Continued from the success of the inaugural awards, Birmingham Awards does it again. Sponsored by Birmingham City University, the second of Birmingham’s prestigious awards was held on Saturday 10th September at the Vox Conference Arena, with a double reception kick starting the night at the Highline Bar before moving up to the Vox for the main event. It was alit with corporate colors, snazzy reds and blues decorating the ceilings and exuberant brand colours splashing the venue. The glitzy audience only added to the vibrancy of the room. The turn out was astounding, with everyone celebrating Birmingham, its passionate people and its inspirational organisations.
The exuberant hosts Raaj Shamji and Harold Davies kept the room energized and full of excitement with their sizzling chemistry and hilarious wit. In anticipation for the winners to be announced, an authentic brummie live band gave the audience a real flavour of Brum by showcasing the best in Birmingham made music. Entertainment also included a thrilling set by Nemesis and to top it off were feather girls greeting the guests and nailing that splendor factor.
Birmingham Awards aims to bring the pride of Birmingham together under one roof to recognise the excellence and passion for our beautiful city, acknowledging and awarding those who strive to make our city home. The awards commemorated everything from small businesses to the best restaurants as well as adding categories such as Excellence in Media.
Steven Knight, writer and producer of hit show Peaky Blinders, was crowned Brummie of the Year for his passion and commitment to Birmingham, along with Midlands Today’s very own Nick Owen who was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
£600 was raised for our charity partner LoveBrum, with the vote on the night going to Baby Ava’s Support Foundation to receive the money raised.
A huge thank you to all our sponsors, South and City College, Pathway, Vision Print, High Line Bar, Birmingham Updates as well as all our judges and ambassadors. Thanks to all our photographers for capturing the night for us!
Looking forward to seeing you all again next year!
Check out these links for pictures from the night:
Jas Sansi Photography: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jassansi/albums/72157673708035425
Silver Fox Photography: https://www.flickr.com/photos/138366509@N03/sets/72157672555523430
Edwin Ladd Social Frames: https://www.flickr.com/photos/socialframes/albums/72157670458351173
List of winners:
Restaurant of the Year – El Borracho de Oro
Bar/Pub of the Year – The Farm (Solihull)
National Retailer of the Year – John Lewis
Independent Retailer of the Year – Isaac Charles Bridal House
Arts & Culture Award – Ikon Gallery
Business of the Year – Trowers & Hamlins
Businessman of the Year – James Wong
Businesswoman of the Year – Jackie Cummins (J21 Coaching)
Leigh Perry (DMS)
Community Initiative / Charity / Volunteer of the Year – Mosaic (West Midlands)
Sporting Initiative of the Year – Aspire Sports
Excellence in Media Award – Sameena Ali-Khan
Young Achiever of the Year – Neelam Heera
Small Business of the Year – JE Consulting LTD
Venue of the Year – The Rep
Social Enterprise of the Year – The School for Social Entrepreneurs
Blogger of the Year – Brum Hour
Contribution to Education Award – Dr. Melanie Brown
Excellence in Technology Award – LHM Media
Brummie of the Year – Steven Knight
Lifetime Achievement Award – Nick Owen
