Chamber unveils bold revamp of flagship awards programme

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce has today unveiled a bold revamp of its flagship business awards programme – with a new format designed to give businesses a greater chance of recognition.

The new format - under the umbrella of the Greater Birmingham Business Awards - has been designed to shine a brighter spotlight on businesses across the whole GBCC network, while giving firms two chances at recognition from one initial application.

Under the refreshed model, businesses will enter via one of three regional awards programmes - Birmingham & Sutton Coldfield, Solihull or Staffordshire Gateway (covering Lichfield & Tamworth, Burton and Cannock Chase).

Gold, silver and bronze winners from those regional awards will then be automatically shortlisted for the Greater Birmingham Business Awards 2027, with no need to complete a second full application.

Instead, regional finalists must then submit a short video entry before competing for Chamber-wide honours.

Applications for the regional awards are set to open in September 2026, with entries closing in January 2027.

Regional awards celebrations will take place in Solihull in May 2027, followed by Birmingham & Sutton Coldfield and Staffordshire Gateway in June 2027.

The Greater Birmingham Business Awards will then take place on 7 October, 2027 at the ICC in Birmingham city centre.

Businesses cannot apply directly for the Greater Birmingham Business Awards and must enter through the regional awards first.

The Asian Business Chamber of Commerce and Future Faces will retain their own standalone awards dinners, although ABCC members can still enter the main Greater Birmingham Business Awards programme via the regional awards.

The Chamber says the new approach is intended to make the awards more open, inclusive and reflective of business achievement across every part of the region.

Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “The Greater Birmingham Business Awards represent a bold new chapter in how we celebrate success across our region.

“Designed to uncover and champion the very best of our business community, the programme will showcase the hidden gems and household names making an impact - first locally, then regionally.

“This is about more than a single night of celebration. With one application offering two chances to win, and a structure that connects winners to powerful networks, these awards are designed to open doors and drive growth.

“This new programme represents the latest step forward in the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s work to champion and connect our business communities.

“Our region is home to exceptional ambition, innovation and impact. I can’t wait to celebrate the businesses that define the very best of Greater Birmingham.”

The new system places greater emphasis on regional impact, allowing firms to be recognised first for achievements in their local business community, before celebrating their contribution to Greater Birmingham.

Marcella Meehan, event manager at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “We believe this new format gives smaller businesses, growing firms and those that may not have considered entering awards before a genuine opportunity to stand alongside some of the biggest and best-known companies in Greater Birmingham.

“With the gold, silver and bronze winners automatically progressing to the Greater Birmingham Business Awards, it means one initial application provides two opportunities to be recognised.

“The judging will focus on merit, contribution and achievement – not the size of a business.”

Businesses can register their interest now ahead of awards applications opening in September.

Pictured: Rugeley-based Techcare won the overall 2026 Greater Birmingham Business of the Year award