BUSINESSES across the borough were celebrated at the Black Country Chamber of Commerce Awards 2016.

Brierley Hill firm Write Size Ltd, which sells age specific stationery, won the Best New Business award at the event at Wolverhampton Racecourse.

The judges were looking for a business that had exceeded expectations at the start of its life cycle to win the award, sponsored by Ramada Park Hall Hotel & Spa, which was open to companies which started trading on or after January 1 2013.

Write Size was also named runner-up in the Exporter of the Year category, sponsored by Wolverhampton Racecourse.

The category, which celebrates a business that has achieved international growth, entered a new market, or overcome trade barriers, was won by Kingswinford based Simworx Ltd – a world leader in the supply of 4D effects cinemas, and motion simulation attractions for entertainment, education and corporate markets.

Wordsley based Klick Business Solutions Ltd based, which provides tender writing and training services, won the Small Business of the Year award, sponsored by Birmingham City University, which was open to businesses that have been operating for two years or more and employ between one and 25 workers.

Dudley manufacturing firm Thomas Dudley Ltd, which supplies grey and iron castings, scooped the Innovation and Technology Award, sponsored by ASSA ABLOY & Yale, which was searching for a company that uses innovation or technology to differentiate themselves from their competitors.

Jordan Holloway from The Black Country Living Museum in Dudley was named Young Person or Apprentice of the Year.

The award, sponsored by the University of Wolverhampton, was designed to recognise an exceptional young employee, aged 24 or under, who has overcome personal barriers or who makes a difference within an organisation.

Sam Shevyn of specialist testing firm Phoenix Calibration & Services Ltd in Brierley Hill was named runner-up.

Meanwhile – the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity was voted runner-up of the Community Champion award, sponsored by The Co-operative Energy, which looked to celebrate a company, charity, or social enterprise that is committed to corporate social responsibility and has a positive impact on the local area.

And Halesowen based BraveHeart Education, which helps education professionals to develop strategies to help children connect and learn, won the Outstanding Achievement award, sponsored by voestalpine Metsec plc.

Dudley’s Fizzog Productions, who shot to internet stardom when their Dancing Grannies routine went viral on Facebook, were named runners-up.

Adrian Wright, president of Black Country Chamber of Commerce, congratulated all those who picked up awards at the November 18 event which was attended by 450 people.

He said: "We have some fantastic businesses in the Black Country and we need to help to raise the profile of the great work they do.

"Celebrating local success stories highlights the strength of the region. I would also like to thank all of our sponsors for their continued support of the Chamber, including headline sponsor voestalpine Metsec plc.”