also produces tooling for fastener production for global manufacturers.
A&M Pure Precision actively champions manufacturing by hosting events and participating in government reviews. In September 2024 the firm was selected by Make UK to host the West Midlands Mayor for National Manufacturing Day, showcasing manufacturing careers to schools, and in January 2025 Sir Charlie Mayfield, leader of the Keep Britain Working Government review, visited A&M to review how the firm promotes a healthy, inclusive workplace.
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.
PR and marketing executive Phil Calcutt said of the award: “It’s a great honour to win this award for Manufacturing Champion. It’s testament to the skill and expertise of our staff and we’re very proud.
“It helps to raise our profile with customers and in terms of recruiting and retaining staff. It’s really important.”
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.
Jane Sommerville (MD) and Nicola Owen (FD) acquired the failing B&J in 2020, only to be hit by the challenges of Covid and moving premises to Bilston during lockdown.
Contributing to manufacturing excellence in the region, B&J employ 17 highly skilled, long-serving team members and is set to grow further on the back of new contract wins.
Since the business was taken over by the female-owned management team the turnover has more than doubled with significant increases in profitability.
Prior to the management buyout it was significantly loss making with losses close to £900k in 2015, and £500k the following year.
Jane and Nicola have grown sales abroad since acquiring the business. Today 80% of their £4.8 million turnover comes from export markets, supplying 300 customers worldwide including the USA, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Mexico, Canada, Columbia and Venezuela.
For such a small business, it holds its own with some of the biggest steel companies globally including Arcelor Mittal, Tata Steel, Nucor Corp., Gerdau, Evraz North America, Tenaris Group, Voest Alpine & SSAB.
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”.
Director of operations James Owen said: “We’ve worked hard this year, especially with the challenges. It’s nice to be recognised.”
Finance director Nicola Owen added: “It means a lot, it’s something to be proud of.”
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.
T.C. Morris’s vision to “exceed customer expectations, producing quality products that provide value for money” has guided the business, built on its core values: respect, integrity, quality, teamwork, and ambition.
Under the leadership of family member, Charlotte Tennant who joined the business in 2010, they have grown from four to 75 customers including: Midland Chilled Foods, Gills, Co-op, and Alan Warwick Butchers. The company has grown turnover from £2.6m in 2020 to £5.1m in 2024 and following relocation to new larger premises in Dudley in 2024, they now have the capacity to reach £10m by 2027.
They have embedded a positive family culture throughout the organisation. Multiple generations of local families have found employment, creating a culture of loyalty and pride amongst its long service staff. The company’s staff has grown to 55 employees, with plans to add 10 more in addition to apprenticeship opportunities in the next three years across factory operations and administration.
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.”
Charlotte Tenant, owner and director, said of the award win: “We’re absolutely delighted and really, really proud of the team. Every single member of the team is so important to us.”
“It’s 100 per cent about the team in the business,” added TC Morris managing director Allan Jones.
Young Business of the Year – sponsored by Gough Group
DAE Energy Solutions Ltd – Brierley Hill
DAE Energy Solutions in Brierley Hill was founded in February 2020 to meet a growing need for smart, efficient, and customer-focused Building Management System (BMS) solutions.
The business identified a clear gap in the market – while demand for energy efficiency was rising, many service providers were limited by fragmented delivery models, a mindset to use the latest smart technology while often forgetting the basic principles of a BMS system, or reactive service models.
In just five years, the company has evolved from a two-person start-up into a trusted, high-performing business delivering multi-million-pound BMS projects across the UK.
Director of operations Rob Ordish said: “DAE Energy Solutions is a young business with a big impact. In just five years, we’ve built a team, a reputation, and a business model that’s reshaping how buildings are managed and powered.
“We’ve proven that smart growth, sustainability, and quality can go hand-in-hand. Winning Young Business of the Year would be a recognition of what’s been achieved — and a springboard for what’s still to come.”
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.”
Rob Ordish, director of operations at DAE Solutions, said on collecting the award: “We’ve had a great start and it shows what we’re doing is right.”
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.
In the early days when John first presented his business plan to the bank he claims he was laughed out of the building but the knock back made him more determined and for the next 11 years he worked as a full-time driver, operating JJX Logistics from the road.
This laid the foundation for something bigger and by 2008 JJX had grown to a five-vehicle fleet and John moved out of the cab and into the office.
Over the years, the company based on the Pensnett Trading Estate in Kingswinford has evolved from a general logistics provider into one of the UK’s most respected names in time critical high security logistics. As of 2025, JJX employs 75 people and has just achieved a record-breaking £8.02 million turnover, marking a 16 per cent year-on-year growth and the company’s most profitable year to date.
But it’s not just about business growth. A big believer in developing talent from within, John has personally championed his staff, supporting career development and training apprenticeships. In recognition of his industry leadership and focus on the next generation, John was awarded Chartered Fellow status by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in June 2024, the highest honour they bestow.
John’s contributions to the community are equally inspiring. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he led fundraising efforts to support local charities and more recently JJX became a patron of the Wolves Foundation as well as continuing the firm’s long-standing charitable work supporting the likes of Black Country Mental Health, Black Country Foodbank, the WMP’s Life or Knife campaign and the Alzheimer’s Society.
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.
One of its big achievements is helping members to accrue £12 million in savings within the Walsall borough. Low-cost lending is available, with no fees for early loan repayment, aimed at deterring individuals from high-interest lenders.
In the financial year 2023-2024, Walsave achieved a surplus of £212,105.00 after taxation – its best year to date. This was distributed to members as a three per cent dividend on their savings.
Walsave, which operates with seven staff members and serves around 5,500 active members, caters to diverse member needs, including vulnerable members and those without photo ID and cannot open an account elsewhere. It also prioritises customer service by maintaining a physical branch and phone support with staff available to talk to customers without the need to go through an automated system.
The credit union supports local charities, including St Peter’s Independent Food Bank in Bloxwich and the Community Food Hub in Bentley. As a not-for-profit, Walsave focuses on member needs and has received positive feedback for helping members to manage their finances.
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.”
“We’re a small business, there’s only seven of us, but we do big things,” said delighted Walsave assistant manager Sarah Lote after collecting the award. “We service everybody who lives or works in Walsall area, we provide financial inclusion.
“You can be a member with us if you’re on Universal Credit, got no money coming in, or you’re chief executive of Walsall Council. We treat everybody the same that comes through the door.
“We encourage savings. At the moment we’ve amassed £12million in savings from an economically deprived area of 5,000 members, and we just share the profits.
“We paid three per cent dividend last year, had our biggest year yet – and we’re smashing it!
“We’re going to do even better this year. It all gets paid back to our members, we know them, we love them.
“It’s what we do for the community, we’ve all been here a long time and we all support each other as a team; we’re like a family really.
“I feel quite emotional actually.
“It’s brilliant because we fly under the radar – we’ve got the big banks, the big building societies – and we’re just a little thing but we treat our members like family, we know everybody who walks through the door, we work in our members’ best interests.
“It’s lovely. We see success stories, we go through the unhappy times and we always try to help.
“I started 23-years-ago and worked my way up to assistant manager, it’s a very encouraging environment. It’s amazing.”
