Sponsors countdown to 2019 Express & Star Business Awards

Sponsors of the 2019 Express & Star Business Awards gathered at its head office in Wolverhampton as the countdown towards the big night was launched.

Express & Star editor Martin Wright, front left, and print managing director Graeme Clifford with the sponsors and other guests

Editor-in-chief Martin Wright told guests: "This will be the eighth annual awards since the campaign was re-launched in 2012, following a three-year break.

"For us, it is an opportunity to focus on the brilliant businesses we have operating across our patch.

Express & Star deputy editor Mark Drew and East End Foods head of communications and marketing Indi Wouhra

"While there are many challenges facing our economy, these awards are a chance to celebrate the innovation and creativity within our business community."

Marston's, who are sponsoring the business person of the year category, donated 60 bottles of their beers for the lunch event in the boardroom at the newspaper's Queen Street offices.

The closing date for entries is February 27 with the winners in 10 categories, including business of the year, to be announced at the black-tie awards dinner at Wolverhampton Racecourse on June 6.

New sponsors for 2019 are Marston's and East End Foods.

GALLERY: More pictures from the event

Left to right: Councillor Peter Bilson of City of Wolverhampton Council, Karen Smallwood from Wolverhampton Grand Theatre and Neil Kendrick of Carvers

The Express & Star's Rob Kelly with Tim Hubbard from Altodigital

Simon Ashby of Altodigital with Andy Hodnett and Mark Allsopp of Yarrington talking with MNA Media's director of marketing and communications Chris Leggett

Businessman Henry Carver with Wolverhampton Grand Theatre's Katie Sheriden

MNA Media's corporate sales manager Darren Griffin with Wayne Jones and Mark Sharples from Collins Aerospace

Peter Bilson chats with Karen Smallwood and Neil Kendrick

Graeme Clifford speaks with Peter Bilson during the event

MNA Media's advertising director Louise Burns with Marston's managing director Richard Westwood

Left to right: Rob Gunn of Crowe, East End Food's Jastin Wouhra, City of Wolverhampton Council's managing director Tim Johnson and Mark Evans of Crowe

Left to right: Grace Neal of Homeserve, with Higgs & Sons' Kathryn Small, Roshine Bulpitt of Homeserve and Express & Star's deputy advertising director Kim Hazel

Richard Westwood, managing director of Marston's Beer Company said: "It's going to be really exciting to be part of the judging process for business person of the year and to find out how businesses are going about increasing competitiveness and productivity."

East End Foods head of communications and marketing Indi Wouhra said the family firm, which employs 400 in West Bromwich, Smethwick and Aston, had been keen to get involved and is sponsoring excellence in customer service.

"We started out in Wolverhampton and spent 15 years in the city and we want to get more involved in what goes on in the Black Country."

The other sponsors are Altodigital, Carvers Building Supplies, City of Wolverhampton Council, Collins Aerospace (formerly UTC Aerospace), Higgs and Sons, Crowe and HomeServe.

The drinks reception at the awards will be sponsored again by the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre and the show produced by Yarrington.

Wolverhampton Council deputy leader Councillor Peter Bilson said the awards were important for the area.

"The Express & Star is a key business for the city and plays a major role here.

"We are looking to see our relationship develop in the future to be a business promoter."

Oldbury-based Crowe partner Mark Evans said:"There are privately-owned firms across the Black Country and it is fascinating to meet family businesses and find out what their challenges are and the opportunities they have."

Walsall's HomeServe brand manager Grace Neal said: "Best place to work is a good category for us because we put great value on work culture. The award recognises companies that put the workforce at the top of the agenda."

Higgs and Sons partner Richard Griffiths said the Brierley Hill law firm was delighted to be sponsoring the small to medium-sized business category.

"We have been around since 1875 and pride ourselves on supporting local businesses. The awards are an opportunity to recognise some of the fantastic entrepreneurs we have in this region."