Wolverhampton medical specialist tops winners list at ACBF Awards » Communities » 24dash.com

Helping to improve patients care has helped an innovative Wolverhampton medical device manufacturer land the top title at the African Caribbean Business Federation (ACBF) Awards on Friday night.

Medical Devices Technology International has capped a major year of success by securing the Business of the Year and Business Growth Awards in front of 200 high profile guests at the Copthorne Hotel.

It marks another milestone in the companys development and comes only a few months after it received worldwide acclaim for its hook it intravenous drip breakthrough and the Physiomaster, an inflatable cushion that helps reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis.

Speaking on the evening Martin Levermore, Chief Executive Officer, was delighted at the recognition:

We are passionate in what we do and are committed to taking good ideas and turning them into reality for the good of patients locally, nationally and throughout the world.

He continued: Winning the two ACBF Awards is testament to the fact we can turn innovation into commercial reality and, in addition to improving patient care, we are also creating jobs and adding value to the local economy.

MDTi has grown signficiantly in the last six months as its products have become established in the global marketplace.

With investment in tooling and manufacturing, combined with quick and innovative thinking, the company is keen to transform its seven strong product range to 20 groundbreaking devices by 2010.

It was a good evening for West Midlands manufacturing with Caribbean food producer Cleone Foods securing the Manufacturing Award, after seeing its growing range of patties become household names in Asda, Sainsburys and Morrisons.

Other companies on the winners podium were Hyacinth Jarrett (International Award) for her work in exporting Caribbean hairdressing techniques across the world and Kevin Whyte, who walked off with the Business Start-up accolade for Real Talk Magazine.

The musically gifted entrepreneur, who also has his own record label, is enjoying rave reviews for his approach to promoting the reggae and dance hall scene and could soon be developing an entertainment show for Red TV channel on the Sky platform.

Sandra Croasdale, Chair of the African Caribbean Business Federation, was delighted how the evening went:

Our Awards evening is all about showcasing the talent we possess in the region and to provide inspiration for others, two objectives I think we easily achieved this year.
MDTi, Real Talk, Cleone Foods and Jarretts Hairdressing Training are four excellent businesses that are diverse in their nature, but all share the same characteristics when it comes to passion, determination, innovation and commitment to succeed.

She concluded: There is no doubt the African Caribbean business community has a major role to play in the development of the West Midlands economy.

The ACBF was established in 2001 with the specific aim of supporting and promoting African Caribbean businesses.

Working closely with a host of strategic partners, it continues to provide a platform for member companies to access mainstream support and products, helping businesses expand and flourish in the region.

The Awards Evening was organised in association with Business Link in the West Midlands and the West Midlands Minority Ethnic Business Forum, with other sponsors including Black Country Chamber of Commerce, Jamaica Trade and Investment and Prospects/Aimhigher.