David Smith

Last week, the men and women who make the local business world tick, gathered together at this year’s Midlands' Business Awards, to celebrate the very best in West Midlands’ business.
 
Sponsored by some of the biggest businesses in the region, including phone box, Aston Villa and Challinors Solicitors, the awards include categories ranging from retailer of the year, through to employee of the year.
 
This year, the Lichfield Community Support Award, sponsored by Lichfield District Council, was awarded to The Lichfield Festival. We were delighted to sponsor the Lichfield Community Support award, and even more delighted that the Lichfield Festival scooped the top spot. From helping local school children to get involved in the arts, through to offering hundreds of volunteering opportunities, The Lichfield Festival is a key part of the local community.
 
Other Lichfield District winners include Heritage Stairlifts - winners of the New Business award, Robert Carr Jewellers who were highly commended in the retailer of the year, and St Johns House - one of Lichfield’s most luxurious bed and breakfasts, which was highly commended in the ‘new business’ and ‘customer service’ categories.
 
The Midlands' Business Awards is not just about winning, it is also about raising money for a local charity. This year’s chosen charity was The Midlands Air Ambulance, which is responsible for funding and operating three Air Ambulances serving the Midlands and Welsh border region. Flying its first mercy mission in 1991, the organisation is regarded as one of the longest established and busiest Air Ambulance operators in the UK. This year’s awards helped to raise £4,000.

Photo: In the photo I am presenting Midlands' Business Award to The Lichfield Festival team