Business achievement celebrated at awards ceremony

The University of Wolverhampton hosted its fourth Business Achievement Awards (BAA) recently at the Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton in celebration of ambitious graduates and high flying businesses.

The Business Achievement Awards recognise individuals and companies that have made an excellent contribution to enterprise and the regional economy.

The bi-annual awards held at the Molineux Stadium celebrate business collaborations and academic partnerships, graduate employment support and graduate start-up companies.

Wolves Football Club was awarded Strategic Partner of the Year following collaboration between the two organisations including the revamp of the Molineux subway, a high profile Honorary Doctorate award given to Wolves manager, Nuno and an ongoing shared vision and commitment to the City of Wolverhampton.

University graduates were also celebrated with Business Leader of the Year awarded to Dr Adrian Hallmark, Chief Executive Officer of Bentley Motors and a graduate from the School of Engineering and Graduate Start-up of the Year awarded to Sports & Exercise Science graduate, Nathaniel Keay, who has set up a successful recruitment company that exclusively supports the sports industry.

Nursing Associate Degree Apprentice, Katy Blakemore from Cygnet Healthcare, won Employee of the Year for making a significant impact within the organisation.  Employer of the Year was awarded to Enterprise Rent-a-Car who have shown a consistent commitment to providing employment opportunities to over 30 graduates over the past two years.

Dr Paul Hampton, Head of Built Environment in the University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering and Project Director for European Regional Development Funded projects, BECCI and EnTress, was awarded Academic Expert of the Year for his work with businesses.

Business Collaboration of the Year was awarded to Walsall and Black Country Partnership for the size and scale of the work they do to ensure the region has skilled nurses.

The awards were designed by Wolverhampton School of Art Master’s Degree student, Suzanne Vicenzotti, who is studying Applied Arts and entertainment was provided by University Pro-Chancellor, Jaki Graham and Jolie from St. Peter’s Collegiate School in Wolverhampton.

A judging panel, made up of high-profile representatives from within the regional business community as well as representation from within the University’s senior leadership, selected the winners.

Professor Geoff Layer, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “The Business Achievement Awards enable us to celebrate graduates, employers and organisations who deserve recognition for their excellent contribution to business, enterprise and the economy.

“As a University, we are committed to ensuring our graduates have the best opportunities to gain work experience, internships and access to business start-up support. Our impressive 96% graduate employment rate is testament to the strong partnerships we have built with industry, business and the professions and the commitment of our graduates to reach their potential.

“All of the shortlisted individuals and organisations have made enterprising and innovative contributions to the region’s business landscape and they deserve to be incredibly proud of their achievements.”

A judging panel made up of representatives from the region’s business community as well as representatives from the University selected the winners.  

ENDS