Hundreds of viewers WOW-ed by Westside BID’s virtual annual awards show

Westside BID organised a virtual Wonders of Westside awards (WOWs) show that was aired live on YouTube to hundreds of viewers last night, Sunday 31 January.

The WOWs are held annually to recognise individuals and businesses that go the extra mile, and they were even more special in the last year because of Westside’s achievements despite COVID-19.

Around 500 people watched the hour-long awards show online and were also treated to a dazzling musical performance by singer Lorraine Olley.

More than two dozen Westside businesses and staff were recognised during the event and accepted their awards virtually. The winners were:

• Community Contribution Hero’s Award – The Grosvenor Casino
• The Humanitarian Award – Players Bar
• The People’s Hero Award – i-Krave, Broadway Plaza
• The Best Example of Corporate Responsibility Award – Park Regis
• The Best Hotel Team – Hilton Garden Inn
• The Best Hotel Manager – John Angus
• The Best Arts and Entertainment Venue – The REP Theatre
• The Best Arts and Entertainment Venue – The NEC Group
• The Best Family Entertainment – The National Sea Life Centre
• The Best Retail Business – Ethos Flowers, Brindleyplace
• The Most Innovative Marketing Award – Pulperia/Aktar Islam, Brindleyplace
• The Police Commendation Award – West Midlands Police
• The Ambulance Commendation Award – Mike Duggan, West Midlands Ambulance.
• The Outreach Commendation Award – Trident House and Washington Court.
• The Best Pub – O’Neill’s, Broad Street
• The Best Refurbishment – Del Villaggio, Broad Street
• The Best Bar – Velvet Music Rooms, Broad Street
• The Best Example of Legislative Adaption Award – Jurys Inn, Broad Street
• The Most Courageous Reopening Award – Reflex, Broad Street
• The Best Restaurant Award – Varanasi, Broad Street.
• The Best Pub Manager – Paulo Jacinto
• The Special Managers Award – Medi Bahram Choobin
• The Best Newcomer – The Alchemist, Brindleyplace
• The Best Fine Dining Award – Siamais, Brindleyplace
• The Best Innovative Promoter Award – Rosanna Meyer, Vodbull UK
• A True Example of Community Leadership Award – Sam Morgan

The awards event was live-streamed on YouTube from Craft Birmingham and was presented by Westside’s general manager Mike Olley, business liaison manager Elaine Weir, and media manager Luisa Huggins.

Mike Olley said: “The team and I are thrilled with the incredible response we have received regarding the virtual WOWs.

“The fact that 500 people viewed it is a true testament to the talent and community spirit we have here on Westside. We are pleased that the numbers are still going up and people are still watching the show.”

During the live show, Luisa Huggins was monitoring live social media, and tweets received included:

• “Huge thank you to the BID Team for such a great event, in these difficult times!”
• “Loving the #WOWS2021 first year in 11 years, not there in person! Miss it so much always a highlight of the year! Well done to @Playersbarbham on the award”

Luisa said: “It was incredible to see so many individuals looking forward to our annual award show. We were so pleased that we were able to put this on for our members and remind them of how wonderful they all are!”

The show was produced with all COVID-19 safety measures strictly adhered to by Jim Simpson of Big Bear Music, with the assistance of Cannock Sound and Studio 57.

▪ The WOWs awards ceremony can be viewed here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=c0u7yOyqHNY&feature=youtu.be

By Luisa Huggins