Buildfifty5 Living, Priorslee, Katie Stone PA, Ludlow and MOO and BOOM, Whitchurch were among 12 winning West Midlands businesses ahead of the national final of the UK FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards 2024 in May.
And they will also be joined by Globility Coaching, Ludlow, who have also been shortlisted on the national stage.
Sue Tonks, FSB chair for West Midlands, said: “They all reflect the vitality, innovation and tenacity that make up our small business community.
“It has been exciting to see so many West Midlands businesses enthusiastically enter our awards and the sheer scale and diversity of those who took part is testament to the vitality of the region’s small business community. Best of luck to all our winners at the UK National Awards Final in May.”
The FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards honor the best small businesses across the country, offering national recognition for those that have made the biggest impression over the past 12 months.
The finalists will progress to the UK national final which will take place at a VIP-attended awards ceremony in Blackpool on 9 May.
Buildfifty5 Living, Priorslee, is competing for the Innovation Award.
They provide an innovative and creative approach to sustainable and affordable housing, using modern, low carbon construction for energy efficient homes.
A spokesperson for the awards added: “Buildfifty5 Living embraces innovation, focusing on urban areas and leveraging industry knowledge to manage development holistically. The business revolves around redeveloping housing solutions on abandoned land, specifically catering to specialized user groups such as young people and seniors.”
Katie is nominated as a Freelancer Award winner. She is a virtual assistant with experience in education.
The spokesperson added: “Katie has built a skilled team of former teachers to provide specialist administrative support to education businesses. Known for her personalized knowledge and stellar service, Katie has exponentially increased her client base and revenue each year.
“Passionate about empowering educators, Katie mentors her team to help them build their own VA businesses. “Katie loves combining her experience with flexibility to make an impact.”
Maddie Ashbrook is nominated for Young Entrepreneur of the Year. The 24-year-old is the owner of MOO and BOOM, an independent store that focuses on sustainable living and the ethos of wellness.
“The company does not compromise on quality or design, but instead offers beautifully selected products from around the world, while making positive purchases for a greener planet and for the communities that have the skills to curate the collections,” the spokesperson added of the awards.
And finally, Globility Coaching has a chance if it is crowned the national winner of the Diversity and Inclusion Award.
The spokesperson said: “The firm was founded in 2011 by Marina Ibrahim in Shropshire and is at the forefront of diversity, equality and inclusion consultancy. The enterprise approach involves understanding unique challenges to design comprehensive DE&I strategies that catalyze positive change, impact and innovation from workplaces to societies. The essence of Globility Coaching lies in promoting cultural agility: being open, curious and respectful, which has been achieved successfully.”