00:00I'd like to say it's been a straightforward 12 months for business but as you know there's been
00:06many challenges from national insurance rise, extra minimum wage costs, inheritance tax to
00:13farmers, that kind of thing. It certainly hasn't been a smooth ride and that's led with increasingly
00:19bizarre intervention from across the pond as Donald Trump plays his tariff bingo. We're
00:26certainly in interesting times with a very uncertain future ahead. All the more impressive
00:32therefore to report that entries this year were up on 2024 and the quality really was
00:38quite extraordinary. There is excellence to be found in every workshop, office and factory
00:45in our region. I saw that when I helped with some of the judging this year. I visited three very
00:51different businesses and all three were in their own way quite remarkable. I'd like to
00:57thank all the sponsors as PJ said for supporting this event. Couldn't do it without you, absolutely.
01:02And also providing the volunteers to active judges. I realise the commitment that it takes
01:08in terms of time and resources. Really appreciate it. I do hope that those who went out to do the
01:14judging enjoyed the process as well as I did. As has already been said it's no mean feat to be here
01:19as those chosen to be shortlisted for these awards. The amount of entries we had was immense and
01:26to get down to the final three really is a big achievement. You all did the Westminster proud
01:31and deserve your moment in the spotlight tonight. So I hope you enjoy the evening. Let your hair
01:35down. Enjoy yourself tonight. There was no one I was going to miss tonight. A very important evening
01:40celebrating the best of black country business and bow tie or no tie. I'm certainly here to enjoy
01:47it this evening. Tonight is about recognising the people, the places, the potential of this very
01:55important part of the West Midlands. And I'd like to particularly thank the Expressions staff for
02:01hosting the event tonight. I just also just want to refer to how the influence of businesses in this
02:08region have helped shape conversations with the government and the recent trade deal. I had a wonderful
02:13thank you letter from the Chief Executive JLR just last week for the work we did behind the scenes,
02:19working with the government to support in the case for the automotive industry here in that very
02:24important trade deal with the US that saved over the short term around 35,000 jobs in this region. So
02:32that's a really really important moment. Things are still quite volatile as you know but we're working
02:37our very hardest every day for the businesses in the West Midlands and those in the black country.
02:43But tonight isn't about me, it is about you. So it's very important to be raised a glass this evening to
02:50the businesses that have taken the risks, the businesses that have grown ideas and demonstrated
02:56enterprise and created jobs and created the jobs that really importantly change lives here. To the
03:03apprentices, the engineers, designers and doers, the people that prove every day that this region
03:08and this part of the region has everything it needs to succeed. Deborah inspires colleagues to follow
03:13her path. Check this out Deborah, your manager said I've not met anybody who has inspired me so much.
03:20All right, congratulations. You're going to get your award by coming and having a few questions.
03:34What is it, what's going to motivate you to take that next sort of step within your business,
03:37oh within your career? Welcome to three of the supportive main managers have supported me through
03:43the last couple of years and it's just to give that for me, is to go further, done a mom, done kids and
03:49labor is for me. The most variety is, if I'm overthinking, I'm overthinking. Yeah,
03:55brilliant one, fair play, congratulations. Thank you Deborah, thank you, good luck. If you go that way,
03:59I think you're going to be made famous in the paper package. Standout initiatives like the innovative
04:04wellness passport, I've heard about that, it's amazing, and a comprehensive mentoring scheme
04:09highlighting their holistic approach, setting a gold standard for workplace well-being. Ladies and
04:14gentlemen, heaps Alan P. From start to finish, this business is what the sustainability award is all about.
04:29At the heart of success lies a team united by passion and driven by innovation and desserts. Ladies and
04:36gentlemen, the little dessert shop. The epitome of family business, their thoughtful, strategic planning
04:46and community focused values deflects a business that is both resilient and purpose driven.
04:51The epitome of family business, one of whom made a big impact on a key product used in making,
05:10palm bear crisps, I call that.
05:19Many congratulations to the team, I love your decision.
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