A socially conscious bank founded nearly four decades ago has been named business of the year.
Unity Trust Bank won the top honour at last night's Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Awards, having earlier been awarded the contribution to community category.
The bank, now headquartered in Brindleyplace in the city, was originally founded by trade unions in 1984 to serve the common good. Judges praised Unity Trust Bank's mission to "create a better society, delivering impact not simply maximising profits".
Last year, the bank recruited seven commercial banking officers for the region and three relationship managers covering north and south Birmingham, the Black Country and Sutton Coldfield, taking the size of its frontline Midlands team to 20 people.
Net lending increased by £63 million to £786 million in the first half of 2022, including an additional 99 borrowers accessing loans through responsible finance providers.
The lending supported 149 jobs, enabled 384 people in safe housing, created or renovated 488 bed spaces, provided 504 day care spaces and 89 community facilities. The bank also unveiled new charity partnerships for 2022/23 with the Prince's Trust and Fareshare.
Deposit clients include the likes of charities, parish councils, care organisations and trade unions and the bank also supports community development financial institution funds.
Katrina Cooke, the chamber's chief commercial officer and chairwoman of the awards judging panel, said: "A huge congratulations to Unity Trust Bank on winning the Greater Birmingham Business of the Year award.
"The judges were extremely impressed by the standard of entries for this year's awards which reflect the breadth, diversity and talent of businesses across the region. Thank you to all those who took the time to enter."
Chamber president Deb Leary awarded her President's Award to the team behind the success of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Professor Geoff Thompson, deputy chairman of the organising committee, collected the award on behalf of all the partners, volunteers and businesses involved in last summer's Games.
She said: "Birmingham 2022 became a home games for every nation. With the iconic Raging Bull on the opening night through to the legendary Ozzy Osborne closing the event, the games captured the imagination of the city, the region, the UK and the world."
The awards, which were hosted by radio broadcaster Ed James, took place at the ICC in Birmingham and welcomed 1,200 guests.
The full list of 2023 awards winners is below and click through here to read this year's shortlist:
Greater Birmingham Business of the Year
Unity Trust Bank
Contribution to Community
Unity Trust Bank
Customer Service
Intercity Technology
Hospitality and Retail
KIBOU Japanese Kitchen and Bar
International Business
Y International UK
Manufacturing
Webster and Horsfall and Latch and Batchelor
People Development
Fleet Evolution
Responsible Business
Serco Restart Scheme
Sales and Marketing
Park Regis Birmingham
Sustainability
Birmingham County Football Association
Technology and Innovation
Run Your Fleet
Third Sector
Molly Ollys
Training and Development
BMet College
