Business News Business News Latest news from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce High standard of awards entries


A record number of companies are chasing glory in the awards to be presented at the sell- out Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) dinner on Thursday, 19 April. So great was the number of entries that the


shortlists have been extended. The Business of the Year, sponsored by National Express, will be selected from all categories and announced at the event at the International Convention Centre, Birmingham.


‘The judges commented on the high standard of entries’


Russell Jeans, chairman of the judges and


chief operating officer at the GBCC, said: “We were delighted to receive such a large number of entries which demonstrates the huge diversity of businesses in our region. “The high number of entries in the Contributing


to the Community category also shows how important businesses regard their responsibilities to their workforce and the community in which they operate. We greatly look forward to celebrating their success on 19 April. “The judges commented on the high standard


of entries and the Chamber thanks them for their care and enthusiasm in tackling what became a huge task.” HSBC, Birmingham City University and Elonex


are headline sponsors of the dinner and awards. The judging panel was: Russell Jeans, chair;


Anisa Haghdadi, Beatfreeks; James White, Right Time Recruitment; Jo Nurse, Virgin Trains; and Joel Blake, Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership.


See pages 6, 7, 8 and 10 for a snapshot profile of all the shortlisted companies.


Judges: Standing (L-R): James White, Anisa Haghdadi and Russell Jeans. Seated: Jo Nurse and Joel Blake


Acorns is president’s chosen charity Chamber president Paul Kehoe said: “This is


Acorns Children’s Hospice has been named as the president’s charity for the Chamber annual dinner and awards, and also the year as a whole. The announcement comes as Acorns begin


celebrations to mark their 30th anniversary. When the hospice was first opened it was only the third of its kind in the world which catered for children and young adults. The fundraising effort at the annual dinner


will include a raffle draw, and a silent auction in partnership with Eventmasters.


charity I’ve worked with for the past 10 years, and it felt apt to make them my president’s charity as they mark their 30th year. “It costs nearly £10m each year to run the


hospice, and Acorns relies on fundraising for the majority of this sum – so they quite literally need every penny they can get.”


• See page 48 for full details of the Acorns 30th year celebrations and the organisation’s history.


April 2018 CHAMBERLINK5


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