Region’s top auto firms crowned winners at awards ceremony » Local Government » 24dash.com

Some of the regions top automotive companies have been honoured at one of the countrys most prestigious supplier awards ceremonies.

Guests from across the West Midlands gathered at Birminghams International Convention Centre where a Coventry steering parts manufacturer, a Birmingham tool-makers and a Cannock precision parts-turner stole the main prizes at the Accelerate Supplier Awards.

Coventrys b2, which employs 22 people, stole the show walking away with the Best of the Best trophy following two previous Accelerate wins and was also named best in the Coventry and Warwickshire region on the night.

The company was judged the best for steering its way to an impressive £2m annual turnover and for and for recently winning work with Modec and for LDVs flagship Maxus vehicle.

There is even talk of establishing a Russian assembly plant to help b2 supply direct into the van makers owners GAZ.

Employing 100 staff at its Highgate Street site in Birmingham, Barkley Plastics, was announced as the Large SME award winner after heavily investing in more efficient machinery, diversifying into other markets, increasing its turnover and boosting staff qualifications.

Meanwhile Cannocks Key Precision Ltd caught the judging panels eye in the Small SME category after dramatically reducing lead time from seven days to two-and-a-half in one year and boosting turnover from £280,000 to more than £400,000 in the same period.

Rachel Eade, Programme Manager for Accelerate, was delighted with the event:

This evening is about celebrating who we are and what we mean to the manufacturing industry in the heart of the UK.

She added: Last year we celebrated the past and the history and experiences that make us who we are today. Tonight we celebrate the great classics, the automotive legends that have stood the test of time illustrating the critical role played by the West Midlands supplier chain industry.

This ethos is crucial to the success of our industry and these characteristics are still as important today as they ever were.

Other awards presented on the evening by ex-Tory MP and political pundit Gyles Brandreth - went to Halesowens Rieter Automotive GB Ltd in the environmental category, Birminghams Radshape Sheet Metal Ltd for People Development and Bridgnorths Grainger and Worrall for Export.

A Partnership category recognising manufacturers working together was won by Midlands Assembly Network a collaboration of nine separate companies each with its own speciality.

Brierley Hills Eaton Automotive Ltd meanwhile was honoured with the Supplier Development award for the way it has helped to manage and grow business with its key UK suppliers.

Managed by Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and funded by ERDF, Accelerate used the Awards as a platform to celebrate the can-do mentality of the West Midlands automotive industry supply chain.

The evening reflected the spirit and tenacity of legendary greats such as the VW Camper van, Mini Cooper and Jaguar XF.

A special charity raffle and auction also helped raise more than £4500 for the Childrens Variety Club which assists disabled youngsters in the community.