Anita Bhalla OBE named ‘Brummie of the Year’ at the 5th Birmingham Awards

One Room, One City, One Love

On Saturday 9^th November the Library of Birmingham was sparkling with red & blue – the brand colours of Birmingham Awards.

This was the 5^th Birmingham Awards and the organisers felt such a milestone should be marked by celebrating in one of Birmingham most iconic buildings the Library of Birmingham.

The logistics involved to transform a place of reading and learning to a place of recognition and celebration in just under two hours felt almost impossible to comprehend but the organisers Ifraz Ahmed & Anita Chumber succeeded to deliver a magnificent evening of celebrations.

The night kicked off with a sparkling drinks reception hosted by Bottega Birmingham, in the Rotunda of the library.

5 years ago, the organisers set out with a vision to create a platform to bring together the various sectors of the city to collectively celebrate and further unite Birmingham to allow for a dialogue of opportunity and growth.  The organisers were proud to see so many new organisations and individuals which is a testament to their original vision.

The founders Ifraz and Anita said the following:

Anita said: “We created the awards because we believe that a city of ambitious, vibrant & inspirational people & organisations needs a platform to highlight & celebrate the incredible work being done.”

Ifraz said: “We are passionate about ensuring that we all come together collectively to celebrate each other. We want to identify & acknowledge the unsung hero, using their stories to inspire others to do the same. Recognition, support, collaboration & celebration are key to our city & region to grow & prosper.”

Hosted by Heart FM’s Ed James who did a magnificent job of keeping the evening proceedings in order with plenty of entertainment.

Keynote speaker was Midlands Metro Mayor, Andy Street with an engaging and inspiring opening speech heaping praise on the city and saying “the future of Birmingham has never looked so optimistic”.

Live entertainment on the night was provided by Aston Performing Arts Academy who had the whole room on their feet.  No matter how many times you may have seen them perform, it always feels like the first time, they are an amazing act and know how to energise a room.

There was a nice touch when an impromptu pause saw the Birmingham Awards team bring out a cake for one of Birmingham’s most loved individuals, Steve Brittan to congratulate him and his wife Cindy on their 50^th Wedding Anniversary, which was well received with applause and a standing ovation.

This year’s Brummie of the year was awarded to chair of Town Hall & Symphony Hall, Anita Bhalla OBE who has transformed Birmingham and beyond.

The lifetime Achievement award was awarded to UK’s first lady of soul Jaki Graham who said “Thank you so much for my Lifetime Achievement award!  To get this recognition from my very own hometown makes this that much more special!  It makes me proud to be a Brummie.  Congratulations to all the well deserved winners”.

Finally, Birmingham Awards would like to thank the headline sponsor Love Your Postcode. Supporting sponsors Bootcamp Media, F5 Foster Care, Falcon Insurance, Heylus Recruitment, Oxbridge, Squibble, Thorns Group and United Carpets.

Drinks sponsors Bottega Prosecco Bar and Swallow Drinks.

Supporting partners Asaysi, Baked in Brick, Glimpse, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, Hollywood Monster, Purely, Subway, Town Hall Symphony Hall, Vibrant Networks and Unique Venues Birmingham.

Media partners Dluxe Magazine, Birmingham Updates and PR Partner It Is PR.

A big thanks to the generous donations to help raise money for the charity partner Love Brum.

We’ll look forward to what Birmingham Awards brings to us next year.

Check out all the photos from the big night:

Pictures by Jas Sansi
Picture by Mr Ladd Media

Big winners from the night

ARTS & CULTURE AWARD - Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) - PRESENTED BY Dluxe Magazine

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE OF THE YEAR - Evolve Birmingham - SPONSORED BY Love Your Postcode

CONTRIBUTION TO EDUCATION - Sarah Mullin (Priory School) - SPONSORED BY Oxbridge

YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR - Anna Assinder - SPONSORED BY Oxbridge

BAR/PUB OF THE YEAR - Hotel du Vid Birmingham - SPONSORED BY  Falcon Insurance

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR - Unique IQ Ltd - SPONSORED BY Falcon Insurance

SPORTING INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR - WBC Womens Boxing Club SPONSORED BY Hollywood Monster

COMMUNITY INITIATIVE/CHARITY OF THE YEAR - Birmingham St Marys Hospice - PRESENTED BY PJ Ellis

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR - Chung Ying Cantonese Restaurant - SPONSORED BY Bootcamp Media

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR - Trimz and Tantrumz Children's Salon - SPONSORED BY Bootcamp Media

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR - Stephanie Taylor - SPONSORED BY Heylus Recruitment

VENUE OF THE YEAR - Holte Suite-Aston Villa - SPONSORED BY Love Your Postcode

BUSINESS MAN OF THE YEAR - Stacey Barnfield - SPONSORED BY Love Your Postcode

BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR - Natalie Taylor-Herrick - SPONSORED BY F5 Fostercare

JUDGES AWARD - Hailey Hanson - PRESENTED BY All the Judges

NETWORKER OF THE YEAR - Adam Andrew Hayes - SPONSORED BY Squibble

EXCELLENCE IN MEDIA - Balvinder Sidhu (ITV) - SPONSORED BY Squibble

BEST SHOPPING EXPERIENCE - Touchwood Shopping Centre - SPONSORED BY Bottega Prosecco Bar

INDEPENDENT RETAILER OF THE YEAR - Chouchoute Chocolaterie - SPONSORED BY United Carpets

BEST USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA OR MARKETING CAMPAIGN - Birmingham Hippodrome

BRUMMIE OF THE YEAR - Anita Bhalla OBE - PRESENTED BY Ifraz Ahmed & Anita Chumber (AWARD FOUNDERS)

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD - Jaki Graham (Award Collected by Jaki's daughter, Natalie)

by bhamawards