Mr Birmingham Joshua Williams (right) won Young Achiever of the Year at the Birmingham Awards 2015 (Photograph: Anthony Stanley)
On Friday, the prestigious Edgbaston Cricket Ground opened it’s doors to the inaugural Birmingham Awards – celebrating and rewarding the people of Birmingham across an array of awards.
Dubbed “The Beating Heart of Birmingham”, the awards show celebrated the best of Britain’s second city and those that work tirelessly to make Birmingham prosper across all sectors.
BBC’s The Apprentice candidates Gary Poulton and David Stevenson join guests Lisa Smith and friend at The Birmingham Awards in Edgbaston on Friday (Photograph: Anthony Stanley)
The doors opened and champagne was flowing as special guests, nominees and business owners came together, anxiously awaiting the nights proceedings. An atmosphere of excitement was evident as guests mingled in unity of the special event.
Musician Andre S. Hesson attends The Birmingham Awards with a friend (Photograph: Anthony Stanley)
An audience member captures The Birmingham Awards on his camera phone (Photograph: Anthony Stanley)
Sponsored by the Birmingham charity Love Brum, in association with Big John’s, the night was set to be a glamorous affair from the onset and throughout.
The achievements of the nominees and Birmingham, as a collective, was made known throughout by hosts DJ Dan Kelly and Raaj Shamji. The future of Britain’s second city has never looked so rich with opportunity, inspiration and endless potential, propelling Birmingham into the spotlight throughout 2015. The often-overlooked achievements of Birmingham, from our advanced canal system and driven workforce being applauded.
Special guests descended on the event with enthusiasm from the BBC’s The Apprentice stars Gary Poulton and David Stevenson, Mr and Miss Birmingham Joshua Williams and Molly Noke, BBC Radio WM’s Sunny and Shay; and the legendary Sir Herbet Douglas Ellis, who accepted the Lifetime Achievement award, during which he gave an incredible speech of his life experiences and work ethic in the process.
Guests enjoying The Birmingham Awards in Edgbaston (Photograph: Anthony Stanley)
Guest attendees at the inaugural Birmingham Awards event (Photograph: Anthony Stanley)
TV stars Nathanial Valentino, from E4’s Young, Free and Single, with David Stevenson and Gary Poulton of BBC’s The Apprentice, at The Birmingham Awards 2015 (Photograph: Anthony Stanley)
The Birmingham Awards aimed to recognise people and businesses that have played a fundamental role in the movement of Birmingham’s future. As Birmingham’s been thrusted into a remarkable year – with the redevelopment of the rail links and the opening of Grand Central Birmingham – the awards categories extended over each sector, from Best Local Business to Charity Initiative of the Year.
Dance group Eternal Taal entertain the audience at The Birmingham Awards 2015 (Photograph: Anthony Stanley)
Guests at The Birmingham Awards 2015, held in Edgbaston on Friday night (Photograph: Anthony Stanley)
The Deputy Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr. Shafique Shah, is joined by his wife Sadia (Photograph: Anthony Stanley)
The award-winners ranged from Thai restaurant Sabai Sabai, who were awarded Best Restaurant of the Year, and Sporting Initiative of the Year going to Dwarf Sports Initiative UK.
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The list of all award winners are noted below:
RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
Sabai Sabai (Thai Restaurant)
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BAR/PUB OF THE YEAR
The Bubble Lounge (Hotel du Vin)
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RETAILER OF THE YEAR
Selfridges
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ART & CULTURE AWARD
Eloquent Praise (Dance Academy)
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BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Spearhead Compliance Training
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SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
SimkissGuy Recruitment
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BUSINESSMAN OF THE YEAR
Peter Murtha (Co-Founder Mr McQueen & Optima)
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BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
Kirsty Davies-Chinnock (Managing Director – Professional Polishing Services Ltd)
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COMMUNITY INITIATIVE/CHARITY/VOLUNTEER
Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer
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SPORTING INITIATIVE
Dwarf Sports Association UK
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YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR
Joshua Williams (Mr Birmingham 2015/16)
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VENUE OF THE YEAR
Hyatt Regency
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SOCIAL ENTERPRISE
Evolve (Helping Children)
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BLOG/BLOGGER OF THE YEAR
Full to the Brum (Laura Creaven)
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CONTRIBUTION TO EDUCATION
Isa Mutlib
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LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Sir Herbert Douglas Ellis
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INNOVATIVE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Loki Wine
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EXCELLENCE IN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
Grand Central
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BRUMMIE OF THE YEAR
Jasper Carrott
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The night was certainly an evening to remember and one that will be remembered for the months to come. For a first edition, the sell-out show was truly remarkable and all of those involved in creating this event deserve commendation.
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>> GALLERY: The Birmingham Awards 2015 <<
The Birmingham Awards 2015 took place at Edgbaston Cricket Stadium on Friday 27th November, 2015
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Jake Mundel
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