Express & Star Business Awards 2025: Meet the finalists

Judges have spent the last few weeks visiting businesses across the Black Country to determine the worthy winners who will be announced at a black tie awards evening at The Halls Wolverhampton on Thursday June 5.

The awards night will bring together finalists, esteemed sponsors and prominent figures from the business and civic world for a celebratory evening of recognition and networking.

Entries closed in all categories last month, and Express and Star editor Mark Drew told sponsors and guests at a pre-event lunch on May 13 that the judging process had been extremely tough due to the quality of entries received.

Announcing the finalists this week, he said: "It has been an incredibly difficult task creating the shortlist for the awards.

"Today we shine a light on those who have been included. They represent everything that is good about business in the West Midlands and our team of judges have enjoyed visiting them all as they decide a winner in each category. 

"I would like to thanks our sponsors who have made these awards possible and who are also part of this supplement and who have offered incredible support. 

"The past year has been challenging for business, but we continue to be inspired by the innovation and creativity that continues across the West Midlands. 

"I wish all the finalists the very best of luck – see you at The Halls."

Here are the finalists in all the different categories:

Business of the Year Award - sponsored by voestalpine Metsec plc

Coinadrink Limited

Founded in 1962, Coinadrink Limited in Walsall is a provider of workplace refreshment solutions. Despite the changing landscape of business, its core values of trust, service, and innovation continue to guide its journey and the family-run firm is projected to have a turnover of £7.7 million this year. 

JJX Logistics

The company, based on the Pensnett Trading Estate in Kingswinford, which closed the 2024/25 financial year with record revenues of £8.02 million, aims to become the UK’s most trusted name in high security time-critical logistics by 2030.

Walsave Credit Union Ltd

The Walsall based credit union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative - offering a range of easy to access ethical financial services to people who live or work in the Walsall area. It provides various savings accounts, including those with free life insurance and budgeting accounts to help members manage their bills.

Medium Business of the Year Award - sponsored by Higgs LLP

Jenks & Cattell Engineering

The Willenhall based engineering firm has demonstrated consistent growth and strong commercial performance over its 139 years of operation, with turnover rising from £9m to nearly £14m in recent financial years.  Established in 1886, it has the prestige and expertise as one of the most established metalwork engineering companies in the UK. 

Prestwood Care Home

Since 1985, Prestwood has provided services to older people in the local community.  The organisation aims to be the first choice for those people looking for high quality care. It prides itself on providing a service of care that is second to none and that is tailored to each client to ensure all aspects are fully covered.

T.C. Morris

T.C. Morris is a third-generation family run business specialising in the production of quality pork pies for the food service and catering sectors.  Established in 1939 by Thomas Charles Morris, T.C. Morris has evolved from humble beginnings as a butcher’s shop to a thriving manufacturer serving the food service sector.

Sustainability Award

Dreamland Bedding Centre

The independent bed retailer, based in Brierley Hill, says it aims to prioritise not just profits but people and the planet too and this philosophy permeates every strategic decision.  Its products include plant-based mattresses, those made from recycled materials and designs that facilitate circularity. It also subsidises costs through reinvested business profits to ensure sustainable disposal pathways remain accessible and economically viable for consumers.  

Iron & Velvet

Iron & Velvet, based in Dudley, was founded to address the significant plastic waste issue in the household cleaning market. The company develops, produces and sells household cleaning refills. Its water-soluble refill sachets are designed to be kind on the environment but tough on dirt, giving consumers an easy sustainable swap.

Lord Combustion Services

Oldbury-based commercial heating and ventilation specialist Lord Combustion Services puts sustainability at the heart of its business and has played a leading role in helping clients across the West Midlands introduce energy-efficient solutions and reduce their environmental impact. The company has been recognised for its impact on carbon reduction in the heating industry by organisations like the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Small Business of the Year Award

BCRS Business Loans

BCRS in Wolverhampton is a non-profit distributing co-operative lender which is helping to support the growth of SMEs with a dedicated business loan fund, providing loans with amounts ranging from £10,000 to £250,000.

Bowers & Jones

A world-renowned leader in the design, manufacturing and refurbishment of rolling mill components based in Bilston in the heart of the Black Country.  For 70 years B&J has been making high precision roll tooling and equipment for the steel and copper rolling industries, but now the company has customers in oil and gas, medical and fibre composites industries worldwide.

Twin Design

Established in 2007 by brothers Declan and Tully Gallagher, Twin Design Limited based in Walsall has evolved into a distinguished provider of bespoke joinery solutions, growing from £300k to over £2m in annual sales and employing 20 people.

Family Business of the Year Award - sponsored by Crowe LLP

A. Perry Ltd

From humble beginnings, Cradley Heath-based A. Perry Ltd has grown to become the UK’s leading manufacturer and distributor of agricultural, architectural and landscaping hardware. Arthur Perry founded the business in 1925 and was later joined by his two sons, Cliff and Ernie and the company is now directed by the third and fourth generations.

Gough Group Holdings

Gough Group Holdings is a family-owned construction and refurbishment company with 125-year history and an emphasis on family values.  Founded in Wolverhampton in 1900 by painter and decorator William Gough, the company has been passed down through generations – with current third-generation owners John and Jonathan Gough continuing the family legacy.

S. Jones Containers

S Jones Containers is a family-owned firm based in Aldridge with more than 40 years’ experience as a leading shipping container specialist.  Led by fourth generation family members, the business specialises in container hire, sales and conversions to support the diverse needs of clients regionally, nationally, and globally in industries as wide-ranging as engineering, energy, education and healthcare.

Employee Wellness Excellence Award - sponsored by MNA Digital

Coinadrink Limited

Bosses at Walsall-based Coinadrink Limited say they place the health and wellbeing of employees at the heart of the business.  For more than six decades, the family-run firm has worked to foster a supportive, inclusive and family-oriented culture that encourages personal and professional growth. Coinadrink became a Real Living Wage employer in 2023 to help staff manage the rising cost of living. It also offers an interest-free loan scheme to assist staff with unexpected financial challenges.

Higgs LLP

The company, based at Waterfront Business Park, Brierley Hill,  aims to create a workplace culture that prioritises the health and well-being of its people. It does this in a variety of ways including offering private medical insurance with confidential access to a mental health pathway, mental health workshops and mindfulness sessions. Flexible working options and discounted gym memberships are also available and healthy snacks provided plus generous paid time off, a health and wellbeing day, and the option to purchase extra holiday.

Jenks & Cattell Engineering

The Wednesfield based firm prioritises employee wellness through a variety of initiatives as the company recognises “the wellbeing of the team directly influences productivity, engagement, and overall success”.  Mental health support is among the assistance provided including confidential counselling and trained mental health first aiders; while physical wellbeing is addressed with annual health and hearing checks, partnerships for free eye tests and discounted glasses, and private healthcare offering financial assistance for medical expenses.

Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Award

Dreamland Bedding Centre

A leading independent bed retailer in the UK, Dreamland in Brierley Hill is recognised for its industry leadership, customer-centric approach, and commitment to excellence. Founded with the mission of transforming sleep solutions, the company has built a reputation for unparalleled expertise, innovative product offerings, and an unwavering dedication to sustainability.

Little Dessert Shop

Little Dessert Shop, known for the UK's Most Viral Desserts, started its journey in 2015 with a single store in Wolverhampton. Since then, the brand has revolutionised the dessert scene, setting trends and redefining indulgence. With more than 50 locations nationwide, it has ambitious plans to double to 100 stores within the next 24 months.

New Invention Brewery

The award-winning brewery in Bloxwich originally consisted of just a small 100l brew kit, brewing pale ales and IPAs and just six taps in a taproom to serve them on. Despite just one man running both the brewery and taproom, it began to thrive and hasn't looked back.

Manufacturing Champion Award - sponsored by Collins Aerospace

Steelway Fensecure Ltd

Founded in 1928, Steelway has been at the heart of British manufacturing for nearly 100 years, evolving with the times while maintaining a steadfast commit.  In recent years, through significant growth, the Black Country business has undergone a significant transformation, reinforcing its position as a leader in the industry.

A&M EDM Pure Precision

A&M EDM Pure Precision based in Smethwick offers rapid response engineering solutions to manufacture bespoke high value, low volume components and tooling for many sectors including aerospace, food production tooling and Formula 1. The company, which invests in people, systems, sustainability, and machinery to improve productivity and competitiveness, achieved a record £8.75m in sales by September 2024. 

Jenks & Cattell Engineering

The company has shown consistent growth and strong commercial performance over its 139 years in operation, with turnover rising from £9 million to nearly £14 million in recent financial years. In 2022-2023, the Wednesfield-based manufacturing firm experienced an 80 per cent increase in profits, creating the financial stability to invest in personnel, plant and future growth. 

Apprentice of the Year Award - sponsored by Black Country and Marches Institute of Technology

Deborah Colley - AF Blakemore Foodservice

Having faced personal hardship in early 2023, Deborah chose to undertake a two-year team leader apprenticeship, plus maths and English functional skills studies. Her passion and dedication, despite her circumstances, resulted in a distinction for her apprenticeship and she was named Apprenticeship Hero at AF Blakemore.

Katie Cooper - ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK

Katie’s positive impact has been felt from the first day she joined ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UKI as part of its professional digital segment as a product data and customer service apprentice – a new role to the business and one that no apprentice has taken on before. She has made the role her own and set the standard for all future apprentices with her positive can-do attitude.

Luke Harvey - DAE Energy Solutions

Luke joined DAE Energy Solutions, a building energy management systems specialist, as their first-ever apprentice and has shown a remarkable commitment to his development and to the business.  Set to complete his apprenticeship this year, he is regarded as representing the gold standard of apprenticeship achievements within the company.

Growth and Innovation Award - sponsored by Express & Star

Doocey Group

The Tipton based business is a leading civil engineering firm that has significantly expanded its operations and market reach. Established in 1981 as a traditional utility infrastructure provider for British Gas evolving into water and electric markets, the family-run business experienced substantial growth in 2022 and 2023 - fuelled by successful retention of key contracts, such as the National Grid framework, and winning new contracts in regions like Hereford, Bristol, Gloucester and Worcester.

Coinadrink Limited

Established in 1962, Coinadrink has built a reputation as a leading provider of innovative vending and refreshment solutions.  The Walsall-based company has experienced significant growth over the last three years thanks to a continuous commitment to innovation, exceptional service and a strategic approach to business. It has a current turnover of £7.4 million and a projected increase to £7.7 million this year.

Pallet-Track Ltd

Established in 2004, Pallet-Track Ltd which has a central hub in Wolverhampton is a national logistics network specialising in pallet delivery across all market sectors. Over the past 20 years, the company has grown by 1,574 per cent. Moving 254,169 pallets in its first year to transporting more than 4,000,000 pallets annually across the UK.

Young Business of the Year Award - sponsored by Gough Group Holdings

DAE Energy Solutions

DAE Energy Solutions in Brierley Hill was founded in February 2020 to meet a growing need for smart, efficient, and customer-focused Building Management System (BMS) solutions. In just five years, it has evolved from a two-person start-up into a trusted, high-performing business delivering multi-million-pound BMS projects across the UK.

Hockerhill Adventure Playbarn

The venture is a wild, open space for children from tinies to tweens to be whoever and however they want to be. The Brewood business opened in March 2024 projecting 50,000 people to enter through the doors for the first year - but so far they have greatly exceeded expectations as 70,000 people flocked through the doors in the first year.

Play @ Lower Drayton Farm

The farm officially launched in 2020, born from the Bower family’s longstanding passion for farming and desire to bridge the growing disconnect between the public and the countryside. At a time when children’s access to green spaces and knowledge about food production was declining, the family saw a unique opportunity to create a visitor attraction that was meaningful as well as fun.

Business Person of the Year Award - sponsored by Richardson

Mark Chard - Star Scaffolding

The co-founder and co-owner of West Bromwich-based Star Scaffolding has become an industry leader with a business boasting more than 106 employees and a turnover exceeding £8.3 million

Alan Curtis - Steelway Fensecure Ltd

Alan was taken on as managing director of Steelway Fensecure Ltd as the Wolverhampton-based metal fabrication company was enjoying a period of rapid and significant growth after its acquisition in 2020. Now, almost two years into his tenure, Alan is credited with modernising the business for the 21st century and driving its upward trajectory.

John Joseph Donovan - JJX Logistics 

In September 1997 John was a man with a van and a plan. His vision was simple – to provide a reliable, honest and customer-centric transport service and over the years his company based on the Pensnett Trading Estate in Kingswinford has evolved from a general logistics provider into one of the UK’s most respected names in time critical high security logistics.

Good luck to all our finalists!