Express & Star Business Awards 2025: Meet the finalists - Business of the Year

The award, sponsored by voestalpine Metsec plc, aims to celebrate top performing businesses. Judges will be looking at commercial performance, leadership and management skills, commitment to customers, innovation, as well as investment in staff and commitment to the local community.

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. 

Under the leadership of Tom Williams, who became managing director in 2022 - continuing the legacy of his father Roger, the family-run firm is projected to have a turnover of £7.7 million this year.

Coinadrink hails strategic effort and innovation for its success. The introduction of the Smart Fridge in summer 2024 revolutionised fresh food vending by offering healthier options in the workplace. 

The company's leadership focuses on a customer-first approach and employee empowerment, resulting in exceptional staff retention of almost 11 years.

Employee well-being is central to Coinadrink's strategy, with investments in professional development, bespoke training, and apprenticeship opportunities. The company offers benefits such as flexible working hours, a comprehensive benefits package, and interest-free loans. Coinadrink is also a Real Living Wage employer.

Customer satisfaction is also a key focus, with innovative products and services tailored to various industries. The company is introducing an AI-driven live data system in 2025 to enhance operational efficiency. Coinadrink also supports community initiatives - including fundraising to help people with endometriosis.

JJX Logistics

JJX Logistics based in Kingswinford aims to become the UK's most trusted name in high security time-critical logistics by 2030. The company based on the Pensnett Trading Estate has built a reputation for excellence, service, and security across the UK and Europe, focusing on premium, security-led solutions.

JJX closed the 2024/25 financial year with record revenues of £8.02 million, up from £6.7million in 2023/24, showing consistent growth. They achieved a net profitability before tax of £1.21m and employ 75 people, most of whom are from the Black Country.

The company, founded and run by John Joseph Donovan, aims to be the UK’s leader for highly secure high-value logistics services by 2030, targeting revenue growth to £15m by 2028 and £20m by 2030. 

They are expanding with a new Ireland office, which opened in May 2025, with a new Netherlands site planned to open later this year. 

The company, one of only seven logistics providers to hold TAPA TSR Level 1 certification - the highest global benchmark for secure transit operations, prides itself on its service and boasts customers including pharmaceutical giants Arvato and Biocair plus top brands including Michael Kors and Microsoft.

JJX invests in leadership, innovation, and staff development, including apprenticeships and management programs. The company is also big on community and giving back and named one of its trucks after a young woman who lost her life to mental health struggles. The firm is also a patron of the Wolves Foundation and supports Black Country Mental Health.

Walsave Credit Union Ltd

Walsave Credit Union Ltd in Walsall 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. One of its big achievements is helping members to accrue £12 million in savings within the Walsall borough. Low-cost lending is available, with no fees for early loan repayment, aimed at deterring individuals from high-interest lenders.

In the financial year 2023-2024, Walsave achieved a surplus of £212,105.00 after taxation - its best year to date. This was distributed to members as a three per cent dividend on their savings. 

Walsave, which operates with seven staff members and serves around 5,500 active members, caters to diverse member needs, including vulnerable members and those without photo ID and cannot open an account elsewhere. It also prioritises customer service by maintaining a physical branch and phone support with staff available to talk to customers without the need to go through an automated system.

The credit union supports local charities, including St Peter’s Independent Food Bank in Bloxwich and the Community Food Hub in Bentley. As a not-for-profit, Walsave focuses on member needs and has received positive feedback for helping members to manage their finances.