The winners of the Redditch Business Awards were announced at a glamorous black-tie event on Sunday 23rd October 2022.
Over 250 people attended the inaugural Redditch business awards where top achievers were presented with their accolades. The spectacular red-carpet event was organised by Redditch BID and hosted at the historic Palace Theatre.
The event was particularly special because it was the first event of its kind since the Pandemic and the business community came together to celebrate the best of Redditch. The amazing atmosphere was made even more special with entertainment from the DD Darlings, Twist & Pulse and 2 electrifying performances by Shaun Pauls Smith Dance Academy.
Muj Rahman, Redditch BID manager said of the event: “It was an incredible evening at the Redditch business awards and heart-warming to see the emotions as the winners went on stage to pick up their accolades. Redditch has a thriving business community, and it is vital that we showcase the best performers at every opportunity.”
“The event was buzzing; the atmosphere was beyond expectation and the all the hard work in planning such an event came together perfectly. This event provided a unique opportunity to celebrate the visionaries, the entrepreneurs and the role models whose achievements will provide the benchmarks for us all to aspire to. I am extremely proud to be part of this community and I hope to continue developing our town through the work we do at Redditch BID.” The event was supported by Kingfisher Shopping Centre as the headline sponsor. Ken Williams,
General Manager who attended the event said:
“What a night. It was full of anticipation, celebration, emotion, respect and pride. I have attended various award events within the retail sector and last night was so much more energised with pride, respect and support for nominees, finalists and award winners. I am so pleased to have been a small part in supporting this showcase of Redditch businesses, their staff and our wider community and delighted to have seen it held in Redditch’s Palace Theatre”.
The quality of finalists was exceptional, and the judges had a very difficult task to determine the worthy winners. So many businesses came very close but ultimately, winners had to be selected, so they focused on businesses that were slightly different; that demonstrated exceptional customer service, looked after their workforce, and supported the community.
Awards were presented across 9 categories to honour and acknowledge the finest business talents and 2 community awards, highlighting outstanding contribution to Redditch from the community.
First up was the award for independent business of the year and this went to Wendyhouse Painting and Decorating and presented by Mayor Ann Isherwood.
This was followed by the best customer service award and Muffin Break Redditch beat off stiff competition to claim their accolade which was presented by Leigh Walton, Redditch BID board member.
New business of the year went to OLAWA craft bakery who have made a significant impact in Redditch since opening in their store last year. This was presented by Saiful Islam, Manager at Rilys Restaurant who also sponsored this award.
Matt Dormer, Leader of Redditch Borough Council presented the next award to Leander Odell from Kingfisher guest services for employee of the year.
Creative business of the year went to Cake Creations, a bespoke cake company and presented by Nigel Curtis form Minuteman Press who sponsored this award.
The next category to be revealed was Charity of the Year, presented by Affy Qadeer from AROMA Redditch and sponsor, this award went to Building Bridges Redditch.
Julia Breakwell from Heart of Worcestershire College presented the next award to Isaac Winfield for Young Person of the Year in recognition of success and achievements the young boy had made with his Food Bank.
Bainbridge Optometrists, shortlisted in 3 categories were awarded the Employer of the Year and this was presented Amanda Watkin, general secretary of Rotary International.
The business categories were concluded with the biggest accolade of all; Business of the Year 2022, presented by Ken Williams, general manager of Kingfisher Shopping Centre and awarded to Rilys Restaurant.
The 2 community awards, presented by Mayor Ann Isherwood were picked up by Martin Jenkins for Outstanding contribution to Redditch and Pete Martin for Redditch Community Hero.
Congratulations to all finalists and winners and thank you to everyone that attended the event to make this such a successful awards ceremony. Finally, thank you to the team at the Palace Theatre, James from UK Events Services and Shaun Paul Smith who all worked so hard in making this event possible.
