Two key players in Westside’s thriving night-time economy have both been shortlisted TWICE in this year’s Birmingham Awards, with a top restaurant on Broad Street also up for a trophy.
The hat trick of individuals, businesses and events up for awards includes the Birmingham Jazz Festival, which celebrated its 40th anniversary year in July and has been nominated in the Arts and Culture category.
And the festival’s founder, Jim Simpson (pictured above), has also been nominated as ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’. The news comes just two months after the Big Bear Records founder and first manager of Black Sabbath was awarded an honorary Doctorate in Music by the University of Birmingham.
In June, Jim also moved his famous 8pm on Tuesday night Henry’s Blueshouse showcase to the relocated and transformed Snobs at 200 Broad Street, as well as relaunching Birmingham Rocks! there every Sunday from 6.30pm.
Joining him with two nominations of her own is Rosanna Meyer, who was interviewed by Westside BID earlier this week. She is in a shortlist of ten for Businesswoman of the Year.
Her company, Vodbull UK Ltd, which organises nights at Broad Street venues including Snobs, Rosies and Popworld, has been nominated in the Small Business of the Year category.
Originally founded in 1998 by two students, Vodbull is now the longest running student-only event firm in the UK – after Rosanna went from distributing flyers to owning the company!
Amongst the total of 18 categories, one of Broad Street’s biggest food destinations, Qavali, has also been shortlisted for Restaurant of the Year.
Founded in 2015, the awards are designed to ‘celebrate excellence in Birmingham’ and to ‘showcase the talent, dedication and heroes that make the city a remarkable place to live, work and thrive’.
Organisers B Events say: “Our mission is to recognise excellence across various sectors, fostering a sense of pride and unity within our community. Through these awards, we aim to inspire others to strive for greatness and contribute positively to our vibrant city.”
Members of the public can vote for their favourites before the judges whittle down the entries into final shortlists on 8 and 9 October.
The awards, which have been given the hashtag #brumrising, will then be presented in The Eastside Rooms, Woodcock Street, Birmingham B7 4BL on Saturday 9 November.
You can vote and see ticket details of the awards night here.
ENDS
