Global success has helped Cradley Heath-based
www.runflatinternational.com RunFlat International claim the Business of the Year at the
Black Country Chamber Awards. A leading manufacturer of run-flat systems and specialist wheels for the military and security sectors has secured wins in two categories — ‘International Trade’ and ‘Business of the Year’.
The company beat off competition from hundreds of companies to make history last week in front of 450 people at the University of Wolverhampton at The Halls. The company’s rapid expansion across the globe played a major role in this success, with its innovative tyre inserts — that can withstand extreme conditions and ballistic threats - now sold in 45 global markets.
A high-profile judging panel also cited the firm’s contribution to the local economy, helping to directly and indirectly support more than 50 highly skilled jobs. “The Black Country is such as special region, so to be named as its ‘Business of the Year’ is something we are very proud of,” explained Tom Westly Junior, operation director at RunFlat International. Adaptability has been key to this success. In response to customer demand for a complete wheel solution (inflated and ready to fit onto vehicles), we recently invested in a new facility in Cradley Heath, five times larger than our previous one.”
He continued: “This decision allowed us to expand our product offering and, as a result, we’re now better equipped to meet growing demand for complete wheel assemblies from international OEMs, including major truck and armoured vehicle manufacturers.”
Sarah Moorhouse, CEO of Black Country Chamber of Commerce, delivered the welcome address: “It has been another year of global challenges and economic uncertainty, yet our region has once again shown its resilience, determination and ambition to create jobs, drive international expansion and push the boundaries of innovation in new emerging sectors. RunFlat International and our other 10 winners illustrate the very best of the Black Country and it was fantastic to celebrate their achievements in front of so many people, who all believe that our region is Bostin’.”
Unique characteristicsShe continued: “The Awards is a fantastic way of putting the spotlight on our companies and showcasing some of the unique characteristics that makes our region such a fantastic place to live, work and do business. For the first time ever, all of the winners will automatically become the next group of Bostin’ businesses, joining the magnificent seven announced earlier this year.”
Staged by the Black Country Chamber of Commerce since 2001, this year’s Business Awards was based on the theme ‘Making History Everyday’ to mark the region’s heritage while also looking forward to the sectors that are moving us into the future.
Dudley Canals and Caverns, Stourbridge Glass Museum and Halesowen College provided decorative bargeware, vases and items made by students as historical centrepieces, with the award-winning MaleVox choir performing ‘ a cappella’ versions of ELO’s Mr Blue Sky and The Beatles’ Blackbird.
Host Brody Swain guided guests through proceedings, including an hilarious game of Heads and Tails that, alongside contributions from official merch vendor Miss Chief Threads, raised thousands of pounds for Beacon Vision, the Chamber’s charity of the year.
Lauren Shepherd, marketing and communications manager at the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, concluded: “What an evening and what a fantastic way to mark 24 years of the
Black Country Chamber Business Awards. We had our largest ever number of applications across all categories and it really illustrated the diversity and strength of companies that call the Black Country their home. There are an incredible number of businesses doing amazing things here, yet many continue to go under the radar - that’s why this evening is so important.”
The University of Wolverhampton was the headline partner of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, with other partners including ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK and Ireland, Blackrook Academy, Central Finance, Forkers Ltd, Freeths, GTG, Halesowen College, KMB Shipping Group, mfg Solicitors, NIS Group, The Sandwell Colleges and UKO Serviced Offices.