The care and thought that a Westside charity puts into its customers, volunteers and partners has won it a major trophy for the second year running.
Roundhouse Birmingham, a Grade II-listed building based on the canalside at 1 Sheepcote Street, has won ‘Gold’ in the New Tourism Business Award category of the West Midlands Tourism Awards 2023.
The success follows the charity scooping the Experience of the Year trophy in the 2022 awards.
The Roundhouse, which once served as a canalside stable and store in the 1800s, is now a heritage enterprise and charity set up as a hub from where to explore the city by foot, bike or boat.
It was created through a partnership between by Canal & River Trust and National Trust and offers visitors a chance to see the city differently through a range of volunteer guided city and canal tours.
A spokesperson for the Roundhouse said: “We’re absolutely delighted to announce that we won the New Tourism Business Award.
“The judges were impressed by the care and thought gone into the people who they engage with, including their customers, volunteers, and partners, and it was clear they had a people-first approach.
“Thank you to the judges for selecting us and this great feedback. Also, thank you to all the people who have contributed to making Roundhouse Birmingham a great organisation which is helping people to see the city differently.
“We’re looking forward to an exciting new season of tours and activities exploring Birmingham, launching on 6 April.”
The awards, supported by the West Midlands Growth Company, were held last week at the Grand Station in Wolverhampton. The ceremony was hosted by top stand-up comedian Shazia Mirza.
Mike Olley, general manager at Westside BID, said: “Once again, everyone at Roundhouse Birmingham deserves a huge round of applause for its unique tours that make the city centre such an explorable place.
“The charity has a real people-focus, and we’re pleased that this was one of the main factors that impressed the judges.”
Andrew Lovett, chair of the West Midlands Tourism and Hospitality Advisory Board, said: “The awards recognise visitor attractions, accommodation and hospitality venues which helped to highlight to a record number of people from around the world the breadth, depth and distinctiveness of our tourism offer.”
As well as the Roundhouse’s success, other trophies won by Westside venues included:
- ICC, ‘Silver’ in the Business Events Venue of the Year category
- NEC Group, ‘Silver’ in the Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism category
- NEC Group, ‘Silver’ in the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year category
All ‘Gold’ and ‘Silver’ winners now qualify for the national Visit England Awards for Excellence, to be held later this year.
