‘Gold standard’ workplace wellbeing experts win Chamber’s top award

An organisation that has “set the bar higher” to provide workplace wellbeing across the Midlands is the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) Business of the Year 2025.

The Listening Centre (TLC) Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Ltd was presented with the award in front of 1,000 guests at the ICC in central Birmingham last night after winning the Excellence in Customer Service category.

The Lichfield-based EAP has dedicated itself to maintaining and improving mental health and wellbeing since it was founded in 2002 by Sharon McCormick.

Its operations include psychological asseessment, counselling/talking therapy, workplace mediation, bespoke training, clinical supervision, critical incident support and a free signposting service.

And last year TLC expertise was highlighted in a BBC Radio 4 ‘File on 4’ investigation into what defines a ‘Gold Standard’ Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

TLC was nominated by the British Association of Counselling Psychotherapy Programme (BACP) when they were approached by a BBC investigative journalist.

The programme aired in March, featuring founder Sharon, who narrated TLC’s best practices placing TLC firmly on the map.

TLC was portrayed as an exemplary example of how an EAP customer service should operate, providing “prompt, personalised, person-centred support that anticipates and exceeds our customer's needs, leaving both commissioners and employees feeling valued and understood at every interaction”.

TLC also featured in BBP Media and HR Magazine, providing valuable insights for HR managers on critical questions to ask when selecting the right EAP provider.

Sharon, also the owner and managing director of TLC, has worked in the counselling sector industry for 23 years and is a “life-long student” of the latest research in the wellbeing arena and helping people adopt to a “trauma-informed” approach to make “better sense of their lived experiences...”

In their submission to the judges, TLC said they were established to achieve one purpose: “...to demonstrably improve the health and wellbeing of everyone we engage and support”.

They added: “We deliver services that are highly regarded by our customers, trusted by service users and most importantly, provide incredible results giving a sound return on investment.

“An EAP provides confidential support to employees facing personal or professional challenges, offering services like counselling, crisis intervention and signposting to free financial guidance resources, aiming to improve employee wellbeing and productivity by addressing issues that might impact their work performance, all while maintaining confidentiality.

“At a time when many national EAPs fall short, we continue to set the bar higher, providing not only solutions to workplace wellbeing in the Midlands but doing so with integrity...”

The judges’ comments included:

Mike Hopkins (principal at South & City College Birmingham): “The nature of the business is clearly customer service-focused and a really good analysis and explanation of its success has been provided.”

Justice Williams MBE (editor-in-chief and co-founder of Black Business Magazine): “TLC exemplifies excellence in workplace wellbeing through proactive community involvement, tailored solutions, and outstanding service delivery.

“Their recognition by BACP as a ‘Gold Standard’ provider and their ability to consistently impress clients and customers with rapid, empathetic support highlights their position as a leader in their field. Strong testimonials and innovative solutions reinforce their candidacy for this award.”

The GBCC awards were hosted by broadcaster PJ Ellis. Headline sponsors were Birmingham City University and Group X.

Entertainment was provided by Candy and The Sound, while PR agency Rewired were table décor sponsors.

Full list of winners:

Excellence in Contribution to the Community – sponsored by runyourfleet
B:Music

Excellence in Customer Service – sponsored by Birmingham Airport
The Listening Centre EAP Ltd

Excellence in Hospitality, Retail & Events - sponsored by Translift Bendi
Eventurous     

Excellence in Inclusive People Development - sponsored by Close Brothers Asset Management
Birmingham Hospice

Excellence in International Business - sponsored by Gowling WLG
Solotech          

Excellence in Manufacturing – in partnership with JLR
Translift Bendi

Excellence in Sales & Marketing - sponsored by Pyvital
Lichfield Garrick Theatre       

Excellence in Sustainability - sponsored by South & City College Birmingham
Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre       

Excellence in Technology & Innovation – in partnership with Birmingham City University
Empro Business Group Ltd  

Excellence in Third Sector – in partnership with Wesleyan
Roshni Birmingham

Excellence in Training & Education - sponsored by AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group
Birmingham City University 

Greater Birmingham Business of the Year - sponsored by Crowe UK LLP
The Listening Centre EAP Ltd