Top marks, yet again, to Ninder Johal for the authenticity of his annual Summer Business Ball & Awards.
Held at Wolverhampton Racecourse on Friday a fortnight ago – on the eve of Ninder’s 27th wedding anniversary - the swanky round-table event attracted over 500 guests reflecting, in its broadest definition, the region’s diversity.
Resplendent in their finest attire, ladies and gents, mingled, networked and enjoyed the three-course sumptuous meal.
Ninder, in his opening remarks, told guests: “We live in uncertain times, welcome to the new norm – chaos and disruption”, “And while others around us lose their heads we must prevail”. He explained: “I am continually astonished by the brilliance of the business community and the sheer resilience in times of adversity. They create wealth and employment in their community and bring a sense of confidence and self worth.” To put all this into context, a short but powerful film illustrating the ‘present’ was screened followed by a ‘past’ stage drama and a short speech from Ninder projecting the ‘future’.
Guests included former Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands Paul Sabapathy, West Midlands' High Sherriff John Hudson, Telford & Wrekin Council’s ex-leader Cllr Kuldip Sahota and the BBC’S former multi award-winning political correspondent Anita Bhalla. The keynote speaker – and recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award - was Roy Richardson, the octogenarian owner of Merry Hill Shopping Centre, one of the biggest retail centres in Europe.
The 'Regeneration' award went to Wolverhampton City Council. Representing his council Cllr Reynolds, Cabinet Member for City Economy at Wolverhampton City Council and colleagues, collected the trophy. Cllr Reynolds, who also chairs the Finance Sub-Committee of the Trent RFCC, said: “There is £3.7 billion of investment on site or in the pipeline for Wolverhampton and the council’s regeneration plans and close partnership working is truly reshaping the city.”
Other winners included: (Business Start-Up) New Electrical Supplies; (Community Excellence) Akaal TV; (Business Person of the Year) Paul Nichol; (International & Enterprise) Wing Wah Group; (Entrepreneur of the Year) Paul Lalli; (Businesswoman of the Year) Angela Mir; (Hospitality Business) Mount Hotel); (Business of the Year) Salisbury Poultry).
The evening was hosted by BBC Asian Network presenter Tommy Sandhu. Entertainment included comedian Masai Graham. The event also raised over £4,200 for Promise Dreams, the chosen charity. Sponsors included RationalFX, Qatar Airways, Cobra Beer, Wolverhampton University and HSBC. An after party was staged at the nearby Ramada Park Hall Hotel.
Now in its second year, this event aims to recognise businesses in the Black Country “once the workshop of the world” and in neighbouring areas for their extraordinary contributions towards a healthier and prosperous economy.
