Solihull's Touchwood crowned business of the year

A shopping centre praised for its performance during the covid-19 pandemic and community-focussed initiatives has been crowned Greater Birmingham business of the year.

Touchwood in Solihull impressed judges at the 2022 Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Business Awards who said it had "set the benchmark" for UK shopping centres in terms of sales and footfall performance.

The town centre retail hub was named winner of the hospitality and retail category and overall business of the year.

During the year's most challenging periods, Touchwood lent its expertise to the wider retail and hospitality community and shared leasing opportunities with competitors.

It also remained open for essential services during the covid lockdowns and can boast 92 per cent occupancy.

Among its popular campaigns is The Touchwood Enterprise scheme which gives local start-ups the chance to have their first high-street presence and which has hosted more than 50 young businesses since it first launched.

As well as its solid business performance, it won praise for its focus on the local community with its support for the Solihull Shopmobility scheme, holding a ‘Quiet Hour' with Autism West Midlands and Purple Tuesday which helps disabled customers.

Katrina Cooke, the chamber's chief commercial officer and chairwoman of the judging panel, said: "A huge congratulations to Touchwood. The standard of entries this year was very high, shown through the 92 businesses shortlisted.

"Thank you to all of the businesses who took the time to enter into the awards. The amazing work of our region is a testament to the businesses who comprise it."

Meanwhile, an entrepreneur who has built a £40 million business after launching her career with two paper rounds received this year's President's Award.

Wendy Merricks is chief executive of Jumar Solutions which provides technology and people services for clients such as the DWP, DVLA and Home Office.

Chamber president Deb Leary said: "Wendy sums up all that is brilliant about the entrepreneurial spirit of Greater Birmingham - their dogged determination, boldness and bravery to step up, despite doubts and challenges, and passion to find solutions.

"She is a true Brummie who sums up the spirit of entrepreneurship, of seizing the day, seeing a challenge and stepping up to create a solution."

The awards were held last night at the ICC in Birmingham and welcomed 1,300 guests.