A shopping centre praised for its performance during the covid-19 pandemic and community-focussed initiatives has been crowned Greater Birmingham business of the year.
Touchwood in Solihull impressed judges at the 2022 Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Business Awards who said it had “set the benchmark” for UK shopping centres in terms of sales and footfall performance.
The town centre retail hub was named winner of the hospitality and retail category and overall business of the year.
During the year’s most challenging periods, Touchwood lent its expertise to the wider retail and hospitality community and shared leasing opportunities with competitors.
It also remained open for essential services during the covid lockdowns and can boast 92 per cent occupancy.
Get your ticket now for Birmingham BusinessLive Awards 2022Tickets for the Birmingham BusinessLive Awards in association with Birmingham Post 2022 are now on sale.
The annual ceremony takes place on Friday March 18 at the ICC in Birmingham and will celebrate the city’s finest businesses, individuals and organisations and crown our overall Company of the Year.
The evening will be a celebration of not only business excellence but a chance to re-connect with your networks following two years of coronavirus lockdowns and restrictions.
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Among its popular campaigns is The Touchwood Enterprise scheme which gives local start-ups the chance to have their first high-street presence and which has hosted more than 50 young businesses since it first launched.
As well as its solid business performance, it won praise for its focus on the local community with its support for the Solihull Shopmobility scheme, holding a ‘Quiet Hour’ with Autism West Midlands and Purple Tuesday which helps disabled customers.
Katrina Cooke, the chamber’s chief commercial officer and chairwoman of the judging panel, said: “A huge congratulations to Touchwood. The standard of entries this year was very high, shown through the 92 businesses shortlisted.
“Thank you to all of the businesses who took the time to enter into the awards. The amazing work of our region is a testament to the businesses who comprise it.”
Read More Related Articles Disposal plan helps Hammerson cut loses Read More Related Articles Aston Villa still in the red after £37.3m loss as they plan stadium expansionMeanwhile, an entrepreneur who has built a £40 million business after launching her career with two paper rounds received this year’s President’s Award.
Wendy Merricks is chief executive of Jumar Solutions which provides technology and people services for clients such as the DWP, DVLA and Home Office.
Chamber president Deb Leary said: “Wendy sums up all that is brilliant about the entrepreneurial spirit of Greater Birmingham – their dogged determination, boldness and bravery to step up, despite doubts and challenges, and passion to find solutions.
“She is a true Brummie who sums up the spirit of entrepreneurship, of seizing the day, seeing a challenge and stepping up to create a solution.”
The awards were held last night at the ICC in Birmingham and welcomed 1,300 guests.
The full list of winners is below and click through here to read the 2022 shortlistExcellence in Contribution to the Community
Edgbaston Park Hotel & Conference Centre
Excellence in Customer Service
Indigo
Excellence in Hospitality and Retail and Business of the Year
Touchwood
Excellence in International Business
Flexeserve
Excellence in Manufacturing
RotoSpa
Excellence in People Development
Jacobs
Excellence in Responsible Business
Unity Trust Bank
Excellence in Sales & Marketing
Flexeserve
Excellence in Sustainability
Arup
Excellence in Technology & Innovation
G&P Group Holdings
Excellence in Third Sector
Millennium Point
Excellence in Training & Education
University of Birmingham
