An organisation that provides workplace wellbeing has been crowned business of the year at an annual award ceremony.
The Listening Centre won the excellence in customer service category at the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Awards 2025 before being chosen ahead of the other winners to be crowned overall business of the year.
A total of 11 different category winners were named on the night including recognition for Birmingham Hospice, Birmingham City University and Lichfield Garrick Theatre (scroll down for the full list of winners).
READ MORE: {}
The Listening Centre in Lichfield works to maintain and improve mental health and wellbeing among employees.
Its operations include counselling, talking therapy, mediation, clinical supervision, bespoke training, critical incident and trauma support and psychological assessment.
Last year, its expertise was highlighted in a BBC Radio 4 investigation into what defines a ‘gold standard employee assistance programme.
The Listening Centre was nominated by the British Association of Counselling Psychotherapy Programme when it was approached by a BBC investigative journalist.
The business was portrayed as an exemplary example of how an employee assistance programme customer service should operate, providing "prompt, personalised, person-centred support that anticipates and exceeds customer needs".
Most Read
It was founded in 2002 by Sharon McCormick who has worked in the counselling sector industry for 23 years and is a "life-long student" of the latest research in the field of wellbeing.
The judging panel said the firm exemplified excellence in workplace wellbeing through proactive community involvement, tailored solutions and outstanding service delivery.
"Strong testimonials and innovative solutions reinforce their candidacy for this award," it added.
The chamber's business awards were held last night at the ICC in Birmingham city centre and hosted by broadcaster and business owner PJ Ellis, with entertainment by live band from Candy and The Sound.
The full list of winners at the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Awards 2025 is below and click through here for this year's shortlist:
Customer Service and Greater Birmingham Business of the Year
The Listening Centre
Contribution to the Community
Don’t miss
B:Music
Hospitality, Retail and Events
Eventurous
Inclusive People Development
Birmingham Hospice
International Business
Solotech
Manufacturing
Translift Bendi
Sales and Marketing
Lichfield Garrick Theatre
Sustainability
Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre
Technology and Innovation
Empro Business Group
Third Sector
Roshni Birmingham
Training and Education
Birmingham City University
President's Award, presented by chamber president Nasir Awan
Doug Wright, Wright Restaurants