Accounting firm scoops top prize at Solihull Awards 2023

Prime Accountants Group took home the overall Business of the Year accolade at the Solihull Awards 2023, having also scooped the prize for Excellence in Contribution to Community.

The awards ceremony, hosted by Solihull Chamber of Commerce, took place at Hilton Birmingham Metropole, in front of around 350 guests. 

Headline sponsors were Hilton Birmingham Metropole and Solihull College & University Centre, while the event was compered by television presenter Des Coleman.

Judges commented that they were impressed with Prime’s “quality of application which articulated very well why they should be deserving winner of the categories they entered, blended with a tone that demonstrated their pride and passion.”

They added: “Prime has won this award for their commitment, passion and pride in their business, their people and the region in equal measure. They adopt a very well-considered and strategic approach to all three areas and have shown how business success can be achieved by looking outwards as well as inwards. Even though they are an established business, they haven’t lost the entrepreneurial spirit and reliance of networking and community to continue to grow.”

Prime Accountants is an independent firm of chartered accountants, forensic accountants, business and financial advisors.

They simplify business for their clients by cutting through the jargon and provide accurate, honest advice to help their clients prosper over the long term.

Prime is committed to reinvesting itself in Solihull and has taken part in several events over the course of the last year, through staff fundraising, engagement with the community via charity donations and sponsorships, and staff engagement in charity events and team building activities within the town.

This work has resulted in thousands of pounds being raised and reinvested into Solihull businesses, in addition to the significant work Prime conducts to raise funds for Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Kevin Johns, managing director at Prime Accountants Group, said: “We are absolutely over the moon about winning Solihull Business of the Year 2023. It’s been a fabulous evening recognising all the hard work the team put in, but also what we put back into the community. We live, work in and enjoy the Solihull community.”

Helen Bates, chief financial officer at the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, chaired the judging for this year’s awards. She said: “It was a real honour to be the chair of judges for this year’s Solihull Awards, which highlight the huge range of talent, skills and success within the Solihull business community.

“The judges were impressed by the quality of the applications across all sectors, and the award winners can be proud of their achievements in a very competitive field.” 

The awards also saw a spectacular performance from youth organisation Urban Heard, who are on a mission to break cycles of deprivation and reduce inequalities so that all young people have the chance to live happy, healthy and safe lives.

Solihull Chamber President Eileen Schofield presented her President’s Award to Susie Ankrett, director of Plum Executive and regional representative and advisory board member for the Recruitment & Employment Confederation.

The full list of award winners is below:

Solihull's Award for Excellence in Hospitality & Retail- KIBOU Japanese Kitchen & Bar. Sponsored by Hilton Birmingham Metropole

Solihull's Outstanding Start-Up, Enterprise & Entrepreneurship- Monica's Bakes   

Solihull's Award for Excellence in Sales, Marketing & Communications- Touchwood Solihull       

Solihull's Award for Excellence in Contribution to Community- Prime Accountants Group       

Solihull's Rising Star & Future Leader- Rachel Arnold, Solihull College & University Centre. Sponsored by Touchwood Solihull

Solihull's Award for Excellence in Professional Services- Sydney Mitchell LLP. Sponsored by HR Dept Solihull

Solihull's Award for Excellence in Change & Sustainability- Enzen. Sponsored by The National Energy Hub

Solihull's Award for Excellence in Technology & Innovation- Evac+Chair International    

Solihull's Award for Excellence in Customer Services- The Recruitment Duo              

Solihull's Award for Excellence in Training, Education & Development in People- Solihull College & University Centre. Sponsored by runyourfleet

Solihull's Award for Excellence in Third Sector- Carers Trust Solihull          

Solihull Chamber of Commerce President's Award- Susie Ankrett, Plum Executive          

Solihull's Business of the Year Award- Prime Accountants Group. Sponsored by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council

Pictured: Prime Accountants Group. Credit: Studio Forty Six Ltd