A leading manufacturer of run-flat systems and specialist wheels for the military and security sectors has secured a double win after being crowned ‘International Trade’ and ‘Business of the Year’ at the Black Country Chamber Business Awards.
RunFlat International beat off competition from hundreds of companies to make history last week in front of 450 people at the University of Wolverhampton at The Halls.
The Cradley-based company’s rapid expansion across the globe played a major role in this success, with its innovative tyre inserts – that can withstand extreme conditions and ballistic threats – now sold in 45 global markets.
A high-profile judging panel also cited the firm’s contribution to the local economy, helping to directly and indirectly support more than 50 highly skilled jobs.
“The Black Country is such as special region, so to be named as its ‘Business of the Year’ is something we are very proud of,” explained Tom Westly Jnr, Operation Director at RunFlat International.
“Adaptability has been key to this success. In response to customer demand for a complete wheel solution (inflated and ready to fit onto vehicles), we recently invested in a new facility in Cradley Heath, five times larger than our previous one.”
He continued: “This decision allowed us to expand our product offering and, as a result, we’re now better equipped to meet growing demand for complete wheel assemblies from international OEMs, including major truck and armoured vehicle manufacturers.”
Sarah Moorhouse, CEO of Black Country Chamber of Commerce, delivered the welcome address: “It has been another year of global challenges and economic uncertainty, yet our region has once again shown its resilience, determination and ambition to create jobs, drive international expansion and push the boundaries of innovation in new emerging sectors.
“RunFlat International and our other ten winners illustrate the very best of the Black Country and it was fantastic to celebrate their achievements in front of so many people, who all believe that our region is Bostin’.”
She continued: “The Awards is a fantastic way of putting the spotlight on our companies and showcasing some of the unique characteristics that makes our region such a fantastic place to live, work and do business.
“For the first time ever, all of the winners will automatically become the next group of Bostin’ businesses, joining the magnificent seven announced earlier this year.”
Other winners on the evening, included:
- Black Country Future Star: Jack Roper, ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland
- Business in the Community: Wolves Foundation
- Start-up Business of the Year: Helix Education Hub
- Business in Schools: Wolves Foundation
- Manufacturing Champion: Isaac H Grainger
- Professional Services Business of the Year: Nant
- Employee of the Year: John Bonser of Juniper Training
- Employer of the Year: Pallet-Track
- International Trade: RunFlat International
- Not for Profit Organisation: InPower Academy CIC
- Family Business of the Year: Robert Hopkins Environmental Services
- Sustainability Technology and Innovation: iBiotech
Staged by the Black Country Chamber of Commerce since 2001, this year’s Business Awards was based on the theme ‘Making History Everyday’ to mark the region’s heritage whilst also looking forward to the sectors that are moving us into the future.
Dudley Canals & Caverns, Stourbridge Glass Museum and Halesowen College provided decorative bargeware, vases and items made by students as historical centrepieces, with the award-winning MaleVox choir performing ‘ a cappella’ versions of ELO’s Mr Blue Sky and The Beatles’ Blackbird.
Host Brody Swain guided guests through proceedings, including an hilarious game of Heads and Tails that, alongside contributions from official merch vendor Miss Chief Threads, raised thousands of pounds for Beacon Vision, the Chamber’s charity of the year.
Lauren Shepherd, Marketing & Communications Manager at Black Country Chamber of Commerce, concluded: “What an evening and what a fantastic way to mark 24 years of the Black Country Chamber Business Awards.
“We had our largest ever number of applications across all categories and it really illustrated the diversity and strength of companies that call the Black Country their home. There are an incredible number of businesses doing amazing things here, yet many continue to go under the radar – that’s why this evening is so important.”
The University of Wolverhampton was the headline partner of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, with other partners including ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland, Blackrook Academy, Central Finance, Forkers Ltd, Freeths, GTG, Halesowen College, KMB Shipping Group, mfg Solicitors, NIS Group, The Sandwell Colleges and UKO Serviced Offices.
For further information, please visit www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk or follow the company across its social media channels.
Captions for Pics:
RunFlat International: Business of the Year 2025 was Cradley Heath’s RunFlat International
