Applications have officially opened for a bold new-look business awards programme from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, offering firms across the region an unprecedented chance to be recognised – not once, but twice.
The overhaul of the Chamber’s flagship awards, now rebranded as the Greater Birmingham Business Awards, introduces a fresh format designed to shine a brighter spotlight on businesses across the entire GBCC network while giving every entrant two genuine shots at recognition from a single application.
Under the new model, businesses apply through one of three regional awards programmes – Birmingham & Sutton Coldfield, Solihull, or Staffordshire Gateway, covering Lichfield & Tamworth, Burton and Cannock Chase.
Gold, silver and bronze winners at regional level will then be automatically fast-tracked to the shortlist for the Greater Birmingham Business Awards 2027, with no need to complete a second full application – just a short video entry before competing for the region’s top honours.
Applications for the regional awards are open now and close in January 2027.
Regional celebrations will take place in Solihull in May 2027, followed by Birmingham & Sutton Coldfield and Staffordshire Gateway in June 2027.
The grand finale – the Greater Birmingham Business Awards – will be staged on 7 October 2027 at the ICC in Birmingham city centre.
Businesses cannot apply directly for the Greater Birmingham Business Awards and must come through the regional route.
The Asian Business Chamber of Commerce and Future Faces will continue to run their own standalone awards dinners, though ABCC members remain free to enter the main programme via the regional awards.
Marcella Meehan, events manager at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “We’re very excited to open applications for this new format which is designed to give smaller businesses, growing firms and those that have may not have previously considered entering awards a genuine opportunity to stand alongside some of the region’s biggest and best-known companies.
“We would encourage all businesses from across Greater Birmingham to apply, particularly those who may not have considered entering awards before. This format has been built with you in mind.
“Whether you’re a small start-up, a growing firm, or an established name, the regional route gives you a genuine platform to be recognised on merit, contribution and achievement – not the size of your business.
“And with gold, silver and bronze winners automatically progressing to the Greater Birmingham Business Awards, applying once gives you two real opportunities to win.”
Businesses across Greater Birmingham are now encouraged to apply via the dedicated Greater Birmingham Business Awards web page.
