Last Thursday night was truly unforgettable as we celebrated business excellence at the NWBusAwards, an annual highlight for Worcestershire’s business community.

Organized by the incredible Melanie Hawkett and Michelle Tibbetts, this event is more than just an awards night—it's a testament to the power of networking, learning, and supporting one another throughout the year.

Out of 89 entries, we were humbled and proud to be finalists in two categories: Employee of the Year and Outstanding Contribution to the Community, as well as sponsors of the Business Leader of the Year award. This recognition underscores the hard work, collaboration, and impact of our team.

A Paradoxical Experience: Balancing Joy and Sensory Overload
For me, attending large events is always a mix of excitement and challenge. I thrive on connecting with others, growing my community, and celebrating shared achievements, but sensory overload can be tough to navigate. The sounds, sights, and scents of a bustling awards evening can quickly become overwhelming.

To manage this, I rely on a few tried-and-tested coping strategies:

A pre-event power nap: A short rest helps recharge my energy before diving into the evening.
Connecting with familiar faces: Spending time with our wonderful Champion team grounds me.
Quiet moments in solitude: Frequent trips to the restroom may seem curious, but they provide a brief and much-needed reset.
Comfortable attire: My luxurious velvet suit offered both style and a calming tactile experience.
(Usually) my Loop earplugs: Unfortunately, I left them behind on holiday, so this time, I navigated the evening without them.
With these strategies in place, I felt ready to embrace the evening's celebrations.

Highlights of the Night
The evening’s magic was made even more special by the incredible people around me. A heartfelt thanks to Vikki Strong, who came to my rescue with a throat sweet when I was struggling to keep my voice intact.

It was an honor to present the Business Leader of the Year award to the inspiring Helen Bower C.FICB PM.Dip, a shining example of leadership and innovation. Congratulations to Ormerod Rutter Chartered Accountants, the well-deserving winners of Employer of the Year, where we were proud runners-up.

The crowning moment? Winning the Outstanding Contribution to the Community award. To be recognized for our commitment to fostering a community that encourages authenticity, growth, and mutual support was deeply moving. Receiving the award from the amazing Sarah Brooks, “The Connector,” added an extra layer of meaning to this achievement.

What Community Means to Us
For us, community is about creating a space where everyone feels safe to be themselves. It's about fostering connections, offering help, and empowering others to thrive. Winning this award is not just a recognition of what we’ve done—it’s a celebration of what we stand for.

As I reflect on this achievement with a fresh perspective after a good night’s sleep and a quiet Saturday morning, I feel immense gratitude. This award is not just ours; it belongs to every person who has been part of our journey, supporting and growing with us.

Here’s to more moments of connection, collaboration, and celebration in the future!