Birmingham Awards Winner 2025
ARTS & CULTURE AWARD
BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME
Birmingham Hippodrome delivers that unmistakable “goosebumps” feeling on stage and across the city. Hosting 600+ performances for 600k+ audiences and engaging a further 250k through free festivals, it champions access, new work and education via its 30+ school network and artist programmes. A powerhouse without regular public funding, it keeps Birmingham’s cultural heartbeat bold, inclusive and world-class.
BAR/PUB OF THE YEAR
FLIGHT CLUB BIRMINGHAM
Flight Club Birmingham, led by General Manager, Callum Sharman, has revolutionised the city’s social scene with its iconic blend of cocktails, competitive Social Darts, and vibrant atmosphere. Located on Temple Street, this two-floor venue combines innovation, fun, and flair — creating unforgettable experiences and redefining what a night out in Birmingham can be.
CHARITY OF THE YEAR
BIRMINGHAM HOSPICE
Birmingham Hospice provides compassionate, expert end-of-life care to over 670 patients daily across Selly Park, Erdington, and the wider community. Rated Outstanding by the CQC, it delivers holistic support to patients and families while pioneering new services like the 24/7 SPUR response. Through care, innovation, and compassion, Birmingham Hospice truly embodies “helping people live well to the end.”
INDEPENDENT RETAILER OF THE YEAR
BOOGHE
Winners of Independent Retailer of the Year, Booghe has redefined toy retail in Birmingham. Founded by Krishna Yadlapalli in 2015, Booghe has grown from an online startup into a £10 million success story. With its experiential flagship store at The Fort, Booghe combines play, innovation, and community spirit — truly a game-changer in independent retail.
RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
CIARO ITALIAN
Ciaro Italian brings the heart of Italy to Birmingham through authentic flavours, warm hospitality, and genuine passion. Founded by two Italian owners with a lifelong dream, Ciaro blends traditional recipes and premium Italian ingredients to create an unforgettable dining experience — where every guest feels like family and every meal tells a story of home.
YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR
MACIE ROSTILL
Breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated trade, Macie has become a shining example of skill, determination, and trailblazing spirit. Having completed her NVQ Level 2 in Fenestration Installation, she now installs windows, doors, and conservatories with precision, professionalism, and pride. Her hands-on approach, technical excellence, and passion for learning have made her an inspiration for young women entering the construction industry. A true role model.
EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
MARK WALSH
For over 17 years, this remarkable leader has dedicated his career to empowering others through compassion, integrity, and strength. As Service Manager for Supported Housing at Birmingham Mind, Mark leads with empathy, inspires through action, and uplifts everyone around him. His calm leadership and unwavering dedication have shaped a culture where care, kindness, and professionalism flourish — transforming lives and creating lasting impact. A true pillar of hope and humanity.
CONTRIBUTION TO EDUCATION AWARD
BIRMINGHAM WOMEN’S AND CHILDREN’S NHS FOUNDATION TRUST
Through its Universal Family Programme, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, led by Widening Participation Innovation Lead Lawrence Kelly, is transforming futures for care leavers and young people across the city. Providing apprenticeships, training, and mentorship, the Trust empowers participants to gain skills, confidence, and lasting employment — building an inclusive, community-focused NHS workforce.
ACCESSIBILITY IN ACTION AWARD
EVAC+CHAIR
Born in Birmingham, Evac+Chair sets the global benchmark for inclusive evacuation. Since 1982, its UK-made chairs, training and maintenance have enabled safe, dignified egress for people with access barriers across 70+ countries. Innovations like the powered Evac+Power 1000H, Voyager® travel range and Evac Xpert™ virtual assistant reflect user-led design—and a simple mission: in an emergency, no one is left behind.As founder of Punk Rock Business, a philosophy inspired by Bono, He champions bold, creativity-first approaches that challenge bureaucracy and mediocrity. His book The Punk Rock of Business documents this attitude which prioritises spectacular success or transformative learning over the status quo, making him an inspiring force in the business world. Beyond corporate achievements, He supports charitable initiatives, such as the Christadelphian Meal a Day Fund, which helps change the lives of those most in need in Africa. Jeremy’s leadership, relentless drive, and commitment to innovation continue to make a meaningful impact within Birmingham and beyond.
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE OF THE YEAR
THE BURNT CHEF PROJECT
The Burnt Chef Project is transforming mental health in hospitality through awareness, education, and action. With over 400 ambassadors worldwide — and the largest team based in Birmingham — they’ve trained hundreds of students, supported thousands of professionals, and provided vital crisis services. From free training and EAP schemes to their Mental Health Heroes Awards, they’re leading a powerful movement for wellbeing across the hospitality industry.
SPORTING INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR
BIRMINGHAM CITY FC FOUNDATION
The Birmingham City FC Foundation harnesses the power of football to inspire change across the city. Engaging over 10,000 participants annually, the Foundation delivers inclusive programmes in sport, education, health, and wellbeing — from disability football to girls’ and walking football — using the Blues’ community spirit to transform lives and strengthen Birmingham’s communities.
START-UP BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
BLUE DIAMOND RECRUITMENT
Born from resilience and purpose, Blue Diamond Recruitment — founded by husband-and-wife team Dan and Amy — connects exceptional talent with leading businesses across the built environment sector. Guided by integrity and compassion, they donate a percentage of every placement to St Giles Hospice in honour of Dan’s late father, proving that business success can truly create lasting social impact.
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
ADORED PETS CUISINE
Bringing fine dining to the pet world, Adored Pets Cuisine is redefining luxury nutrition for our furry friends. Founded by Birmingham-born innovator Kay Forbes, this family-run business handcrafts gourmet meals and celebration cakes made entirely from 100% human-grade ingredients. Described by The Sunday Times as “the pinnacle of pet indulgence” and crowned The Coolest Thing at Crufts 2025, Adored Pets Cuisine combines creativity, quality, and compassion — proving that Birmingham innovation has no limits, not even when it comes to pets.
BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
JO HAYDON
A true powerhouse of purpose, Jo Haydon has built 4 Community Trust into one of Sandwell’s most impactful social enterprises — transforming lives through affordable childcare, SEND support, wellbeing programmes, and food security initiatives. Her bold leadership, rooted in lived experience and relentless compassion, has expanded the Trust’s reach borough-wide, creating jobs, stability, and hope. Fiercely innovative and unapologetically driven by impact, Jo Haydon exemplifies what it means to lead with heart, vision, and unstoppable determination.
COMMUNITY CHAMPION OF THE YEAR
DARNISH AMRAZ MBE
Darnish Amraz MBE has dedicated over 22 years to empowering Birmingham’s young people and communities through education, mentoring, and social action. As Senior Youth Worker at Naseby Youth Centre, his work tackles crime, inequality, and youth disengagement head-on. From leading citywide youth initiatives to supporting families and frontline services, Darnish’s compassion and leadership embody true community spirit.To support public health, Syed has set up free health check camps, offering attendees BMI assessments and blood pressure checks. This initiative eases pressure on NHS services, helping to reduce wait times and queues for vital health checks. Syed has also been instrumental in youth development projects across Birmingham. He spearheaded several awareness campaigns, including the County Lines Awareness Project, Knives Destroys Lives Project, Tackling Gun Culture, and combating video game addiction. These initiatives have been pivotal in educating and protecting young people from the dangers of crime and addiction, fostering a safer and healthier community.
BUSINESSMAN OF THE YEAR
SIMBA RWAMBIWA
Driven by compassion and purpose, Simba Rwambiwa has transformed personal experience into powerful entrepreneurship. As Founder and Director of Palmlove Care Services, he leads a pioneering organisation delivering high-quality, person-centred care to over 200 individuals across Birmingham and beyond. Simba has integrated cutting-edge AI into community care, expanded employment opportunities, and strengthened policy impact — all while maintaining exceptional care standards. A true visionary, he balances profitability with humanity, inspiring others through his leadership, resilience, and innovation.
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
TOUCHWOOD SOLIHULL
Touchwood Solihull, led by General Manager Tony Elvin, stands as one of the UK’s most successful and community-focused retail destinations. Combining commercial excellence with purpose, Touchwood has achieved 100% occupancy, 21.6% income growth, and over 11.5 million annual visitors — all while championing sustainability, accessibility, and inclusion. From hosting diverse cultural celebrations to achieving zero waste to landfill and leading Solihull’s green agenda, Touchwood proves business success can go hand in hand with social impact. Under Tony’s inspiring leadership, it continues to set the national benchmark for innovation, integrity, and excellence.
ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
SULTAN CHOUDHURY OBE
An innovator, trailblazer, and purpose-driven entrepreneur, Sultan Choudhury a Birmingham-born leader has spent over three decades transforming ethical finance. From founding the UK’s first Islamic bank to steering Offa — the country’s leading Islamic property finance fintech — he’s built a legacy on vision and integrity. His entrepreneurial flair extends far beyond finance: mentoring future leaders, championing ethical business, and inspiring inclusive economic growth. Awarded an OBE for services to Islamic finance and an honorary degree from BCU, he continues to prove that purpose and profit can thrive together
NETWORKER OF THE YEAR
ANDY WILKINSON (OWB CREATIVE)
Andy Wilkinson, Managing Director of OWB Creative, is Birmingham’s very own “Super Connector.” From hosting Comms Crowd and Third Thursday to supporting Digital in Brum, he’s built meaningful connections that drive collaboration and opportunity across the city. Always genuine, generous, and inclusive — and never without his infamous long-arm selfie — Andy truly embodies the spirit of connection.
FESTIVAL OR EVENT OF THE YEAR
BIRMINGHAM JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL
Now in its 41st year, the Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival, led by Jim Simpson, continues to be the city’s summer soundtrack. Delivering 178 performances across 101 venues — most of them free — the festival champions accessibility, culture, and community spirit, drawing over 64,000 attendees and celebrating Birmingham’s creative heartbeat through world-class music.Her contributions extend beyond Birmingham, where she represents the city’s 1.2 million citizens across Europe and leads initiatives to foster skills development, jobs, and apprenticeships. A passionate advocate, she has spearheaded vital housing and homelessness efforts, even during the pandemic, and frequently speaks on political engagement, community development, and leadership. With over two decades of community advocacy, Her influence is felt widely as she continuously challenges norms and inspires systemic change, making her an exceptional and deserving Brummie of the Year
INCLUSIVE EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR
MIDLAND HEART
Midland Heart, one of the UK’s largest housing associations, champions inclusion and equality at every level. With over 1,000 employees, they’ve embedded equity through flexible working, staff networks, and leadership pathways for underrepresented groups. As a Disability Confident Employer, Midland Heart fosters a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.
TECH FOR GOOD AWARD
PLAY MOMENTS
Play Moments, is transforming family support through technology. As the UK’s first 24/7 digital parenting companion, it offers personalised, research-backed guidance for parents of children aged 0–8. Developed in partnership with Family Hubs, Nesta, and BBC Tiny Happy People, this Birmingham-born innovation empowers families, reduces inequality, and gives every child the best start in life.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
PURPLE SQUARE AUDIO VISUAL
For a decade, Manj, Amma, and the AV Team have been the creative force behind the Birmingham Awards’ signature magic — ensuring every spotlight hits its mark, every sound resonates, and every moment feels extraordinary. From our very first ceremony to this milestone 10th year, their dedication, innovation, and unwavering support have shaped the heart of our event. This Special Recognition Award honours their outstanding partnership, professionalism, and the pride they bring to every show. Here's to ten years of brilliance — and the unsung heroes who make it all possible.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
EDWIN LADD
For ten years, Edwin Ladd has been the quiet force behind the camera, turning fleeting moments into lasting memories. From the very first Birmingham Awards, Edwin has documented every smile, celebration, and spark of city pride — capturing the heart of our community with authenticity and artistry. What began with quiet curiosity has grown into a decade-long partnership defined by trust, talent, and transformation. Edwin’s lens has not only chronicled the evolution of the Birmingham Awards but has helped shape how the world sees our story. This Special Recognition Award honours Edwin’s unwavering dedication and creative vision — and celebrates the man who’s spent ten years putting others in the spotlight.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
NAEEM ARIF
Naeem Arif has been a pillar of support since the very beginning — a trusted friend and champion of the Birmingham Awards and every brand in our journey. Always ready to help, never asking for anything in return, Naeem’s generosity and positivity have lifted us through every challenge and celebration. His belief in our vision and his consistent presence have made him more than a supporter — he’s part of the B Events family. This Special Recognition Award celebrates Naeem’s incredible friendship, loyalty, and the quiet strength he brings to everything we do.
MALE BRUMMIE OF THE YEAR
ED JAMES
For over two decades, this remarkable individual has been the voice, energy, and heartbeat of Birmingham. A broadcaster, entrepreneur, and community champion, he’s inspired thousands daily — on air, on stage, and in boardrooms. His work has helped raise over £10 million for local charities, while his creative agency continues to drive innovation and digital transformation across the region. Beyond business, his dedication to service as a Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands and Trustee of Kids Village reflects a true commitment to making a difference. Passionate, authentic, and deeply connected to the people of this city, he embodies everything it means to be a proud Brummie.His extensive experience spans Chairing Sport Birmingham, supporting the Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, and trustee roles with Cure Leukaemia and the Lord Mayor of Birmingham's Charity. His commitment to Birmingham’s economic and social development is evident through his advocacy for HS2, youth empowerment, and a thriving business community. Known for his vision, integrity, and passion, His enduring impact and dedication embody the spirit of Birmingham, making him a well-deserving Brummie of the Year.
FEMALE BRUMMIE OF THE YEAR
MARVERINE COLE
A trailblazer, storyteller, and inspiration to many — this extraordinary broadcaster has spent over two decades breaking barriers and shaping British media. From reporting live for some of the UK’s biggest news outlets to gracing the screens of ITV’s Good Morning Britain, her commanding presence and authenticity have made her one of the most respected voices in journalism. Beyond the newsroom, she’s an award-winning documentary maker, beer sommelier, classical radio host, and passionate advocate for women rediscovering purpose and power in midlife. Her work amplifies unheard voices, challenges stereotypes, and celebrates diversity with grace and grit. A proud Brummie, mentor, and changemaker. Her contributions extend beyond Birmingham, where she represents the city’s 1.2 million citizens across Europe and leads initiatives to foster skills development, jobs, and apprenticeships. A passionate advocate, she has spearheaded vital housing and homelessness efforts, even during the pandemic, and frequently speaks on political engagement, community development, and leadership. With over two decades of community advocacy, Her influence is felt widely as she continuously challenges norms and inspires systemic change, making her an exceptional and deserving Brummie of the Year
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
BLACK SABBATH
From the heart of Aston to the global stage, this legendary band forever changed the sound of music and put Birmingham on the world map. Pioneers of heavy metal, their raw energy, dark riffs, and thunderous sound gave birth to a genre and inspired generations of artists across every corner of the globe. With over 70 million records sold, countless awards, and an enduring legacy that still echoes through the city’s streets, they remain Birmingham’s most iconic musical export — proof that true greatness can rise from humble beginnings. Their influence is timeless, their impact immeasurable, and their roots unmistakably Brummie.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (POSTHUMOUS)
OZZY OSBOURNE
From the heart of Aston to the global stage, this legendary band forever changed the sound of music and put Birmingham on the world map. Pioneers of heavy metal, their raw energy, dark riffs, and thunderous sound gave birth to a genre and inspired generations of artists across every corner of the globe. With over 70 million records sold, countless awards, and an enduring legacy that still echoes through the city’s streets, they remain Birmingham’s most iconic musical export — proof that true greatness can rise from humble beginnings. Their influence is timeless, their impact immeasurable, and their roots unmistakably Brummie.
