Eclipse Kickboxing wins People’s Favourite Business at BID Excellence Awards

A Wolverhampton martial arts centre has been crowned People’s Favourite Business at the Wolverhampton BID Excellence Awards 2023. 

Eclipse Kickboxing was one of five finalists in the category and won with 662 public votes, 200 more than the runner up. 

Sophie Allison, West Midlands Metro’s Interim Managing Director and sponsors of the category presented the award to Fran Zuccala from Eclipse Kickboxing on stage at the ceremony at Wolverhampton Grand Station. 

The glitzy awards ceremony, hosted by Greatest Hits Radio’s Andy Goulding and sponsored by Region Security Guarding, was attended by more than 220 people. 

National healthcare recruitment specialists Smithridge Healthcare were the winners of Enjoy Wolverhampton Bounce Back Champion, having impressed the judges with their resilience during covid, business growth and ambitious plans for the future  

Start Up of the Year, sponsored by Thompson AVC, was named as city centre bar and live entertainment venue Bank.

Kathryn Southan from jewellers TA Henn took home Rising Star, sponsored by Rapid Pack Fulfilment. She was described as a “perfect example of an individual whose talents have come to the fore when given additional responsibility and the opportunity to learn new skills.”

Simple Acts of Kindness won Community Champion for its important work supporting local families with much needed clothing, shoes and furniture. 

Diversity and Inclusion was awarded to Arena Theatre for going above and beyond the expectations of its Arts Council funded status to establish and maintain a culture that is truly welcoming.

Dancebox were the winners of Excellence in Hospitality and Leisure, thanks in part to the experiences they enable, like representing Wolverhampton at the British Open Championships in London, and helping to make memories children and families can keep forever. 

Excellence in Health, Beauty and Wellbeing was awarded to Shear Perfection on Salop Street. The judges were particularly impressed by the attention to adjustments specifically for different religions and quiet sessions for those with autism and ADHD.

Nationwide were the winners of Excellence in Professional Services for their exceptionally friendly customer focussed team, and a fresh and welcoming environment.

UK photo printing specialists Max Spielmann took home the Retail Excellence award, thanks to their passion for helping customers, especially the older generation with IT.

Marketing Activity of the Year, sponsored by Depict Creative, was awarded to The Haven Wolverhampton for its 104 campaign. The campaign raised awareness of the 104 women killed every year at the hands of a current or former partner. 

Kelly Walker-Reed from Wolverhampton LGBT was the night’s Unsung Hero for her extraordinary dedication, hard work and sheer force of nature to build and drive a thriving Wolves LGBT+. 

Wolverhampton BID’s Managing Director Cherry Shine said: “It has been fantastic to see so many people get together and celebrate our city centre. 

All of the winners and finalists should be proud of their achievements."

The evening was also raising funds for Compton Care and The Haven Wolverhampton, which were the chosen charities for the evening. £1227 was raised through donations and games.  

The Wolverhampton BID Excellence Awards 2023 winners are:

• Start Up of the Year (sponsored by Thompson AVC): BANK

• Rising Star (sponsored by Rapid Pack Fulfilment): TA Henn’s Kathryn Southan

• Community Champion: Simple Acts of Kindness

• Diversity and Inclusion: Arena Theatre 

• Excellence in Hospitality and Leisure: Dancebox

• Excellence in Health, Beauty and Wellbeing: Shear Perfection

• Excellence in Professional Services: Nationwide

• Retail Excellence: Max Spielmann

• Marketing Activity of the Year (sponsored by Depict Creative): The Haven Wolverhampton

• Enjoy Wolverhampton Bounce Back Champion: Smithridge Healthcare Ltd

• Unsung Hero(es) of the Year: Wolverhampton lgbt’s Kelly Walker-Reed, 

• The People’s Favourite (sponsored by West Midlands Metro): Eclipse Kickboxing

Download the Special Edition of the Awards Newsletter here

View the gallery here.

For more information and images, please contact Shaun Boyce at Wolverhampton BID awards@wolverhamptonbid.co.uk