SUMMER 2022 FSB AWARDS West Midlands small businesses in the spotlight at national awards final Clare Balding (far left) and JJ Chalmers (far right) with some of the UK final winners in Glasgow Ingenuity, resilience and ambition on show The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) held the UK final of its Celebrating Small Business Awards 2022 on 19 May and Worcestershire-based outdoor leisure retailer OLPRO was named International Business of the Year (see panel). OLPRO was one of 12 West Midlands regional award winners (see below) who went forward to the national final, hosted by TV presenters Clare Balding and JJ Chalmers at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow. It was refreshing to see so many small businesses bucking the trend and achieving success They were joined by award winners from 11 other regions across the country, with Aberdeen-based Amity Fish Company Limited being named overall UK winner. It was recognised for having pivoted its seafood supply business from a B2B enterprise to a direct to customer door offering during the pandemic. More than 3,000 business from around the UK entered the awards, which recognise the ambitions and achievements of sole traders, the self-employed and small firms in every sector and every location. Whether they are FSB members or not, businesses can enter free of charge, and the volume and standard of entries this year was the best yet. The West Midlands final was held in March, when around 150 finalists, sponsors, VIPs and staff packed out the Forest of Arden Hotel in Meriden. Credit: Karen Woolley, development manager for Federation of Small Businesses At a time when the news can be full of doom and gloom, it was refreshing to see so many small businesses bucking the trend and achieving success. Their ingenuity, resilience and ambition are an inspiration to us all. OLPRO: International Business of the Year Worcestershire-based outdoor leisure retailer OLPRO was founded in 2011 by managing director Daniel Walton, and sells everything from tents and camping accessories to highperformance outdoor clothing and footwear. Customers even have the option of hiring a tent or campervan awning. The business employs 20 people and exports to 29 countries, harnessing the power of localised social media to appeal to international audiences. The national award recognised OLPROs canny use of social media in markets around the world, from Europe to South Africa and the USA. By tailoring its marketing to different countries, and partnering with internationally known brands for competitions, OLPRO has boosted its page visits and name recognition. Walton said: Were really thrilled to win. Its a brilliant affirmation of the strides weve made to grow and appeal to keen campers, hikers, and adventurers all around the world, who share our love of the outdoor world. There are huge opportunities around the world for small businesses with a passion for a product or service that they feel transcends borders. Our strong growth and ambitious plans for the future are proof it can be done. Two members of the OLPRO team are pictured receiving the award. West Midlands Award winners 2022 Self-employed/Sole trader Toddler Tennis, Birmingham High-growth Business Cake, Birmingham Business & Product Innovation Nourished, Birmingham Digital/e-Commerce Business Love Logs, Brierley Hill Young Entrepreneur T J Parry & Family Funeral Directors, Burton upon Trent Family Business Flamerite Fires, Lichfield Start-up Business MOOand BOOM, Shropshire Wellbeing Acacia Training, Stoke on Trent Micro Business Kingsbury Lawn Care, Tamworth Community Paycare, Wolverhampton International Business OLPRO, Worcestershire Environmental/Sustainability AA Salt Services, Worcestershire For further information, please contact your local Trading Standards Service