Solihull winners among those celebrating business success at awards night
Inspirational achievers from Birmingham and Solihull were among those celebrated at the sixth Ladies First Professional Development Network Business Awards.
Four hundred people assembled at Dallas Burston Polo Club, in Southam for the glittering ceremony hosted by Kirsty Leahy, Karen Jones and ‘Roberto.’
The evening’s entertainment also included performances by Birmingham’s Elmhurst Ballet School and singer Ruth Kelly, from Coventry.
Local winners included BBC radio presenter Trish Adudu who was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award in Media, as well as four of the five winners in a brand new Young Futures First category, honouring inspirational young people between the ages of 16 and 30.
These are Aaron O’Brien, Wolverhampton and Courtnee Gallagher, Leah Atkins and Fatima Mohammed, Birmingham Metropolitan College.
Other winners from the Birmingham area included: Paola Spiga, Glam & Glow Beauty Lab, in Hockley Heath (Start-up of the Year); Becci Fox, of Solihull Moors (Excellence In Health & Welbeing); Jas Thiara of Alsters Kelley Solicitors, in Balsall Common (Excellence In Professional Services); and Rob Butler, of Tri Wellness Limited, in Solihull (Inspirational Businessman of the Year).
Anne Cawley and the team at Jamieson Christie Wealth Management, which has its headquarters in Balsall Common, were also presented with the Achieves for Community (Business) Award for their charity work, while John Street received the Community Champion Award, recognising his work with @freeatlast.
Rob Butler was named Inspirational Man of the Year for his success at Tri Wellness Limited in Solihull, taking his own childhood experiences and subsequent mental health challenges to bring strength and positivity into his fitness and wellbeing studio.
He said: “This recognition truly means the world to me. I really hope me winning this award can inspire other young men and women to aspire to their goals, live for their purpose and be the people they deserve to be.”
With Chamber member Solihull Moors, Becci Fox uses the power of sport to transform young people’s lives by equipping them with better skills and increased confidence.
On winning the Excellence in Health & Wellbeing Award, she said: “This award is not just a testament to my individual efforts but is a celebration of the collective spirit of all staff and volunteers and Solihull Moors Foundation.
“This award shines a light on the importance of nurturing well-being in our communities and for us to continue, touching lives through the power of sport.”
This year also saw the introduction of new categories including Sustainable Business Leader, Trailblazer of the Year and Inclusivity Leadership with a special Inspirational Women Award going to The England Women’s football team, The Lionesses.
The Awards, which were unveiled at The House of Commons in January, are headed up by Ladies First directors Tracey McAtamney from Balsall Common and Karen Massey from Leamington.
Tracey and Karen said: “It was a phenomenal evening celebrating the achievements of women, men, and future young influencers in business. We couldn't be more proud of this inspiring event. Huge congratulations to all of our 2024 winners. We also want to express our gratitude to all our sponsors, without whom this event wouldn't have been possible. Thank you to the IXL Centre for creating a wonderful experience for our guests. We can’t wait to see what 2025 will bring.”
The evening, which included an auction and raffle and £5k ring prize drawer courtesy of Shipton & Co in Stratford, also raised £8,000 for The Giles Trust Brain Tumour Fund.
The charity was stablished in 2015 by former England cricketer Ashley Giles MBE and his wife Stine, who was diagnosed with three brain tumours over 12 years. The charity raises funds for research, pioneering equipment and support for patients.
