Touchwood takes home Business of the Year award
Retail and hospitality centre Touchwood Solihull has been crowned the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Business of the Year.
The Solihull business collected the top prize at the Chamber 's annual dinner and awards on Friday, in front of 1,300 guests at the ICC in Birmingham.
The annual dinner and awards, hosted by broadcaster Ed James, were sponsored by Birmingham City University and Gowling WLG. Birmingham City Council were headline partners.
Touchwood - who also won the Excellence in Hospitality & Retail category - has not only excelled in delivering a high-quality, customer-focused shopping experience in the face of a pandemic but has proved to be at the heart of the Solihull community in providing ongoing support and essential services to their customers and tenants.
Tony Elvin is general manager at Touchwood and Solihull Chamber president.
The judges said that over the past two years, Touchwood set the benchmark for UK shopping centres to aspire towards through their outperforming sales and footfall.
In November, their sales came within 2.9 per cent of pre-pandemic levels in 2019, exemplifying their drive and resilience.
Touchwood 's people-centred focus is evident in their approach to business.
Customer safety was upheld from the beginning of Covid, as well as communications with tenants and the varying restrictions enforced.
The centre 's accessibility is supported by the Solihull Shopmobility scheme they fund, their Quiet Hour with Autism West Midlands and Purple Tuesday, which supports disabled customers.
During the year 's most challenging periods, Touchwood lent its expertise to the wider retail and hospitality community and shared leasing opportunities with competitors.
It remained open for essential services during the country 's lockdowns and, during times of uncertainty, kept their tenants informed, up-to-date and reassured.
One of Touchwood 's most recognised community initiatives is The Touchwood Enterprise scheme which gives local start-up businesses the chance to have their first 'high-street ' presence.
Since its inception, the scheme has hosted over 50 start-ups.
The shopping centre has a 92 per cent tenant occupancy, indicative of Touchwood 's relationship built with its retailers.
Katrina Cooke, chief commercial officer and chair of the awards judging panel, said: “A huge congratulations to Touchwood Solihull, the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Business of the Year.
“The standard of entries this year was very high, shown through the 92 businesses shortlisted.
“Thank you to all of the businesses who took the time to enter into the awards. The amazing work of our region is a testament to the businesses who comprise it. ”
Meanwhile, an entrepreneur who has built a £40m business after launching her career with two paper rounds is the recipient of this year 's President 's Award.
Wendy Merricks was presented with the award by Chamber president Deb Leary.
Wendy is chief executive of Jumar Solutions, which provides technology and people services for clients, who include the DWP, DVLA, the Home Office and the Cabinet Office.
Deb said: “Wendy sums up all that is brilliant about the entrepreneurial spirit of Greater Birmingham - their dogged determination, their boldness and bravery to step up, despite doubts and challenges and their passion to find solutions.
“She is a true Brummie who sums up the spirit of entrepreneurship, of seizing the day, seeing a challenge and stepping up to create a solution. ”
AWARD WINNERS:
Excellence in Contribution to the Community - Sponsored by Shakespeare Martineau
Winner: Edgbaston Park Hotel & Conference Centre
Excellence in Customer Service - Sponsored by Pinsent Masons
Winner: Indigo
Excellence in Hospitality & Retail - Sponsored by runyourfleet
Winner: Touchwood
Excellence in International Business - Sponsored by Birmingham City University
Winner: Flexeserve
Excellence in Manufacturing - Sponsored by Schumacher Packaging
Winner: RotoSpa
Excellence in People Development - Sponsored by GuruYou
Winner: Jacobs
Excellence in Responsible Business - Sponsored by Lets Sanify
Winner: Unity Trust Bank
Excellence in Sales & Marketing - Sponsored by Novo Group
Winner: Flexeserve
Excellence in Sustainability - Sponsored by South and City College Birmingham
Winner: Arup
Excellence in Technology & Innovation - Sponsored by Aston University
Winner: G&P Group Holdings
Excellence in Third Sector - Sponsored by Unity Trust Bank
Winner: Millennium Point
Excellence in Training & Education - Sponsored by SGS UK
Winner: University of Birmingham
Pictured: Touchwood celebrate the Business of the Year crown
Check out a picture gallery from the event.
Picture by Marc Kirsten