It was double delight for a family run Black Country construction firm with a record £50m turnover – as it was crowned Business of the Year at the Black Country Chamber of Commerce Awards.
Kingswinford-based S&R Construction collected the flagship award at Thursday evening’s awards at Wolverhampton Racecourse – having been hailed as the standout company by the judges.
Nearly 500 people from across the business community gathered to see 13 awards presented at the event – hosted by TV presenter Suzi Perry.
Chamber chief executive Raj Kandola said: “This was a fantastic evening celebrating the very best of business across the Black Country. These awards and interest in them underline the sheer quality and talented companies and individuals we have here in Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton.
“I’d like to congratulate all the finalists and the winners, especially our Business of the Year. Judges found S&R Construction’s approach to employee care was outstanding, they recognised the wellbeing support on offer and clear career pathways through local apprenticeships.
“The award was also recognition of the business re-investing profits to fund growth and expansion, which means the directors have built a business that today turns over nearly £50m and plans for further significant growth.”
Chief executive of Juniper Training Ltd, Lesley Holland was crowned Bostin’ Business Person of the Year – nominated by her team and hailed for her ‘genuine care’ for the Black Country community. The Wolverhampton firm offers UK based training courses and apprenticeships, with judges describing Lesley as ‘selflessly giving something back rather than for personal gains, she is a very deserving winner’.
Halesowen College was named Employer of the Year, with the ‘passion of the leadership and pride staff take in their work’ making an impression on the judges.
Employee of the Year went to Sarah Swain from Wolverhampton’s The Mount Hotel Country Manor & Golf, for her 23 years of service to the venue, rising from head housekeeper to general manager.
S&R Construction was also crowned Family Business of the Year and praised for securing ‘the UK’s biggest infrastructure projects’ and for creating over 50 jobs thanks to their ‘rapid expansion’.
Workplace refreshment and vending machine operator Coinadrink Limited scooped the award for Sustainability, Technology and Innovation thanks to its ‘forward thinking solutions to reduce carbon emissions, improve efficiency and harness AI’.
The Professional Services Business Award was won by mfg Solicitors’ for its exceptional commitment to clients through extensive investment while Stourbridge-based marketing agency Plum Ideas Ltd was named the 2026 Catalyst for Creativity award winner. Judges praised their commercial results through campaigns along with long term partnerships and commitment to local charities, grassroots sports and community initiatives.
Bilston’s Bowers & Jones Limited, which design, manufacturer and refurbish roll tooling equipment and rolling mill components, picked up the International Trade Excellence Award, with judges highlighting five years of continued growth in difficult market circumstances.
Radiation shielding solutions specialists Raybloc (X-Ray Protection) Ltd was named Manufacturing Champion, with the Willenhall firm commended for their work in developing innovative MRI products, which led to a 25 per cent increase in turnover to £8m.
Business in the Community went to Groundwork West Midlands for creating Unity Brew, a social café and hub in Tipton which has ‘transformed lives with a strengthened a sense of belonging, wellbeing, companionship and reduced loneliness at its core’.
Ellie McEntee from Daniel-Scott Recruitment in Halesowen was named Black Country Future Star, with her passion for media and design, commitment to development and positive influence on supporting the next generation standing out to the judges.
Smethwick children’s roleplay cafe Pippatopia Ltd won Start Up Business of the Year, having generated over £200k in revenue in under a year, welcoming 17k visitors and creating five jobs, while developing SEND sessions, school-readiness activities, family events and other community initiatives.
